This place has great food, good staff, is clean, etc. I set up a yelp account basically just to complain that they charge 50 cents for a little water cup that probably costs a nickel. I have been going there for years. I don't drink bottled water as a rule and 50 cents for a dinky cup for some water is ridiculous. This rant makes me feel like an old curmudgeon but what the hell, charge a nickel or a dime, cover your expenses, no need to make a %2000 markup on a cup. You aren't really helping you revenue that much, just pissing people off.
(4)
Tom W.
I absolutely love this place. The Italian Beef sandwiches (or samiches, depending on where you are originate) are absolutely fantastic. The fries are great and there is plenty of seating inside for roughly 20 people Try this place. Enjoy!
(5)
Jon P.
Well, we were trying to decide where to go for lunch. By friend recommended a place we've eaten numerous times and I almost agreed. Instead I did a Yelp search nearby and found Mark's on 59. The reviews are good and when I suggested it my buddy was excited about it because he'd eaten there before and loved it. Done, Yelp expanding horizons daily!! Like so many places in Joliet/Plainfield/Shorewood areas Marks looks pretty scary from the outside. It is in a little strip mall attached to a really sketchy liquor store. Once you walk inside you immediately realize that you can't judge a place by its outward appearance. When you walk in you turn left and order at the kitchen window. The kitchen looks well maintained and extremely clean, good start. The entire restaurant looks custom decorated. I would be willing to bet that the owner has some contractor skills because the tiling, the fish tank and even the bar in the back look like they were done very meticulously. Only an owner puts that kind of time and effort into that work. Now, I read on Yelp that the Shrimp basket was the way to go and my friend echoed the sentiment. So when ordering at the window we each got a bowl of beef barley soup then split a 2# shrimp basket and a 1 pound smelt basket. I am a giant soup snob. This beef barley soup was far and away the best I have ever had. A++++ Huge hunks of beef and only a mild/moderate amount of barley. Usually it is the other way around (barley is cheaper than beef!) Shrimp Basket. A+ You may think, and I have always thought that a shrimp is a shrimp is a shrimp. I will now tell you that you are wrong. These shrimp were HUGE (like four bites huge), perfectly breaded, and tasted amazingly fresh. I can honestly say that Marks has re-set the bar for breaded shrimp, all others will be compared to these giant tasty scrimps! Smelt basket. B+ Smelt in general freak most people out due to the fact that you are consuming the entire fish. These were some of the better fried smelt that I've had. The taste was something along the lines of fresh pillowy fish-flavored dough sticks. I enjoyed them, but I have had really fresh fried smelt and these were certainly frozen (kind of an unfair comparison). I will order them again, they just werent the perfect consistency for an excellent grade. So, all in all, Marks will be my go to when I am craving beef barley soup or fresh fried shrimp. That's a pretty amazing culinary change for me in one sitting!! Give them a try, you will not be disappointed!!
(4)
LaDonna F.
The Fried Shrimp are delicious!!! I ordered the large and thought I was given the jumbo by mistake. I ordered take out, but restaurant seating is plentiful, and very attractive, I will probably eat in my next visit. Oh, did I mention there is a bar!
(4)
Paul A.
Been going here almost since the beginning. Love me a Chicago hot dog with everything and a cheese fry, cheeseburger with an ice cold beer when I'm not in the mood for a dog. Our company frequently gets lunch for our managers meetings from Mark's and we've never been disappointed.
(5)
Mallory W.
Amazing! I work down the street! They make awesome food and often walk food over to me if I cannot leave my retail store unattended.
(5)
Diane B.
Had dinner here last night for the first time. The poor boy sandwich with cheese on garlic bread was delicious!! Will definitely be back to try other things on the menu. A true hidden gem!!
(5)
Angela P.
Mark's on 59 is a hidden gem - quite literally on that "hidden" part. While you're speeding down Route 59 (come on, you're approaching I-55 at this point, you're going much faster than 45MPH) you're likely to fly right past Mark's without ever noticing they are here. Lucky for me, it's 2014, and we have Google Maps and GPS galore. It's on the east side of Route 59, next to a liquor store. The "Mark's" sign is partially covered by trees, and there isn't much around in terms of shopping and dining. When we pulled into the parking lot, it was empty. It looked dark inside, but I walked to the front door and saw two employees inside. The lights appear dim from outside, so don't leave! The exterior and front counter lead you to believe that Mark's is a "dive," just another greasy little fast food spot in suburbia. But turn around: the dining area is unexpected. There are a few TVs, sturdy oak tables, and a very attractive bar area. The shrimp is outstanding! The shrimp were generously sized and portioned, breaded evenly, crunchy, and not too greasy. Mark's offers large shrimp and jumbo shrimp in 1/2 lb and 1 lb baskets. I had the 1/2 lb of large shrimp, which to me, where jumbo. And the 1/2 lb filled me up like 1 lb would. The shrimp baskets come with two sides, so I chose the hush puppies and the fries. I would come back here just for sides of the hush puppies. Oh my YUM. Surely hush puppies alone don't merit a meal...but what if nobody's looking? Mark's menu also offers Italian beef, Polish sausage, hot dogs, and more. Prices are reasonable too. Lately, it takes a lot for me to get enthusiastic about anything featured on "Chicago's Best." As my husband says, "what restaurant HASN'T been on Chicago's Best?" Well, I can say with certainty that Mark's on 59 is one of the best spots on all of Route 59. If you're heading south, you're almost at I-55, so stop here before it's too late!
(5)
Karl B.
Great food and great service. I've driven by countless times and never even thought about stopping since that mall looks a bit sketchy. But today I googled it and read the reviews so I did. Walked in and it's a nice little place and had a great friendly staff. The food was very good, we had shrimp and cod. I'd say the only better shrimp we've had was from a little place in FL. We will go back again for sure!
(5)
Nicholas W.
Always friendly and the food is amazing!!! Please get the meatball sub you will in no way be disappointed. The chicken sandwiches are the bomb.com and one of my favorite things is that they have both Pepsi and Coke. Give it a shot, I've lived here in Shorewood my entire life and the same family that runs this establishment use to sell me trading cards as a kid.
(5)
Tim D.
I'm a local so maybe I'm showing a little favoritism ;) Marks is great! I like the idea of walking in right up to the counter and watching them put your order together right there. The kitchen/register area is very small but the staff is pretty good at dodging each other! The staff is also always polite and friendly. The seating area us fresh and clean, never any issues there. I love their beef sandwiches! Good flavor and a large size for a big appetite! The fries are crisp and always hot. Good food, friendly staff, squeaky clean dining area and good prices, what more could you ask for. Great job Mark's!
(4)
Brad B.
I've tried their shrimp twice now, and both times were pretty impressive. This time we both ordered a 1/2 lbs. of the Large shrimp. Previously I ordered the Jumbo shrimp. The Large are a little better tasting to me than the Jumbo, though I wouldn't hesitate to have either one. The Jumbo taste a little bit like water, but I do believe they are fresh and not frozen. The batter is excellent, and doesn't overpower the taste or texture of the shrimp itself. One neat thing: you have a choice between cocktail sauce or Louisiana hot sauce. They are still serving Coke and Pepsi products, as well as a limited alcohol selection. There is something for everyone there. I've never been disappointed at Mark's, no matter what I order. The service is always great, and they bring your food to the table. How they remember who ordered what is beyond me, especially when they are as busy as they were during our visit.
(4)
Laura M.
Yes, really good shrimp (I ordered the jumbo) staff was friendly, restaurant was clean! I will go back there first next time I want shrimp. I will definitely go back to try a burger too.
(5)
Lor F.
I really think my "fried" shrimp was baked. The fries as well. Was the deep fryer broken? I never heard it being used and I could see it from my seat. Not one tad of oil evident and the fries were white, limp and boring as in not baked enough. I also think my shrimp was pre-breaded frozen and then baked. The breading was the exact same as you get when you buy pre-breaded in the frozen food section. Tasted like it too. The side slaw consisted of a tiny container. The woman at the counter acted rude when I asked for tabasco to shake on my 20 dollar eat in shrimp. Nope, I have to buy a container for a dollar. I didn't care for her service or the sauce The place was empty, three employees , one maybe an owner, and most of the tables needed to be cleaned. Hard place to find too and I wish I hadn't. Thought I'd get a pound of their beef to take home for 10.99 a pound as stated on their menu. Nope. You have to buy three pounds or more. This place won't last.
(1)
Jon F.
Finally tried and was not disappointed! Had the cod dinner with hush puppies and fries. Fries good, cod was cooked great, however hush puppies were overcooked and burnt. Tasted ok, bet would have been great if not left in the fryer too long. Nice big interior with a surprisingly nice bar! Will eat in next time and have a few brews too.
(4)
Tim D.
Eric and staff are great!!! Friendly, Order correct each and every time I call in. Had the beef and fries located on Rt 59 in Shorewood. Stop by you will not be disappointed
(5)
Kerry K.
THE SHRIMP. My review should be complete there, but it's not. The beef is amazing too! They have sides with their meals too and they are awesome! They have potato salad that tastes homemade. Maybe it is? I wouldn't be surprised if it is. They're always friendly, the place is nicer and cleaner than your regular hot dog place. Definitely worth a try...
(5)
Michael D.
Always a good feeling when you can stand there and watch them make your food instead of hiding it like some other places to. Prices are decent its a small business so i dont mind
(5)
Johnny T.
Quite surprised by this place. I didn't expect the inside to look so big and nice! There's even a bar in the back! There's something nice about seeing the owner doing the cooking. My 1/3 lb. bacon cheeseburger, Italian beef, and large fry came to about $12.50. The burger was the favorite, which I liked seeing getting seared on the grill right in front of me. They weren't skimpy on the amount of beef on my sandwich. It wasn't dripping with juice and the flavor had a stronger spice taste, which I hadn't experience with other beef sandwiches before. Fries had a great consistently crunch texture but weren't anything special. Nice find in Shorewood.
(4)
Erik J.
Super clean and nice inside. Staff was very friendly. Several TV's and very nice bar in the back. Italian beef was awesome. Less greasy than Portillos with better flavor. I paid $4.59 for a beef sandwich that was as big or bigger than a Portillo's Big beef which is $7.99. Fries were fresh and cooked just right. Will be trying to setup a party/banquet there soon.
(5)
Ronald B.
Seating is nice but the kitchen area is dirty.For the 20dollar a pound jumbo shrimp go somewhere else.if your in a hurry go to portillos
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Kevin H.
This place has great food, good staff, is clean, etc. I set up a yelp account basically just to complain that they charge 50 cents for a little water cup that probably costs a nickel. I have been going there for years. I don't drink bottled water as a rule and 50 cents for a dinky cup for some water is ridiculous. This rant makes me feel like an old curmudgeon but what the hell, charge a nickel or a dime, cover your expenses, no need to make a %2000 markup on a cup. You aren't really helping you revenue that much, just pissing people off.
(4)Tom W.
I absolutely love this place. The Italian Beef sandwiches (or samiches, depending on where you are originate) are absolutely fantastic. The fries are great and there is plenty of seating inside for roughly 20 people Try this place. Enjoy!
(5)Jon P.
Well, we were trying to decide where to go for lunch. By friend recommended a place we've eaten numerous times and I almost agreed. Instead I did a Yelp search nearby and found Mark's on 59. The reviews are good and when I suggested it my buddy was excited about it because he'd eaten there before and loved it. Done, Yelp expanding horizons daily!! Like so many places in Joliet/Plainfield/Shorewood areas Marks looks pretty scary from the outside. It is in a little strip mall attached to a really sketchy liquor store. Once you walk inside you immediately realize that you can't judge a place by its outward appearance. When you walk in you turn left and order at the kitchen window. The kitchen looks well maintained and extremely clean, good start. The entire restaurant looks custom decorated. I would be willing to bet that the owner has some contractor skills because the tiling, the fish tank and even the bar in the back look like they were done very meticulously. Only an owner puts that kind of time and effort into that work. Now, I read on Yelp that the Shrimp basket was the way to go and my friend echoed the sentiment. So when ordering at the window we each got a bowl of beef barley soup then split a 2# shrimp basket and a 1 pound smelt basket. I am a giant soup snob. This beef barley soup was far and away the best I have ever had. A++++ Huge hunks of beef and only a mild/moderate amount of barley. Usually it is the other way around (barley is cheaper than beef!) Shrimp Basket. A+ You may think, and I have always thought that a shrimp is a shrimp is a shrimp. I will now tell you that you are wrong. These shrimp were HUGE (like four bites huge), perfectly breaded, and tasted amazingly fresh. I can honestly say that Marks has re-set the bar for breaded shrimp, all others will be compared to these giant tasty scrimps! Smelt basket. B+ Smelt in general freak most people out due to the fact that you are consuming the entire fish. These were some of the better fried smelt that I've had. The taste was something along the lines of fresh pillowy fish-flavored dough sticks. I enjoyed them, but I have had really fresh fried smelt and these were certainly frozen (kind of an unfair comparison). I will order them again, they just werent the perfect consistency for an excellent grade. So, all in all, Marks will be my go to when I am craving beef barley soup or fresh fried shrimp. That's a pretty amazing culinary change for me in one sitting!! Give them a try, you will not be disappointed!!
(4)LaDonna F.
The Fried Shrimp are delicious!!! I ordered the large and thought I was given the jumbo by mistake. I ordered take out, but restaurant seating is plentiful, and very attractive, I will probably eat in my next visit. Oh, did I mention there is a bar!
(4)Paul A.
Been going here almost since the beginning. Love me a Chicago hot dog with everything and a cheese fry, cheeseburger with an ice cold beer when I'm not in the mood for a dog. Our company frequently gets lunch for our managers meetings from Mark's and we've never been disappointed.
(5)Mallory W.
Amazing! I work down the street! They make awesome food and often walk food over to me if I cannot leave my retail store unattended.
(5)Diane B.
Had dinner here last night for the first time. The poor boy sandwich with cheese on garlic bread was delicious!! Will definitely be back to try other things on the menu. A true hidden gem!!
(5)Angela P.
Mark's on 59 is a hidden gem - quite literally on that "hidden" part. While you're speeding down Route 59 (come on, you're approaching I-55 at this point, you're going much faster than 45MPH) you're likely to fly right past Mark's without ever noticing they are here. Lucky for me, it's 2014, and we have Google Maps and GPS galore. It's on the east side of Route 59, next to a liquor store. The "Mark's" sign is partially covered by trees, and there isn't much around in terms of shopping and dining. When we pulled into the parking lot, it was empty. It looked dark inside, but I walked to the front door and saw two employees inside. The lights appear dim from outside, so don't leave! The exterior and front counter lead you to believe that Mark's is a "dive," just another greasy little fast food spot in suburbia. But turn around: the dining area is unexpected. There are a few TVs, sturdy oak tables, and a very attractive bar area. The shrimp is outstanding! The shrimp were generously sized and portioned, breaded evenly, crunchy, and not too greasy. Mark's offers large shrimp and jumbo shrimp in 1/2 lb and 1 lb baskets. I had the 1/2 lb of large shrimp, which to me, where jumbo. And the 1/2 lb filled me up like 1 lb would. The shrimp baskets come with two sides, so I chose the hush puppies and the fries. I would come back here just for sides of the hush puppies. Oh my YUM. Surely hush puppies alone don't merit a meal...but what if nobody's looking? Mark's menu also offers Italian beef, Polish sausage, hot dogs, and more. Prices are reasonable too. Lately, it takes a lot for me to get enthusiastic about anything featured on "Chicago's Best." As my husband says, "what restaurant HASN'T been on Chicago's Best?" Well, I can say with certainty that Mark's on 59 is one of the best spots on all of Route 59. If you're heading south, you're almost at I-55, so stop here before it's too late!
(5)Karl B.
Great food and great service. I've driven by countless times and never even thought about stopping since that mall looks a bit sketchy. But today I googled it and read the reviews so I did. Walked in and it's a nice little place and had a great friendly staff. The food was very good, we had shrimp and cod. I'd say the only better shrimp we've had was from a little place in FL. We will go back again for sure!
(5)Nicholas W.
Always friendly and the food is amazing!!! Please get the meatball sub you will in no way be disappointed. The chicken sandwiches are the bomb.com and one of my favorite things is that they have both Pepsi and Coke. Give it a shot, I've lived here in Shorewood my entire life and the same family that runs this establishment use to sell me trading cards as a kid.
(5)Tim D.
I'm a local so maybe I'm showing a little favoritism ;) Marks is great! I like the idea of walking in right up to the counter and watching them put your order together right there. The kitchen/register area is very small but the staff is pretty good at dodging each other! The staff is also always polite and friendly. The seating area us fresh and clean, never any issues there. I love their beef sandwiches! Good flavor and a large size for a big appetite! The fries are crisp and always hot. Good food, friendly staff, squeaky clean dining area and good prices, what more could you ask for. Great job Mark's!
(4)Brad B.
I've tried their shrimp twice now, and both times were pretty impressive. This time we both ordered a 1/2 lbs. of the Large shrimp. Previously I ordered the Jumbo shrimp. The Large are a little better tasting to me than the Jumbo, though I wouldn't hesitate to have either one. The Jumbo taste a little bit like water, but I do believe they are fresh and not frozen. The batter is excellent, and doesn't overpower the taste or texture of the shrimp itself. One neat thing: you have a choice between cocktail sauce or Louisiana hot sauce. They are still serving Coke and Pepsi products, as well as a limited alcohol selection. There is something for everyone there. I've never been disappointed at Mark's, no matter what I order. The service is always great, and they bring your food to the table. How they remember who ordered what is beyond me, especially when they are as busy as they were during our visit.
(4)Laura M.
Yes, really good shrimp (I ordered the jumbo) staff was friendly, restaurant was clean! I will go back there first next time I want shrimp. I will definitely go back to try a burger too.
(5)Lor F.
I really think my "fried" shrimp was baked. The fries as well. Was the deep fryer broken? I never heard it being used and I could see it from my seat. Not one tad of oil evident and the fries were white, limp and boring as in not baked enough. I also think my shrimp was pre-breaded frozen and then baked. The breading was the exact same as you get when you buy pre-breaded in the frozen food section. Tasted like it too. The side slaw consisted of a tiny container. The woman at the counter acted rude when I asked for tabasco to shake on my 20 dollar eat in shrimp. Nope, I have to buy a container for a dollar. I didn't care for her service or the sauce The place was empty, three employees , one maybe an owner, and most of the tables needed to be cleaned. Hard place to find too and I wish I hadn't. Thought I'd get a pound of their beef to take home for 10.99 a pound as stated on their menu. Nope. You have to buy three pounds or more. This place won't last.
(1)Jon F.
Finally tried and was not disappointed! Had the cod dinner with hush puppies and fries. Fries good, cod was cooked great, however hush puppies were overcooked and burnt. Tasted ok, bet would have been great if not left in the fryer too long. Nice big interior with a surprisingly nice bar! Will eat in next time and have a few brews too.
(4)Tim D.
Eric and staff are great!!! Friendly, Order correct each and every time I call in. Had the beef and fries located on Rt 59 in Shorewood. Stop by you will not be disappointed
(5)Kerry K.
THE SHRIMP. My review should be complete there, but it's not. The beef is amazing too! They have sides with their meals too and they are awesome! They have potato salad that tastes homemade. Maybe it is? I wouldn't be surprised if it is. They're always friendly, the place is nicer and cleaner than your regular hot dog place. Definitely worth a try...
(5)Michael D.
Always a good feeling when you can stand there and watch them make your food instead of hiding it like some other places to. Prices are decent its a small business so i dont mind
(5)Johnny T.
Quite surprised by this place. I didn't expect the inside to look so big and nice! There's even a bar in the back! There's something nice about seeing the owner doing the cooking. My 1/3 lb. bacon cheeseburger, Italian beef, and large fry came to about $12.50. The burger was the favorite, which I liked seeing getting seared on the grill right in front of me. They weren't skimpy on the amount of beef on my sandwich. It wasn't dripping with juice and the flavor had a stronger spice taste, which I hadn't experience with other beef sandwiches before. Fries had a great consistently crunch texture but weren't anything special. Nice find in Shorewood.
(4)Erik J.
Super clean and nice inside. Staff was very friendly. Several TV's and very nice bar in the back. Italian beef was awesome. Less greasy than Portillos with better flavor. I paid $4.59 for a beef sandwich that was as big or bigger than a Portillo's Big beef which is $7.99. Fries were fresh and cooked just right. Will be trying to setup a party/banquet there soon.
(5)Ronald B.
Seating is nice but the kitchen area is dirty.For the 20dollar a pound jumbo shrimp go somewhere else.if your in a hurry go to portillos
(2)