'Closed Permanently?' Tony's Place In Joliet No Longer Open

JOLIET — The city of Joliet's first restaurant closure of 2025 appears to be a small family-owned restaurant on West Jefferson Street that had been open for many years. On Tuesday, Joliet Patch visited the small strip mall across the street from the Marycrest Shopping Center. Sure enough, the lights were turned off and the door was locked for 2141 West Jeffersson.

Google now lists Tony's Place as being "Permanently Closed."

The restaurant was described as "Casual Mexican counter serve providing a familiar roundup of tacos, burritos & fajita plates."

Two days ago, followers of Brian Bessler's Joliet area Facebook bar and restaurant group began to spread the word that Tony's Place had served its final meal in Joliet.

One person, who did not want to reveal their identity within Bessler's Facebook group, posted an anonymous question to the group's foodies, inquiring, "Does anyone know if Tony's Place on Jefferson St is closed....was there Thursday and Friday and nobody...doors locked...very unusual."

A total of 75 people responded with comments to the news of Tony's demise.

Laura wrote back to the group: "He closed because of the problems he has with people…not the city of Joliet. Also, he had problems there because of something that was dumped without his knowledge and it caused problems, but it was taken care of and cleaned up. They are a nice family and we’ve known them since before he opened there. He is the type of guy who would help out others, but too many trying to take advantage."

Kathy wrote: "We were there a few months ago, and he said he was interested in buying the old Larry’s Diner building in Plainfield and was hoping they would lower the price."

Steve responded: "Louis and his wife are good people. Known them since they opened. His son is Tony."

Becky wrote: "Looked closed when we drove past tonight too."

Tracy wrote: "He closed last Tuesday night. Tammy posted about it on her post last Tuesday."

Back in 2019, Joliet Patch featured Tony's Place in a restaurant story, headlined,"Tony's Place: Don't Overlook This Restaurant: Ferak Food Column."