Just outside of the Windy City is Joliet, Illinois, home of the Chicagoland Speedway. Being so close to the big city, you may be tempted to make the hour drive to explore the bustling metropolis. But there’s there’s big fun and great food all within walking distance from the track. Don’t believe us? Just check out these five hot spots to see what we mean!
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Chicago Street Pinball Arcade
Joliet, Illinois
Channel your inner Pinball Wizard at the Chicago Street Pinball Arcade. We guarantee you’ll stay for hours trying to master each unique machine. You’ll also get try your hand at defeating games featuring the likes Ghostbusters, The Dark Knight, The Walking Dead, Star Wars, and so much more. There’s truly nothing like the rush of immersing yourself in a game of pinball, so come on out and support an awesome local business in between all the racing excitement of the weekend!
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Tin Roof
Joliet, Illinois
Tin Roof has some of the best American cuisine around. Crowd favorites include The Gavel, which is a blackened chicken sandwich, and the mango grilled shrimp. The over 21 crowd will also love the fantastically creative drinks. With warm and friendly service, you’ll certainly experience good old Midwestern hospitality alongside the quality of food you’d expect to find in the big city. Tin Roof is certainly a can’t miss.
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Joliet Area Historical Museum
Joliet, Illinois
The Joliet area is rich in history, and the local museum beautifully captures it all. From a space feature to a marching band exhibit, this museum has something for everyone. If you’re a sports fan, the Joliet Area Sports Hall of Fame is definitely a can’t-miss exhibit. It features players from the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Bears, the White Sox and more. If you plan your visit right, you might even catch some live entertainment while you’re there. As far as local museums go, this one is a standout.
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Juliet’s Tavern
Joliet, Illinois
Juliet’s Tavern should be your go-to find dining option if you’re planning a date night with your special someone. As part of an overall revitalization of the area, Juliet’s Tavern is located in a building dating back to the 1890’s when Joliet was actually named Juliet (hence the restaurant’s name), and small businesses thrived. Juliet’s Tavern brings new life to the building that once housed a grocer, shoe maker, and dentist (among others). Past customers have loved their pork chops, fried ravioli, and chicken parmesan. If you decide on Juliet’s this race weekend, we suggest you order a glass of wine, sit back, and enjoy the ambiance while you eat fantastic food.
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Adventure Realm
Downers Grove, Illinois
If you feel you absolutely must get out of Joliet for a little while, make the trip to Adventure Realm in Downers Grove. At only half the driving time it would take you to get to Chicago, this is a fantastic location for an effortless family outing. Everyone in the family will love a fiercely competitive game of laser tag, or a special quest through the Great Hall of Games. The hungry explorer can find the Knights of the Round Pizza, pretzel wands, the Goblin King burger, and more enchanted treats at the Crooked Crossbow Inn. It’s highly encouraged to really get into the spirit by dressing up as your favorite wizard or superhero.
Come cheer on Blake in the Drive for Safety 300 race at Chicagoland Speedway, and don’t forget to check out these awesome local businesses while you’re in the area!
What are your favorite places to visit around Chicagoland Speedway? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you!
