Palma's Latin Food Opens In Joliet: 'We Use Family Recipes'

JOLIET, IL — A number of people in the Joliet area were saddened when Armando Malave and his wife Teresa shut down their Venezuelan style restaurant in downtown Joliet in March called Chevere Latin Cafe after five years of business.

But the old cafe is not sitting empty at 81 North Chicago St. in Joliet's Van Buren Plaza across from the Rialto Square Theatre. Felix Palma has opened Palma's Latin Food in its place.

One of the biggest complaints about Chevere Latin Cafe was the fact that it was not open on the weekends and at night.

Palma's Latin Food is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. It's closed Mondays. The restaurant phone number for Palma's is 779-206-2610.

"We specialize in empanadas, arepas, and patacones, and we also offer hamburgers, coffee, paella, and much more," the Palma's Latin Cafe website proclaims. "We started this business to bring Venezuelan culture and cuisine to our community, and we use family recipes to bring authentic flavors and experiences to our guests."

Palma's focuses on dine-in, carryout, party rental, event venues, live music and vegan options.

Besides drawing from Joliet, Palma's website states that its customers come from the following places: Crest Hill, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Cicero, Lockport, New Lenox, Plainfield, Homer Glen, Shorewood, Channahon and Montgomery.

The last Google Review came from a woman named Nicole, and she gave the place five stars.

"DELICIOUS! No words, the Tequenos are to die for, and they’re HUGE. My husband order the beef empanada, and he wanted 3 more. The tostones super fresh ... Can’t wait to go back."

To learn more about the new Joliet restaurant, visit the Palma's Latin Cafe website.