'The Burrito Joint' Opens in Mokena

The Burrito Joint Caliente, an authentic Mexican restaurant, recently opened in Mokena at Hickory Creek Center.

For Chef Marcos Alamo, the restaurant provided an opportunity to share his Mexican heritage through simple, traditional food.

Alamo’s approach to Mexican cooking is completely un-Americanized — so much so that the restaurant does not serve any dishes that use ground beef, because it’s not a traditional Mexican ingredient.

“It offers dishes that most Mexican restaurants don’t offer,” said Steve Koulis, who worked as a consultant for The Burrito Joint.

These menu items include specialty meats such as al pastor (broiled pork), cesina (cured beef), tinga (pulled chicken) and ceviche. Fresh tamales are served every Friday and Saturday.

Even the soft drinks at The Burrito Joint are authentic. The Coke, Sprite and Fanta sold at the restaurant are imported from Mexico. Jarritos, a Mexican soda, is also available.

All the meats and produce in Alamo’s kitchen are fresh. Meats are trimmed at the restaurant and the salsas are made in-house.

“I’m excited about it,” said Mokena Mayor Joe Werner.

Kim Koulis and Jim Burke are the owners of the Burrito Joint. The location of the restaurant was home to a Mexican eatery until 2007, and Burke, who is also a partner at Stoney Point Grill and Hickory Creek Center, worked with Koulis to bring the concept back to life.

The Burrito Joint offers eat-in and pick-up service, in addition to catering. The restaurant is located at 19031 Old La Grange Road and can be contacted at 708-995-7742. For more information, visit The Burrito Joint’s website or Facebook page. 

Get news alerts and Facebook updates from these Lincoln-Way Patch sites:

• New Lenox newsletter and New Lenox Patch Facebook

• Frankfort newsletter and Frankfort Patch Facebook

• Mokena newsletter and Mokena Patch Facebook