The results are in for the 2026 Best of UIS and Beyond Contest! Organized and hosted by The Observer, the contest is an opportunity for UIS students, faculty and staff to make their voices and opinions heard, and to be entered to win one of several prizes, such as gift cards to local businesses.

In March, the UIS community weighed in to nominate entries for each category and in April they cast their votes. This list highlights the winners and gives a shoutout to those who placed second and third for each category.

Best Place to Get a Smoothie: Oh-Icee

Oh-Icee, 1501 Wabash Ave., which also specializes in ice cream and bubble tea, won first place for the Best Place to Get a Smoothie. Second place went to Smoothie King, which won first in this category last year, and third place to Tropical Smoothie Café.

Best Place to Get a Sub Sandwich: Head West Sub Shop

Head West Sub Shop has multiple locations around Springfield and was voted Best Place to Get a Sub Sandwich by the UIS community. Jimmy John’s placed second and Monty’s Submarines placed third.

Best UIS Men’s Athlete: Joe Brudnak

Brudnak is a sophomore at UIS majoring in History and a member of the UIS Men’s Soccer Team. UIS Men’s Basketball players Jordan Rice and Dezmund Olivier took second and third place.

Best UIS Women’s Athlete: Madelyn Miller-Ross

Miller-Ross is a graduate student pursuing a degree in elementary education and a member of the UIS Women’s track and field team. UIS Women’s Soccer player Taytum Scarborough and Alli Thomson from the UIS Women’s Track & Field team, placed second and third, respectively.

Best Place to Take a Date: Washington Park

Established in 1901, Washington Park is still a favorite spot for those living in Springfield, and according to the UIS campus community, it is also the best place in town to take a date. Second place went to the Filipino restaurant, The Lumpia House, and third place to the Italian restaurant, Vele.

Best Place to Hang out with Friends: Washington Park

Washington Park’s scenic and relaxing atmosphere also makes it an ideal place to spend time with friends, and it took first place in this category as well. White Oaks Mall placed second and third place was a tie between The Lumpia House and Malibu Jacks.