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Authentic Mexican place in Joliet. It isn't hard to find these places but it's harder to find good ones. The Blue Taco is one of these. Quality food for a good price and a pretty casual atmosphere. Some good choices for vegetarians. I like how it actually looks like a cantina. Looks like you could be in Mexico if you didn't know. The menu has authentic items beyond just tacos. Much better than going to some crappy Americanized establishment. Of course you need a beverage and you're in luck. Good Mexican beer. It's $3 for cans. There's Corona of course and also Modelo. Few vegetarian choices. The ones they have are good though. Big portions. There's a Veggie Taco. It's $3 each. This is much bigger than those puny street tacos at hipster places. A lot of authentic food. It feels like actually eating somewhere in Mexico. They have much beyond typical burritos and have more authentic items such as tortas.
I stopped in for lunch and was feed one of my best meals in my life. I had a change to talk with the owners about the food and quality of ingredents that they hand select. Very impressed that in the middle of Illinois there lays a gem of a Chief cooking in a small restaurant. I learned that there is a secret item that's not on the menu called the Airborne Taco......
There are so so many taco's I want to try here. The Elote and the bruschetta were excellent as but if I had to choose the Cuban is the one I would order first. There are like 15-20 other options as well so I can't wait to be back in the area. The owners were extremely nice and friendly, overall this was just a great experience.
I had to be in Joliet for a couple of weeks for work and had early dinner here twice. Each time I had the shrimp ceviche bowl. This was good and well seasoned. My only complaint is that I had to remove the tails myself and this was messy. The staff here are nice and the food was prepared quickly. I did not drink, but noticed the bottles of beer are cheap. This was an easy and relaxed post-work hangout spot where I will go again when I need to be back in town.
I have spent the past few days in the Joliet area for some work training and have been poking around for some places to eat. This place was suggested to me by a local of the area and I was really impressed. I am a bit of a self proclaimed taco snob and had some reservations about going here for tacos. It was a very enjoyable lunch and I would easily come back here again. In fact, it was darn good and I may even drive back. The place is located in downtown Joliet. There is plenty of street parking and it's not that expensive. Make sure to feed the meter because there are parking tickets issued. The employees are very friendly, the establishment is very clean, the decor is cool and the prices are reasonable. I ordered two tacos. I tried a ground beef taco and a steak taco (wish I pushed envelope a bit). They were very good and I enjoyed them. Larger than I expected, definitely not a street taco. Very good quality of meat and seasoning. I didn't add salsa or hot sauce but you can if you'd like. Overall I was really happy with my meal and would go back.
It is not very often that I eat at a restaurant, admittedly somewhat cautiously, and end up having my world flipped upside down. I never thought I would find a restaurant with a better taco than Bien Trucha in Geneva, they have reigned king for 15 years.... until today. The Blue Taco and Chef Thomas have just re-defined what I consider "craft" taco supremacy! (not to be confused with traditional mexican cuisine). What he does with his tacos is closer to fine art than cooking. The combination of flavors that he fits into a flour or corn (or preferably blue corn) tortilla is mind-bending. I ordered the following tacos, Caribbean Jerk with Pork, the Cuban with Pork, the Pork Belly, and the Elote. I give each of them five stars for creativity, portion (huge), flavor and price. I simply cannot wait to return to try the other zillion things they have on their menu!!! Words of advice.... 1. This area of downtown is not that shady... and even if it was, this place is well worth risking your life to eat at! 2. Get over yourself... the restaurant is not fancy, it is simple and without much fanfare, this means NOTHING once the grub hits your tongue! 3. Check for hours of operation... Thomas is open at different times/days seasonally so you may go taco-less if you just chance it. 4. His staff taking orders are young high school and/or college students. They are not going to tickle your butthole like a hostess at a five star restaurant. 5. At times, you will wait for your food, that is usually a good thing. Long lines means people eat there, and intricate food prepared slowly is the only way to create the flavors Thomas offers. If you claim to be a taco connoisseur or a foodie, live in Illinois, and have ANY reason to be within 20 miles of Chef Thomas and The Blue Taco you need to make it happen. Your Craft Taco expectations will never be the same!!
I had the privilege to join one of our local Bar Assoc during a reception for their 2018 scholarship recipient at the Blue Taco. We enjoyed a feast of empanadas, quesadillas, tostadas, salsa, guacamole and fruit. The food is definitely homemade and the little storefront restaurant was warm and inviting! The location loses a star due to the restroom situation. The entire building shares a common bathroom and it is terrible. But the quality of food and great customer service makes the Blue Taco a great destination for local Mexican-fare!
3 months ago
2 years ago
I ordered the Carribean Jerk Chicken Bowl, which, I have to say, was one of the best things I have tasted in a long time. This was delicious, a filling portion, the perfect mix between salty, spicy, and sweet, and something just a little different than you would see at most places. The interior was brightly painted and gave off tropical vibes. The shared (with the rest of the building) bathroom is old and run down, but you can tell that the restaurant cares, as they provide a basket with tropical silk flowers and their own soap. If the building owner provided a nicer core, this could be a five star rating. It's clear the restaurant cares and is excited about what they do! read more
10 months ago
1 year ago
6 months ago
1 year ago
The food is super good, the chicken and potato taco was great- my husband really enjoyed his Cuban taco. The lady who was running the orders for the food truck was super kind as well. 10/10 would recommend. read more
Authentic Mexican place in Joliet. It isn't hard to find these places but it's harder to find good ones. The Blue Taco is one of these. Quality food for a good price and a pretty casual atmosphere. Some good choices for vegetarians. I like how it actually looks like a cantina. Looks like you could be in Mexico if you didn't know. The menu has authentic items beyond just tacos. Much better than going to some crappy Americanized establishment. Of course you need a beverage and you're in luck. Good Mexican beer. It's $3 for cans. There's Corona of course and also Modelo. Few vegetarian choices. The ones they have are good though. Big portions. There's a Veggie Taco. It's $3 each. This is much bigger than those puny street tacos at hipster places. A lot of authentic food. It feels like actually eating somewhere in Mexico. They have much beyond typical burritos and have more authentic items such as tortas. read more
1 year ago
I stopped in for lunch and was feed one of my best meals in my life. I had a change to talk with the owners about the food and quality of ingredents that they hand select. Very impressed that in the middle of Illinois there lays a gem of a Chief cooking in a small restaurant. I learned that there is a secret item that's not on the menu called the Airborne Taco...... read more
There are so so many taco's I want to try here. The Elote and the bruschetta were excellent as but if I had to choose the Cuban is the one I would order first. There are like 15-20 other options as well so I can't wait to be back in the area. The owners were extremely nice and friendly, overall this was just a great experience. read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
I had to be in Joliet for a couple of weeks for work and had early dinner here twice. Each time I had the shrimp ceviche bowl. This was good and well seasoned. My only complaint is that I had to remove the tails myself and this was messy. The staff here are nice and the food was prepared quickly. I did not drink, but noticed the bottles of beer are cheap. This was an easy and relaxed post-work hangout spot where I will go again when I need to be back in town. read more
I have spent the past few days in the Joliet area for some work training and have been poking around for some places to eat. This place was suggested to me by a local of the area and I was really impressed. I am a bit of a self proclaimed taco snob and had some reservations about going here for tacos. It was a very enjoyable lunch and I would easily come back here again. In fact, it was darn good and I may even drive back. The place is located in downtown Joliet. There is plenty of street parking and it's not that expensive. Make sure to feed the meter because there are parking tickets issued. The employees are very friendly, the establishment is very clean, the decor is cool and the prices are reasonable. I ordered two tacos. I tried a ground beef taco and a steak taco (wish I pushed envelope a bit). They were very good and I enjoyed them. Larger than I expected, definitely not a street taco. Very good quality of meat and seasoning. I didn't add salsa or hot sauce but you can if you'd like. Overall I was really happy with my meal and would go back. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
It is not very often that I eat at a restaurant, admittedly somewhat cautiously, and end up having my world flipped upside down. I never thought I would find a restaurant with a better taco than Bien Trucha in Geneva, they have reigned king for 15 years.... until today. The Blue Taco and Chef Thomas have just re-defined what I consider "craft" taco supremacy! (not to be confused with traditional mexican cuisine). What he does with his tacos is closer to fine art than cooking. The combination of flavors that he fits into a flour or corn (or preferably blue corn) tortilla is mind-bending. I ordered the following tacos, Caribbean Jerk with Pork, the Cuban with Pork, the Pork Belly, and the Elote. I give each of them five stars for creativity, portion (huge), flavor and price. I simply cannot wait to return to try the other zillion things they have on their menu!!! Words of advice.... 1. This area of downtown is not that shady... and even if it was, this place is well worth risking your life to eat at! 2. Get over yourself... the restaurant is not fancy, it is simple and without much fanfare, this means NOTHING once the grub hits your tongue! 3. Check for hours of operation... Thomas is open at different times/days seasonally so you may go taco-less if you just chance it. 4. His staff taking orders are young high school and/or college students. They are not going to tickle your butthole like a hostess at a five star restaurant. 5. At times, you will wait for your food, that is usually a good thing. Long lines means people eat there, and intricate food prepared slowly is the only way to create the flavors Thomas offers. If you claim to be a taco connoisseur or a foodie, live in Illinois, and have ANY reason to be within 20 miles of Chef Thomas and The Blue Taco you need to make it happen. Your Craft Taco expectations will never be the same!! read more
I had the privilege to join one of our local Bar Assoc during a reception for their 2018 scholarship recipient at the Blue Taco. We enjoyed a feast of empanadas, quesadillas, tostadas, salsa, guacamole and fruit. The food is definitely homemade and the little storefront restaurant was warm and inviting! The location loses a star due to the restroom situation. The entire building shares a common bathroom and it is terrible. But the quality of food and great customer service makes the Blue Taco a great destination for local Mexican-fare! read more
6 years ago
11 years ago
I do not think I have verbally said "Mmmmm, YUM!" As many times as I did out loud in a Long Long time. Seriously, this place had me savoring each and every bite of these unique fusion tacos. This is not your everyday taco joint; this is a special place that you must try. You must be spontaneous and step out of your comfort zone and order some of the tacos that are not your typical choices. Trust me. This place has instantly become a MUST-HAVE place that I look forward to returning to very soon. read more
6 years ago
4 years ago
8 years ago
A must stop for anyone in the area. They have excellent food, for great prices! They're menu is unlike any I've seen- very unique tacos. They're chips and salsa are to die for! Truly a one of a kind experience. read more
6 years ago
5 years ago
7 years ago
4 years ago
8 years ago
6 years ago
12 years ago
12 years ago
So I promised my cousin when I come back into town I'm going to try this place out. I'm working in Michigan right now and I decided drive down to see my mom but before stopping in to see her I stopped here first. I came in and surprise my cousin who happen to be sitting at the table by the cash register my other cousin actually owns this joint. I don't pull any punches even if we're related so had to talk first and reminisce eat second. So my cousin Boo the owner fix 'd me up three tacos on a plate and yes they are wrapped in blue taco soft shells. So yeah I don't pull punches on my Yelp page but this food was great!!! I had three different versions of the tacos he has on his menu. I had a season shrimp taco, battered fish taco and a grilled fish taco... All 3 Dynamite ...the seasoning was outstanding again I know we're related but this place is Very Good. My cousins Chef training on the East Coast really paid off and it shows in his food and in his presentation. If you live in the area or just passing through you got to stop here and eat that's all I got to say. This place is great hands down!!! read more
8 years ago
12 years ago
11 years ago
Visited this place on my lunch break, ordered the chef special, pork taco on corn tortilla, and black beans. The tacos are good, kinda had a tangy taste to it and a bit bland, needed more salt as well as the potatoes in the taco I came at 11:20ish, so had opened not too long ago, so no rush or crowd. I may come here again but buy something cheaper.btw, my odder was $9.88 for the special. read more
9 years ago
9 years ago
10 years ago
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More info about The Blue Taco
79 N Chicago St
Joliet, IL 60432
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(815) 514-1139
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