Harrah's Casino & Hotel in Joliet Illinois

Just 60 minutes from downtown Chicago (Heading Southwest)

The Only Illinois casino to make my best of local gaming list. The casino itself is small, dated and not much to do but play. The dining is limited, but they do have a Starbucks and a couple of gift shops. So why is it on my top 5? The area around it & the fact that it is linked to the national Total Rewards program.

I hate gambling for the sake of gambling. I want to earn something for my money. The bounce back comps here are better than most in Illinois. And for a CET run joint, that is saying a lot. You even earn points on your free play.

The slots are limited, but have a decent enough return for the area. The average payback being 92% is the best you will do near the city. Don't get me wrong, 92% (which includes Video Poker) is shit. If you dropped this casino in the middle of Reno, they would be out of business in a month.

The Total Rewards club (as mentioned) is a plus. They give away decent gifts as well. But the selling point is the area around it. Well, compared to the other casinos in the state. You are on historic Route 66, that means plenty of diners, flea markets and interesting things to see.

You can walk out of the casino and wander their downtown area. You can even walk over to the Joliet History Museum, which is just a couple blocks away.

Not a bad way to kill some time. Still looking for adventure? Haunted Trails mini Amusement park is just down the road, rides, games, batting cages & mini golf. And you can swing by the historic Stateville Correction Center. Better known locally as the "Blues Brothers Prison". So it is an OK casino, better than most of it's peers, set in an interesting area.

Here is a shot Harrah's, including her hotel tower. Which is a plus, since the next closest CET property in Hammond Indiana has NO hotel. I like to nap, shit in piece, or at least gamble into the night. At Harrah's Joliet, you can do all of that.

Generic picture I stole of their casino. The actual gaming floor is small, but they pack a lot in here.

The buffet here isn't bad, but I like to eat at Ace's Diner which is smack dab on the casino floor. It was a great place for people watching! It has recently been replaced with the generic Cross Street Grill. Still good people watching, but now it looks like it belongs in a mall food court. And most of the unhealthy popular American friend offerings are gone.

Some Fast facts on the property:

Not a whole lot to do on property. They have a hotel, it has beds. They have a casino, it has a bar. Their Diamond Lounge is nice, but exclusive to better players and their Plus One.

They do have some places to eat. 4 actually if you include Starbucks, and I do!

The Reserve

Sink your teeth into something special at The Reserve, the Harrah’s Joliet fine dining restaurant where steakhouse burgers and meatloaf stand alongside pasta dishes and traditional steak and seafood entrées.

Start your evening with an appetizer like house bacon, jumbo lump crab cakes or lobster bisque — and then grab your fork and knife and cut into a boneless or bone-in ribeye, filet or New York strip. But be sure to save room for famous desserts like tiramisu, fruit crepes or pineapple upside down cake.

Flavors The Buffet

Flavors the Buffet in Joliet offers a wide variety of cuisine including BBQ, house-made pizza, build your own stir-fry, and an even greater selection during theme nights.

Choose from forty feet of scrumptious desserts, featuring our wheel of cupcakes and many more sweet treats.

Starbucks Coffee

Starbucks is an American tradition and the very best way to start your day — or keep it going strong — on your next visit to Harrah’s Joliet. Casual dining options include sandwiches and pastries and of course there are those signature Starbucks Coffee drinks — Frappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos and more.

Cross Street Grill

Our newest restaurant at Harrah’s Joliet is bringing back some of your favorite items from Ace’s Diner plus so much more. Cross Street Grill’s expanded menu includes everything from Burgers and Sandwiches to Tacos and full Entrées. Open daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, the new layout allows you to place orders from both on and off the casino floor. Come try some mouthwatering food you are sure to love!

Exploring the neighborhood!

Joliet is an interesting area. It is not overly clean, or safe. But it does have a certain rundown old school city charm to it.

About a block away from the casino is their local history museum. It is pretty neat and worth the price of admission (not much) they even have some free days.

Joliet History Museum Website

Route 66 Speedway is a short drive away as well. If you like cars, and you like circles, man have I found a cool place for you!

Route 66 Speedway Website

They usually have some sort of event going on downtown. Some interesting stores, and an overall nice diversion from the casino. No need to drive, if you are playing here you are already downtown.

Downtown Joliet Website

So you can really day trip here, and not just be tied to a casino.

Address: 151 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL 60432

Phone:(815) 740-7800

Open 24 hours

Click here to go to their Website

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