Comfy, Cozy Eatery: Why Gina's Teardrop Cafe Is New Lenox Best Of 2025 Pick

MANHATTAN, IL — Every community has its bright spots — the neighbors, businesses and local favorites that make it feel like home. As 2025 comes to a close, Patch and T-Mobile are recognizing the people, places and moments that made this year brighter in Manhattan through our Best of 2025 series.

This story was submitted by Valerie Plotke, who nominated Gina's Teardrop Cafe. To share your own Best of 2025 nomination, click here to answer a few questions, and we’ll take it from there.

Who or what are you nominating for Best of 2025?

Gina's Teardrop Cafe

How did this person, place or experience make a difference in your life or community this year?

My friend and I celebrated here, in the morning, with a Bailey's and coffee, after a monumental life event. I took pictures! It was memorable!

What would you like everyone in town to know about your nominee?

It's a family-owned business and we need to patronize these restaurants to keep them in our community!

If you could tell them one thing, what would it be?

I've literally eaten most items on the menu and they're all tasty!

What’s something you love most about your town or community?

This restaurant is comfy and cozy and necessary to keep the "homey spirit" that we have come to love in New Lenox!

We want to hear from you, too! Is there a restaurant, a contractor, a business, a person — even a place — that’s your pick for Best of 2025? Click here to answer a few questions, and your story could be featured on Patch.

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