D.C. Cobb's opens in downtown McHenry

McHENRY – McHenry residents have a new place to dine with the opening of D.C. Cobb's second location.

Josh Carstens and business partner Dan Hart, a local entrepreneur and Woodstock City Council member, opened the restaurant in McHenry in February. The business has been in the works for more than a year, and its opening has so far been successful, Hart said.

“The response has been amazing,” Hart said. “We have had a wait almost every day of the week.”

Hart plans to more than double the space’s capacity through its patio and rooftop dining. He is in the process of installing gas fire pits, a louvered roof system and other finishing touches, such as customized railing for the outdoor areas.

The McHenry pub offers a similar menu to its Woodstock location – with items such as specialty wraps, burgers, salads and appetizers – and has a full bar including various beers on draft.

The business created about 30 to 35 jobs, Hart said.

The new restaurant, located at 1204 N. Green St., was created in conjunction with the development of the McHenry Downtown Theater, but Hart had plans to open the restaurant before the development began.

“I’ve known Josh for years,” he said. “He worked in town, and I talked to him for years about doing something in McHenry. … We thought D.C. Cobb’s in McHenry would be well-received and something residents would like.”

Carstens said he was happy to bring new business to the area.

“We are excited to be part of the downtown area of McHenry,” he said. “We are looking forward to boosting foot traffic in the area and getting business to this part of town.”