Joliet Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Joliet. Your complete guide to dining in Joliet.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Joliet! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Joliet has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Joliet's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Joliet like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Joliet offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Joliet.
All That And A Touch of Soul
Highly rated Restaurant in Joliet with 4.7 stars from 133 reviews.
📍 318 S Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60436, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Black Sheep Craft Kitchen
Highly rated Restaurant in Joliet with 4.8 stars from 115 reviews.
📍 21125 Division St, Crest Hill, IL 60403, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Barrel & Vine
Highly rated American in Joliet with 4.7 stars from 333 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 24027 Lockport St, Plainfield, IL 60544, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Juliet's Tavern
Highly rated Restaurant in Joliet with 4.4 stars from 998 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 205 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Metro Grill & Bar
Highly rated American in Joliet with 4.5 stars from 1571 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2019 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
CUT 158 Chophouse
Highly rated Steakhouse in Joliet with 4.5 stars from 568 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 110 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
Mousa
Highly rated Bar in Joliet with 4.7 stars from 186 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 158 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Tony bar and grill
Highly rated Bar in Joliet with 4.9 stars from 47 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 926 Gardner St, Joliet, IL 60433, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Don Orlando's Restaurant And Event’s
Highly rated Restaurant in Joliet with 4.8 stars from 278 reviews.
📍 20 W Jackson St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Al's Steak House Restaurant
Highly rated Steakhouse in Joliet with 4.4 stars from 1857 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 1990 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
Azul Celeste Bar and Grill
Highly rated Mexican in Joliet with 4.8 stars from 204 reviews.
📍 307 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Mexican cuisine
The Reserve
Highly rated American in Joliet with 4.5 stars from 343 reviews.
📍 151 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Joliet.
Supermercado La Joliet
Highly rated International in Joliet with 4.4 stars from 690 reviews.
📍 379 E Cass St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Tony's Fresh Market
Highly rated International in Joliet with 4.3 stars from 728 reviews.
📍 1801 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Fresh Thyme Market
Highly rated Bakery in Joliet with 4.5 stars from 816 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 2700 Plainfield Rd Ste C, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Valle’s Produce
Highly rated International in Joliet with 4.4 stars from 248 reviews.
📍 704 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Mitchell's Food Mart
Highly rated International in Joliet with 4.8 stars from 341 reviews.
📍 1300 N Raynor Ave, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Sunshine Food Mart
Highly rated International in Joliet with 4.9 stars from 51 reviews.
📍 806 Wilcox St, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Tischler's Market
Highly rated International in Joliet with 4.8 stars from 865 reviews.
📍 15412 Illinois Rte 59, Plainfield, IL 60544, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Naperville Fresh Market
Highly rated International in Joliet with 4.5 stars from 1875 reviews.
📍 955 W 75th St, Naperville, IL 60565, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Joliet.
Tastebud Tours, The French Quarter's Signature Food & Cocktail Experiences in New Orleans
Highly rated International in Joliet with 5 stars from 3657 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Sidewalk Food Tours of Chicago
Highly rated International in Joliet with 4.9 stars from 59 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Chicago Food Planet
Highly rated International in Joliet with 4.8 stars from 53 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Chef Driven Food Tours
Highly rated International in Joliet with 4.7 stars from 18 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Tastebud Tours and Events LLC
Highly rated International in Joliet with 4.4 stars from 7 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Joliet Hope Center
Highly rated International in Joliet with 4.7 stars from 777 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Joliet.
Social Butterfly Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Joliet with 4.9 stars from 143 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 310 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Kafé De Kasa
Highly rated Cafe in Joliet with 4.8 stars from 582 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2446 Plainfield Rd, Crest Hill, IL 60403, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Jitters
Highly rated Cafe in Joliet with 4.7 stars from 315 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 178 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Pitstop Corner Cafe
Highly rated Restaurant in Joliet with 4.7 stars from 203 reviews.
📍 2050 S Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60433, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
The Curator’s Café
Highly rated Restaurant in Joliet with 4.6 stars from 469 reviews.
📍 2625 Ingalls Ave, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
Rosemary Cafe
Highly rated Restaurant in Joliet with 4.4 stars from 520 reviews.
📍 1730 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Tazza Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Joliet with 4.4 stars from 131 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2296 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Ten Drops Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Joliet with 4.8 stars from 485 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 14903 S Center St #104, Plainfield, IL 60544, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Joliet.
Signature Dish
A must-try Joliet specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Joliet dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Joliet with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Joliet specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Joliet creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Joliet classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Joliet specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Joliet dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Joliet with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Joliet specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Joliet.
Chicago Street Pub
Highly rated Bar in Joliet with 4.6 stars from 542 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 75 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
On The Rocks Joliet
Highly rated Bar in Joliet with 4.4 stars from 301 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1500 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
TKS DEEP END
Highly rated Bar in Joliet with 4.7 stars from 50 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 504 McDonough St, Joliet, IL 60436, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Fritz's Pour House Bar
Highly rated Bar in Joliet with 4.6 stars from 577 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1511 Plainfield Rd, Crest Hill, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Double J Sports Bar
Highly rated Bar in Joliet with 4.3 stars from 253 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1001 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
McBride's on 52
Highly rated Restaurant in Joliet with 4.4 stars from 1283 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2727 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Joliet's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Joliet vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Joliet is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Joliet offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Joliet specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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