Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Joliet

American food bars

A casual meal at the bar is the easiest way to unwind after a long day.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Chicago Street Pub image 1
Chicago Street Pub image 2
Chicago Street Pub image 3
View all

Small, dark Irish pub with woodwork and lighting that create a cozy dive bar feel. Atmosphere is lively and friendly, often featuring live music that energizes the space. Regulars enjoy well-poured Guinness and hearty food like Reuben sandwiches and burgers cooked to order.

Cheeseburgers stand out with a perfect balance of flavors. Loaded baked potato soup and a classic Reuben sandwich add hearty options. A Cobb salad offers a lighter choice.

Warm and comfy dive bar vibe feels like a buddy's sports man cave with Irish pub decor. Offers a wide variety of beers on tap, live music, and attentive, friendly service.

People are saying

"It's a friendly neighborhood bar with a welcoming, comfy atmosphere."

"The lunch spot has amazing burgers and fresh salads."

"I always enjoyed their American food, especially the cheeseburger."

Good to know

1

Live traditional Irish music starts at 7:30 pm on Mondays.

2

Expect live music performances on weekends.

3

Happy hour deals are available with great discounts.

02
Azul Celeste Bar and Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern, clean space with a spacious layout and intimate lighting creates a laid-back atmosphere. Latin music and live baseball games add to the upbeat vibe. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican tacos and excellent margaritas in a warm, inviting setting.

Chicken wings stand out as a highlight here. The hot dog is good, while the hamburger is just okay.

Fully stocked bar offers Hennessy, Don Julio Anejo, and Casamigos among others. Excellent service pairs well with a great sound system from TouchTunes.

People are saying

"The steak and shrimp tacos were amazing and flavorful."

"The drinks and food here are amazing."

"The mole tacos were delicious and sweet."

Good to know

1

Half-price margaritas are available on Thursdays.

2

The restaurant is cash only, so bring cash or use the ATM.

3

They charge a 4% fee for credit card payments.

03
Richardson's Downtown Sports Bar and Grill image 1

Sports bar and grill with cozy, feel-good atmosphere and a family-like vibe. Offers outdoor seating and a full bar with cold beer and unique shots. Interior shows some unfinished details but maintains a warm, inviting energy.

Brisket stands out with fall-off-the-bone tenderness and features in nachos, sandwiches, and even salads. Pulled pork pairs well with it, and the coleslaw complements ribs with balanced flavors. Gumbo also appears as a solid option.

Atmosphere feels like a true hometown sports bar with a lively vibe. Food goes beyond typical bar fare, featuring a solid smash burger and dishes that look and taste delicious.

People are saying

"You have to try the brisket sandwich; it's fall-off-the-bone tender."

"The food at this bar is excellent and full of flavor."

"The Lunch Spot staff was so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Fish fry is available on weekends with a live DJ.

2

Bingo nights occur every Friday, providing a fun atmosphere.

3

Expect longer wait times during lunch rush hours.

04
Fritz's Pour House Bar image 1

Small, packed space with a classic old pub and dive bar feel creates a relaxed, chill atmosphere. Music and games add to the friendly, comforting vibe. Known for great Bloody Marys and a nostalgic Chicago-style pub experience.

Large Buffalo wings come with fantastic sauce. The chicken pot pie stands out for its rich flavor. Cheese sticks, burgers, and fried chicken offer classic tastes. Funnel cake fries add a sweet twist.

Small size hides a large menu with top notch service. Food quality stands out for a bar and grill.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the steak and shrimp, is excellent."

"The mozzarella sticks were huge and had a legendary cheese pull."

"The food at this bar is always great and on point."

Good to know

1

Wine Wednesday offers special deals for ladies every week.

2

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

The kitchen is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.

05
The Irish Corner Cantina image 1

Restaurant blends Day of the Dead and Ireland themes with a family-friendly kid nook featuring games and books. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, with a mix of arcade games, darts, and slot machines adding lively touches. Seating is eclectic, and multiple TV screens cater to sports fans.

Buffalo wings come with tasty fries and a mild kick. Onion rings and the Reuben sandwich stand out for flavor. Chicken tenders, grilled cheese, pulled pork, burgers, and brisket sandwiches offer solid American classics.

A full bar serves drinks alongside really good bar food. The space caters more to regulars at the bar and includes a kids play area next to gambling machines.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, especially the buffalo shrimp."

"The American Food here is great, and the staff is super friendly."

"This bar has a kids' play area next to the gambling machines."

Good to know

1

The place is family-friendly and has a kids area for casual outings.

2

DIY craft nights and trivia events are hosted regularly.

3

Live music and karaoke nights are popular on weekends.

06
Metro Grill & Bar image 1

Open kitchen layout reveals chefs at work, creating an interactive dining experience. Atmosphere shifts from cozy and elegant to a loud sports bar vibe with karaoke and buckets of beer. Features include slot machines, video games, and an outdoor patio with comfortable furniture and landscaping.

Cheeseburgers come fresh, tasty, and cooked perfectly. Brisket Mac and cheese stands out, and the homemade meatloaf tastes delicious. Brisket tacos also impress with their flavor.

Well-stocked with a wide range of spirits, beers, and wines, the bar offers knowledgeable staff to guide your choices. The cozy atmosphere suits cocktails with friends or a date night.

People are saying

"I loved the wedge salad with creamy garlic dressing."

"The bar staff here makes you feel like family."

"The brisket mac and cheese here is outstanding."

Good to know

1

Half-price appetizers are available on Mondays.

2

Singo Night occurs every Sunday with live performances.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially on weekends.

07
Jameson's Pub Joliet image 1

Sports bar with many TVs and a large outdoor patio creates a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere. Cozy patio seating and a dog-friendly space offer a relaxed vibe outside, while inside feels energetic and busy during games. Flat metal ceilings contribute to high noise levels, making conversation difficult when crowded.

Boneless chicken wings come in generous portions and have exceptional quality. The menu also features Jameson's Nachos, barbecue ribs, and a bacon cheeseburger that stands out.

Sports bar offers a family atmosphere with friendly and responsive service. Menu features excellent boneless buffalo wings, impressive nachos, and amazing burgers at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great."

"I loved their American food, especially the bacon cheeseburger."

"The bar food here is great, especially the bacon cheeseburger."

Good to know

1

Bingo night happens every Tuesday with drink specials.

2

Game day specials are available during major sports events.

3

A 3% surcharge applies to credit card payments.

08
CUT 158 Chophouse image 1

Upscale steakhouse with beautiful decor and spacious, modern architecture creates an elegant atmosphere. Live jazz and opera music add a classy vibe, though volume can challenge conversation. Well-crafted cocktails and unique meats complement the refined dining experience.

Crab cakes, shrimp, steak, and scallops stand out as excellent dishes. The surf and turf option combines these elements well, and the carrot cake offers a sweet finish.

Exceptional service stands out at the bar, along with great food and drinks. Tables are available even when the main restaurant is fully booked.

People are saying

"The steak here is cooked to perfection."

"The American Food here, especially the surf and turf, is incredible."

"The food and cocktails at this Bar were superb."

Good to know

1

Live jazz performances occur every weekend, enhancing the dining experience.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant has an upscale dress code; business casual is preferred.

09
McBride's on 52 image 1
Restaurant

Large indoor space with plenty of seating and a busy outdoor patio featuring a small bar that welcomes dogs and allows smoking. Atmosphere ranges from loud and lively with reggae music and karaoke to mellow and friendly in quieter moments. The vibe leans toward a sports bar feel with TVs and casual outdoor dining.

Pot roast stands out with its extreme tenderness, rich flavor, and comes with homemade mashed potatoes and beef gravy. Hamburger and fries specials offer solid classic American fare, while pub nachos with steak and Reuben sandwiches add variety.

Small outdoor bar seats about 10 people and draws the crowd. Bar service stays friendly and efficient even when the bartender handles both bar and tables. Pub nachos with steak add a solid snack option.

People are saying

"Kryssie's food recommendations made me feel right at home."

"Our server Lily was so attentive, even when busy at the bar."

"This American food's pot roast is so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Children eat free on Wednesdays.

2

Trivia night happens from 7 to 9 pm.

3

Free poker is offered on Thursdays.

10
Anthony's Restaurant and Pub image 1

Indoor/outdoor bar with garage-style doors creates a breezy, open feel. Loud atmosphere filled with many TVs makes it a hub for watching sports and fights. Crowd tends to be lively, especially during game days, contributing to a high-energy vibe.

Mini sliders of brisket come out tender and well-seasoned. Chicken wings appear often, generally tasty but sometimes a bit overcooked. Sirloin steak serves with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Nachos and steak sandwich also show up as solid choices.

A lively spot for watching sports events like Bears games and big fights. The indoor/outdoor bar with garage-style doors opens up to a breeze, creating a relaxed vibe late into the night.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and awesome."

"The bar food here is really delicious."

"I can't wait to get another perfectly cooked steak from Anthony's."

Good to know

1

Expect a $10 cover charge during club nights.

2

Bingo games start around 7:30 PM, but check for daily availability.

3

Taco Tuesdays offer special deals, making it a popular night.

Discover more

Joliet, Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...