Rockford, IL, has some of the best of living in the Midwest – close proximity to Milwaukee, WI, and Chicago, IL, riverfront views, rich history, and local produce and restaurants. Whether you’re craving a pizza, gyro, burger, or homemade pasta, you can find that and much more living in Rockford. And whether you’ve lived in the area for a while or just rented your first apartment in Rockford, you might be looking for a great restaurant to stop by for a meal. Well, look no further, we’ve got you covered. Check out these 12 must-try restaurants in Rockford, IL.
#1: Octane
Cuisine: Lounge and American restaurant
Address: 124 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61101
Octane’s Website
Situated in downtown Rockford, Octane is an awesome place to have a craft cocktail and a great meal, with dishes like bao buns, Thai noodles, mac and cheese, and apple bread pudding.
#2: Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza
Cuisine: Pizzeria
Address: 408 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza’s Website
A family-owned spot serving handmade pastas like tagliatelle Bolognese and vodka sauce rigatoni and wood-fired pizzas like basil pesto and sausage, Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza’s Rockford location is another option to add to your list of must-visit restaurants.
#3: Abreo Restaurant
Cuisine: New American restaurant
Address: 515 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Abreo Restaurant’s Website
With a creative and locally sourced menu, indoor and outdoor dining, and menu items like garlic-ginger noodles, cheese curds, and Chambord crepes, Abreo Restaurant has a lot of choices for anyone looking for a new place to eat.
#4: Social Urban Bar and Restaurant
Cuisine: New American restaurant
Address: 509 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Social Urban Bar and Restaurant’s Website
Situated in the heart of Rockford, you can find a variety of seasonal and local dishes at Social Urban Bar and Restaurant – anything from pork tacos, cassoulet, cheese plates, and creative drinks.
#5: Magpie
Cuisine: American Restaurant
Address: 307 S Main St, Rockford, IL 61101
Magpie’s Website
If you’re looking for a breakfast spot that’s also got burgers and salads, be sure to have a meal at Magpie. You’ll find dishes like mac and cheese, omelets, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and chicken sandwiches.
#6: Capri Restaurant & Pizza
Cuisine: Pizzeria and Italian restaurant
Address: 313 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Capri Restaurant & Pizza’s Website
Are you on the search for a new pizzeria and Italian restaurant dishing out meatballs, mostaccioli, marsala pasta, and tiramisu? If so, head to Capri Restaurant & Pizza, a place that’s been serving Rockford since 1963.
#7: Vintage 501
Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 501 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Vintage 501’s Website
Another one of the many restaurants in Rockford, IL, you should consider stopping by is Vintage 501. A pub serving classics like fried pickles, chicken wings, sliders, flatbreads, wraps, chicken sandwiches, and burgers, you can find their location in downtown Rockford.
#8: Deli Italia-Trinacria Lounge & Pizzeria
Cuisine: Pizzeria
Address: 507 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Deli Italia-Trinacria Lounge & Pizzeria’s Website
Deli Italia-Trinacria Lounge & Pizzeria has plenty of options for those looking for a meal out or a takeout option. With options like eggplant marinara, muffuletta sandwiches, Italian beef sandwiches, spaghetti aglio olio, and pizza, there’s something for everyone.
#9: Uncle Nick’s
Cuisine: American and Greek restaurant
Address: 918 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Uncle Nick’s Website
You can find Uncle Nick’s serving a great variety of Greek dishes like gyros, chicken pitas, saganaki, and baklava, as well as American fare like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, cheese curds, and jalapeno poppers.
#10: Irish Rose Saloon
Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 519 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Irish Rose Saloon’s Website
You’ll find Irish Rose Saloon serving local and fresh cuisine in a pub atmosphere. With dishes like house-made hummus, ceviche tostada, Lake Superior whitefish, lamb chops, bangers and mash, and burgers, you’ll be tempted to order the whole menu.
#11: The Norwegian
Cuisine: Nordic restaurant
Address: 1402 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103
The Norwegian’s Website
If you’ve recently relocated to Rockford and are searching for brunch with a Nordic twist, you can find that at The Norwegian. You’ll find items like æbleskiver (Danish pancakes), gravlax on rye, salmon and eggs, smorgasbords, and lingonberry mimosas.
#12: El Burrito Loco
Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 2430 Auburn St, Rockford, IL 61103
El Burrito Loco’s Website
At El Burrito Loco, you can find a variety of meals to choose from – from burritos, tacos, and tostadas, to huaraches and tamales. El Burrito Loco is located in the Signal Hill Roosevelt neighborhood.
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