Taps Tips BBQ Hopes To Reopen: Owner

JOLIET, IL — An authentic BBQ restaurant on Joliet's west side that expanded into the storefront next door, adding a sports bar and video gaming machines last year, has remained closed the past several days. The abrupt and unexpected closure has left Joliet area residents asking why Taps Tips BBQ Smokehouse has not been open.

"Tried calling Taps Tips. Said number is out of service. Anybody know what's up?" one man commented on the Joliet Area Bar & Restaurant Guide Facebook page started by Brian Bessler.

"I don't know. We've tried going there a couple of times, and they were closed, so we gave up," one woman wrote back.

"They closed their doors," another woman replied.

"That sucks. We loved their food," the man commented.

Joliet Patch first wrote about Taps Tips opening in January 2020.

Since then, Patch has produced a handful of additional articles about the locally owned restaurant.

Taps Tips BBQ Smokehouse shows a total of 196 Google Reviews, averaging 4.1 out of 5 stars.

On Thursday, Patch visited Taps Tips and found it remained closed, even though there's a large "OPEN" sign displayed prominently in the main window.

People who work next door at the Perfect Pooch, which is located in the BrightDogs Dog Park and Day Care, said that Taps Tips hasn't been open since before Christmas.

Patch saw several letters in the mailbox for Taps Tips BBQ, and Deputy Liquor Commissioner Jim O'Connell left his city of Joliet business card wedged in the door of Taps Tips.

Joliet Patch reached out to Taps Tips owner Michael Tapley on Thursday afternoon, asking about the status of Taps Tips.

Tapley said the closure is temporary, not permanent.

"Yes, we are currently closed due to lack of employees. I’m in conversation with investors. They will be looking to bring in a complete crew. I’ll keep you posted," Tapley responded.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Taps Tips Adds Video Slots And People Are Winning

Taps Tips BBQ Opens In Joliet On Theodore