The Best Bars in Joliet [Updated 2025]

From cozy lounges to lively taverns, Joliet offers a diverse selection of venues that cater to every taste.

I've painstakingly reviewed twelve spots that truly stand out, each with its own unique charm and atmosphere.

Whether you're after craft cocktails, local brews, or a vibrant night out with friends, there's something here for everyone.

Join me as I take you through my top picks that promise unforgettable nights and great memories in the heart of Joliet!

Chicago Street Pub

Highlights
Efficient and friendly staff
Excellent food options
Convenient theater location
Good beer and cocktail selection
Fair pricing

Chicago Street Pub is a true gem nestled in the heart of Joliet, and my visit was nothing short of delightful. Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the efficiency and warmth of the staff. They whisked me to my table with a smile, setting a friendly tone that made me feel right at home.

The menu boasts an impressive array of delicious food options that cater to diverse tastes. I indulged in their signature burger, which was cooked to perfection, juicy, and packed with flavor. It paired magnificently with a cold brew from their well-curated selection of beers and cocktails, each promising to quench even the most discerning of palates.

What I particularly appreciated about Chicago Street Pub is its convenient location near the local theater, making it an ideal stop for a pre-show meal or drink. And let’s not forget the affordability—the prices are refreshingly reasonable for the quality offered.

In essence, I found myself savoring the perfect blend of great food, inviting atmosphere, and attentive service. If you’re in Joliet, this pub deserves a spot on your must-visit list!

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Anthony's Restaurant and Pub

Highlights
Delicious tacos
Great options for lunch/dinner
Full service bar
Excellent daily specials
Friendly service

Anthony's Restaurant and Pub is a delightful spot that perfectly captures the heart of Joliet's bar scene. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere and a friendly smile that set the tone for my visit. The full service bar offers an impressive selection of drinks, making it the ideal destination to unwind after a long day.

I couldn't resist trying the delicious tacos, which have quickly become one of the restaurant’s standout dishes. Each bite was bursting with flavor, and they paired fantastically with one of their daily drink specials—an unexpected pairing that turned out to be a match made in heaven!

Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, Anthony's has great options to cater to every palate. The excellent daily specials keep things interesting and encourage repeat visits, as there's always something new to discover.

In the crowded field of Joliet bars, Anthony's stands out not just for its tasty offerings but also for its commitment to friendly service. If you’re in the area, this gem is a must-visit!

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Judge's Bar - Joliet

Highlights
Reasonable prices
Friendly atmosphere
Great drink selection

First off, the prices here are beyond reasonable. I felt like I was getting a steal for the quality of drinks and atmosphere. The friendly atmosphere was welcoming from the moment I walked in. The bartenders were quick to greet me with a smile and offer up their great drink selection.

Speaking of which, Judge's Bar has a fantastic drink menu that caters to all tastes. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet or sour, they have your back. But don't be afraid to ask for something off-menu - they can whip up any cocktail you desire.

The bar itself is cozy, with dim lighting that sets a relaxing mood. It's perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a solo drink after work. Plus, there's always something going on at Judge's Bar - from trivia nights to live music performances.

Overall, Judge's Bar - Joliet is a must-visit spot if you're looking for an enjoyable night out without breaking the bank. I highly recommend stopping by and experiencing it yourself!

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Double J Sports Bar

Highlights
Amazing Bartender
Cozy Patio
Weekend Live Music

Firstly, I must say that the bartender at Double J Sports Bar is nothing less than amazing. He was friendly, efficient and always made sure my drink was full.

While sipping my drink, I ventured outside to the cozy patio, which was perfect for enjoying a summer evening with friends. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, making it easy to strike up conversations with other patrons.

But what really impressed me was their weekend live music. It added a unique touch to the overall experience and made me feel like I was part of something special. The band played classic rock tunes that had everyone singing along.

Overall, Double J Sports Bar is a great place to unwind after a long day or catch up with friends over a few drinks. The combination of an amazing bartender, cozy patio, and live music make it one of the best bars in Joliet that should not be missed!

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On The Rocks Joliet

Highlights
Fun crowd
Great bartenders
Karaoke nights
Crazy bloodies
DJ with best music

The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a fun crowd that made me feel right at home. The bartenders were amazing and made some of the best drinks I've ever had. But the real highlight of the night was their karaoke nights! The atmosphere was electric as people took turns belting out their favorite songs.

One drink that stood out to me was their crazy bloodies - they really know how to mix things up! And if you're a fan of good music, you'll be pleased to know that they have a DJ who plays the best tunes all night long.

Overall, On The Rocks Joliet is definitely one of my top picks for the best bars in Joliet. Their friendly staff, lively atmosphere, and great drinks make it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to have a good time. Don't miss out on this gem!

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Fritz's Pour House Bar

Highlights
Great food
Perfect atmosphere
Generous portions
Made from scratch
Cozy setting

First of all, let me tell you that Fritz's Pour House Bar has surpassed my expectations in every single way. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with the perfect atmosphere - cozy and inviting. The place just oozes comfort and relaxation.

Now, let's talk about the food. Oh my goodness, it was absolutely delicious! Everything is made from scratch and the flavors were out of this world! For those looking for generous portions, you won't be disappointed. The menu had a variety of options to choose from, but I highly recommend trying their burgers. They are definitely a highlight!

In addition to the fantastic food and atmosphere, the staff was extremely friendly and attentive. They were always checking on us to make sure we had everything we needed.

Overall, if you're looking for a great bar experience in Joliet, look no further than Fritz's Pour House Bar. With its cozy setting and amazing food made from scratch, it's sure to please even the most discerning palate. Trust me when I say that Fritz's Pour House Bar is definitely worth checking out!

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Bobby's Tap

Highlights
Fun trivia night
Celebrity sightings
Nostalgic atmosphere

First of all, I must say that Bobby's Tap is a nostalgic haven for anyone seeking an authentic bar experience. The atmosphere is cozy and warm, and the decor takes you back in time with its vintage charm.

But let's get to the good stuff - the drinks! Bobby's Tap offers a variety of beers on tap, including some local favorites. But what really sets this place apart is their specialty cocktails. Trust me when I say, you won't find these drinks anywhere else in Joliet.

And if you're looking for some entertainment, be sure to check out their fun trivia night. It's not only a great way to bond with friends but also a chance to win some awesome prizes.

Now, onto the celebrity sightings. Yes, that's right! Bobby's Tap has had its fair share of famous visitors over the years. From musicians to athletes, you never know who might walk through those doors.

In conclusion, Bobby's Tap is definitely one of the best bars in Joliet. So next time you're in town and looking for a drink or two (or three), make sure to stop by and soak up the nostalgic vibes at Bobby's Tap.

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Industry Tap House

Highlights
Accommodating Staff
No Kitchen, but Food Available Nearby
Craft Beer Selection
Friday Night Music
Poker Machines Available

First off, the staff was incredibly accommodating. I felt right at home as soon as I walked through the door. And even though they don't have a kitchen, there are plenty of nearby options for food if you get hungry after indulging in their craft beer selection.

Speaking of which, their beer selection is top-notch. As a self-proclaimed beer connoisseur, I was impressed with the variety and quality of brews on tap. They really know how to cater to the tastes of their patrons.

If you're looking for some entertainment on a Friday night, Industry Tap House has got you covered with live music. The atmosphere is electric and definitely worth checking out.

And last but not least, for those who enjoy a little gambling while sipping on their favorite beverage, poker machines are available for your enjoyment.

Overall, Industry Tap House is a great spot to relax and enjoy some tasty drinks with friends or family. The lack of food options is made up for by the accommodating staff and nearby options. So head over to Industry Tap House and let them pour you a cold one!

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Longshots

Highlights
Home for 8 ball
Amazing people
Great pizza
Pool tables
Giant Jenga

First off, let me just say that Longshots is the home for 8 ball in Joliet. So if you love playing pool, this is the place to be. But don't worry if you're not a pro, everyone here is super friendly and happy to play with anyone.

Speaking of amazing people, the staff and regulars at Longshots are some of the nicest folks I've ever met at a bar. They made me feel right at home from the moment I walked in. And let's not forget about the great pizza they serve too - it's definitely worth trying.

But back to the games - Longshots has multiple pool tables available for use, so you'll never have to wait long to play. And if you're looking for something else to do while you wait, they also have giant Jenga which is always a fun time.

Overall, I had a blast at Longshots and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a laid-back atmosphere with great people and games. Whether you're an expert pool player or just looking for some good pizza and company, this is one bar that won't disappoint!

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Crow's Nest Tavern

Highlights
Great prices
Friendly owners
Fun atmosphere

Firstly, I was impressed with the great prices at Crow's Nest. As someone who enjoys a good drink without breaking the bank, this place definitely won me over in that aspect.

Secondly, the owners of this establishment are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made me feel right at home as soon as I walked through the door. It's always refreshing to see business owners who genuinely care about their customers.

Lastly, the atmosphere at Crow's Nest is just plain fun. The music was upbeat and lively, the drinks were flowing, and everyone seemed to be having a great time. It's clear that this is a popular spot for locals to come and unwind after a long day.

Overall, I would highly recommend checking out Crow's Nest Tavern if you're looking for a fun night out in Joliet. The combination of great prices, friendly owners, and lively atmosphere make it one of my top picks for best bars in town!

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Cork Wine Bar & Kitchen

Highlights
Nostalgic Christmas atmosphere
Phenomenal drinks
Delicious food
Funny and helpful waitress
Decorated like a Christmas wonderland

Walking into Cork Wine Bar & Kitchen was like stepping into a nostalgic Christmas wonderland. The decorations were absolutely stunning and definitely added to the overall atmosphere of the bar. It was hard not to feel festive even though it was nowhere near December.

The drinks were phenomenal. I tried their signature cocktail, the "Corktail", and it blew my mind with its unique blend of flavors. It was so good that I had to order another one! But what really stood out to me was their wine selection. They had an extensive list of wines from all over the world, and our waitress was happy to give us recommendations based on our preferences.

The food at Cork Wine Bar & Kitchen was also delicious. We ordered a charcuterie board and some small plates to share, and everything tasted amazing. The portions were just right for sharing and paired perfectly with our drinks.

Speaking of our waitress, she was both funny and helpful. She made great suggestions for both food and drinks, and her sense of humor definitely added to the experience.

Overall, Cork Wine Bar & Kitchen is a must-visit spot in Joliet for anyone looking for great drinks, delicious food, and a cozy atmosphere decorated like a Christmas wonderland!

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Sidelines Sports Bar

Highlights
Attentive bartenders
Decent prices
Good vibe & atmosphere
Great music on weekends
Friendly bouncers

Let's start with the bartenders - they were attentive and made sure everyone had their drinks topped up. They were knowledgeable about the drinks they served, which made it easy for me to choose my poison. Now let's talk about prices - I found them to be quite decent considering the quality of service offered. I didn't have to break the bank to get a round of drinks for my friends and me.

But what really stood out was the good vibe and atmosphere inside Sidelines Sports Bar. The music played on weekends was great, and it wasn't too loud, so I could still hold a conversation with my friends without shouting over each other.

I also appreciated that the bouncers were friendly. They checked our IDs quickly and with a smile, which is always a good sign of a well-run establishment.

In summary, Sidelines Sports Bar has everything you need for an enjoyable night out in Joliet - great drinks, attentive bartenders, friendly bouncers, good music on weekends, and an overall welcoming atmosphere. Give it a try!

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