Joliet is no stranger to the fast lane. Home to the Chicagoland Speedway, Route 66 Raceway, and the Autobahn Country Club, the city is every speed demon’s dream, but that’s not all Joliet has to offer. It also has casinos, historic sites like the Old Joliet Prison, parks, and more. If you’re in the area for any of these fun activities, we’ve got you covered when you get hungry––here are eight of the best restaurants in Joliet!
The Reserve
151 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL 60432
After a bout of gambling at Harrah’s, take your winnings to The Reserve for a celebratory meal right inside the casino. The Reserve is a white-tablecloth steakhouse with an upscale-casual vibe serving New American fare.
Start with an app like the Lobster Bisque, then dive into your main course––perhaps the Blackened Salmon or a New York strip. Remember to save room for dessert! Try the signature Classic Cheesecake, a traditional vanilla and lemon cheesecake with a graham cracker crust.
Joliet Route 66 Diner
22 W Clinton St, Joliet, IL 60432
Travel back in time and enjoy classic comfort food in this no-frills, old school American diner. Aptly named, the diner is filled with vintage automobile and Route 66-themed decor. The family-friendly gem has served the downtown Joliet area since 1984––it’s the perfect stop for breakfast, brunch, and lunch with a nod to simpler times. The menu has all your fave diner eats from sandwiches and skillets to pancakes and eggs every which way.
Juliet’s Tavern
205 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432
Indulge in classic Italian comfort food and American fare at Juliet’s Tavern in downtown Joliet. Ingredients are sourced fresh from local farmers’ markets so you get the best of the season any time of the year. Big mac and cheese fan? Juliet’s Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese is rich and cheesy with that extra bit of starpower thanks to the lobster.
The tavern also has a full bar with a quality selection of craft beers, wines by the glass, and specialty cocktails to accompany your meal.
Al’s Steak House Restaurant
1990 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435
If the classic signage didn’t give it away, Al’s Steak House is one of the oldest upscale dining establishments in Joliet. First opened in 1959, Al’s started out as a cocktail lounge before converting to a steakhouse and banquet hall. The American restaurant specializes in steak and seafood dishes and is popular for its charbroiled steaks. Another specialty to try is Al’s Grecian-style steaks served with a double baked potato.
Sushi Ya
2721 W Jefferson St #120, Joliet, IL 60435
Sushi Ya is a sushi bar and Japanese restaurant with all your classics and faves. The menu is vast with everything from traditional sashimi, nigiri, and maki rolls to hibachi, teriyaki, udon, and soba. If you’re stopping by for lunch, Sushi Ya has lunch specials Monday-Saturday, including bento boxes, sushi, hibachi, donburi, and noodles. There’s also an AYCE menu if you’re feeling extra hungry.
Chicago Street Pub
75 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432
Chicago Street Pub is a Joliet hotspot for drinking, dining, and live music and entertainment, including trivia nights! Chow down on your fave bar foods like sandwiches and fish ‘n’ chips plus salads if you want some balance. There are seasonal specials, like Pepperoni Pizza Soup and Caesar Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich.
There’s also traditional Irish fare, daily lunch specials, and a large selection of beer, liquor, and wine. Considered Joliet’s first craft beer bar, Chicago Street Pub has 21 beers on tap!
Metro Grill & Bar
2019 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435
Metro Grill is a restaurant and bar serving contemporary American cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. Ingredients are sourced sustainably and locally whenever possible, like local produce, naturally raised meats, and sustainable seafood.
You can relax after a long day here with a hearty meal and tasty cocktail. Try the signature burger, the Drunken Western. Two buns house beer-battered onion rings, American cheese, applewood bacon, and a juicy burger with Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce. Feeling lucky? You can also play some slots while you wait!
Old Fashioned Pancake House
2022 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435
Nothing says old-fashioned like a diner. Old Fashioned Pancake House encapsulates that beloved retro feel with old school booth and counter seating in a casual atmosphere.
Established in 1988, the diner has served breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Joliet for over 30 years. Treat yourself to a variety of American comfort food like burgers, steak and eggs, sandwiches, savory crepes, pancakes, and more.
Featured Image Credit: Juliet’s Tavern
The post 8 Best Restaurants in Joliet, Illinois appeared first on UrbanMatter.
