Mystery Diner in McHenry: Arrival of Kojak’s ensures mouthwatering meats and more

When the Hickory Pit in McHenry announced it was closing its doors earlier this year, the city’s barbecue fans were understandably disappointed. But as a result, McHenry gained what has become a favorite of Cary residents over the last three decades.

The second Kojak’s restaurant opened in the former barbecue space this fall. Having its long menu of classics a little further north is something to be celebrated, which we found out recently on an evening we decided to get takeout from the new spot.

We started by sharing a small order of Greek fries ($2.95), which came topped with crumbled feta cheese and a Greek vinaigrette that infused the spuds with atypical and delicious notes.

The dish provided an enjoyable experience different than the usual side of fries, and it was a perfect preparation to pair with the classic gyros ($7.25).

My pita came absolutely loaded with slices. I couldn’t believe how high the Kojak’s kitchen staff was able to stack the gyros meat on this order. It was a great deal for the amount of food, and delivered a ton of flavor.

The Kojak’s website says its staff starts every day by chopping raw vegetables to use for toppings and salads, and I could tell that the onions and tomatoes on top of my gyros were crisp and fresh. The tzatziki sauce on the pita was great, and didn’t dominate the taste, but rather complemented the meat.

Next up was a pulled pork sandwich ($5.90). It consisted of a massive mound of pulled pork stuffed between a bun – another great deal and filling bite.

Kojak’s simmers the pork in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and the result is a really delightful flavor, with hints of both sweetness and a tiny bit of heat. The amazing sandwich is a sleeper item on the menu, considering the brand is especially well known for its gyros, burgers and desserts. It was among the best pulled pork sandwiches I’ve ever had.

My fellow diner wasn’t feeling particularly carnivorous, but Kojak’s has appealing meat-free options. She ordered the veggie burger ($6.95), and was impressed.

The sandwich brought ample heat, the patty made from spicy black beans and topped with a fiery Southwest-inspired sauce, as well as lettuce, tomatoes and onions, served on a whole wheat oat bun.

Even though it kicked up the temperature, it did so by just the right amount for our taste. We were both left just barely starting to break a sweat on our foreheads, which we consider a sign of the perfect balance between good spicy and too spicy.

A couple young diners with us each got to sample an item from the Kojak’s kids menu.

The youngest went for the two-piece chicken fingers ($5.45), which came with a side of honey mustard, regular fries and a juice box. The pieces of chicken were large, and the meat was juicy and savory. The little one left barely a crumb on her plate.

The elder child ordered a kid’s junior hamburger ($5.45), and added a slice of American cheese (35 cents extra). This item did its job and filled up another hungry kid, who commented that the beef was so well-seasoned she didn’t even want any ketchup.

At the end, we all shared a big scoop of the Kojak’s fried ice cream ($3.95). This was a treat covered in chocolate and powdered sugar. The outer layer was crispy-fried, and provided a satisfying crunch to the frozen dessert.

We are glad Kojak’s chose to grow locally and bring its food already beloved by many in Cary to a new city nearby.

• The Mystery Diner is an employee at the Northwest Herald. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff when ordering or picking up the food. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Kojak’s

WHERE: 3102 Route 120, McHenry

PHONE: 815-344-1444

INFORMATION: kojaksincary.com