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Guide to Joliet

American food and fish

Fish prepared with care instead of being an afterthought on a meat-heavy menu.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
JD's BBQ image 1
JD's BBQ image 2
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Barbecue restaurant

Simple, spacious barbecue restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like family. Lounge and event space offer room for gatherings with TVs and a bar area. Friendly energy and good music create a relaxed vibe.

Brisket stands out with its soft texture and passes the finger test. Chicken wings and catfish come fried to perfection, fresh and crispy. Mac and cheese tastes like heaven and coleslaw is on point.

Fish comes fresh and hot with a crispy, well-seasoned coating. It pairs well with chicken and ribs, offering a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

People are saying

"These ribs just fall right off the bone."

"I found JD's BBQ to be some of the best barbecue I've ever had."

"The fried fish here is so crispy and tender."

Good to know

1

The takeout service has little to no wait, making it convenient.

2

Order in advance to avoid long wait times during peak hours.

3

JD's BBQ is open late night on Friday and Saturday for late diners.

02
All That And A Touch of Soul image 1

Small dining room with only five tables creates a cozy, down-home vibe that feels like a family gathering. Music and board games add to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The place stands out for its authentic soul food and friendly, intimate setting.

Fried chicken wings come out crispy and tender without any greasiness. Blackened catfish with grits and lemon pepper catfish pair well with classic sides like sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, greens, and cornbread.

Fish comes fried perfectly and seasoned well, standing out as the best part of the meal. Blackened fish is served with rice, often alongside soul rolls, jerk rolls, and fish and grits.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the oxtails and jerk chicken."

"You'll love the American Food, especially the creamy mac and cheese."

"The fish here is perfectly fried and well seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the meat is freshly made and takes time.

2

The restaurant closes at 7pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Expect larger portions than average, often enough for two meals.

03
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.

Fish dishes feature a crisp and crunchy coating with tender, flaky fish inside. Fish tacos offer a mild fish taste with a good batter, while fish and chips stand out as very good and well-prepared.

People are saying

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

"The brisket mac and cheese here is outstanding."

"The fish here is fresh, tasty, and has a great mild taste."

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.

04
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.

Fish fry happens on Fridays and weekends with a variety of fish options. The Ocean perch and fresh cod stand out, both seasoned well. A live DJ plays during the fish fry on weekends.

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 fish here is so fresh and seasoned well."

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.

05
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.

Baked white fish and shrimp dishes stand out with tender, melt-in-your-mouth seafood. Blackened white fish comes with steak fries, and fish sandwiches share the menu with steak and pork options.

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 baked white fish dish is so good, it melts in your mouth."

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.

06
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.

Fish and chips come in large portions with a crispy texture when fresh. Fish tacos also appear on the menu. Quality and portion size can vary, sometimes resulting in soggy fish and smaller servings.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great."

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

"I loved the fish and chips, they were so crispy and generously portioned."

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.

07
White Fence Farm image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers takeout only with huge portions and crispy fried chicken prepared through a special cooking process. Ambiance feels quaint and nostalgic, reminiscent of a grandmother's house. It stands out above fast food chains with a loyal following despite some changes in menu items.

Fried chicken stands out with its light and crunchy breading and stays tender and crispy. Sides like creamy coleslaw and kidney bean salad complement the meal well.

Fried fish stands out with its outstanding flavor and delicious taste. Options include shrimp and cod, adding variety to the seafood selection.

People are saying

"This American food's fried chicken is the best, juicy and tender."

"I thought the fried fish was outstanding."

"I loved the mashed potatoes; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers takeout only.

2

The typical chicken takes 13-15 minutes in the oil with the skin on.

3

The meal deal includes 1/2 a chicken with 2 sides and corn fritters.

08
Knights of Columbus 4400 image 1
Fraternal organization

Fraternal organization hall offers a working-class atmosphere with a staple cultural vibe of southwest Chicago. The space feels unpretentious and cozy, often crowded and a bit stuffy during busy times. It draws crowds for sports viewing of local teams, creating lively energy around game days.

Cod fish comes with a vinegar and oil-based coleslaw that stays true to its original recipe. Fried chicken also features on the menu, though the coleslaw can sometimes be over salted.

Cod fish stays consistent and flavorful for over three decades. The fish fry pairs well with a vinegar and oil-based coleslaw and avoids any raw smell.

People are saying

"I've never had cod fish this delicious anywhere else."

"I always enjoyed their cod fish and coleslaw, a classic American Food."

"These dinner spots took me back to a simpler time."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times on Fish Fry Fridays due to high demand.

2

Prices have increased following recent remodeling.

3

The atmosphere can get stuffy during busy hours.

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.

Fish and chips come out perfect and crispy. Fridays offer unlimited fish fry with delicious, well-prepared fish.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the fish fry was the best in the area."

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.

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Joliet, Illinois

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