New Joliet Bar And Restaurant Opens: 'We Are Excited They Are Here'

JOLIET, IL — The revitalization of downtown Joliet continues to take shape as Laura Montiel and her husband Pilo Corral have opened Azul Celeste Bar & Grill at 307 N. Chicago St. This marks their second week of being open every day. Azul Celeste is across the street from the Will County Government Office Building.

The property was vacant in recent years, but in the past, it served as the St. Vincent De Paul thrift store.

Azul Celeste is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. on Sunday.

"The Joliet City Center Partnership has seen a significant amount of investment on the north end of downtown by individuals interested in purchasing and improving properties and even starting their own businesses once they have completed the work," Priscilla Cordero, executive director of Joliet's City Center Partnership, told Joliet Patch. "Laura and Pilo saw the opportunity in the downtown, and we are excited they are here. Azul Celeste Bar & Grill is a welcome addition to the north end of downtown Joliet."

During Monday's interview, the owners of Azul Celeste said they are trying to build up a lunch crowd. The kitchen is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. "One of the biggest things is that everybody who comes in here loves the tacos," Montiel remarked.

Corral said, referring to the steak and shrimp tacos.

As for the drinks, Azul Celeste wants to be known for serving quality tequilas, micheladas, Bloody Marys and margaritas, as well as Palomas, which are a tequila based cocktail.

Joliet's new downtown bar carries domestic and imported beer "and very fine great food," Montiel said. "We're concentrating mostly on people that work around the downtown area to bring the business on this side of Chicago Street back to life."

Azul Celeste features five large screen TVs. "We want people to have a nice place to come in and watch their favorite sports. It's for everybody," Corral said. "The music is for everybody."

Corral also said he is planning to have Ladies Nights on Thursdays, offering half price margaritas for female customers. As for beer, Azul Celeste is stocked with cans and bottles of Budweiser, Coors Light, Heineken, Corona, Blue Moon and Modelo. There's also plenty of White Claw hard seltzer products.

The owners of Azul Celeste also wanted everyone in Joliet to know they will be open for Joliet's upcoming Light Up The Holidays festival and parade, which takes place along North Chicago Street on Friday, Nov. 24 with the Christmas tree lighting and parade starting at 5:15 p.m.