Location: Rockford
Top Restaurants in Rockford
Top Things to do in Rockford
- 1. Anderson Japanese Gardens
- 2. Magic Waters Waterpark
- 3. Discovery Center Museum
- 4. Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
- 5. Burpee Museum of Natural History
- 6. Midway Village & Museum Center
- 7. Coronado Performing Arts Center
- 8. Sinnissippi Park
- 9. Hidden Treasures Mall and Antiques
- 10. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Where to eat Bar food in Rockford: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover Restaurants offering the best Bar food in Rockford, Illinois, United States. Boasting 20,000 acres of green space, numerous golf courses, four rivers and the verdant Rock Cut State Park, Rockford is a haven for the outdoor adventurist. Tee off at the Aldeen Golf Club or relax in the splendor of the Anderson Japanese Gardens. In cooler weather, warm up at the vaudevillian Coronado Theater or visit Jane the T-Rex at the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Learn of the history of the area at Midway Village and Museum Center, a living museum with pioneer village and exhibits.
Things to do in Rockford
10. Carlyle Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
4 based on 85 reviews
in Rockford since 2003
Reviewed By AvWriter
We dropped in with an acquaintance for dinner after the first place we picked was found to be closed for a private party. Bummer.We dropped in, and got a table by the window on a cold January evening. The snow was flying outside, but we were warm and comfortable inside.The business was kind of slow, but it was a Monday so what do you expect? We sat down and went over their beer menu, settling on their Scottish Pint, a Black Walnut Pint, and a Root Beer (driver).We started with two of their pretzels (Tip: Ask for mustard to go with the pretzels!). They have three, and we tried their salted pretzel which went great with the mustard, and their Jalapeno pretzel, which was filled with Jalapeno cheese. Both were good, and went down quickly with the beer.For the main course, we ordered their Garden Pizza. It has a crisp and very thin crust, and was good. It would have benefited from some additional seasoning - with all the toppings, it really needed salt or something (capers?) to really snap some flavor into it.The food was okay, the beer was good, and the service was good. If you are looking for a neat place to eat in old Rockford's downtown area, you could like this one.
9. Alchemy
Overall Ratings
4 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By lgillman
I came here for dinner on a business trip and was happily surprised with the creativity and quality of the vegan options! I had the nachos as an appetizer and the cauliflower cream sauce was excellent as a cheese replacement. The vegan tacos with a walnut and cauliflower mix for the âmeatâ was really flavorful as well. The pickled onions were a great touch and he portions were generous for everything. The cocktails have great names and combinations as well. Lots of elderflower-related options for a refreshing summer touch. Also they did not shy away from guacamole on all dishes, thatâs a win in my book! The ambiance was also very nice, I forgot I was basically looking out on a parking lot. Iâll definitely return here on subsequent business trips.
8. The Olympic Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By Ron H
We stopped for dinner with a friend and were a little disappointed with the service and the flies. We ordered the swordfish and scallop dinners, which were very good. The menu indicated that swordfish dinner came with vegetables, but two cherry tomatoes and two brussel sprouts didn't seem like you could call it a side of vegetables. The waitress wasn't very attentive, and we had to wait for coffee. When she brought it, it was obviously very week, so we had to wait again for her to return. We were early for dinner, so it wasn't that she was overly busy. We had to ask for bread, which normally is served with dinner. The flies were more attentive than the waitress, and unfortunately when we first sat down we asked about a table in the back room, but she said they were just as bad back there. Not sure if that was the case, or she didn't want to lose a table. Anyway, the restaurant needs to do something to get rid of the flies - very irritating when you're trying to eat, and a health hazard that should be looked into. We usually bring a guest along, frequently from out of town, and for the cost we expect a little better dinner environment. They aren't showing their best foot forward for Rockford. I have to give them a grade of B- on this trip. Hopefully things will come back up to their regular high standards.
What to do and see in Rockford, United States: The Best Places and Tips
7. The Norwegian
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Lizs81188
Just stopped in for breakfast this morning. Our waitress was very personable and did a great job, and the food was great--between us, we had the dry smoked salmon, the pancake balls with delicious maple syrup and raspberry jam, and the eggs Benedict. Everything was very good and tasted homemade and fresh. Would love to come back in the winter as it is quite cozy!
Rockford Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Rockford
6. Octane
Overall Ratings
4 based on 98 reviews
Multi-cuisine restaurant, Full cocktail bar, coffee bar sitting in the middle of downtown Rockford. established in 1997 as one if the first internet cafes in the midwest ,
Reviewed By SkipperBill2
After the attending Coronado theater on evening, six of us stopped for drinks at Octane. The hostess turned us away because she did not have a table for six. She did, however, visibly have (more than) three adjacent tables for two in one area, and two adjacent tables for four in another area, but she would not let us push the tables together to put 6 chairs together. Strangely other diners had pushed tables together to accommodate their party size. It was awkward. It seemed clear we were unwelcome, but we never figured out why. We left the restaurant confused about why we were unwelcomed.Please forgive us for this unfortunate incident. We at Octane take pride in making sure everyone feels welcome when coming in to our doors. I would love to get to the bottom of this and make sure we dont lose your faith and business with us. If you can kindly please call the restaurant @ (815)965-4012 and ask to speak with me Iâd be elated to talk to you. Have a great day!- Patrick Alberto (exec Chef,)
Most Popular Italian food in Rockford, Illinois, United States
5. Hoffman House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 204 reviews
We care about you and make every effort to accommodate your dietary restrictions. Please call to make a reservation in the restaurant or place a takeout order. If you are looking for a venue to host your next meeting, social event or wedding reception, do
Reviewed By Laurieuhoo
I try to stop by here whenever in or driving through Rockford. This place has been here for many years, and has one of the best salad bars, with soup, prepared salads, just everything and more, and really everything we've had here has been delish! They are known for their prime rib, which is excellent, along with their fried chicken. In fact, everything we see being served to others also looks amazing! The service there is continually excellent. The place is clean, comfortable, spacious, and just a lovely place, with free parking and easy access for all. They also bring fried rolls with honey butter to the table, and those a tasty, as well!
Most Popular European food in Rockford, Illinois, United States
4. Prairie Street Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
4 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By tastefullycoco
The location of a historic brewery along the Rock River is very nice and has been lovingly refurbished. Our service was good, but my hamburger was pretty basic and needed a bit more seasoning and flavor. Good basic restaurant.
3. The Stone Eagle Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 503 reviews
Reviewed By Jeff W
Previous experiences were favorable, not the case this time. Service was very slow for a week night, they didnât appear to be very busy either. The lettuce in our salads was borderline to serve, presentation was good though. The Jungle Jimâs Jumbalaya was a big disappointment though, it looked and tasted like they pulled it from the freezer (on the plate) and microwaved it to serve. Doubt we will be back to try anything else.
2. Thunder Bay Grille
Overall Ratings
4 based on 438 reviews
Thunder Bay's spacious interior seamlessly melds contemporary elements in warm lodge setting; combing the natural beauty of light and dark woods, sparkling glass and soft-colored stones. Thunder Bay's innovative menu, warm hospitality and engaging atmosph
Reviewed By Andy748s
Great to return and find some new draft beers and no change in the fabulous bouillabaisse. Friendly staff great wine with a 50% discount monday night for a bottle. The steaks and salads were great and I recommend a visit if your in town.Thank you for the wonderful review! Our bouillabaisse is one of our staples and we are happy to hear you enjoy it so much. We hope you stop in again the next time you are in the Rockford area.
1. GreenFire Restaurant Bar & Bakery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 440 reviews
Kitchen & bakery are open until midnight every day and we serve breakfast until 4PM everyday. Wood Fire Pizza-Burger-Steaks-Seafood-Crepes-Pasta-Oysters-Cakes-Pies-Cupcakes-Craft Beers-Wine Juice and Coffee Bar. GreenFire's dishes are cooked in our wood b
Reviewed By Starria C
I was in the area on business and we were told that this restaurant was very good so we decided to try it and I am glad I did because it was awesome! Iâm from the east coast so Iâve never had a bison burger so I decided to try one. The bison burger was phenomenal!! Iâve been wasting my time on beef all these years and I could have been eating bison! All of my coworkers loved their meals. The cocktails are also to die for! We were there for lunch so I only had 1 drink but it was delicious and everyone at my table raved about their cocktails. I would love to visit again and try more items on the menu. Thank you for your review Starria, we truly appreciate it. We are happy that you decided to dine with us and that you and your coworkers enjoyed your visit. If you are back in the area again we hope you will join us and find another new favorite. Thank you again.
Where to eat Pizza food in Rockford: The Best Restaurants and Bars
