New Restaurants In Joliet, Shorewood Area During 2019

JOLIET, IL — On Jan. 3, 2019, Bill Dimitroulas took a gamble, opening an elegant steakhouse in the heart of downtown Joliet. CUT 158 Chophouse was one of several new restaurants in Joliet and Shorewood during the past year. It's located at 158 N. Chicago St.

"CUT 158 Chophouse established 2019 with a bold vision – to embody the rich tradition of the classic American steakhouse. We keep this tradition alive, but with a modern, sleek twist, bringing you an unparalleled experience every time you dine. Top quality meats grilled to perfection, delivering the most amazing flavors," its Facebook page reads.

A year later, Dimitroulas believes that CUT 158 Chophouse offers the finest steaks in the immediate Joliet area. CUT 158 has also done well drawing customers from Plainfield, Morris and New Lenox, said Dimitroulas, whose family also runs Hamburgerseria.

On many evenings, CUT 158 has greatly benefited from the resurgence of the nearby Rialto Square Theatre. On Dec. 6, CUT 158 had to turn away more than 100 walk-ups on the Saturday night when comedian Larry The Cable Guy performed two Rialto shows, Dimitroulas said.

While the Rialto's comeback has been great for the downtown, the restaurant owner remarked, it's essential for CUT 158 to have its own unique identity and stand on its own as an added night time attraction for Joliet's downtown.

If a restaurant gets a reputation for outstanding food and great service, people will travel for the experience, and they will also tell their friends, Dimitroulas added.

Here's a look back at many of the new Joliet-area restaurants that opened for business in 2019:

CHO SUSHI

Near the Route 59 Target. Cho Sushi is in the Shorewood Commons II at 309 Vertin Blvd.

OMG PHO

Opened in late March next to the Nothing Bundt Cakes, near the Target store on Route 59 in Shorewood. A classy new Vietnamese restaurant with an awesome name.

PANDA EXPRESS

The city of Joliet's newly built Panda Express on Route 59 near Walmart opened for business on Friday, Dec. 13. It also has a drive-thru window.

EL MOLCAJETE

A small Mexican restaurant at 1116 A Houbolt Road. El Molcajete is across from the entrance into the Joliet Junior College main campus. Its other sit-down restaurant is in Plainfield.

BERNIE'S JERK KITCHEN AND WAFFLES

Bernie's Jerk Kitchen and Waffles, owned and operated by Joshua Betts, moved into the space that was occupied by DA's Deli & Dining at 2777 Black Road in late November. Bernie's also has a carry-out only restaurant on Joliet's Manhattan Road.

CAJUN BOIL & BAR

Cajun Boil & Bar opened for business inside the Louis Joliet Mall in September. The new sit-down restaurant is between the Macy's and JCPenney department stores along Mall Loop Drive. This marks the growing restaurant chain's fourth restaurant in Chicago's suburbs. Its other restaurants are in Orland Park, Oak Park and Oakbrook Terrace.

CRAB BOIL 59

Located in Plainfield on Route 59, an easy drive from Joliet and Shorewood. Manager Matt Kimball told Patch back in March: "We get people from Joliet, Bolingbrook and Romeoville. It's very casual. It's a place for dates." Kimball also stressed you don't have to be a seafood expert to dine here. Crab Boil Route 59 is geared toward novices.

STEVE'S BAKERY

A new bakery opened in July in Shorewood near the Holy Family Catholic Church along Route 59. Steve's Bakery is in the commercial strip mall near entrance to the Will County Forest District's Hammel Woods. Its two other bakeries are in Ottawa and Streator.

SUNSHINE MEXICAN CAFE

Downtown Joliet's new Sunshine Mexican Cafe located at 406 North Scott St. opened in September across from the former St. Joseph Grade School. A number of first-time customers included city of Joliet employees as well as workers from the Will County Government Office less than two blocks away, according to one of the owners, Jessi Rodriguez.

HAPPY FALAFEL

In 2012, Bilal Beiram opened Falafelji in Lyons. Now he's opened his second Mediterranean grill restaurant, here in Joliet, at 2119 Route 59. Happy Falafel opened in November. Besides sit-down, Happy Falafel offers carryout, delivery and catering services.

HAROLDS SHRIMP AND CHICKEN

Since it opened on Monday, Dec. 30, we have to add Harolds to our list. Harolds is at 203 N. Ottawa St., in downtown Joliet inside the Catholic Charities building.

CASA MAYA

Casa Maya officially opened its new Shorewood restaurant in Anderson's Crossroads at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4. Casa Maya moved out of its former location in Shorewood at the end of June.