First time checking this spot out and it's definitely nice. I ended up ordering the Beef -n- cheddar and chicken sandwich that did not disappoint me at all very satisfying. The staff here was very nice and chill. read more

Rax - American Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

See all

Rax is a one of a kind restaurant featuring roast beef sandwiches. I had the original and my guest had the roast beef with cheddar cheese. We ordered the meal which comes with fries and a drink! My tip is to check out the special menu items. Our meal was delicious and the staff were friendly and helpful. Give this place a try ! read more

See all

Good food, good service. I grew up near the Joliet Rax, and have been there several times over the years. It was only recently that I learned they are a part of a once large fast food chain. Food: order 1, Mushroom melt combo. The sandwich had a fairly large amount of beef on it, the mushroom sauce was really tasty. The sauce had some bits of garlic and pepper in it and went really well with the sandwich. Order 2, beef and cheddar combo. Again, the meat on the sandwich was pretty plentiful, decent amount of cheese without being drenched. Both orders came with twisty fries. The fries were cooked when we ordered them, so we did have a small wait, but not too long . The fries were fresh and delicious, way better than Arby's curly fries. Also ordered cheese sticks, which again were cooked at the time of being ordered. I enjoyed watching the food being prepared in the open kitchen. We dined in. The dining room used to have a salad bar, but it has been removed. The tables and chairs are straight out of the 60's. The kitchen and everything in the restaurant is old, but looked to be extremely clean. The employees were nice, fast and did a good job. Glad to see they are still around. read more

Rax - Outside the restaurant - American Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

See all

Loved it. The restaurant is a little time capsule of the 80's/90's. The food is delicious and staffs are so nice. The restaurant was clean. There were some patrons. Music choice was 2000's-2010's pop. It was such a nice dining experience. No complaints from me. read more

See all

Review Visit: October 27th, 2015 A more delicious Arby's, but stuck in the 90's. I had completely forgotten about this place since the one near me shut down while I was a kid. But then a friend mentioned one when I discussed going to Joliet. Man, talk about a trip down memory lane. I don't remember much about Rax from being a kid. But the interior was exactly the same. At least the one I was at hadn't been updated since it probably first opened. So that was a bit of a blast from the past as memories went from non-existent to somewhat blurry. On to the food. I don't quite remember what I ordered, but I do remember getting the BBC... and loving every single bite. I actually debated going back up and ordering more as it was that good. I even debated getting it the next day, too! Had the interior been a bit more updated, it would've gotten a solid 5, but it's hardly a distraction when you have delicious food to devour! As rare as Rax may seem these days, if you happen upon one... check them out! read more

Rax - American Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

See all

Drive thru sucks. sandwiches are put together very sloppy. Help is at an all time low. I've been going for years and this is the worst. I've seen it. read more

One of the last Rax in all of the world and who to think that a place like Joliet can hold that claim to fame. I haven't been here as much as I've drove past the store contemplating every time about trying it. Many of the coworkers have been here for decades which is crazy! There's a larger line in the drive thru than dining in. Dining in, this place has a carpeted dining room which is really different than most restaurants. The sun room dining which doesn't really exist anymore is such a treat to see. The cleanliness of this facility is top notch. I ordered a BLT sandwich which was really good. It's not one of their traditional items on the menu to order. Aspects of the restaurant I do feel like are outdated like their drive thru menu and some of the operating systems. Definitely keep this place alive! This place isn't slowing down. read more

We stopped by on a late Saturday afternoon in July to get a couple sandwiches to go for our dinner. I loved the nostalgia, ambience, smells, service at this Rax! You walk in and you enter a time capsule for my childhood! We ordered a big beef and beef and cheddar. Both of our sandwiches were delicious! We got a few packets of bbq sauce on the side. The roast beef is moist and delicious! I hope this location remains open forever. Everyone should stop by and order a roast beef sandwich ! read more

See all

If you're looking for an affordable and tasty meal along with a nostalgic trip then you need to come to Rax. A friend and I made the trek out to Rax in honor of former spokesman Mr. Delicious. The inside of the restaurant is clean, spacious and has the old school sun room. The staff is friendly and quick to serve. I had the roast beef sandwich with fries and a drink. The meal is about what you'd expect from a fast food roast beef shop but it's fun to say you've been to an old chain that's still around. Check out Rax if you're in the area! read more

Rax - a sign for a fast food restaurant - American Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

See all

Growing up, Rax was one of my favorites. The BBC, Twisty Fries, and Chocolate Chip Shake were just as good as I remembered from my childhood. Unfortunately, there are not that many Rax restaurants left (and Arby's is not a good substitute). Hopefully someone will consider bringing back this brand. read more

See all

Ok, we went thru the drive-thru, so ambience can't be part of my review. That lets us focus straight on the food. Now, I remember Rax from decades ago. I've not had a Rax Roast Beef since 1989 or 1990. And a big pox on management for not showing any solid leadership - someone must have paid the C-suite to tank the brand, as they've shrunk mightily. One would think it's the food. Au contraire. We got a regular Rax, a King Rax, and Twisty Fries, along with a chocolate shake. WOW. I was blown away. It essentially tossed the Arby's roast beef into the garbage- the bun was warm, soft, buttery..... the meat? Spectacular. their BBQ sauce was less tasty than I'd remembered- the Twisty Fries were just spot on fantastic! Why this place isn't growing again is beyond me! The food is awesome, and we'll gladly make the drive from the NW Suburbs to Joliet to have this delectable roast beef sandwich again. Try it- it's REALLY good! read more

Consistent service through out the years..one if the last remaining rax.Joliet treasure on Jefferson.which the would run roast beef specials again. read more

First, they had no roastbeef and wouldn't have any for an hour. This is 715 pm. Then I ordered 10 wings. I get home and I only have 8 wings. To top it off the lady at the window was kind of snippy with me when I asked how they ran out of beef. The food is too expensive to get this poor of treatment. I will rethink goingvthere anymore. read more

Great food. Good service. Good ambience. Why go to Arby's when you can go here? This place is much better. Dining in is cool too. read more

Super friendly staff Beef n cheddar - pretty good but could use more cheese sauce Potato with cheese - really good, had lots of cheese sauce. They charge 30 cents if you add a packet of butter (whipped spread). Bill was $11 which seems just a little over priced. read more

The only one in the State of Illinois! Got the large roast beef sandwich and twisty fries. Soooo good. I have no idea why Hardee's doesn't open more of these. read more

Rax was a childhood staple growing up and like many things in life, Rax seemed to go away, but I did find this location still open. Oh the nostalgia! I was on a road trip in the area and just had to go for old times sake. Sadly, you were not able to go inside due to Covid. But I was able to go through the drive-thru. I really wanted a baked potato but passed on it since it wasn't really a car friendly type of food. I was greeted at the speaker and placed my order for a roast beef and cheese with curly fries and a Coke. Now let me come out and say it, Rax is like a poor mans Arby's, but better. I'll always choose Rax over the other guys. The sandwich was good! Full of roast beef and cheese. The fries were great and seasoned but could have been a little warmer. The meal was about $9 which is standard for a fast food meal/combo. It was totally worth the trip down memory lane and i hope I'm able to inside this location one day. read more

Best roast beef sandwiches This place is 100 times better than Arbys!!!! Reminds me of Hardee's roast beef sandwiches back in the 80s read more

Good food, always reliable. Service is probably the best of any fast-food place I have ever been in my life and im old. Employees are of all races ages sex and whatever. They are always courteous and well trained at the job. The owner cleans up the garbage in the parking lot. I mean come on . this guy gives a s***. we have had Arbys and JAX roast beef in the Joilet. But RAX is king of the beef. Great baked potatoes, 2 choices of fries, lots of sandwich options. Items always fresh, and although prices have gone up with everything else over time. These sandwiches are very big. Not like half the bigmac you used to know. Cheers to you Rax. read more

$7 for a bratwurst with NO fries or drink!?! Insane. I used to come here and I know they aren't the cheapest but come on!! I just stopped by to try the brat. Not worth it. The money or the taste. Also, chili was terrible. I do like their curly fries though. Two stars and that's generous. Sad actually, and I I know we don't have any other Rax in Illinois. read more

Amazing! Had me filled with nostalgia. The place is a time capsule. I grew up going to the one in Washington, IL and stumbled upon this one while in Joliet. read more

See all

I wanted to try the holiday shake. Finally got around to it the drive thru had a few cars but it moved quickly. The shake was pinky and minty. The fries were great like always. I read more

Rax - Peppermint 16 oz. Milkshake - American Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

See all

We have an Arbys that is closer, but I drive to Rax every time. The food is wonderful. Love the BBC sandwich. There is a great variety of sandwiches. But so much more. Baked Potatoes 5 different kinds, great Chili, French fries, and salads. This is one of the oldest Rax's in this area. Very worth a try. read more

Food was good but the service from the drive threw lady was not listening to the order what so ever but she was the one at 11am on July 2nd 2024 she was not a good employee at all read more

Ive been going here for years, after a friend directed me here. I think they taste better than Arby's, buns are better, price is lower, and experience is better. They are independently owned , even though they are part of a small chain, this is the only one in IL. Giving it a Mom & Pop feel. Their twisty fries are every bit as good as "curly" fries from Arby's. Does the other place have a pot roast sammich that kicks ass? I didnt think so. Ok then , get over there and try them out. read more

Always stop at Rax when I'm back in town. Best ham sandwich around. Fries good and mozzarella sticks too

Great food I will be back when in town.nice buttered buns and the fry's were hot and tasty

Back in 1978 or so, I would hit the Rax for 5-for-5, five roast beef sammys for 5 bucks, then sit there and lay waste to them with a chocolate shake and curly fries. Those were good times, man. Hadn't been back since I lived in Joliet in the late 80s, and I am pleased to report that although the prices are a bit higher than Arby's, you get what you pay for. The bun is much fresher, the cheese sauce is nicer, and you get a lot of piping hot curly fries in the order. This place kicks Arby's a** If you are in Joliet and you want some Arby's, do yourself a favor and go to Rax instead. You will be glad you did. read more

My husband walked in and ordered a King Rax and Turkey Bacon Sandwich - when he got home we discovered he had not received the King Rax, instead a big beef and there is a distinct difference between the two sandwiches. The receipt even says King Rx. Very disappointed- we will not return. read more

See all

First time back in over a year. I live almost an hour away, but when I'm nearby, Rax is a must stop! Usually a great meal, but today they dropped the ball. My wife and I both ordered the beef, bacon and cheese sandwich with a baked potato and drink. While the potatoes were excellent, the sandwich was bad. Usually they butter and toast the bun and after slicing the beef, the put it on a grill and warm it up. Not this time, the bun was chewy and tasteless and add cold beef and you get total disappointment. The woman who is usually making the sandwiches was not there and maybe that's why the things were off a bit. I'm sure I'll be back, but if they let me down again, there will be a problem. read more

Food is decent for fast food. We got three cheesy beef sandwiches and two large twisty fries. Delicious. But price shocked us. It's been years if not a decade since we've been. It was 27$ for our entire order. Better than Arby's! read more

I would give a 5-star for quality of food, 0-star for service since the employees refuse to answer the phone for pick-up orders. Stop being lazy. I call when no cars in drive-thru and still no answer. Pathetic. read more

I've been eating here since a kid. Great Roast & Cheese sandwiches. Comparable to Arby's, but the buns are extra toasted and the cheese is thicker and more mild. read more

Rax - Famous Sign - American Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

Step back into the 1980s and come get your roast beef fix at Rax. If the name sounds familiar, it's because Rax is a chain of restaurants focusing on roast beef, chicken and an all-you-can-eat salad bar. In the 80s they thrived with over 200 locations covering 28 states, but now they are down to a handful, mostly in Ohio. However, this Joilet location remains open, still in its 1980s decor. As an upscale competitor to Arby's, Rax features a smaller menu of roast beef and chicken sandwiches, as well as an endless salad buffet - a concept made famous with Burger King and Wendy's but ultimately dying out. This tradition still carries on at Rax, so for those who do not want fried food, you have an option now. They give you good-sized portions for what you pay, and the food is cooked to order. Friendly service and fast speed also makes this place a winner in my book. read more

See all

Ate here for the first time. I've never even heard of Rax, but a friend suggested we dine here before a show at the Rialto, so I figured I'd give it a whirl. The Rax Jr I had was actually pretty tasty. I also got the salad bar, which was okay. It's over $7 to add the salad bar option, which seems pretty pricey to me. I think if I were to eat here again, I'd skip the salad bar and order a bigger Rax. The restroom is creepy. There is one -- and the set up is bizarre. In order to wash your hands, you are crammed in a corner right beside the urinal (where the floor was wet -- really guys?! Is it that hard to aim??). GROSS. If you can hold it, use the facilities elsewhere. read more

I normally would give Rax a high rating as I like them very much. However we visited yesterday afternoon and it wasn't so good. The best thing I can say about the meal is the fries were hot! read more

Been coming here as a kid with my mom! Hands down best roast beef and potatoes! I will come here forever! Never disappointed! Amazing staff! You guys never disappoint! read more

Rax - 5. Philly Melt Combo - American Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

Rax is great! Very clean dinning room Super out dated but everything is in perfect shape really is a step back in time food is my favorite roast beef and the prices are fair. My wife and I eat there as much as we can to support this local gem read more

Ummm...it's Rax! Enough said, good luck finding another one anywhere close! Give me Tacos!!!!!

National treasure. Keep on keeping on Rax. Keep giving J-Town the roast beef. So much better than Arby's. read more