Bill Dimitroulas: Musa Tapas Bar Opening In Joliet

JOLIET, IL — In about six weeks, Joliet restaurant owner Bill Dimitroulas hopes to open his latest restaurant endeavor: Musa's Tapas Bar in downtown Joliet at the location of his original CUT 158 Chophouse restaurant, 158 N. Chicago St.

"We're planning to open, we're shooting for the end of July," he said.

In March, CUT 158 quadrupled its size, moving into the newly renovated John Bays Two Rialto Square Building a block down the street at 110 N. Chicago St.

The restaurant and bar area where Musa's Tapas Bar will open can seat roughly 65 to 70 people, Dimitroulas said. Years ago, this was known as the Tin Roof restaurant.

"We have also hired a chef already that's working on the menu," Dimitroulas said. "It is a variety of tapas. All of them with a Mediterranean influence, tapas from Spain, Morocco, Italy, Egypt and Greece.

"It's going to be a variety of wines also from these regions."

There is a window poster displayed in downtown Joliet letting people know Musa's is coming soon. Dimitroulas noted that Musa's is misspelled in the poster, and the proper spelling will be M-U-S-A.

He said that Musa was a goddess from Ancient Greece and Italy.

"Musa always represents perfection," Dimitroulas said.

Why is Dimitroulas opening Musa's Tapas Bar in downtown?

"I believe Joliet, they always like, and they always appreciate the good food and the good services," he said.

Dimitoulas said that CUT 158 Chophouse normally is not open on Sundays, but it will be for Father's Day. The restaurant will be seating guests from about 4 to 8 p.m. and there is still limited seating available, he said.

People still wanting to dine at CUT 158 for Father's Day can still make their reservations by calling CUT 158 at 815-630-4219 or visiting the website.

"We require reservations for Father's Day," he said.

In recent weeks, CUT 158 has been offering bison, wild boar, elk and ostrich meat, when the supply is available.

"The response has been unbelievable," Dimitroulas said of CUT 158's new restaurant. "CUT 158 has always done well, especially now that we have an amazing increase in traffic. We're very proud with how things have worked so far."

Dimitroulas said that Musa's Tapas Bar will not negatively impact his two other downtown Joliet restaurants: CUT 158 as well as the Juliet's Tavern, at the corner of Cass and Chicago Streets.

"Totally different concepts, totally different food," he remarked.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

CUT 158 New Restaurant: 'This Is a Game Changer For Downtown Joliet'