Contrary to a few misconceptions, Grumpy’s Touch of Italy in McHenry is not a pizza parlor where customers are subject to abuse by a surly owner.
“We’re a very authentic Italian restaurant,” said co-owner Jack Cox. “I like to compare us to a neighborhood-type place in Chicago, where you walk in and can smell the kitchen. It takes you into an Italian atmosphere.”
Cox said some people mistake Grumpy’s for a pizza-only place because the restaurant is housed in a smallish storefront.
As far as the eatery’s namesake, there is a Grumpy-that being Cox’s partner and long-time restaurant operator, Terry Bird-but he is actually a pleasant fellow.
“People come in and say to him (Bird), `You’re not grumpy,’ ” said Cox, who just bought into the business this spring. “Grumpy is an old nickname that stuck.”
Bird opened his restaurant almost a decade ago, featuring authentic Italian dishes prepared from family recipes. Over the years, Grumpy’s has continued to draw new customers and keep old ones, to the point where lines form outside on the weekends.
Inside the 68-seat Grumpy’s, where several straw-wrapped Chianti bottles adorn the paneled walls, diners will hear the music of Luciano Pavarotti, Enrico Caruso and others piped over the stereo.
Customers can choose from a list of appetizers such as six stuffed clams for $3.95 (12 for $7.95) or a big basket of fried calamari for $4.25.
Some of the favorite entrees include fettucine from the sea, which consists of a sauce made with lobster, shrimp, scallops and crab ($10.95); veal marsala ($10.95); hickory smoked barbecued ribs, prepared in the on-site smokehouse ($11.95); several other pasta dishes; and pizza.
Diners can finish with cannoli, spumoni and cheesecake, among other offerings.
Cox, who shares chef’s duties with Bird, said the soups, sauces and most other ingredients on the menu are homemade. Grumpy’s also has a full bar.
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Grumpy’s Touch of Italy, 3910 W. Main St., McHenry, is open 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday. 815-344-0220.
