The Blue Taco — Restaurant in Joliet

It is not very often that I eat at a restaurant, admittedly somewhat cautiously, and end up having my world flipped upside down. I have had the same craft taco restaurant for nearly 15 years.... Bien Trucha in Geneva has reigned king.... until today. The Blue Taco and Chef Thomas have just re-defined what I consider "craft" taco supremacy! (not to be confused with traditional mexican cuisine).

What he does with his tacos is closer to fine art than cooking. The combination of flavors that he fits into a flour or corn (or preferably blue corn) tortilla is mind-bending.

I ordered the following tacos, Carribean Jerk with Pork, the Cuban with Pork, the Pork Belly, and the Elote. I give each of them five stars for creativity, portion (huge), flavor and price. I simply cannot wait to return to try the other zillion things they have on their menu!!!

Words of advice.... This area of downtown is not that shady... and even if it was, this place is well worth risking your life to eat at! Get over yourself... the restaurant is not fancy, it is simple and without much fanfare, this means NOTHING once the grub hits your tongue! Check for hours of operation... Thomas is open at different times/days seasonally so you may go taco-less if you just chance it. His staff taking orders are young high school and/or college students. They are not going to tickle your butthole like a hostess at a five star restaurant. At times, you will wait for your food, that is usually a good thing. Long lines means people eat there and intricate food prepared slowly is the only way to create the flavors Thomas offers.

If you claim to be a taco connoisseur or a foodie, live in Illinois, and have ANY reason to be within 20 miles of Chef Thomas and The Blue Taco you need to make it happen. Your Craft Taco expectations will never...

We were in Joliet for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Band. We went to our first choice, no room. or sold out of food, second location was packed and third choice was also filled!

We had passed by The Blue Taco didn’t see anyone inside. When your choices make you try a different take on tacos you jump right in and try the food.

We had the elotes chicken rice bowl, they offered blue corn tacos (hence The Blue Taco) our son had the taco version.

I think the entire table was surprised when we started eating. My first thought was what our son said to me was you never pass up a small business and not try them. I have to give this one to my son as he’s has learned what I’ve been saying all along.

The food was fresh, hot and seasoned well. The chicken was in chunks not shredded or cut up so small to even know it’s chicken. The corn and chicken went well together. The entire dish was well cooked. If it was a dance for food this would be the taco tango. You know you are done eating, but pull the dish back for another bite or two!

We meet the owners husband is a classic trained French Chef. I know right mind blowing to be serving tacos, well incredibly delicious tacos! Wife is his support on the back end of the business and front of the business. Face the facts she is the business as that is who you meet right away.

Blue Taco we see you and hope to see you at some events with your new food truck!

Mamie’s...

I've eaten at 200-300 mexican restaurants. I travel for work and it's a hobby. This is one of the most interesting. The menu is full of original reinterpretations of tacos. Unique and delicious. The guy behind the counter isn't a line cook, he's a taco chef. A big bonus is what a great value it is. I ordered 3 tacos. They were $4 each, but they were about the most overstuffed tacos I've had. 1 1/2 tacos was a meal for me and I took the other 1 1/2 and it made a great dinner. This is truly a standout taqueria. Easily in the top 5% and deserves 6 stars. My only regret is that I was traveling on business and probably...