Joliet Restaurant Guide

The Department
4.4 stars (12 ratings)

(815) 714-2280

205 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432

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Dining Specials

Jet's Pizza
American, Pizzeria
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Reviews of Similar Restaurants

EXCELLENT FOOD GREAT SERVICE.....VERY CLEAN, DELICIOUSSSSSSSSSS WOW AND THE SELECTION IS OUT OF THIS WORLD A MUST GO TOO....VERY AFFORDABLE DINNERS,...
I went in there one day to try the food and the customer service was terrible. The quality of the food was not all that. there prices are too much.
Most of the time the waiters are very friendly. Your food is good and warm when served. Your pecan pancakes are phenomenal, as is your broiled fish....
Has really good service compared to other similar restaurants....
Excellent place! Love the Food! SUPER CLEAN (which is very important) The Gyros are to DIE for! Never go to the guy next door. ...Ack. GO TO SUBDOCK!!...

Restaurant Description

There are many great restaruants to eat out at in various cities. In the city of Chicago one of the best and most distinct restaurants is The Department in Joliet. This restaurant is very presitgious as it was voted as the top restaurant in the city. The restaurant offers a variety of things such as banquets, live entertainment and also outdoor dining. With these features many customers have made very good reviews and testimonials about it. As a result the restaruant is among the best places to go to when you are looking to have a nice meal and enjoy yourself.

One of the most distinct features of The Department restaurant is the interior. At this restaurant you are going to be present in a very nice environment. The building itself is made out of brick and has hardwood floors which make a very nice appearance to the establishment. When inside you will also be able to sit at a bar or in various booth tables as well as at regular round tables that you sit at for formal occasions. The lighting is very dim and so you can enjoy a very relaxing environment when eating here as well.

Like all restaurants The Department has an excellent menu that is offered to customers. The restaurant offers both a lunch and dinner menu. With the lunch menu you will be able to choose from a variety of pastas and sandwiches. Customers will also be able to have various types of burgers and entrees such as ribs, pork chops and grilled salmon. As far as the dinner menu is concerned you will be able to have a variety of appetizers, entrees and salads. The most notable foods available include calamari, chicken, grilled salmon, pot roas dinner and strip steaks. With all of these food options, the Department Joliet offers consumers a wide range of quality food to eat.

One of the things that makes this restaurant among the best in the city is the live entertainment. At this restaurant there is a music jam session every Friday along with a DJ. On Friday nights you will be able to see live music with singers playing acoustic guitar along with a DJ which will play various types of music. As a result this live entertainment provides another dimension to this fine restaurant and gives people another thing to look forward to besides just having a fine meal.

People who come to this restaurant will also be able to experience outdoor dining. With outdoor dining they will be able to have a nice meal while enjoying good weather. As long as the weather is pleasant customers can have a good experience eating outside while enjoying a great meal.
November 4, 2011 @ 11:45 AM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Homer Glen, IL
We recently had a cocktail party for my business at The Department and I just wanted to say how happy I was with everything. I always get nervous hosting an event because I'm the type of person who has high expectations. I purposely arrived early to make sure everything was set up as planned as so I could speak once again to the servers and bartenders to make sure we were all on track. They immediately assured me that everything was under control...and I could see from the set up we were in great shape! I was very picky about what was to be served at the bar and the bartender had gone out of his way prior to me arriving to print up a menu that would be placed on the bar for my guests so that I didn't go over my budget. The food came out on time and was hot and delicious. The wait staff was constantly clearing dirty dishes and making sure everyone was happy. I could not have asked for a better experience with The Department. The ambiance of the building was perfect, the staff was very attentive, and the food and drinks were great! If you are looking for a good place to host a party or social gathering...this is the place to go!!!
March 18, 2010 @ 3:20 PM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Oak Lawn, IL
Just had a great dinner there last night. Every Wednesday they have a half price menu that includes Apps, burgers, entree's & bottles of wine. My husband & I had a wonderful dinner with 2 entree's, salads an appetizer & a bottle of wine for under $40. AMAZING!!

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Avg Rating: 4  out of 5 stars

Number of Reviews: 12

November 4, 2011 @ 11:45 AM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Homer Glen, IL
We recently had a cocktail party for my business at The Department and I just wanted to say how happy I was with everything. I always get nervous hosting an event because I'm the type of person who has high expectations. I purposely arrived early to make sure everything was set up as planned as so I could speak once again to the servers and bartenders to make sure we were all on track. They immediately assured me that everything was under control...and I could see from the set up we were in great shape! I was very picky about what was to be served at the bar and the bartender had gone out of his way prior to me arriving to print up a menu that would be placed on the bar for my guests so that I didn't go over my budget. The food came out on time and was hot and delicious. The wait staff was constantly clearing dirty dishes and making sure everyone was happy. I could not have asked for a better experience with The Department. The ambiance of the building was perfect, the staff was very attentive, and the food and drinks were great! If you are looking for a good place to host a party or social gathering...this is the place to go!!!
March 18, 2010 @ 3:20 PM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Oak Lawn, IL
Just had a great dinner there last night. Every Wednesday they have a half price menu that includes Apps, burgers, entree's & bottles of wine. My husband & I had a wonderful dinner with 2 entree's, salads an appetizer & a bottle of wine for under $40. AMAZING!!
October 30, 2009 @ 2:42 AM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Shorewood, IL
What a pleasant surprise! The food & service were great. The place it self is beautiful. Job well done!
October 27, 2009 @ 11:27 PM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Joliet, IL
Great Food! Outstanding Service! I'm so glad there is finally a place like this in Downtown Joliet.
October 20, 2009 @ 2:54 PM
4  out of 5 stars
a diner from joliet, IL
I love the Department's environment. The decor is eye catching and the integrity of the 100 plus building adds so much architectural and historical interest for the diner. The food selection is adequate, but more importantly the food was yummy and better yet the prices were really reasonable. The people were gracious and friendly. They could use more appetizers.
October 20, 2009 @ 2:27 PM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Joliet, IL
The Department…what a great establishment to have in our county. The building in itself is something to see architecturally. The owners did a great job by combining two older buildings downtown Joliet into one business.

Besides the building it has an excellent management team, wait staff, bartenders, chefs, and food. We have been there several times since it has opened and highly recommend it to all to enjoy!
October 17, 2009 @ 5:22 PM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from joliet
I'm ecstatic that there is a place like this in Downtown Joliet. The food was wonderful & the service staff was outstanding.
October 17, 2009 @ 5:18 PM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from New Lenox, IL
Great Food! Great Service & Great Decor!
October 17, 2009 @ 4:38 PM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Crest Hill
The food and atmosphere was awesome and the service was great. We would definately go back over and over again. its one of the nicest restaurants around.
October 17, 2009 @ 9:07 AM
4  out of 5 stars
a diner from Joliet
I went to The Department for the first time in late July and had a great experience. Unlike other local restaurants the menu is unique, food is great and I thought the staff was very courteous. The building and decor itself is another reason to check it out. The owner gave me a tour of the entire establishment, kitchen too. This was my just my first experience and I have been going back ever since for the same great atmosphere. I recommend this place to anyone looking for something different in the Will County area
October 17, 2009 @ 8:34 AM
4  out of 5 stars
a diner from Naperville Il
I cannot believe that a restaurant like this exists in Joliet. The atmosphere is incredible, it looks as if it should be in the heart of Chicago or New York City. The food was spectacular and the service perfect. Our entire table made reservations for next month before we left.
October 16, 2009 @ 10:27 PM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Joliet
The Department is a must see in Joliet. The food was fabulous and the decor unmatched. We have eaten here several times and we will continue to be loyal customers. I highly recommend the filet, orange roughy, prime rib and any of there amazing salads and sandwiches. Fair priced too. You will not be disappointed!
Read More Joliet Restaurant Reviews

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Recent The Department Reviews

November 4, 2011 @ 11:45 AM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Homer Glen, IL
We recently had a cocktail party for my business at The Department and I just wanted to say how happy I was with everything. I always get nervous hosting an event because I'm the type of person who has high expectations. I purposely arrived early to make sure everything was set up as planned as so I could speak once again to the servers and bartenders to make sure we were all on track. They immediately assured me that everything was under control...and I could see from the set up we were in great shape! I was very picky about what was to be served at the bar and the bartender had gone out of his way prior to me arriving to print up a menu that would be placed on the bar for my guests so that I didn't go over my budget. The food came out on time and was hot and delicious. The wait staff was constantly clearing dirty dishes and making sure everyone was happy. I could not have asked for a better experience with The Department. The ambiance of the building was perfect, the staff was very attentive, and the food and drinks were great! If you are looking for a good place to host a party or social gathering...this is the place to go!!!
March 18, 2010 @ 3:20 PM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Oak Lawn, IL
Just had a great dinner there last night. Every Wednesday they have a half price menu that includes Apps, burgers, entree's & bottles of wine. My husband & I had a wonderful dinner with 2 entree's, salads an appetizer & a bottle of wine for under $40. AMAZING!!