Al Capone's Hideaway & Steakhouse

The dining room blends authentic period elements with carefully chosen reproductions to create one of the most convincing speakeasy atmospheres anywhere in the Midwest. Original 1920s tin ceiling tiles, salvaged hardwood flooring, and exposed brick walls form the backbone of the design, while period photographs of Chicago organized-crime figures, vintage cocktail glassware, and reproduction Prohibition-era signage fill out the visual story. Music throughout the dining room is era-appropriate, mixing 1920s and early 1930s jazz, big-band recordings, and the occasional contemporary track styled to blend in. The lighting is intentionally dim, with most illumination coming from candle-style sconces and table lamps that recall the era.

The bar area at the front is a particular highlight, with a long mahogany counter, a substantial selection of bourbon and rye whiskeys appropriate to the era, and a cocktail menu featuring both pre-Prohibition classics and modern updates. The Old Fashioned is the signature drink and is prepared exactly as period bartenders would have, with a sugar cube muddled with bitters, a generous pour of rye whiskey, and minimal additional ingredients. The Manhattan, Sazerac, and Sidecar are equally well executed. Bartenders are knowledgeable and happy to discuss the history of each drink, making the bar a worthwhile pre-dinner stop even for guests not seated until later.

On weekend nights a live pianist performs era-appropriate music from the dining room, typically a mix of jazz standards, ragtime, and early big-band selections. The performance is unobtrusive, designed to enhance the atmosphere rather than dominate conversation, and adds significantly to the immersive feel of the evening. Special events throughout the year include themed dinners around major Capone anniversaries, Route 66 partnership evenings during 2026 Centennial programming, and occasional speakeasy-style murder-mystery dinners that have become popular with regional event-goers.

The dry-aged beef program is the heart of the menu and is taken seriously. Steaks are aged in-house in a dedicated dry-aging room for 28 to 45 days depending on the cut, producing the deep concentrated flavor and tender texture that defines the genre. The bone-in ribeye is the menu's most-ordered cut and arrives at the table with significant char on the exterior and a perfectly medium-rare pink interior. The porterhouse for two is a worthwhile splurge for travelers dining as a couple, and the filet mignon, while less dramatic, is dependably tender and well-seasoned. Sauces including bearnaise, peppercorn, and a house-made steak sauce are available on request.

Beyond steak, the menu includes several dishes that nod to the restaurant's themed heritage. The chicken parmigiana is enormous, the meatballs over spaghetti are made with the chef's grandmother's recipe and are genuinely outstanding, and the lasagna is layered with house-made ricotta and slow-simmered Bolognese. Seafood options include the previously mentioned shrimp scampi, a daily fresh fish preparation, and a substantial seafood tower for the table that includes oysters, shrimp cocktail, and crab claws on ice. Vegetarian options are limited but capable, with a pasta primavera and a roasted vegetable plate available.

Desserts maintain the classic American steakhouse register. The cheesecake is dense, rich, and made in-house, and the bourbon-pecan pie is a deserved signature. A tableside Bananas Foster preparation flames dramatically in the dim dining room and is a guaranteed showstopper for celebratory occasions. The coffee program includes a selection of after-dinner espresso drinks and a strong list of cordials and brandies for guests wanting to extend the evening. Service throughout the meal is attentive without being intrusive, and servers are typically long-tenured and well-versed in both the menu and the restaurant's history.

Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made through the restaurant's website, by phone, or via OpenTable. Friday and Saturday nights book up roughly two weeks in advance during peak Route 66 travel season (May through October), and special-occasion holidays like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and New Year's Eve require booking a month or more ahead. Weekday reservations are generally easier to secure, and solo travelers can typically walk in and be seated at the bar without a wait. Dress code is business casual — most guests opt for at least slacks and collared shirts — and the atmosphere rewards a bit of effort.

Parking is plentiful in a dedicated lot adjacent to the restaurant, and the building is fully accessible with ramp entry and accessible restrooms. The dining room can accommodate small private parties up to about 20 in a side room, and larger group bookings should be arranged at least three weeks in advance. The restaurant does not offer delivery, and takeout is limited to bar menu items rather than the full dinner menu. Live music nights typically run from 7pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, and there is no separate cover charge for piano performances.

Travelers combining Al Capone's with other Joliet Route 66 stops can comfortably do museum and theater tours during the afternoon, the Old Joliet Prison or Iron Works in the late afternoon, and dinner here starting around 7pm. The atmosphere is well suited to a celebratory meal capping off a day or weekend on the Mother Road, and many couples use it for engagement or anniversary dinners. For travelers staying overnight in downtown Joliet, the restaurant is a short drive from both Harrah's and the Holiday Inn Express, and ride-share is reliable in the area for travelers who plan to enjoy the full wine list or cocktail menu.