La Mina: Don't Overlook Tiny Plainfield Road Restaurant

JOLIET, IL — There aren't many orange-painted buildings around Joliet, but one of them is worth exploring. On Wednesday, for the first time, I dropped into La Mina, a little Mexican restaurant at 848 Plainfield Road.

It's right next to Joe Bertino's Auto Service shop.

Not sure if the restaurant was worth a food column, I did not identify myself when I grabbed lunch, ordering a gordita and a taco. Because of the new coronavirus pandemic, La Mina has closed its indoor seating area.

For the time being, it's only allowing takeout orders and there's a small outdoor patio to eat.

I ate my food outside. I had a great overall experience at La Mina. My food was fresh and I thought my steak and all the other ingredients were tasty. As a result, I returned on Thursday to interview the manager, Elizabeth Gonzalez, to learn a bit more about her restaurant.

La Mina has been in Joliet for 10 years, she said. She has worked at the small restaurant on Plainfield Road for seven years.

"We have a wonderful chef," she told me.

It's a tiny operation. When I stopped by, I only saw a few people behind the counter.

I complimented her on my meal I ordered Wednesday, the steak taco and gordita.

"Everything is handmade," she said.

One of La Mina's most popular menu items is the Huevos Con Chorizo, Gonzalez told me. It's eggs with a Mexican sausage. A lot of people also like the Alambre, which includes ham, bacon, melted cheese, steak, pastor and bell peppers, she added.

"We have a popular torta," Gonzalez said.

La Mina takes a proactive approach when it comes to everyone's safety during the coronavirus pandemic.

There are signs plastered all over the restaurant walls and the windows declaring, "NO MOUTH COVER - NO SERVICE."

I asked Gonzalez on Thursday how business has been since the pandemic reached Illinois in March.

"At first, it slowed down, but we have had some business," she said.

La Mina is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

La Mina does not have website and its Facebook page is rarely updated.

According to 211 Google Reviews, La Mina shows a 4.1 rating out of 5 stars.

Here's a sampling of some of its most recent comments from Google Reviews:

• "Great tacos, great prices, fast service, parking is available but tough spots. Great besides that!"
• "The handmade tortillas, the seasoned pork, the sauce... La Mina is always delicious and hits the spot.Their elote cups are yummy too, but be sure to ask for some extra heat. I stop here every chance I get for the authentic taste and simple ingredients."
• "I go here at least one or twice a week! Everything on their menu is excellent! I never like chorizo until I went there theirs is homemade the best chorizo tacos I ever had in my life! They also have homemade tortillas! The employees are awesome and make you feel welcome!"

To order carryout, the restaurant phone is 815-726-8441, otherwise just drop by La Mina in person like I did.