Eat Tos: Taps Tips Expands: Opens Taps Tips Eat & Play Next Door

JOLIET, IL — Almost a year-and-a-half after opening the Taps Tips BBQ takeout restaurant at 3111 Theodore St., members of the Tapley family have expanded their growing Joliet restaurant business into the space next door, 3109 Theodore St.

Saturday marked the grand opening for the new Taps Tips BBQ Eat & Play. The addition of the Taps Tips Eat & Play allows customers, for the first time, to enjoy a sit down meal inside Taps Tips or hang out at the bar to enjoy an alcoholic beverage including a cocktail.

Taps Tips Eat & Play features three booths and table seating. There's a full-service bar and TVs. The owners hope to have video gaming available for patrons in another month or so.

"It's cafeteria style or just come in here and get a drink," remarked Michael Tapley during Friday's interview.

He wants people to know that Taps Tips Eat & Play "is family friendly" and he's hoping that people find it similar to "a Buffalo Wild Wings as far as atmosphere."

Until now, Taps Tips BBQ was primarily takeout, also handling catering orders. Now, customers can stay and enjoy their BBQ on the premises, order alcohol and watch sports on the large TV screens mounted on the walls.

Having the grand opening for the Taps Tips Eat & Play is a major milestone for the Tapleys.

"I'm happy to get to this point," Michael Tapley said Friday. "We've gotten good support from the neighborhood and the city of Joliet. I just need the support to stay open."

Taps Tips is open seven days a week. The tentative plan is to keep the Taps Tips Eat & Play open from about noon to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and open until around midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

During the week, "the kitchen will still close at 8 p.m," Michael Tapley said. "Come on out and enjoy the atmosphere and the music.

"I love the location. I love the neighborhood. There's no fights, no arguments, so that's been great."

"Follow us on Facebook. We're just a small family business. We're not a franchise. If we can get more employees, we can do more," he added.

Tapley said he still has a few positions available.

"I need bartenders," he said. "I need at least three more."

The new Taps Tips Eat & Play is also available to book parties. To inquire about bookings or place a carryout food order, Taps Tips can be reached at 815- 782-7135.