Barolo's Mystery Has Happy Ending For Joliet: Photos

JOLIET, IL — A cloud of uncertainty has been lifted from the Barolo's Italian Ristorante property on Joliet's Black Road. As it turns out, the Mariscos El Vallartazo Mexican seafood restaurant has not abandoned its plans to open in Joliet. It's quite the opposite.

Mariscos El Vallartazo is in the final stages of its extensive indoor remodeling project.

Several contractors were inside the former Barolo's restaurant Thursday afternoon, and they gave Joliet Patch's editor a tour, showing the work they've been doing. Contractors told Patch their work should be done in two to three weeks. They estimated the Mariscos El Vallartazo should be ready to open in April.

Earlier this week, Joliet City Councilwoman Jan Quillman feared that the Mexican seafood restaurant had halted plans to expand from West Chicago into Joliet's west side. During the City Council meeting, Quillman pointed out that all the Mariscos El Vallartazo signs and banners had been taken down from the building for weeks, and she saw no signs of activity at the property.

Mexican seafood restaurants are rising in popularity. Joliet's west side just welcomed one at the corner of Raynor Avenue and West Jefferson Street called Mariscos El Pulpo.

Now, Joliet's west side will be getting another one, at 2765 Black Road.

At its popular location in West Chicago, the Mariscos El Vallartazo features regular live music and live entertainment as part of its dining atmosphere.

The Mariscos El Vallartazo in West Chicago has a total of 582 Google Reviews, averaging 4.1 stars out of 5 stars.

One 5-star review from three weeks ago, posted by Frances proclaimed: "Best seafood place in the West suburbs. Food is great service is excellent and staff friendly. Family friendly and they accommodate large parties with short notice. Our group went from 8-12 and they easily just added a table for us."

Joliet Facebook Live's Bob Hernandez was the first person to discover the remodeling work taking place Thursday at the Barolo's restaurant. All the contractors' vehicles were parked in the back directly behind the building.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

New Mexican Seafood Restaurant Packed All Weekend In Joliet