Lately, speculation has been swirling in both local foodie circles and casino regulars’ conversations. Are Hollywood Casino Joliet and Hollywood Casino Aurora about to welcome high-profile culinary names like Stephanie Izard’s Goat or the beloved Antique Taco? The idea is exciting—and not completely far-fetched. But before the rumors get ahead of the facts, let’s take a closer look at what’s really happening inside these two Illinois casinos.
Current Dining Options at Hollywood Casino Joliet & Aurora
Hollywood Casino Joliet
Located along the Des Plaines River, Hollywood Casino Joliet has long been a staple for gaming, live entertainment, and dining. But for those wondering whether chef-driven concepts are arriving anytime soon, here’s the reality: there are no Goat or Antique Taco locations currently operating here. That said, guests do have several dining choices:
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Final Cut Steakhouse – The crown jewel of Joliet’s casino dining. Expect USDA prime steaks, premium seafood, and upscale service. It’s not exactly adventurous, but it’s definitely solid.
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99 Hops House – This casual gastropub offers over 99 beer selections alongside burgers, wings, and bar favorites. Think elevated pub fare with a fun, laid-back vibe.
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Take Two Deli – For something quick and easy, Take Two delivers hot sandwiches, nachos, and pizza slices perfect between bets or before a show.
Each venue caters to a slightly different demographic, but they all have one thing in common: none are affiliated with celebrity chefs—yet.
Hollywood Casino Aurora
Aurora, about 45 minutes west of Chicago, features a smaller but evolving casino property. Similar in style to Joliet, it currently houses:
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Fairbanks Steakhouse – Classy and consistent, Fairbanks offers steakhouse staples with a Midwestern twist.
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Slice – Quick-service pizza by the slice. Basic, yes, but often exactly what’s needed after a long day of gaming.
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Penalty Box Sportsbook & Bar – The perfect blend of sports bar energy and quick eats like nachos, wings, and loaded fries.
Again, none of these restaurants currently show any connection to Goat, Antique Taco, or Stephanie Izard. Still, there’s growing curiosity about what’s coming next.
Who Is Stephanie Izard, and Why All the Buzz?
Stephanie Izard is far from a local chef—she’s a James Beard Award winner, the first female champion of Top Chef, and a true pioneer in Chicago’s dining scene.
Her restaurant empire is as eclectic as it is inventive:
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Girl & the Goat – Located in the West Loop, this flagship restaurant made Izard a national name. Known for its nose-to-tail dining, it serves everything from roasted pig face to goat empanadas, with globally inspired sauces and spices.
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Duck Duck Goat – A modern Chinese eatery inspired by the flavors of Chinatown, complete with dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and unique cocktails.
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Little Goat Diner – A spin on the classic American diner, elevated with playful ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations.
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Cabra – This Peruvian-inspired rooftop restaurant at the Hoxton Hotel brings bright flavors and bold ceviches to Chicago’s skyline.
She also launched a wildly popular retail line: “This Little Goat”, a selection of globally inspired sauces, spices, and snacks, allowing fans to bring her culinary creativity into their own kitchens.
“This Little Goat Went to the Taqueria” – The United Center Debut
In 2019, Izard debuted a fast-casual taco concept called “This Little Goat Went to the Taqueria” inside the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. The stand offered globally influenced tacos—Korean BBQ, Thai chili chicken, and more—all seasoned with her signature sauces.
The taqueria was a huge hit, but remained exclusive to the arena. It hasn’t been franchised or extended into new markets—yet. Still, its success laid a foundation for what could happen if a casino wanted to partner with a big-name chef to revamp its food court.
What About Antique Taco?
Founded by Rick and Ashley Ortiz, Antique Taco is another Chicago favorite that blends traditional Mexican street food with American culinary aesthetics. Known for tacos topped with house-made pickles, tempura fish, or local kale and sweet potatoes, it’s a modern take on Mexican comfort food.
Like Izard’s ventures, Antique Taco has yet to expand beyond the greater Chicago area. However, its blend of quick service, high-quality ingredients, and brand recognition makes it an ideal candidate for casino food court partnerships—especially in suburban locations hungry for something different.
So Where Did These Rumors Come From?
The speculation around Goat or Antique Taco entering the Hollywood Casino food courts might stem from a few key factors:
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Renovation plans: Both Joliet and Aurora locations are undergoing updates—when casinos modernize, they often rethink dining as well.
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Industry trends: Nationwide, casinos are increasingly partnering with celebrity chefs or popular regional chains to replace outdated buffets and generic diners.
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Social media chatter: Foodie forums and casino fan pages often exaggerate small signs—like a mysterious “new concept coming” banner—into full-blown predictions.
In short: no hard evidence yet, but plenty of circumstantial reason to keep watching.
What Could the Future Look Like?
If Hollywood Casino were to expand its culinary lineup, a partnership with someone like Stephanie Izard or Antique Taco would make strategic sense. Not only would it elevate the dining experience, but it would also attract a new demographic—urban foodies willing to travel for a unique bite.
With suburban casinos competing more and more for attention, bringing in a recognizable food brand might be the edge they need.
Final Thoughts
While Stephanie Izard’s Goat restaurants and Antique Taco have not yet made their way into Hollywood Casino Joliet or Aurora, the idea isn’t as far-fetched as it seems. The demand is there. The infrastructure is being built. And if rumors turn to reality? Gamblers, foodies, and curious day-trippers alike might soon have a whole new reason to visit.
Stay hungry—and stay tuned.
