New On Black Road: Bernie's Jerk Kitchen & Waffles Opens

JOLIET, IL — A delicious one-of-a-kind east-side carryout business has opened its new sit-down restaurant on the city’s west side at the shopping plaza near Black Road and Infantry Drive. Bernie's Jerk Kitchen and Waffles, owned and operated by Joshua Betts, moved into the space that was occupied by DA's Deli & Dining. Betts said he opened in late November.

Bernie's Jerk Kitchen also offers a variety of waffles for breakfast. It has a full dining room, with seating for about 40 guests. The majority of Bernie's customer traffic comes from carryout orders. Bernie's also does catering.

"I'm liking this location. We're getting a lot of new people, they're giving us a good response," the Bernie's owner told Joliet Patch on Friday afternoon. "People are loving the food and giving us good reviews."

Starting in January, Bernie's plans to begin hosting a Thursday night Karaoke event and Bernie's will be making jerk steak on Sundays only.

Since the new Bernie's opened, Betts said, the following selections have been a big hit with his new customers:

• Catfish Dinner, $13, jerk or fried.
• 6 Wings Fried, $12
• Rib Tips small $6, large $13
• Oxtails $17, with rice $18
• Flavored waffles $4
• "Dees" Fruity French toast $4
• Jay's Shrimp & Grits, $6
• Jerk Chicken Breakfast Skillet $10

Bernie's is at 2777 Black Road. Business phone is 815-630-4153. Like a lot of restaurants, it's closed Mondays. Regular hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Betts told Joliet Patch he intends to keep the east side carryout-only location on Manhattan Road open until at least March.

In October 2018, Joliet Patch ran a food review on Bernie's Jerk Kitchen headlined,"Outstanding Jerk Chicken In Joliet."