Honestly, the hype was kind of exhausting. For months, everyone in Will County was talking about the big return. Jack in the Box hadn't been in the Chicago area for over forty years, and then suddenly, the "coming soon" sign pops up at 2101 S. Route 59.
If you’ve lived in Plainfield long enough, you know that stretch of Route 59 is basically a gauntlet of fast-food options. You have Wendy’s, you have the staples, and now you have the Jack. But there is a weird bit of trivia most people miss: technically, that location sits right on the border of Plainfield and Joliet. While the mailing address says Plainfield, the local tax man and the city limits often lean toward Joliet.
It officially opened its doors in July 2025. People waited in lines that snaked around the building for hours just to get a taco that costs less than two bucks. Was it worth it? That depends on how much you value nostalgia versus a decent burger.
Why Plainfield?
You might wonder why a California-based chain picked this specific corner for its big comeback. Basically, it’s about the "24/7 crave" factor. This location isn't just a lunch spot; it’s designed for the late-night crowd coming off shifts or heading home from the city.
The Jack in the Box Plainfield location was one of the first in a massive wave of Illinois openings, alongside spots in New Lenox and Naperville. The company saw "whitespace." That’s corporate-speak for "there aren't enough places here where you can buy an egg roll and a sourdough burger at 3:00 AM."
It works. Plainfield is a high-traffic hub. But the reality on the ground has been a bit messier than the marketing suggested.
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The Menu: The Good, The Bad, and The Tacos
Let’s talk about the food because that’s why you’re actually here. Jack in the Box is famous for having a menu that feels like a fever dream. You can get:
- The Sourdough Jack: This is arguably their best item. The bread is actually toasted, not just warmed up.
- Two Tacos for Cheap: These are polarizing. Some people say the meat looks... questionable. Others swear by the greasy, crunchy, "so bad it's good" vibe.
- The Buttery Smashed Jack: This was a huge push in 2025. It’s their attempt to compete with Culver’s. It’s drenched in garlic herb butter. Warning: you will need about six napkins.
- Breakfast All Day: This is the real winner. You can get a Supreme Croissant at 7:00 PM. Not many places in the area offer that level of flexibility.
Local Feedback and Growing Pains
The reviews haven't all been five stars. Not even close. Since opening, the Plainfield/Joliet location has faced the typical "new restaurant" struggle. We’re talking about forty-minute wait times in the drive-thru during peak hours. Some customers have complained on platforms like Trustpilot about cold food or orders being swapped.
One reviewer, Samer, mentioned waiting nearly an hour for a simple cheeseburger. That’s the risk you run with these high-profile openings. The staff is often overwhelmed, and the "24-hour" promise is hard to maintain when labor is tight.
What You Should Know Before Going
If you’re planning a trip to the Route 59 location, don't just wing it.
First off, the drive-thru is the primary way people use this spot. Roughly 90% of their business is "to-go." If the line looks long, it probably is. Because they cook things like egg rolls and tiny tacos to order, it takes longer than a standard burger-and-fry joint.
Second, use the app. Seriously. The "Jack Pack" rewards and mobile ordering can save you from sitting in the lane for twenty minutes. Plus, they often have deals like "2 free tacos with a $1 purchase" that aren't available if you just roll up to the window.
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The Competition
Plainfield isn't short on burgers. You’ve got Portillo’s nearby, which is a local religion. You’ve got Culver’s. Jack in the Box isn't trying to be "better" than a gourmet burger place; it’s trying to be the place you go when nothing else is open or when you want a weird mix of curly fries and cheesecake.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Avoid Peak "Munchie" Hours: Between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM, the line gets brutal. If you want a quiet experience, go mid-afternoon.
- Check the App for Local Exclusives: Sometimes the Plainfield location runs specific promos because it's a newer franchise market.
- Verify Your Order: Before you pull away from that window on Route 59, check the bag. With such a massive menu, mistakes happen often.
- Try the Egg Rolls: Weirdly, they are one of the most consistent items on the menu. They’re dense, crispy, and come with a sweet and sour sauce that actually has a kick.
The return of Jack in the Box to the area was a huge milestone for the brand's 2025 expansion. While the initial "honeymoon phase" of long lines has leveled off, it remains a staple for those living in the southwest suburbs who need a 24-hour fix. Whether it stays a favorite or becomes just another sign on Route 59 depends on how they handle the local service issues.