Shaw Local

News   •   Sports   •   eNewspapers   •   The Scene
McHenry County

Sticks Pub and Grub a spot worth seeking out

If you've driving down Route 14 from Crystal Lake to Barrington, you've passed Sticks Pub and Grub. You might not have noticed, but it's there, and you should certainly seek it out. We stopped by for a midweek lunch and found out why it keeps being honored in our Best of the Fox contest. Most recently, Sticks Pub and Grub was honored as one of the best neighborhood bars and tavern pubs. Located just off Route 14 in Fox River Grove, Sticks Pub and Grub has a decent-sized bar and dining area.

By BEST OF

If you've driving down Route 14 from Crystal Lake to Barrington, you've passed Sticks Pub and Grub. You might not have noticed, but it's there, and you should certainly seek it out. We stopped by for a midweek lunch and found out why it keeps being honored in our Best of the Fox contest. Most recently, Sticks Pub and Grub was honored as one of the best neighborhood bars and tavern pubs. Located just off Route 14 in Fox River Grove, Sticks Pub and Grub has a decent-sized bar and dining area.

We walked in and picked a table to the side of the u-shaped bar. Private enough but still close enough to see the wide array of TVs on the wall. Our first selection, the spinach and artichoke risotto bites ($7.95), were an easy choice. (Sticks also has a spicy sausage version.) They were served on two skewers, with four risotto balls on each skewer. Between them was a cup of marinara sauce for dipping. I was able to have two, and they were delicious, but my dining companion quickly finished the other six.

My fellow diner also ordered the Founders Breakfast Stout, a dark and chocolate beer with a bit of a coffee taste. I've long been a fan of Founders' selections, so I snuck a sip, as well. The main course was a more difficult decision. I had heard good things about the pizza, but we decided to go a different direction with our lunch.

I selected the steak kabob plate ($11.99). The steak was tender and came out with four steak bites on each skewer, as well as a plate filled with rice, sauteed vegetables, pita bread and the Sticks sauce, made up of mayo, horseradish and seasoning. My fellow diner ordered the steak wrap ($8.95) served with a side of fries. The wrap itself had lettuce, tomatoes and cheese inside with a chipotle mayo dressing. It was flavorful, and my dining companion ate half but had to save the rest for later after finishing most of our appetizer.

Overall, it was a quick, enjoyable lunch, and it also seemed like a cozy spot that would be good to watch a game. Sticks is a spot worth seeking out. Sticks Pub and Grub is at 7000 S. Route 14, Fox River Grove. • The Mystery Diner is an employee at Shaw Media. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a restaurant and then reports on the experience. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story.