Corkscrew Pointe to become Grinders Ale House in McHenry
Things are about to get mighty tasty at 1402 N. Riverside Drive in McHenry.
As in Italian spiced ham with Vermont cheddar cheese tasty. Or prosciutto piccolo and Havarti on a croissant. Or mortadella with gruyere and chipotle mustard, if you please. The choices will be many, all served up with an equally savory view and any of 16 featured craft brews.
Diners will find this tempting selection of Boar's Head premium meats, cheeses and more at the new Grinders Ale House at the northeast corner of Pearl Street and Riverside Drive in McHenry. The time is right for change, said owner John Macrito, who will take down the long familiar Corkscrew Pointe signage and install the business's new moniker early next month.
A new name and array of 6- or 12-inch sandwiches won't be the only change. Macrito is renovating what was a game room into a spacious dining area with a broad view of the Fox River.
The coronavirus has forced many business people to rethink their game plan, Macrito said. And for him, the choice was clear.
"The bar business, as it was, is shutting down," Macrito said. "If I offer food in a family-friendly atmosphere, I can keep going and keep more people employed. I've ordered a 20-foot gazebo for the deck and three large permanent umbrellas for out there as well."
Macrito built a 1,650-square-foot riverfront deck on the east side of his historic corner building a few years ago. Soon he hopes to see it bustling with servers and gourmet sandwich fans. Already he has hired five part-time kitchen staff, and he likely will hire additional servers soon, he said.
The indoor dining area will feature nine tables initially, to keep the required distance due to COVID-19 restrictions. The room has capacity for at least double that number, Macrito said. Outdoor seating also will be spaced appropriately.
Grinders Ale House will feature 11 meats including capocollo, smoked black forest ham and Italian beef along with delectable cheeses like brie, three-pepper Colby jack and even marbled bleu Monterey jack.
Customers will be able to order the combination of their choice or select from house specialties like the Mediterranean or Cubano, with the bread offerings to include Italian rolls, croissants, wheat buns, flour wraps or paninis. Sandwich prices will range from $5.95 to $8.95, Macrito said, adding that all will be delicious.
"I'm a big fan of Boar's Head meats," he said. "These are high-quality products."
Grinders Ale House's kitchen will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with carry-out available. Macrito aims to launch his new food service Saturday, Aug. 1. For other information, call (815) 578-8360 or send email to john@grindersalehouse.com. Follow Grinders Ale House on Facebook.