Former Pub 222 in downtown St. Charles to become American gastropub

The building that formerly housed Pub 222 in downtown St. Charles will take on a new name and a new life as an American gastropub called Whiskey Bend.

The St. Charles City Council approved a liquor license and a 1 a.m. late night permit for Whiskey Bend, 222 W. Main St. The name invokes a historical reference: the intersection of Main and Third streets in downtown St. Charles had been known as Whiskey Bend.

In June 1896, the trolley system that linked St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Aurora and Elgin began to offer service to local citizens. Trollies turned south on Third Street to go to Geneva, and conductors let passengers hop off for a quick drink to warm up during winter months.

Colm Headley, who has more than 40 years of experience in the restaurant business and who previously was involved in running McNally’s Pub and The Beehive Tavern and Grille in downtown St. Charles, is part of the group that will operate Whiskey Bend.

It is expected to open by early December, and will offer shared plate dining and upscale drinks. A 100-seat outdoor patio will be part of the plans, along with live music.

The menu will feature such fare as crab cakes, chicken wings, fish and chips, fish pie, and pot roast, along with burgers and sandwiches.

The same group that will operate Whiskey Bend also is taking over ownership of The Office at 201 E. Main St. There are no plans to change its name, although The Office will feature a new menu. Like Whiskey Bend, The Office will become an American gastropub, featuring shared plate dining and upscale drinks.

The new menu will feature such items as lobster mac and cheese, buffalo chicken sandwich, prime New York strip steak and ahi tuna sliders.