Taps Tips Adds Video Slots And People Are Winning

JOLIET, IL — Less than two weeks ago, Joliet's Taps Tips Eat & Play installed a half dozen video gaming machines at its new sports bar. Taps Tips opened in January 2020 as a takeout restaurant at 3111 Theodore St. In May, Taps Tips expanded next door, adding a sports bar, several booths and tables for people to eat, watch sports on TV and enjoy the atmosphere.

Now, after several months of waiting, the gaming machines have arrived at 3109 Theodore St.

"Come on in, sit down, play slots and get some rib tips," suggested Taps Tips owner Michael Tapley during Tuesday's interview with Joliet Patch's editor.

Tapley said the six new slot machines are already producing some nice payouts for winners.

"One guy sat down, and he won $700," Tapley remarked.

He hopes to have even more big winners in the days and weeks ahead.

"I hope they can provide some much-needed revenue," he added.

The top-payout someone can win playing the video slot machines is $1,199, according to Tapley.

Tapley said Taps Tips Eat & Play offers Monday night football, Tuesday is senior night, Wednesday offers various specials, Thursday night is more NFL action, while on Friday and Saturday it's a dance and nightclub.

"I'm looking for a daytime bartender, and I need employees for the kitchen, also," Tapley told Joliet Patch.

Tapley said one of the most important things he continues to stress to new and potential Taps Tips customers "is that we're not a franchise. We're just a little, family-friendly place, not a franchise."

According to Google Reviews, Taps Tips BBQ Smokehouse has 189 Google Reviews, averaging 4.1 stars out of 5 stars.

Tapley told Patch that the restaurant is now open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; the sports bar is open from noon to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and from noon to 10 p.m. Sundays.