Joliet combines industrial heritage, Chicago proximity, and historic Route 66 character in this distinctive Illinois city.
These five pizzerias represent Joliet’s best in 2025, each bringing unique flavor to local tables.
1. Cemeno’s Pizza
A Joliet institution since 1976, Cemeno’s embodies classic Midwest tavern-style pizza with thin, crispy crust cut in squares—the authentic Chicago thin-crust tradition that predates deep dish.
Their slightly sweet sauce and edge-to-edge toppings create distinctive pies that generations of locals consider the gold standard.
The “Cemeno’s Special” combines Italian sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers on this exceptional foundation, while their famous fried chicken offers a perfect pairing.
The vintage dining room with wood paneling and historic Joliet photographs creates an authentic connection to the city’s past.
2. Chicago Street Pizza
Located in downtown Joliet’s revitalizing core, Chicago Street combines traditional deep-dish excellence with historic atmosphere in a renovated building near Joliet Prison.
Their buttery, cornmeal-dusted crust stands tall with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce in the authentic Chicago style.
The “Joliet Jake” (named for the Blues Brothers character) features Italian beef and giardiniera for a distinctly Chicago flavor profile.
Beyond pizza, their craft beer selection showcasing Illinois breweries creates a complete dining experience.
3. Heroes West Sports Grill
This popular sports bar successfully combines quality pizza with an exceptional game-watching environment.
Their hand-tossed pies feature a medium-thick crust with generous toppings and creative combinations like the “Steelworker” (honoring Joliet’s industrial heritage) loaded with multiple meats.
The massive space with countless screens ensures perfect viewing from every seat, while memorabilia from local sports teams creates authentic community connections.
4. Little Joe’s Restaurant
This family-owned establishment has perfected Italian-American comfort food including exceptional pizza that balances Chicago and East Coast influences.
Their versatile approach offers both thin tavern-style and hearty deep-dish options to satisfy diverse preferences.
The “Route 66” pizza celebrates Joliet’s historic highway connection with a roadhouse-inspired combination of toppings.
The warm, unpretentious atmosphere makes Little Joe’s welcoming for everything from family gatherings to casual date nights.
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