Al's Steakhouse: Owner Reveals Changes For 2021 Menu

JOLIET, IL — The coronavirus pandemic led to the demise of many long-standing Illinois restaurants and indoor dining institutions, but Al's Steakhouse wasn't one of them. Al's persevered, and business during the winter months has been rock solid, according to owner George Daskalakis.

He has been in the restaurant industry since 1982 and owner of Al's Steakhouse since 2005. The legendary Joliet restaurant was grilling steaks before John F. Kennedy became president.

Since 1959, Al's has been around at 1990 West Jefferson St. Today, it has 1,136 Google Reviews, averaging 4.4 stars out of 5.

"These last four months," Daskalakis told Joliet Patch, "I have interacted more than ever with customers. I have been touched so much. I consider them like family. And the support is unbelievable. It's a wonderful feeling to see how much the community cares."

Al's, like dozens of Joliet area restaurants and bars, has remained open for indoor dining the past several weeks. Practically all of Joliet's major dining establishments offer indoor dining now.

"We're spaced out," Daskalakis stressed.

During the pandemic, Al's is open from 4 to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

In the coming weeks, Al's hopes to resume offering lunch. Carryout orders are available every day after 1 p.m.

Joliet Patch asked Daskalakis what's different for Al's Steakhouse in 2021.

"Because my menu has been very extensive, I'm going to be limiting some of the items," the owner revealed. "Pretty much all the steaks will be there. Ribs, of course, these are very famous ribs. Chops, both pork and lamb, that will be there and seafood, yes."

Patch also asked Daskalakis to reveal his most popular selections nowadays.

"Steaks are our No. 1, and the ribs and chops and chicken," he said. "Those are moving very well, and items that weren't moving well, that's what I'm limiting, yes."

Al's has its share of loyal customers who are fond of an unusual dish. How will Daskalakis keep them happy with the new menu?

"Some people (say) we love your liver and onions, I'm thinking once a week or every other week," he said. "I'll run some specials with two items."

Even though Al's Steakhouse has a reputation of high quality dining, Daskalakis said his highest priority for this year is improving the quality of his food, including his steaks and seafood.

"Al's Steakhouse has been a staple and an institution for Will County, but I will be focused on even improving more, basically in the quality," Daskalakis said of his 2021 goals.

Daskalakis said his two best-selling steaks are the rib-eye and filet mignon. His preference is the filet.

"We're cooking on real charcoal as far as our steaks are concerned," he said. "I like more lean. I'm a filet guy."

He went on to say: "We do make our own ground beef. Our burgers are handmade and hand-packed, so they're homemade steak burgers."

During 2021, another major focus inside Al's Steakhouse will be the seafood.

The menu already features cold water lobster tail, snow crab legs, Alaskan king crab legs, shrimp De Jonghe and Boston baked scrod.

Halibut is the newest fish on the menu. It's priced at $36.

"If you like something different than steaks, it would definitely be the halibut," Daskalakis said.

"It's a beautiful fish," the owner of Al's Steakhouse said. "It's approximately eight ounces, pan-seared, with butter and white wine. It's served on a bed of spinach and garlic, topped with mushrooms and cappers."

The long-time Joliet restaurant owner said he wants to get the word out in 2021 that Al's carries several of the best-tasting after dinner desserts in Joliet.

Four different bakers make his desserts.

"So I'm picking specialties," Daskalakis said. "Definitely save some room for the desserts."

In the kitchen, Al's makes its own homemade soups every day. Salad dressings and sauces are made by the kitchen staff as well.

While Joliet and Will County are his core customer base, Daskalakis said he continues to draw a large number of dine-in customers from out of town including Burr Ridge, Oak Lawn, Woodridge, Palos Heights and Schaumburg.

Al's is an easy drive for people traveling along Interstate 355 and I-80, the owner said. "I have people coming from the northwest suburbs. And Naperville, quite a bit, yes."

The dine-in crowd is also getting a little less gray. In recent months, Al's has been attracting more people in their 30s and 40s, the owner said.

"Al's was always known for an older crowd," Daskalakis said, mentioning that he owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Brian Bessler, who runs the Facebook group Joliet Area Bar & Restaurant Guide.

"Brian has been phenomenal," he said.

For more about the entire menu, to inquire about Al's four separate banquet rooms or to book a reservation, visit the restaurant's website here.

The phone number for Al's is 815-725-2388.

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