Friends' Dream Comes True With Opening Of Don Jose's In New Lenox

NEW LENOX, IL — A highly anticipated new addition to the New Lenox restaurant scene will open its doors to the public Wednesday, August 14.

Opening at 1080 E. Lincoln Highway, Don Jose's is brought to fruition by Joey's Red Hots owner Anthony Nardo, with longtime friends Nick Iozzo of Mokena—Nardo's partner in Joey's—and brothers Ryan and Chris Kucala of Frankfort.

"This is a place we want everyone to feel comfortable coming to with family, or on a date night—whatever the scenario may be," Nardo previously told Patch.

"Modern meets old-style cantina," Nardo told Patch, of the decor.

Nardo is excited for people to sample the menu that "blends traditional Mexican cuisine with contemporary flair, offering a dining experience that pays homage to its roots while embracing global influences.

"Your culinary adventure awaits, and we can’t wait to serve the Lincoln way communities," Nardo said. "We truly believe you will be impressed from the moment you arrive—from the atmosphere to our chef-inspired menu, down to the great service that we pride ourselves on."

Traditional dishes like birria, barbacoa and tacos al pastor, enhanced with creative twists such as tuna tartare in kiwi-celery aguachile—a spicy, cold Mexican dish of raw seafood cured in a citrusy, acidic bath, and typically served with cucumber, red onion, and avocado—and a nuanced take on Caesar Salad, Nardo described.

The menu "is a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, where every meal tells a story of culinary innovation and tradition."

"It’s something new, it’s fresh," Nardo said. "It’s all high-quality food. Fresh produce, fresh poultry, steak."

The restaurant also features a full-service bar including handmade margaritas and a selection of different tequilas.

It's fitting that New Lenox native and current resident Nardo is moving into the space. The Providence Catholic High School graduate also owns and operates a Joey's location in New Lenox, and recently opened another in Orland Hills.

Don Jose's is a project close to the business partners' hearts.

"The opportunity presented itself to us, and it’s something we’ve been wanting to do the last couple years," Nardo told Patch previously. "I feel the area is growing, a lot of people moving here. Tim Baldermann’s doing a great job bringing in a lot of new businesses in the area. It’s developing, and I feel like it lacks restaurants.

"... It’s one of our favorite foods. ... it’s going to be something very special to us."

Hours are Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.