I own(ed) Norinco, Springfield, Kimber, Les Baer, Colt, Nighthawk, and have built a couple 1911 pistols.
Colt is always going to be the default answer. Overall they make a good 1911 but are rough around the edges and some have the 80-series firing pin safety which I am not fond of.
Kimbers are overpriced for what you are getting. You can get better for the same money spent.
The Springfield Loaded and above are good pistols and can easily be upgraded. The TRP would be my choice.
Les Baer- Quality without a lot of frills. If I were to buy another 1911 today it would be a Baer. The Thunder Ranch Special is a lot of gun for the money.
Nighthawk- Well done in the fit and finish department but that comes at a high dollar.
Another really nice pistol for the money is the Dan Wesson Valor. They use high quality machined steel parts and they do a good job finishing the final product.