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Joliet dining - please expand my horizons

Joliet dining - please expand my horizons
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  • Joliet dining - please expand my horizons

    Post #1 - March 24th, 2006, 10:02 am
    Post #1 - March 24th, 2006, 10:02 am Post #1 - March 24th, 2006, 10:02 am
    Due to the miracles of the Internet [thanks, Match.com!] I find myself spending a lot of time in Joliet these days. Coming from near O'Hare myself, I don't have a lot of ideas about good places to eat in the area [for the sake of argument, I'll define it as within 20 min. drive from downtown Joliet]. I've looked on Chowhound for Mugs' posts, and browsed a lot here, but I'm not finding much in the way of chowish destinations beyond:

    Amanacer Tapatio
    Dan's Candy
    Merichka's [don't digest butterine very well :-P ]
    Tallgrass
    White Fence Farm

    And when I try to search for Mugs' posts on the area, I find his [I think he's a he] posts for all over the area, but not a lot so far on the Joliet area.

    What other chow delights are there for me to check out? Joliet seems to have a number of places for a good bar burger*, but not a ton of food choices beyond that. Any other ideas?

    Full disclosure: I put this post on Ch******d, too, hoping Mugs would see it. Giovanni & I would rather go eat out more in the city, but circumstances take me down there quite a bit.

    *I can't find the name of the place where I had a good burger anywhere in Metromix. But then again, I can't find Amanacer Tapatio in Metromix, either. There is a restaurant called "Las Islas Marias" just down Collins St. from Amancer, I've noticed, but we haven't been to try it yet. After the dinner we had at the Rogers Park one, I don't think I'm going to suggest it for a while :roll: .

    Giovanna
    =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

    "Enjoy every sandwich."

    -Warren Zevon
  • Post #2 - March 24th, 2006, 10:44 am
    Post #2 - March 24th, 2006, 10:44 am Post #2 - March 24th, 2006, 10:44 am
    Taste of Polonia, Inc
    221 Ruby Street
    Joliet, IL 60435
    (815) 722-3110

    http://www.cityofjoliet.com/business/tasteofpolonia.htm

    Polish buffet, not bad, not great.

    Syl's Restaurant & Lounge
    829 Moen Ave.
    Rockdale, IL 60436
    (815) 725-1977

    http://www.syls.com/index.html

    Old fashioned, relatively high quality. Weekday food specials.

    I've also wanted to try:

    Truth
    808 W. Jefferson St.
    Joliet, IL 60435
    815.744.5901

    http://www.cityofjoliet.com/BUSINESS/truth.htm

    I like Chesdan's in Homer Glen for pizza, never tried the entrees.
    They have a second location in Shorewood.

    995 Brook Forest Ave
    (Rt. 59 & Black Rd)
    Phone: (815) 577-1700

    http://www.chesdanspizza.com/

    For more try:

    http://www.cityofjoliet.com/BUSINESS/bi ... urants.htm

    http://www.jolietchamber.com/aboutjoliet/dining.htm
    Reading is a right. Censorship is not.
  • Post #3 - March 24th, 2006, 11:19 am
    Post #3 - March 24th, 2006, 11:19 am Post #3 - March 24th, 2006, 11:19 am
    DISCLAIMER: I'M NOT A FOODIE OF ANYWHERE NEAR THE CALIBER OF MOST REVIEWERS ON THIS SITE AND I DON'T DRINK WINE AND I'VE NEVER EATEN AT ALINEA AND I DON'T WANT TO EAT FOIE GRAS OH GOD I'M ONLY 24 AND I HAVE NO MONEY PLEASE TAKE THIS INFO FOR WHAT YOU WILL.

    In downtown Joliet, you might try Chicken-n-Spice or Chicago Street Pub. Both are right in the heart of downtown and, conveniently enough, on the same street. Nearer the west side, I enjoyed many a lunch at Babe's Hot Dogs.

    Chicken-N-Spice has a very crisp and tasty batter for their chicken--it's simple and good (although usually pretty greasy). It also has just the right amount of bite, but if you need more, add some hot sauce or spicy rice. Visit the unemployment office across the street for some valuable information about jobs in Will County!

    Chicago Street Pub is a couple blocks west of Chicken-N-Spice, and they make a pretty tasty burger. The patties are thick and firm but still tender and juicy, served on a kaiser roll with impressive speed from the kitchen. They're almost too hot at first, so get some curly fries to munch on as to prevent tongue-burnings. If you go at lunch during the week, see if you can spot the trial judges and lawyers sitting together and bribe them for a free meal.

    Further west on Jefferson (almost to Shorewood) is Babe's Hot Dogs, a blue-collar-workin-man's-but-not-excluding-used-car-salesmen-from-across-the-street hot dog haven. The dogs are enormous, and while they might not be the tastiest weiners, they almost always have the right snap and juicy firmness. I'm not going to type anymore about this place because I just used the words "juicy firmness" and that's a poor decision on my part.

    Chicken-N-Spice
    251 N. Chicago Street
    Joliet IL
    (815) 727-1100

    Chicago St. Bar & Grill
    75 N. Chicago St.
    Joliet, IL 60432
    Phone: 815-727-7171
    http://www.chicagost.com

    Babe's Hot Dogs
    2210 W. Jefferson St.
    Joliet 60435-6512
    815-744-7773
  • Post #4 - March 24th, 2006, 12:05 pm
    Post #4 - March 24th, 2006, 12:05 pm Post #4 - March 24th, 2006, 12:05 pm
    You may want to get back in the car and head west to Morris. A nice night out may be a trip to the Rockwell (as in Norman Rockwell) Inn for a good steak.

    Rockwell Inn From Joliet, take I-80 west to Morris exit (Rt. 47). Head south on Rt. 47 to Rt. 6. Then go west on Rt. 6 for 3 miles
  • Post #5 - March 24th, 2006, 1:01 pm
    Post #5 - March 24th, 2006, 1:01 pm Post #5 - March 24th, 2006, 1:01 pm
    In Shorewood, there is a Thai restaurant called Smile of Siam. It's pretty good for a suburban Thai fix, but it is no where near caliber of Spoon Thai. Eklian, the owner will gladly whip up a more 'authentic' dish if you ask as long as he is not horribly busy. I would strongly recommend that you get carry outs and avoid eating in the restaurant as they don't have a wait staff.

    Smile of Siam
    805 W. Jefferson
    Shorewood, IL 60431
    815-744-2750

    I keep wondering how it is that I ever found myself back in this culinary wasteland --darn cupid!
  • Post #6 - March 24th, 2006, 6:00 pm
    Post #6 - March 24th, 2006, 6:00 pm Post #6 - March 24th, 2006, 6:00 pm
    You can get a surprisingly good upper-end steakhouse dinner at Van Buren's in the Harrah's Joliet Casino. Of course, you have to pay the $5.00 cover charge to enter the casino first, and no kids allowed.
    JiLS
  • Post #7 - March 27th, 2006, 10:50 am
    Post #7 - March 27th, 2006, 10:50 am Post #7 - March 27th, 2006, 10:50 am
    Once again, LTH saves the day. What could have been a snore of a trek to Joliet to watch a bunch of guys driving in circles in go-karts...turned into a lovely excursion to Dan's Candy's and Amanacer Tapatio.

    I started at Dan's (they also have a "downtown" location, along with the one on Plainfield mentioned in other posts), and treated myself to a box of caramels, chocolate covered caramels, chocolate meltaways and G Shaft hard candies.

    Naively, I thought I might've "discovered" a treat that hadn't been explained, dissected and expounded upon on LTHForum. Alas, I was wrong.

    http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.ph ... ighlight=&

    I don't think these are the real deal--given the time of year--but it's a nice story.

    I stopped by a place called "Hey! Hot Dog", but was so torn between the idea of homemade rootbeer and experiencing Amanacer Tapatio's daily specials, I left before I ordered anything. Can anyone vouch for this place, in case I end up in Joliet again? I was intrigued by the neon sighn touting fresh-baked Milano bread. Any word on the dogs, or the rootbeer?

    Amanacer Tapatio won out, simply because of the recommendations here...and it didn't disappoint. My less-adventurous companions opted for the carne asada tacos (ZZZZzzz...blast those who do not understand the concept of ordering what I tell them to so that I can try everything I want), but I dove into a bowl of birria de res. The meat was a little tougher than I expected--I had to get a fork and knife to cut it up--but between the hot, homemade tortillas and the spicy, meaty broth, I managed to find my happy place.

    Joliet...who knew?
  • Post #8 - March 27th, 2006, 3:35 pm
    Post #8 - March 27th, 2006, 3:35 pm Post #8 - March 27th, 2006, 3:35 pm
    The single experience I had at Hey! Hot Dog was very underwhelming--the dogs were small, rubbery, and greasy, served with a bag of supermarket potato chips. The root beer was very tasty, so if you decide you have to get there, get a jug of it and skip the dogs.
  • Post #9 - March 27th, 2006, 9:12 pm
    Post #9 - March 27th, 2006, 9:12 pm Post #9 - March 27th, 2006, 9:12 pm
    JimInLoganSquare wrote:You can get a surprisingly good upper-end steakhouse dinner at Van Buren's in the Harrah's Joliet Casino. Of course, you have to pay the $5.00 cover charge to enter the casino first, and no kids allowed.


    You liked Van Buren's? We ate there once. It was weird because all the food arrived at the table ice cold. We were practically the only people eating there at the time. It's expensive too. I don't think I would go there if I had to pay. Admittedly, if the food hadn't all been the wrong temperature I think it would have been fine. If you think it's worth it, I'll make a point to go if they offer us another free meal. I spend a fair amount of time hanging around there while my SO gambles. I usually eat a lot of the food in the diamond lounge which is kind of freakishly good.

    (By the way, I had the worst bowl of pho in my life at a little food shop on the gambling floor in that casino. They can undercook noodles; who knew?)
  • Post #10 - March 27th, 2006, 9:25 pm
    Post #10 - March 27th, 2006, 9:25 pm Post #10 - March 27th, 2006, 9:25 pm
    bibi rose wrote:
    JimInLoganSquare wrote:You can get a surprisingly good upper-end steakhouse dinner at Van Buren's in the Harrah's Joliet Casino. Of course, you have to pay the $5.00 cover charge to enter the casino first, and no kids allowed.


    You liked Van Buren's? We ate there once. It was weird because all the food arrived at the table ice cold. We were practically the only people eating there at the time. It's expensive too. I don't think I would go there if I had to pay. Admittedly, if the food hadn't all been the wrong temperature I think it would have been fine. If you think it's worth it, I'll make a point to go if they offer us another free meal. I spend a fair amount of time hanging around there while my SO gambles. I usually eat a lot of the food in the diamond lounge which is kind of freakishly good.

    (By the way, I had the worst bowl of pho in my life at a little food shop on the gambling floor in that casino. They can undercook noodles; who knew?)


    You posted about that lousy experience once before; ours was completely unlike that. The restaurant was pleasantly busy, the food was delivered at proper temperatures, and I never once got the feeling that this was "just a casino dinner." They were running the place as if they had competition (even thought they obviously did not). And while I had a freebie coupon ($150 credit), I would gladly have paid for this meal. So, I hope my experience and not yours is the typical one. Given the prices, I have to hope it is my experience that prevails.
    JiLS
  • Post #11 - March 27th, 2006, 9:36 pm
    Post #11 - March 27th, 2006, 9:36 pm Post #11 - March 27th, 2006, 9:36 pm
    Thanks-- I'll give them another chance when it arises.
  • Post #12 - March 28th, 2006, 8:28 am
    Post #12 - March 28th, 2006, 8:28 am Post #12 - March 28th, 2006, 8:28 am
    Food Nut wrote:I've also wanted to try:

    Truth
    808 W. Jefferson St.
    Joliet, IL 60435
    815.744.5901

    http://www.cityofjoliet.com/BUSINESS/truth.htm


    _____My wife, being a J-town native (although she doesn't appreciate that abbreviation much), has turned me onto a few of the positives this river town has to offer. We were married here at the Patrick Haley Mansion (across the river) and were the last to wed in the Christ Episcopal Church* downtown.
    _____I've often visited a variety of great eateries from El Burrito Loco (great small chain, fast-food Mexican) to upscale Truth. I can't escape the lamb any time I go. Everything I've tried (off other's plates at times...my family is big into sharing food experiences) is solid. Despite the location of the restaurant (amongst a busy three way intersection just across the river from the casinos), the atmosphere is small, delicate, and quiet.
    _____I highly recommend this place for a great upscale dinner. Eat it up!

    Zin

    *The congregation of the church we were married at, across from Harrah's, didn't have enough money to support the 150 renovation of a historical landmark. So...it's becoming a brewery and eatery. Sadly enough, I predicted that when I heard the news they didn't have the money to restore it. Can't wait to take the future kiddies and show them the church and see people stumbling out with full beer-bellies and to-go boxes. Watch their eyes bug-out when I say, "Mommie & Daddie were married there!"
  • Post #13 - March 30th, 2006, 4:14 pm
    Post #13 - March 30th, 2006, 4:14 pm Post #13 - March 30th, 2006, 4:14 pm
    Giovanna, first of all my wife sends her condolences as the internet (thanks, Match.com) put her in your same shoes. I stole her from Riverwoods via many years in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. She bemoans her dining variety loss quite often. I have two places that I can give you. First for steak;

    Louie's Chop House
    700 W Jefferson St
    Shorewood, IL 60431

    Good food for the prices and the bar is pretty decent as well. Second, this place I like just for the courtyard alone;

    Courtyard Bistro
    21 N White St
    Frankfort, IL 60423-4013
    (815) 464-1404

    They have a beautiful stone fireplace and propane heaters as well to heat the tented courtyard during inclement weather. The food was good and the prices aren't bad either. I know neither is exactly in Joliet, however thanks to my wife I now know me that a real restaurant has silverware and glasses that aren't plastic. I've also learned that napkins aren't all made of paper (who knew). Good luck and if you want to drive out of Joliet a little farther I might have some more that aren't too far away.
    The Pro from Dover
  • Post #14 - March 31st, 2006, 7:01 am
    Post #14 - March 31st, 2006, 7:01 am Post #14 - March 31st, 2006, 7:01 am
    Mugs also likes Public Landing in Lockport. Personally, I dine there once every couple of years and that is enough for me - nothing really resonates. Truth is a bit better, IMO, but the building and location of Public Landing, right on the canal, are great.

    Up the road a bit, in Lemont, is an outpost of Vito & Nick's in a bowling alley. Good pizza, and worth the drive. Downtown Lemont also has its charms, with a Lithuanian coffee shop, Bravo, plus a couple of places that have had brief positive mentions on the forum (tho I can vouch for neither myself), La Dolce Vita and Stonecutter's (also reviewed in the Tribune - it got one star). Lemont goes way north, up to Downers Grove, which would be inconvenient. But downtown and the south side of Lemont are a reasonable hike from Joliet.

    I like the old canal towns - they have a lot of history and charm. Some hills and bluffs, too, which is unusual for this area. Nice web site, if you do not know of it: http://www.heritagecorridorcvb.com/index.htm

    With soccer season, it is time for me to take the hike to Frankfort and Lemont with increasing frequency, and I will report on any finds. Here is another thread on the area: http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=4356#4356

    And Mugs is definitely a guy.

    Public Landing
    200 W. 8th Street, Lockport
    815/588-1100

    La Dolce Vita of Lemont
    (630) 257-9111
    107 Stephen St
    Lemont, IL 60439

    Stonecutters
    103 Stephen St.
    Lemont 60439
    630-243-7383

    Bravo Coffee & Deli
    (630) 257-3300
    238 Main St
    Lemont, IL 60439

    Vito & Nick's Pizzeria
    (630) 257-9536
    1015 State St
    Lemont, IL 60439
    d
    Feeling (south) loopy
  • Post #15 - March 31st, 2006, 7:14 am
    Post #15 - March 31st, 2006, 7:14 am Post #15 - March 31st, 2006, 7:14 am
    dicksond wrote:Mugs also likes Public Landing in Lockport. ...


    No, not any more:
    http://www.chowhound.com/midwest/boards ... 53306.html

    Antonius and I had visited Lockport a couple of springs ago, and thought Public Landing would be a nice place to come back to. But Mugs's unhappiness with the changes there (along with other reports in that thread from Food Nut and others) made us forget about it as a destination.

    Amata
  • Post #16 - March 31st, 2006, 7:59 am
    Post #16 - March 31st, 2006, 7:59 am Post #16 - March 31st, 2006, 7:59 am
    Amata wrote:
    dicksond wrote:Mugs also likes Public Landing in Lockport. ...


    No, not any more:
    http://www.chowhound.com/midwest/boards ... 53306.html

    Antonius and I had visited Lockport a couple of springs ago, and thought Public Landing would be a nice place to come back to. But Mugs's unhappiness with the changes there (along with other reports in that thread from Food Nut and others) made us forget about it as a destination.

    Amata


    Thanks for the update. I probably misrepresented in my post, since we go every couple of years for dessert and a walk on the canal - have not actually had a meal there in 10 years, so your correction is doubly appropriate.

    Personally, I did not find the recent re-decoration and changes jarring, but we also tend to go late (in Lockport time, maybe 9pm?), near closing, when it is not so crowded. Anyway, if Mugs is no longer a supporter, just skip the food, but the room and location have their charms.
    d
    Feeling (south) loopy
  • Post #17 - October 21st, 2010, 6:51 pm
    Post #17 - October 21st, 2010, 6:51 pm Post #17 - October 21st, 2010, 6:51 pm
    Oculi wrote:In downtown Joliet, you might try Chicken-n-Spice . . . Chicken-N-Spice has a very crisp and tasty batter for their chicken--it's simple and good (although usually pretty greasy). It also has just the right amount of bite, but if you need more, add some hot sauce or spicy rice.

    Last month I hopped on the Metra to Joliet for some playoff baseball—Joliet JackHammers versus Kansas City T-Bones. The pretty little ball park is right downtown next to Union Station, not exactly an area awash in interesting restaurants.

    Chicken-N-Spice gets rave reviews on Yelp and Holly Moore gives it a respectable four-out-of-five rating. The building, across the street from "Joliet's Brightest Spot," once housed a Jack in the Box.

    Image

    Image

    Reading the reviews got me in the mood for chicken chunks* and seeing the George & Eddie special sealed the deal.

    Image

    Image

    Image

    What can I say? The chunks were good—nicely spiced, not-too-greasy breading and pretty moist boneless breast meat. The rice was a bit dry but the potatoes were freshly prepared and surprisingly tasty (I usually don't care for battered fries). Even the biscuit was decent. I'm curious how their regular chicken on the bone compares to the chunks.

    Chicken chunks seem to be a big deal around Joliet. The fourth inning chicken dance that takes place during every JackHammers game is sponsored by a local restaurant by the name of Chunky Chicken. They also specialize in chicken chunks, dirty rice, potato wedges and biscuits.

    Oh, the JackHammers lost that game, 1-0, but made a good series of it, losing to the T-Bones in extra innings of the decisive fifth game. Wait 'til next year!

    Chicken-N-Spice
    251 N Chicago St
    Joliet IL
    815-727-1100


    *There are 15 reviews on Yelp and 10 praise the chicken chunks:

    the best chicken chunks you'll ever eat!

    CHICKEN CHUNKS!

    The Chicken Chunks are Awesome

    You want the chicken chunks and you want them NOW.

    the chicken chunks are good.

    They are called CHICKEN CHUNKS...come on, seriously...how
is that NOT amazing?

    I revisited there just last week and instantly memories of the awesomeness of their chicken chunks came flooding back to me.

    I love the chicken chunks

    The chicken chunks are what you're here for.

    OMG the CHICKEN CHUNKS are out of this world.
  • Post #18 - October 22nd, 2010, 6:01 am
    Post #18 - October 22nd, 2010, 6:01 am Post #18 - October 22nd, 2010, 6:01 am
    With the Jackhammers still up for sale, perhaps LTHers can pool their financial resources and buy the team. Can you just imagine a ballpark that only serves LTH endorsed food?
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #19 - October 22nd, 2010, 7:09 am
    Post #19 - October 22nd, 2010, 7:09 am Post #19 - October 22nd, 2010, 7:09 am
    Try Al's Steakhouse,just west of Larkin on Jefferson.Good lunch values and a great Sunday menu.A classy Joliet old line steak house with white tableclothes but not pretentious.
  • Post #20 - October 22nd, 2010, 7:17 am
    Post #20 - October 22nd, 2010, 7:17 am Post #20 - October 22nd, 2010, 7:17 am
    Along those same lines, I used to get some good prime steak dinners at Syl's. DISCLAIMER: It's been close to 10 years since I've been there, but they've been open since 1946, so I doubt much has changed.

    Syl's Steakhouse
    829 Moen Ave
    Rockdale, IL 60436
    (815) 725-1977
    http://www.syls.com
    Steve Z.

    “Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
    ― Ludwig van Beethoven
  • Post #21 - June 3rd, 2012, 7:46 am
    Post #21 - June 3rd, 2012, 7:46 am Post #21 - June 3rd, 2012, 7:46 am
    I used to just cruise right on by Joliet on my way home to Gods Country every night. While doing research on closed breweries I would pass by interesting looking restaurants and shops. On a trip checking out the old Joliet prison I passed by a supermercado with a food truck parked out back. Lots of smoke, good smells, and a steady stream of people. More of a permanent outdoor cooking set-up vs a food truck.

    Finally got there yesteday:

    Place is called "Ricos Tacos" perhaps, but located in the parking lot of the Supermercado Joliet(an interesting store in itself):

    Image

    smoker, check(chicken in there):

    Image

    menu:

    Image

    great Saturday:
    Image

    girl working the truck was friendly, ordered some corn in a cup, a steak taco, chicken taco, and chicherone taco). Steak was decent, chicken was daang good. For a $1 each I liked these

    Image

    Image

    while eating the tacos i spied a dude cooking something off a cart against the back of the supermarket. Found out he was doing beef tongue, cabeza & some lamb.:

    Image

    Image

    really friendly guy, he and a couple other folks were teasing me(the only gringo around) thinking I would be grossed out by the tongue, cabeza and lamb... tongue isnt my thing but the other two items were really good @ $1.50/ea.:

    Image

    Liked this place, and have liked a few tacquerias here in Joliet and am going to check out more.

    "Ricos Tacos"
    Corner of Cass and Collins
    Joliet, IL.
  • Post #22 - June 3rd, 2012, 9:04 pm
    Post #22 - June 3rd, 2012, 9:04 pm Post #22 - June 3rd, 2012, 9:04 pm
    Looking at the sign, I think it is called the Carrito del Supermercado Joliet, though Ricos Tacos is a bit more poetic.
    d
    Feeling (south) loopy
  • Post #23 - June 4th, 2012, 7:03 am
    Post #23 - June 4th, 2012, 7:03 am Post #23 - June 4th, 2012, 7:03 am
    dicksond wrote:Looking at the sign, I think it is called the Carrito del Supermercado Joliet, though Ricos Tacos is a bit more poetic.


    thanks for the assist, my spanish is really rusty.
  • Post #24 - June 4th, 2012, 8:31 am
    Post #24 - June 4th, 2012, 8:31 am Post #24 - June 4th, 2012, 8:31 am
    jimswside wrote:Liked this place, and have liked a few tacquerias here in Joliet and am going to check out more.


    Jim, if you are ever up for exploring the different places on Collins St on some weekend afternoon, I am game for that!
  • Post #25 - June 4th, 2012, 8:41 am
    Post #25 - June 4th, 2012, 8:41 am Post #25 - June 4th, 2012, 8:41 am
    glennpan wrote:
    jimswside wrote:Liked this place, and have liked a few tacquerias here in Joliet and am going to check out more.


    Jim, if you are ever up for exploring the different places on Collins St on some weekend afternoon, I am game for that!


    sounds good Glenn, ill get in touch before my next trip into Joliet. I think there may be some pleasant surprises to be had.
  • Post #26 - June 10th, 2012, 6:57 pm
    Post #26 - June 10th, 2012, 6:57 pm Post #26 - June 10th, 2012, 6:57 pm
    stevez wrote:Along those same lines, I used to get some good prime steak dinners at Syl's. DISCLAIMER: It's been close to 10 years since I've been there, but they've been open since 1946, so I doubt much has changed.

    Syl's Steakhouse
    829 Moen Ave
    Rockdale, IL 60436
    (815) 725-1977
    http://www.syls.com


    Hit syl's for a round of drinks Friday, $10 round of PBR & Jim Beam made it only a single round.

    Definitely old school, the taqueria and some bars down the street piqued my interest more.
  • Post #27 - June 11th, 2012, 7:45 am
    Post #27 - June 11th, 2012, 7:45 am Post #27 - June 11th, 2012, 7:45 am
    Spent Friday night at a 21 and over street festival sowntown Joliet, right in front of the beautiful Rialto Theatre(man.. WSP needs to play that joint):

    Image

    Bent an elbow with some friendly folks for a few hours then headed out for some tacos @ Atotonilco:

    Image

    enjoyed a few tacos from here, Al Pastor(decent), atotonilco(carne asada, crema & tomatos), and carne asada(spaced out and didnt ask for cilantro and onions - i forget folks cant read my mind) - both good. also some sliced avocado hit the spot,


    Image

    best $1.50 ive spent in a while:

    Image

    Taquerias Atotonilco
    500 E. Cass Street
    Joliet, IL.

    http://www.taqueriasatotonilco.com
  • Post #28 - June 11th, 2012, 7:59 am
    Post #28 - June 11th, 2012, 7:59 am Post #28 - June 11th, 2012, 7:59 am
    Crest Hill, right up Route 30 from downtown Joliet, I had seen, and heard of Carnitas Don Rafa and some slow cooked pork sounded good. Headed over with the family for lunch on Saturday.

    Image

    I went with the Carnitas for 1, and asked for extra fat, skin, etc., to the surprise of our server. wife and child went for a ribeye taco, carne asada taco, and Al pastor. They went gringo on the steak tacos(shays choice). Al Pastor had cliantor and onion.

    Al Pastor was really good:

    Image


    Carnitas were really good, tender and porky, with crunchy bits and pieces of flavorfull skin:

    Image

    Image

    of course some avocado:

    Image

    Enjoyed this place alot

    Carnitas Don Rafa
    2224 Plainfield Road (Route 30)
    Crest Hill, IL.

    http://www.donrafarestaurants.com
  • Post #29 - June 12th, 2012, 9:13 am
    Post #29 - June 12th, 2012, 9:13 am Post #29 - June 12th, 2012, 9:13 am
    I literally saw this place last week while driving around with my dad and was wondering about it. Good to know that the food is pretty good. P's live in Shorewood around jefferson and 59 in a sea of fast food chains. There's so many mexican options in Joliet you'd never know which ones are the standouts and since I don't live there can't try them all. Next time I'm out there I know where we're going for lunch.
    "I Like Food, Food Tastes Good" - The Descendants
  • Post #30 - June 12th, 2012, 9:21 am
    Post #30 - June 12th, 2012, 9:21 am Post #30 - June 12th, 2012, 9:21 am
    thepld wrote:I literally saw this place last week while driving around with my dad and was wondering about it. Good to know that the food is pretty good. P's live in Shorewood around jefferson and 59 in a sea of fast food chains. There's so many mexican options in Joliet you'd never know which ones are the standouts and since I don't live there can't try them all. Next time I'm out there I know where we're going for lunch.


    I forgot to mention they have a carryout area offering the carnitas, barbacoa, and chicharones, menudo as well I beleive.

    just starting to scratch the surface of Joliet(big town), and am finding it interesting and fun.

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