Tony's Place: Don't Overlook This Restaurant: Ferak Food Column

JOLIET, IL - Last Friday, my kids were out of school, and they insisted on eating at the Chipotle Mexican Grill on West Jefferson Street. They love the place. But since I had the car keys and the cash, I was in control of the situation. We were going to try something different. And, besides, I wanted to check out Tony's Place for my latest food review column.

So we hopped in the car and drove to West Jefferson Street.

I had never eaten at Tony's Place before, but some of our loyal Joliet Patch readers had offered it as a suggestion. When we arrived, there were several people eating inside at the booths, including one married couple who looked to be in their eighties.

I also saw several people pop in and out to pick up carryout.

I was in the mood for a delicious burrito, and I was in luck. I ordered the steak and potato burrito and it was giant. It reminded me of my college days in Charleston, at Eastern Illinois University. There was a place called La Bamba's near the main drag.

Everyone on campus knew the La Bamba's advertising slogan: "Burritos As Big As Your Head."

My burrito at Tony's Place reminded me of those La Bamba's burritos.

This was a giant burrito. At first, I wasn't sure I could finish it. But I was bound and determined that I would not be taking it home.

I don't know how I did it, but I devoured the whole thing. It was excellent.

My recommendation: If you're traveling along West Jefferson Street and are in the mood to try something off the beaten path, something outside your comfort zone, give Tony's Place a try. The people who run Tony's were also very nice. They called my children back to the counter after they finished their meals to let them select a piece of candy.

Most restaurants along West Jefferson Street are easy to find, but Tony's Place is located in the small commercial plaza near the NAPA auto parts store.

Its address is 2141 W. Jefferson St.

On Tuesday, I visited the Tony's Place Facebook page. The restaurant shows a 4.4 ranking out of 5, based on the opinions of 42 people.

As for my two youngest children, both agreed that Tony's was worthy of a thumb's up.