Downtown Joliet just scored a serious sandwich upgrade. Baby’s Cheesesteak and Lemonade, the family-run favorite that first fired up its grill in Country Club Hills in 2006, has opened a new counter-service spot in the heart of the city’s commercial core, serving up crispy Philly-style cheesesteaks and icy lemonade slushies.
Shaw Local notes that the Joliet location is now open and fully signed. The restaurant’s Joliet site lists the address as 203 N. Ottawa St. and shows current hours along with a phone number for orders.
Menu and hours
According to Patch, the downtown menu is streamlined to keep the line moving, centering on cheesesteaks (offered half beef and half chicken or all chicken), Philly rolls and lemonade slushies. Wings, catfish fillets and salads round out the options.
Patch also reports Joliet hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To break the ice with the neighborhood, the owners gave away free lemonade to the first 200 customers on Feb. 25. The story adds that the shop will provide catering and carryout, while the Joliet site lists a phone number for both everyday orders and events.
Bays, owners hope it drives business
Developer John Bays told Patch he expects the new tenant to put some extra life into downtown after dark. "Once the word gets out, business will be booming at night," he said.
Owner M. J. Sughayer told Patch that the family plans to add a Plush Horse Ice Cream counter inside the space and might look at a drive-thru if demand keeps climbing.
What this means for downtown Joliet
Shaw Local points out that the storefront previously held Harold’s Shrimp, Chicken & Pizzeria and Al Baskins clothing, and credits a photo from the Joliet City Center Partnership showing off the fresh Baby’s signage. Local boosters see the opening as another small but meaningful step in downtown’s slow-and-steady revival, adding a quick-serve option for workers, students and visitors near the riverfront.
For the latest hours, full menu and catering details, check the Joliet site at babyscheesesteakjoliet.com. The site lists a phone number, 779-206-4697, for carryout and catering orders.
