A mid-1800’s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today. The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and amazingly unique towns sprung up that maintain their authentic charm to this date.
Freedom. The Open Road. The American Dream. All are still alive on The Mother Road. The nostalgia of diners, museums, tourist stops and neon lights are there for you to visit as you make the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. You can still get your Kicks on Route 66!
A visit to Starved Rock State Park consists of many sights to behold, including breathtaking views of its many canyons and awe-inspiring scenes of eagles flying during the winter month.
Are you looking for a specific type of place to visit in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor? If you're a craft beer fan, you will love the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail? Seeing a thrilling journey or just an escape, check out Adventure Outside Chicago. We've got all the info to unlock your next trip right here.
Al’s Steak House is one of the oldest steak houses and upscale dining restaurants in Joliet. Al’s Steak House has a warm atmosphere and a reputation for service the best charbroiled steaks in the Chicagoland area. One of the specialty items on Al’s menu are the Grecian style stakes served with Al’s own double baked potato. Al’s also has a variety of fresh fish delivered daily to offer the tastiest meals around.
They are offering outside heated dining in their tent, as well ...
The Big Fish Grille is located at Harborside Marina in Wilmington, Illinois. Big Fish Grille is your destination for seafood. The menu centers around the freshest seafood, fish, gumbo, and jambalaya. They also offer some of the best USDA prime steaks. Save room for their mouth-watering desserts. Every person in your dining party will be sure to find something their taste buds will enjoy at Big Fish Grille.
Here's your chance to have a glass of wine or party in a newly restored historic castle. Bishops Hill is a newly-opened fully functioning winery that's a stone's throw away from Downtown Joliet.
The winery imports grapes directly from California, and use their years of wine making experience to produce the best wine possible. They are currently developing their processing tunnel using an unearthed tunnel below the castle that will keep their wines at a consistent 57 degree ...
Burger Theory in Joliet focuses on gourmet burgers. Their beef burgers are a special blend of certified angus beef chuck, brisket and short rib, served on a potato bun. Diners can even customize the meal to excite their taste buds to create the perfect meal. Save room for dessert! Signature house made mini-desserts are served in individual mason jars. Burger Theory providers diners with an open and innovative layout that meets a casual and rustic design to create a fun, inviting, ...
Chapin’s East is a beautiful upscale / casual banquet hall that can hold up to 300 guests for your wedding, rehearsal dinner, corporate meeting, and off-site catering needs. The knowledgeable and friendly staff take the stress out of the event planning and provide seamless execution of every event. Their highly regarded chef provides a wide variety of the highest quality and delectable foods. Twin Rail Pub is your favorite local pub located in the heart of Downtown Minooka. Twin ...
Charlie’s at Clow International Airport is a fun, family style restaurant with room available for private parties or corporate meetings. The best view in town- watch the planes while you dine!
Cherry Hill Café in Joliet is one of the best cafes in town. Cherry Hill Café serves lunch and dinner, but at breakfast time it is the place to be. The menu offers a variety of breakfast creations that are not only delicious but are sure to fill you up for the day. With fare so good, a dining experience at Cherry Hill Café will have you eating like a local.
Chicago St. Pub has been a staple for drinking and dining in Downtown Joliet for many years now. The perfect dinner combination is waiting for at Chicago Street Pub, a Rueben and a pint. The pub is known for their excellent dining options which include traditional Irish Fare. Chicago Street Pub is Joliet’s premiere music venue for live original music. Chicago Street Pub is favorite place for the locals to grab a drink.
CUT 158 Chophouse has a bold vision – to embody the rich tradition of the classic American steakhouse. They keep this tradition alive, but with a modern, sleek twist, bringing you an unparalleled experience every time you dine. Top quality meats grilled on a wood fire grill delivering the most amazing flavors.
Located in downtown Joliet a block from the Rialto Square Theatre and on Route 66, Cut 158 Chophouse will be the premier chophouse for Joliet.
Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket is a historic roadhouse on the famous Route 66 specializing in fried chicken and American comfort food. The Chicken Basket is the perfect stopping place if you are traveling to or coming from Chicago. Enjoy a vast array of dining pleasures including the Famous Fried Chicken in a Basket - a half fresh Grade-A chicken cut into four pieces, hand breaded, and deep fried. Grab a bite of some of the best chicken on Mother Road.
Doc Watson's Smokehouse is a family owned and operated restaurant. We serve a central Texas style BBQ. All of our meats come in fresh every week and is smoked in our wood burning smoker. We do not sauce our meats.
Dock Rotz Tavern in Minooka, Illinois provides home cooked meals, specialty drinks, and one of the best selections of craft beers in the Minooka area. The comfortable atmosphere is favorite watering hole for locals and visitors alike. Plus, there are plenty of TVs to watch the big game on. Grab your friends and stop by Dock Rotz Tavern for a drink and delicious pub food.
Garage Band Brewing is a craft brewery located in Plainfield Illinois. Our mission began as a hobby for two friends who shared a love for brewing great beer and sharing it with their friends. It has grown into a shared passion for crafting recipes and overseeing the entire brewing process, to yield the highest quality beer available anywhere.
Our primary focus is on meticulously crafting fresh, high quality American beer styles using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients. ...
Hamburgerseria is bringing back the tradition of gourmet burgers in Joliet. After a day at Chicagoland Speedway, a gourmet burger is the perfect way to refuel. Besides burgers, they also offer delicious sandwiches and desserts. With a variety of mouthwatering burgers you need something to wash them down with. Hamburgerseria features a variety of beer and wine, which pair perfectly with the burger you are eating.
Hanover & Hardy’s Public House is located inside the Holiday Inn & Suites Hotel in Bolingbrook. Whether you are in town on a family vacation or for business, this makes a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their signature dishes are their famous burgers. They will have your mouthwatering with every bit. Hanover & Hardy’s Public House is a relaxing and comfortable environment to enjoy a delicious meal and local craft beers with family and friends.
Part of the Heritage ...
The Haunted Trails of Joliet is a unique, year-round “Halloween-themed” family entertainment center. Haunted Trails specializes in family fun, birthday parties, group celebrations, company picnics and events for all ages. Fun amenities include two award winning 18-hole mini-golf courses, two go-kart tracks, plus a junior go-kart track for the little ones, laser tag, batting cages and amusement rides. The Monster’s Tomb Game Room is the place for game lovers to congregate, as ...
Hayden’s Crossing is a one-of-a-kind restaurant in Downtown Wilmington with welcoming family atmosphere. It’s family dining at its best. Everyone in your family will find something they like, from steaks, chops, hand-packed burgers and seafood to home-made soup. Make sure you leave some room for their home-made desserts, you won’t be sorry you did. For an unforgettable family meal, stop by Hayden’s Crossing.
Hickory Creek Brewing grows their own hops on their property -- Cascade, Willamette, and Centennial varieties. They use the remaining silo from the former farmstead as a support structure for the hop vines. They also have black walnut, wild pear, crab apple, and mulberry trees on our property, provides an interesting flavor to their beers. Part of the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail.
Donuts! Home Cut Donuts is Joliet’s favorite coffee and donuts headquarters since 1966. They serve over 45 varieties of donuts, eclairs, cinnamon rolls, muffins and cookies. The home-made donuts at Home Cut Donuts is exactly what your sweet tooth has been missing.
HopScotch & Vine is a fun choice for casual and social private events located in the Heart of Historic Downtown Plainfield off of Route 66 and Lincoln Highway. We are open 7 Days per week for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. We have a wonderful outdoor patio that is a wonderful place to eat or drink a cocktail at. We accept reservations as well as walk-ins and we also do take-out and catering.
We are a small business helping support other small businesses by purchasing our ...
Located in the HEART of DOWNTOWN PLAINFIELD. SW Corner of Illinois & Lockport Streets. New Irish Pub serving Irish Fare and cocktails. Upscale Lounge featuring Specialty Martinis, Cappuccino/Coffee drinks and an Outstanding line-up of fine spirits.
Located in Downtown Joliet 2 block away from the Rialto Square Theatre and Harrah's Casino at the scenic byway intersection of Route 66 and Lincoln Highway. Enjoy a variety of breakfast and lunch specialties, including pastries, sandwiches made fresh daily, delicious deserts, and our fresh brewed coffee and espresso drinks. Offering wireless internet. Available for private parties. Monday- Friday 7:00am-3:00pm.
Juliet’s restaurant in Joliet is home to the best fine dining experience, and traditional Italian Cuisine in a welcoming sports atmosphere. You will find only the finest food at Juliet’s restaurant from sandwiches and pizza to fish, pasta, and steak. Save some room to treat your sweet tooth to dessert such as chocolate mousse or tiramisu. Make your reservation now for awesome food and fine dining at Juliet’s in Downtown Joliet.
Krema Coffee House is an independent coffee house and your place to come and relax. We are located in Historic Downtown Plainfield, right off of Route 66. We are serving locally roasted, high quality 10 Drops espresso & Coffee, loose leaf teas, fresh pastries from our local bakery, panini sandwiches & salads all made with the freshest ingredients. Whether you are meeting up with friends, working on a big project for school, or looking for a place to dive into your favorite new ...
Mericha’s has been family owned since 1933. Known for their World Famous “Poor Boys”, they also have excellent fine dining options. Merichka’s cut all of their meat, grinds their own beef, and broil all of their hamburgers and steaks. Merichka’s is Will County’s landmark for fine dining.
Offering specialty coffees, desserts, and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Our secret ingredient is passion. Everyone on our team is passionate about making your time with us as great as it can be– from start to finish. We invest in quality ingredients to ensure our customers get the great taste we’re famous for. Because we believe that you deserve the best.
So many of the greatest beers in the world were markers on the journey to brew beer ourselves. They are instructive. They are canon. And we find enjoyment in devoting ourselves to the quest of their honorable replication.
But we also love a good glitch.
Riffing on tradition and interpreting styles in a new way enables Miskatonic to tilt the board and brew with a twist. It’s their way of exploring the curiosities that make beer a constantly evolving idea.
But who knows ...
MyGrain Brewing is a brewpub located in the historical Joliet Union train station. They offer many craft beer styles as well as great food and an upbeat atmosphere. MyGrain Brewing is a popular destination for Will County area craft beer enthusiasts. MyGrain is more than a brewery, they also serve delicious food such as burgers, reubens, wings, steak and tacos. If you are in Downtown Joliet looking for a good bite and a cold micro-brew, then this is the place.
Part of the Heritage ...
Nelly’s Restaurant on Route 66 is “Home of The Best DAM” burgers, beef, hot dogs, fresh cut fries, onion rings, and pulled pork in the Chicagoland area. Though Nelly’s burgers, Vienna hot dogs, and sandwiches are all amazing, their star dish would be the pulled pork. Nelly’s will never fail to stratify your taste buds and is a great place to eat with the locals.
Nelly's Restaurant on Route 66 is located next to RT 66 Old School Brewing on historic Route 66 in Wilmington and ...
Old Log Cabin in Pontiac, Illinois is one of the oldest restaurants located on Historic Route 66. Enjoy the quaintness of the dining room or sit out on the patio watching the views of the “Mother Road”. Grab a seat at the full service bar next to a local and learn all about the history of Route 66. People from all over the world have stopped at the Old Log Cabin for a home cooked meal and each visit they are made to feel right at home.
Get your kicks with an old fashioned milk shake on Route 66 at Old Route 66 Family Restaurant. The family restaurant not only provides great service but serves delicious reubens, melts, wraps, burgers & salads. Old Route 66 Family Restaurant is one of the top 10 Route 66 restaurants to dine at. Next time you are driving along the “Mother Road” Route 66, make a pit stop for a home cooked meal at Old Route 66 Family Restaurant.
Opera House Steak and Seafood is a fun choice for casual and social private events located in the Heart of Historic Downtown Plainfield off of Route 66 and Lincoln Highway. The Opera House building was built after the 1898 fire and recently restored and is one of the most architecturally significant and prominent buildings in Downtown Plainfield. Immerse yourself in their classic ambiance and suburb cuisine from Executive Chef Nick Dispenza. They specialize in Steak and Seafood.
They ...
Owner Eric Schmidt started to forge his appreciation of beer while managing a college bar. It was his first time stepping outside of the traditional “macro brew” world in order to learn more about different styles and how beers were marketed and arrived at the bars he worked at.
From here, Eric began home-brewing as a hobby. The first batch, an attempt at replicating a popular cranberry lambic, was an epic fail. But as he gained experience in brewing, he gained more of an appreciate ...
Pesciolino Osteria is an Italian restaurant featuring authentic handmade pasta, fresh seafood, house-made mozzarella and other Italian delights. Each dish is handcrafted with the finest ingredients. Enjoy their signature cocktails, excellent wine selection and artisanal dishes in an intimate setting with a modern rustic vibe. For the best fine Italian dining in the Chicagoland area, make it Pesciolino Osteria.
PK UnKorked Wine Shop and Tasting Room is perfectly located right on the square in historic Downtown Pontiac, Illinois just off of the famous Route 66. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in their cozy lounge area sipping on one of over 100 wines while overlooking Downtown Pontiac. No Route 66 journey is complete without trying their Route 66 labeled wine, you won’t be disappointed and you may even bring some home with you to remember your journey.
One of the most memorable attractions along Route 66 is the Polk-a-Dot Drive In. Once you enter the Drive In you will instantly be sent back into the 1950s. Not only will you enjoy a great meal in a family atmosphere, you can peruse through memorabilia from 50s and Route 66. Every table is equipped with its own table side jukebox, just like the sock hop days. It is acceptable to take pictures while dining at the Polk-a-Dot Drive In as there are many Instagram worthy photo opportunities.
Are you looking for freshly popped gourmet popcorn? Well, you have found it! Popus Gourmet Popcorn is a family owned gourmet popcorn shop, with fresh warm cheese, caramel, kettle corn, movie b utter and other delicious flavors.
Historical Wedding & Event venue located in the heart of Downtown Joliet accommodating 50-400 guests, offering free parking, old world charm and the historical character your guests will be racing about. Celebrate in luxury and unique ambiance with out extensive gourmet menu, wide variety of choices and sparkling granite cocktail bar. Magnificent grant staircase leading up to the ballroom, open air terrace and patio balcony.
This place is typical of ice cream shops that dotted Route 66 in its heyday, when Broadway was a leg of the highway in Joliet. City leaders restored Rich & Creamy back to its retro appearance from its heyday. Jake and Elwood, “The Blues Brothers,” dance atop the tower wrapped in neon lights.
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 am-9 pm, Sunday Noon – 9 pm. Open until 10 pm during warm-weather months.
Route 66 Food N Fuel is ideally situated along Route 66 on the southern edge of Joliet near the Chicagoland Speedway. Have your camera ready. Route 66 Food N Fuel features a 1974 Plymouth Fury III “Bluesmobile” resting upon a pole with Jake and Elwood in the care, it’s the prefect Instagram worthy shot. It is a popular photo opportunity while cruising along the “Mother Road” Route 66. The Route 66 Food N Fuel has everything you need for your journey from Pop’s Italian Beef & ...
Rt 66 Old School Brewing is located on Route 66 and next to the Kankakee River. It is just steps from Water Street in Wilmington and located next to Nelly's Restaurant on Route 66. Stop in to try an ice cold beer in this new brewery.
Proud owners Steve & Tina Nelson had a vision several years ago and FINALLY made it a reality. Steve and Tina are TRUE lovers of beer. Everywhere they travel, they checkout all the local breweries. That got them thinking to open a small hometown ...
Skeleton Key Brewery is a micro and craft brewery incubator in Woodridge, Illinois. Skeleton Key Brewing is a community hub for craft beer lovers. A brewery incubator is a place where someone who wants to open a brewery can get hands-on, immersive experience with the actual day-to-day of running a brewery and taproom. Their taproom is one such door, through which you can find delicious beer, camaraderie and community. Their classes are another, through which you can develop an ...
The Corner Tap serves food and offers video gaming, 8 TVS and 5 bar pool tables. The bar is also A.B.A.T.E members and have APA and ACS pool leagues on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The Great American Bagel in Joliet is an award-winning bagel bakery and deli concept specializing in big, fresh bagels mixed from scratch and steam-baked daily. Whether it’s their homemade, hand-packed cream cheese varieties, made-to-order deli sandwiches or signature line of Tomazzo pizza bagels, their bagels appeal to all taste buds. The Great American Bagel also serves savory soups and fresh salads. Before heading to Chicagoland Speedway for the big race, swing by The Great ...
The Launching Pad Restaurant on Route 66 is most known for the 30-foot tall spaceman, The Gemini Giant, that stands outside of it. The Launching Pad serves a great Route 66 inspired menu featuring ranging from the always popular hotdog to healthy options like gluten free pizza. Make sure to say hello to Holly or Tully!
The Wine Cafe in Wilmington offers a large variety of wine, beer, and cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere. The cafe offers a private gaming room and entertainment every Saturday night as well as a variety of other events. Wine bottles and gifts are also available for purchase.
Wine & Cheese Co. is a fine wine and artisan cheese shop, wine bar and cafe located in historic downtown Plainfield, IL. It's a safe haven for the clueless to the connoisseur looking to sip, nibble and enjoy. Stop in to browse our diverse selection, stay for a meal with friends and bring your favorites home to share.
FREE VISITORS GUIDE
FREE VISITORS GUIDE
