Joliet Coronavirus: 10 Local Carryout Options To Consider

JOLIET, IL — The new coronavirus has impacted all of us in the Joliet area. It's forced us to change our daily schedules. We can't sit at a table inside a local coffee shop and chat with a group of friends. We can't go out and enjoy a nice dinner at a sit-down restaurant with family.

But we have to eat, we still have to eat.

On Friday, I put several miles on my car driving around the Joliet area to identify several carryout restaurants in Joliet that you might want to consider this weekend and in the days ahead while all of the state's indoor dining restaurants and bars remain closed to guests.

Every one of these places I've highlighted either meets my stamp of approval as a quality local restaurant or it comes highly recommended to me from other long-time Joliet residents.

Some, like Cemeno's, have been around Joliet for years. Others, such as Taps Tips BBQ Smokehouse, on Theodore Street, are fairly new, but are gaining a strong following.

I tried to give you variety. I also took into account that thousands of Joliet area residents are Catholic, so they'll be obligated to stay away from meat on Fridays.

In no particular order, here's 10 locally-run carryout restaurant options to consider in Joliet:

Look for a followup column next week featuring more Joliet carryout options to consider.

Cemeno's Pizza, 1630 Essington Road, Cemeno's is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for delivery and curbside pickups. Customers should call 815-254-2500.

Taps Tips BBQ, 3111 Theodore St., phone: 815-782-7135. Opened in January. Taps Tips has lots of great tasting stuff. There's smoked wings, pulled pork, chicken, turkey tips and turkey links. There's rib tips, baby back ribs, spare ribs, the smoked links and beef brisket.

White Fence Farm, 80 Barney Drive. (It's at the intersection of West Jefferson Street.) The world-famous original White Fence Farm restaurant in Romeoville may be closed to dine-in guests, but you can still order some of the finest chicken on the planet at Joliet's takeout restaurant. For more information, visit the White Fence Farm website here.

Los Comales, 510 Collins St. Los Comales has been around Joliet for 20 years and this place knows what it's doing. It's known for great tacos, tortas, burritos and a whole lot more. It now has a carryout window on the property to serve customers with their takeout orders. To order ahead, call 815-722-7008.

East Side Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, Knights of Columbus 4400

Some of the best-tasting fish in the Joliet area. One of my favorite places to go for fish is at this building, 1813 East Cass St. I wrote about the Knights of Columbus walleye a year ago. To check out its carryout menu, visit the Knights of Columbus website. The phone for carryout is 815-723-3827.

KC's Lounge Knights of Columbus 382

It would be an injustice if I neglected mention of the Knights of Columbus' on the city's west side. This Knights of Columbus hall at 100 S 129th Infantry Drive has been another long-time favorite spot for Joliet residents wanting to order fish during Lent.

China Cook, 2951 West Jefferson St., phone is 815-725-0888. Focus is Cantonese and Mandarin cuisine. I've ordered takeout here several times. Friendly staff. Food is fresh and prices are reasonable. China Cook also does deliveries. To check out the menu, visit China Cook.

Taquerias Atotonilco, 500 East Cass St. Popular Mexican restaurant on Joliet's east side best known for offering breakfast, tacos, burritos and shakes For more, check out the website for Taquerias Atotonilco. This place has a 4.5 ranking out of 5 stars on Facebook. More than 5,300 Facebook likes and followers. To call ahead, 815-714-2390.

Babe's Jumbo Hot Dogs, 2600 West Jefferson St. Babe's website touts:"Delicious sandwiches, fresh made wraps and salads, mouth-watering appetizers and so much more!"

Happy Falafel Mediterranean Grill, opened last November, at 2119 Route 59.

One of Joliet's unique restaurants. Its menu includes: Falafel Pita, Chicken Kabob Pita, Beef Shawerma Pita, Arabic Salad, Lentil Soup and Chicken Shawerma Pita. If you're in the mood for something out of the ordinary, consider giving Happy Falafel a try. It's currently staying open 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for pickups and deliveries only. "Any delivery orders placed over the phone will not get charged a delivery fee," Happy Falafel posted on its Facebook page this week.

Don't miss updates about precautions in the Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

More Joliet Patch restaurant/bar coverage this week:

• Will County Brewing, Mad Hatchet Urge Support Amid Coronavirus
• Giovan's Made Transition To Carryout Before Coronavirus Hit
• Milano Bakery: 'Everybody Needs To Calm Down'