Aurelio's Pizza Joliet is a pizza place in Joliet, IL, serving classic Italian beef sandwiches, hand-closed crust pizzas, and specialty pies like the popular "The Works"® with sausage, ham, pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, and cheese. Located at 3101 W Jefferson St, the restaurant offers a full menu including appetizers, salads, pasta, desserts, and drinks, with options for online ordering, catering, and gift cards. The business continues a tradition that began in 1959 in Homewood, Illinois, where founder Joe Aurelio started with a small storefront and built a loyal customer base through homemade recipes and consistent quality. The family-owned brand emphasizes fresh ingredients, community roots, and a commitment to service that has endured for decades.
The original Aurelio’s Pizza opened on August 20, 1959, at 2041 Ridge Road in Homewood, starting with just a few tables and a single oven. Joe Aurelio refined his dough and sauce, used fresh homemade Italian sausage, and served his signature Italian beef sandwiches to build a loyal following. As demand grew, he expanded to adjacent storefronts in 1962, creating a space that welcomed families, teenagers, and adults with distinct areas and features like a jukebox and red-and-white checker-top tables. The business model, focused on quality, consistency, and community, has been preserved through generations, with the Aurelio family continuing to uphold Joe’s original ideals.
Aurelio's Pizza Joliet is situated on W Jefferson St, a central road in the city. The location is part of a long-standing chain known for its authentic, family-style dining and handcrafted pizzas, with a legacy rooted in the Midwest. While the business has no reviews listed, its enduring presence since 1959 reflects a deep connection to the communities it serves. The restaurant remains a local favorite for those seeking hearty, traditional Italian-American fare in a welcoming setting.