Casa Maya Reopens With Big Outdoor Patio

SHOREWOOD, IL —Has any Joliet area restaurant endured more bad luck over the past year than Casa Maya? Last year, the popular Shorewood Mexican restaurant could not open for several months because its new sit-down restaurant at the Anderson's Crossing near Route 59 and U.S. 52 fell several months behind schedule.

Casa Maya opened in December only to shut down in March after the new coronavirus outbreak impacted all Illinois bars and sit-down restaurants.

Casa Maya reopened briefly for carryout and curbside orders, only to have one of its employees test positive for the coronavirus, prompting another closure in early May.

Finally, this week, there's good news to report. Casa Maya has reopened with a large outdoor patio area. One of the managers told Patch that Casa Maya is staying open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"Monday was the first day," she told Patch on Wednesday morning. "People saw the umbrellas and just started coming. It was really busy."

Casa Maya said that each of its patio tables can seat six people comfortably. "We are not taking reservations at this time," the manager said.

She also wanted people to know that the Casa Maya owner, Veronica Llamas, is extremely grateful for everyone's support of her business during the past several months of difficult times.

So what's been popular at Casa Maya this week?

"The frozen margaritas are a hit, especially with sitting out there," Casa Maya's manager said. "We have eight different flavors."

As far as the food, "the tacos are always a staple," she said. "People like them a lot."

Another popular meal option at Casa Maya has been the combo fiesta. It comes with rice and beans. Casa Maya wanted people to know that it is still offering carryout dishes. Casa Maya has two phones to call for orders: 815-725-7760 and 815-725-7763.