15 Romantic Restaurants in Joliet, IL (Date-Night Spots)
Joliet is a small city thirty-five miles south of the mega-metropolis Chicago. But this tiny gem has plenty of sights and restaurants to draw locals and people down from the big city for a visit.
The best romantic restaurants in Joliet, IL have an intimate ambiance, feel-good food, and offer scenic water views near the Illinois and Michigan canal.
Romantic Restaurants in Joliet
1. Urban Kitchen Restaurant
Prices: $
Best for: Frist Date
Location:2424 Plainfield Rd
Urban Kitchen Restaurant is an excellent first-date restaurant in Joliet. It is casual and affordable and serves delicious Mexican-American food. Because of its casual, relaxed vibe, it is the perfect spot to meet someone you met on a Joilet dating app.
Urban Kitchen food is made to order, so it’s always delicious and fresh tasting. Open from 7 am to 9 pm; it’s a great spot for a breakfast, lunch, or dinner date.
2. Girl in the Park
Prices: $$
Best for: Gluten-Free & Vegan Options
Location: 11265 W. 159th Street, Orland Park
Girl in the Park is a gorgeous, modern pub with heated outdoor seating. There is a huge bar with ample seating, and the bartenders serve top-notch hand-crafted cocktails. This trendy gastro pub is the perfect spot for a romantic Joliet date.
The menu features gluten-free and vegan options. In addition, girl in the Park hosts lives bands every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, with Happy Hour Wednesday through Friday 3-5 pm. and the perfect spot for a lite bite.
3. Embers
Prices: $$
Best for: Outdoor Seating with a View
Location: 933 S. State St.
Embers is a superb place to meet singles or eat on a first date. It has heated outdoor seating and a view of the I&M Canal. The bar is open until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays, so it is a lovely spot for a late-night drink.
The menu features several gluten-free and vegetarian options. Additionally, there is ample street parking, so you’ll never struggle to find a spot close to the restaurant.
4. Tallgrass
Prices: $$$$
Best for: Beautiful Plating
Location: 1006 S. State St.
Tallgrass is a dining institution that has been open for over forty years and is a guaranteed romantic dinner in Joliet. The plating of the food is superb and beautiful, so lovely you may wish to avoid eating it and messing up the remarkable designs the chefs create.
Guests can choose from a three, four, five, or even seven-course menu, or, on occasion, the chiefs offer one of the best tasting menus in the area.
5. One Eleven Wine & Martini Parlour
Prices: $$
Best for: Craft Drinks
Location: 111 Stephen St.
One Eleven Wine & Martini Parlour is a unique Joliet date night restaurant. Their bartenders create delicious hand-crafted cocktails and unique seasonal drinks. In addition, one Eleven offers a self-service wine bar where guests can create their own wine flights.
Their menu features signature and seasonal martinis like the Salted Caramel Martini, Lemon Drop Martini, and Sour Apple Martini. Fresh charcuterie and cheese boards pair well with their delicious drinks. The posh, elegant atmosphere ranks it among the best date night restaurants in Joliet.
6. 933 Speakeasy
Prices: $$
Best for: Cocktails
Location: 933 S. State St., 3rd Floor (Above Embers)
933 Speakeasy is an old-fashioned, 1920s-style prohibition club. It is a quiet restaurant in Joliet with a unique atmosphere and fun, stylish vibe. 933 Speakeasy is open Thursdays 5 pm – 11 pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 pm – 2 am.
This cozy 3rd-floor bar has skilled bartenders who craft delicious cocktails you’ll enjoy sipping in the gently lit art deco environment. 933 is located on the 3rd floor above Embers restaurant.
7. Al’s Steakhouse
Prices: $$
Best for: Steak Dinner
Location: 1990 W. Jefferson St.
Al’s Steakhouse is the best date night restaurant in Joliet for a steak dinner. Al’s is a traditional-style steakhouse with cloth tablecloths and leather booths. The interior is warm and inviting, and the attentive staff will ensure your date night is perfect.
In addition to delicious steaks, Al’s serves seafood, salads, and sandwiches. In addition, they have an extensive wine list and many delicious desserts. Al’s may not be an incredibly fancy restaurant in Joliet, but it’s perfect for a casual, romantic meal.
8. CUT158 Chophouse
Prices: $$$$
Best for: Live Music
Location: 110 N. Chicago St.
CUT158 is one of the best romantic restaurants in Joliet. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, there is live jazz music from 6 pm to 9 pm. CUT158 has a strict dress code to maintain a romantic and elegant atmosphere.
CUT158 is a nice restaurant in Joliet to enjoy a craft cocktail and a delicious meal. Some of their unique drinks include Bogart’s Revenge, Grapefruit and Rose, and Baltimore Fuerte.
The attentive staff, delicious food, and lively jazz make this the perfect spot for a fun date night.
9. The Southern Cafe
Prices: $$
Best for: Brunch or Lunch Date
Location: 1819 Knapp Road
The Southern Cafe is the perfect spot for a romantic brunch or lunch date. Open daily from 6:30 am to 3 pm; this romantic lunch date restaurant serves delicious, hearty lunch and brunch favorites.
Their chocolate chip cookie dough smoothie is delicious, and unlike anything, you’ll find anywhere else. The menu changes every few weeks, with rotating weekly specials. The “build your own omelet” option is a popular choice.
10. Wooden Paddle
Prices: $$
Best for: Pizza
Location: 212 Stephen St.
Wooden Paddle is a romantic Italian restaurant in Joliet, especially if you love wood-fired pizza. The interior is stunning yet sleek. Dark emerald green walls, gorgeous wooden tables, and a giant wood-fired oven with modern light fixtures add to the romantic ambiance.
The Wooden Paddle has a full bar with craft cocktails, beer options, and wine. Start your meal with a cheese and meat plate and finish with a sampling of their decadent gelatos.
11. La Dolce Vita
Prices: $$$
Best for: Dark, Cozy Lighting
Location: 16108 S. Rt. 59
The relaxing, inviting, dark, rustic interior of La Dolce Vita is just the beginning of what makes it one of the most romantic restaurants in Joliet. The food is delicious and fresh, and an outdoor terrace is an attractive option for outdoor dining.
Hearty Italian favorites are served to couples as they cozy up in private, romantic booths. Black and white photographs line the walls, and warmly colored light fixtures create romantic lighting.
12. Cooper’s Hawk Winery
Prices: $$
Best for: Wine Lovers
Location: 2307 E. Lincoln Hwy
Wine lovers will enjoy a romantic dinner at Cooper’s Hawk Winery. Cooper’s Hawk is a beautiful modern restaurant in Joliet. It is the perfect spot for a romantic first date dinner or a special occasion meal.
The winery serves dozens of wines, has an extensive gluten-free menu, and has happy hour every Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 5 pm with wine, cocktails, and food specials. Happy Hour is the perfect time to snag a drink before your dinner reservation.
13. The Reserve
Prices: $$$
Best for:
Location: 151 N. Joliet St.
The Reserve is part of Harrah’s casino and is ideal for romantic dining in Joliet. The Reserve is warm and inviting, with dark wood paneling and beautiful light structures. While The Reserve is a steak house, their burgers, seafood, and desserts are also not to be missed.
After enjoying your delicious dinner, head into the casino for a fun night of table games, slots, or live music. The Reserve is open Thursday through Sunday.
14. Juliet’s Tavern
Prices: $$
Best for: Rooftop Dining
Location: 205 N Chicago St.
Juliet’s Tavern is a gem in Joliet that provides a romantic dinner with a view. However, if you dine inside instead of out, you’ll be surrounded by dark wood features, brick walls, and romantic lighting. Juliet’s also has a late-night menu with sliders and flatbreads.
The dinner menu includes comfort foods like pasta, sandwiches, and dinner salads. In addition, guests rate their steaks as among the best in Joliet. Juliet’s is a romantic rooftop restaurant in Joliet for a delightful night out!
15. Bishop Hill Winery
Prices: $$
Best for: Wine Tasting
Location: 310 Bridge St.
Bishop Hill Winery is a beautiful spot for romantic dining in Joliet. Wine tastings can be paired with charcuterie boards or pizzas, and guests receive 9 1-ounce pours. You can purchase additional full glasses once you taste a favorite!
The romantic stone mansion turned winery is one of the best date restaurants in Joliet for a relaxing and fun evening. Bishop Hill is open Thursdays through Sundays with varying hours. Reservations are recommended but not required.
