My Top Five Recent Eats

Within the past year, I have developed a newfound passion for food. Yeah everyone likes food, but I reeeeeeally like food. Don’t get me wrong I have always loved eating, but it wasn’t until I moved to Joliet that I found a passion for exploring new, local cuisine. I have decided to compile a list of my all-time favorite eats within a 22-mile radius of the Joliet area. Ranging from Palos Heights to Yorkville, these are my top five recent eats:

5. Harvest Room

Photo Courtesy of Chicago Now

Located in Palos Heights, this modern diner puts a twist on all typical classic dishes. Harvest room not only sources primarily local ingredients, but they also offer vegan, meatless, and gluten-free menus to accommodate different diets. Although a little on the pricey side for diner food, all of their plates are rich and filling, leaving you wanting more, but questioning if you really need it.

Pros: Vegan-friendly menus that even non-vegans will love

Cons: A bit pricey and out of the way of the Joliet area

Favorite Dish: Quinoa Cobb Salad

4. Joy Yee

Next up is a spot I recently discovered a couple years ago. Residing in Tinley Park, this chain has locations in Naperville, Evanston, and several in Chicago. Around me, Joy Yee was known for its fruit freezes, which are their fresh fruit smoothies. They offer a variety of different bubble teas accompanied by an abundance of authentic Chinese cuisine.

Pros: The fruit freeze drinks, quick service, and large portions

Cons: The menu is far too long (no really, it's over 6 pages long)

Favorite Dish: Beef Brisket Udon Noodles

3. Capri Sogno

This polished Italian restaurant is exactly what you might expect to find in downtown Plainfield. Although the interior screams “expensive”, you’d be surprised to know that most of their plates are under $20. Talk about a cheap date! This restaurant became the go-to place for my birthday dinner, three years running! This place has yet to let me down, constantly serving up great authentic Italian food.

Pros: Amazing Italian food,

Cons: Menu is shorter than more

Favorite Dish: Rigatoni Vita Mia (Try substituting the Rigatoni for gnocchi, you won't regret it!)

2. Crusade Burger

If you’re looking for a freaky cool burger joint, I’ve got just the place for you. Crusade Burger in Yorkville features some of the greatest burgers you will ever try. With fresh buns baked daily and weekly specials that will blow your mind, this place should make it onto your food bucket list. To finish off your meal, they have mason jar milkshakes piled high with sweet treats such as donuts, cookies, pop tarts, or slices of cake and pie!

Pros: The weekly specials, out of this world burgers, hard rock atmosphere

Cons: The wait is always 45+ minutes

Favorite Dish: The Dirty [burger] and the loaded nachos with pulled pork

1. Freedom Brothers Pizza

Now for the grand finale, let’s get that bread. Literally! Freedom Brothers Pizza in Plainfield has some of the best ‘za I’ve ever tasted. With a cool-hip vibe, the restaurant is adorned with images of rock legends such as Bowie and Ozzie. My personal favorite is the over three-foot tall photo of Dave Grohl hanging above the pizza oven. This rock and roll theme follows through to their menu with items being named after bands, concert venues, and solo artists. If you take anything away from this review, you MUST get “the grateful bread” as an appetizer. I promise you this cheese bread does not disappoint, you will become obsessed with this cheesy app.

Pros: THE GRATEFUL BREAD, the atmosphere

Cons: dinner time rush hour, fresh food takes longer to cook

Favorite Dish: My go to order when I come here with my boyfriend is two orders of grateful bread, an Aerosmith pizza sans arugula. This order used to include an order of kids mac n cheese but it has recently been taken off the menu