Uncle Julio's opens today in Orland Park

Uncle Julio's opens today in Orland Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A new Mexican restaurant will open to the public today in the former Harrison's brew pub at 15845 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park. 

 The building has been undergoing a major renovation since Harrison's closed earlier this year and the restaurant will now feature a horseshoe-shaped bar with monitors to catch the latest game.

The 10,000-square-foot restaurant has seating for 350 along with a large outdoor patio. The interior features fireplaces and informal seating areas. 

Dallas-based Uncle Julio's kicked off its Orland location on Oct. 4 with a benefit for Together We Cope. The restaurant also made a $2,500 donation to the organization that helps families in crisis.

“The spirit of Uncle Julio’s is the fun we have and the unparalleled flavor and experience we provide to our guests,” Todd Conger, president and chief operating officer of Uncle Julio’s, said in a release. 

“We can’t wait for all of Orland Park to walk through our doors and make this tradition of enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine their new favorite thing to do with friends and family.” 

The Orland location is the chain's 18th restaurant. The eatery features traditional Tex-Mex fare such as tacos and enchiladas as well as specialties such as Fajitas al Carbon and Honey Chipotle Salmon.

Uncle Julio’s invented the famous Swirl Margarita, made with layers of frozen margarita and homemade sangria. Diners can also choose a custom margarita, made from their choice of 15 different tequilas. Other signature drinks include the Patrón Skinny Margarita (made with Patrón Silver and skinny agave sour).

The restaurant will serve lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.  Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Weekend egg brunch is served along with the regular menu on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For information, call 708-942-4700, visit their website or check out their Facebook.  

Middle Eastern restaurant closes in Orland

Shami Kabob & Grill, which opened in June 2011, closed recently at 15222 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park in Ravinia Plaza. The 1,900-square-foot eatery specialized in Middle Eastern food. No sign was posted on the door regarding the closing but the windows are covered in paper. There is no posting on its Facebook page about the closing and its phone number was disconnected.

Rosati's reopens in Tinley Park

Rosati's pizzeria, which closed at 171st Street and Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park in August 2012, reopened recently at 15911 S. 76th Avenue in the village.

Rosati's, which has hundreds of locations, operates under two different corporate parents. The Tinley location is part of the chain that is based in Elgin.

For information, call 708-444-1400 or visit Rosati's.

Orland gas station on the block

The BP station at 143rd Street and LaGrange Road in Orland Park is one of five BP convenience store-gas stations that is being sold as part of a bankruptcy sale by NRC Realty & Capital Advisors LLC.

The 4,200-square-foot station sits on more than one acre and was built in 2002.

The other stations are in Elk Grove Village, Joliet, Oswego and Romeoville.

Any bids must be approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.