Guidebook for Rockford

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Guidebook for Rockford

Food Scene

Phenomenal food, inventive drinks, and a convivial atmosphere make Social a must visit while here in Rockford.
11 locals recommend
Social Urban Bar & Restaurant
509 E State St
11 locals recommend
Phenomenal food, inventive drinks, and a convivial atmosphere make Social a must visit while here in Rockford.
A must eat lunch/dinner location in downtown Rockford with a solid array of beers. They also have a creative list of non-alcoholic beverages including house made sodas and coffee drinks.
11 locals recommend
Octane InterLounge
124 N Main St
11 locals recommend
A must eat lunch/dinner location in downtown Rockford with a solid array of beers. They also have a creative list of non-alcoholic beverages including house made sodas and coffee drinks.
Their coffee seduces my mouth, every time. Honestly, there's nothing that's not good in this shop. Forget Starbucks. Come see what local tastes like. You won't forget it.
6 locals recommend
Rockford Roasting Company
416 N Main St
6 locals recommend
Their coffee seduces my mouth, every time. Honestly, there's nothing that's not good in this shop. Forget Starbucks. Come see what local tastes like. You won't forget it.
Ok so Daniel is a bit asinine but he certainly knows his stuff! He spent time with me describing each and every chocolate. You can tell it's his true passion and you can taste it in every bite.
Chocolat By Daniel
211 E State St
Ok so Daniel is a bit asinine but he certainly knows his stuff! He spent time with me describing each and every chocolate. You can tell it's his true passion and you can taste it in every bite.
I'm excited that we found a reliable breakfast joint that is local (walking distance, in fact), absolutely delicious and very affordable.
Lydia's Cafe
1710 Rural St
I'm excited that we found a reliable breakfast joint that is local (walking distance, in fact), absolutely delicious and very affordable.
Simply delicious have no other words! My favorite flavor is the chocolate peanut butter... Honestly haven't really ever had a cupcake that stands up to the freshness and taste of these cupcakes.
Sugarjones
6336 East Riverside Boulevard
Simply delicious have no other words! My favorite flavor is the chocolate peanut butter... Honestly haven't really ever had a cupcake that stands up to the freshness and taste of these cupcakes.
A serious selection of dessert delights and breads, muffins, cookies, pies, etc. Everything was excellent, and you'd be hard pressed to find a negative here. Includes a delicious menu as well!
8 locals recommend
Mary's Market Cafe & Bakery
4431 E State St
8 locals recommend
A serious selection of dessert delights and breads, muffins, cookies, pies, etc. Everything was excellent, and you'd be hard pressed to find a negative here. Includes a delicious menu as well!
When in Rockford or passing through, make it a point to stop at Beef a Roo.
8 locals recommend
Beef-A-Roo
6593 Lexus Dr
8 locals recommend
When in Rockford or passing through, make it a point to stop at Beef a Roo.
The owner was very friendly, attentive, and proud of the food he served. The menu was consisted of the usual items that one can find at any Middle-Eastern joint, except prices are reasonable.
Sahara Palace
5890 E State St
The owner was very friendly, attentive, and proud of the food he served. The menu was consisted of the usual items that one can find at any Middle-Eastern joint, except prices are reasonable.
India House' compares with the best anywhere. The owners are always there and prepare the food upon your order with with fresh ingredients, well seasoned, and with light use of oils.
House of India
6430 E Riverside Blvd
India House' compares with the best anywhere. The owners are always there and prepare the food upon your order with with fresh ingredients, well seasoned, and with light use of oils.
Great spot to enjoy dinner and drinks as well as a large, heated golf range to let off some steam.
Garrett's Restaurant and Bar
1631 N Bell School Rd
Great spot to enjoy dinner and drinks as well as a large, heated golf range to let off some steam.
A delicious, inexpensive Chinese restaurant that is quick and friendly.
Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
4228 E State St
A delicious, inexpensive Chinese restaurant that is quick and friendly.
Awesome food! Great service. Always clean inside and ordering take-out is always fast. Definitely the only place in Rockford we go for the best Chinese food.
Imperial Palace
3415 E State St
Awesome food! Great service. Always clean inside and ordering take-out is always fast. Definitely the only place in Rockford we go for the best Chinese food.
I have tried multiple pizza joints around town, but this is the absolute best for the cheap price. Very quick and will deliver!
Anna's Pizza
3505 N Main St
I have tried multiple pizza joints around town, but this is the absolute best for the cheap price. Very quick and will deliver!
All german food, great beers and a fabulous outdoor patio to enjoy.
Rathskeller Rockford
1132 Auburn St
All german food, great beers and a fabulous outdoor patio to enjoy.
Above average family restaurant with an exceptional beer list. If anything stop by to enjoy the weather on their outdoor patio.
The Olympic Tavern
2327 N Main St
Above average family restaurant with an exceptional beer list. If anything stop by to enjoy the weather on their outdoor patio.
This is the best place for italian gourmet sandwiches. They even have an italian specialty market (so for some authentic items including cheeses and meats and pastas and sauces!
Ditullio's Italian Market Cafe
2207 E State St
This is the best place for italian gourmet sandwiches. They even have an italian specialty market (so for some authentic items including cheeses and meats and pastas and sauces!
The updates they made in the last several years are great. The salad bar is awesome, as is the prime rib. Service is always friendly and attentive.
Hoffman House
2030 E State St
The updates they made in the last several years are great. The salad bar is awesome, as is the prime rib. Service is always friendly and attentive.
Better than average breakfast joint that is beloved by the locals.
7 locals recommend
Johnny Pamcakes
3700 E State St
7 locals recommend
Better than average breakfast joint that is beloved by the locals.
I'm a fan of Marc's signature roll. Don't let the "hole in the wall" vibe scare you way - embrace your inner hipster and revel in it's understated glory!
Marc's Fusion Cafe
4133 Charles St
I'm a fan of Marc's signature roll. Don't let the "hole in the wall" vibe scare you way - embrace your inner hipster and revel in it's understated glory!
Yummy all the way around. From great sushi options to the famous Hibachi grill show, this restaurant is down right fabulous!
Shogun
293 Executive Pkwy
Yummy all the way around. From great sushi options to the famous Hibachi grill show, this restaurant is down right fabulous!
Hidden gem. If not for yelp reviews, I probably wouldn't even have given them a chance, but I am sure glad I did try it. Hole in the wall joint. Nothing fancy, just well priced delicious food.
Sandwich Factory Inc
2203 Charles St
Hidden gem. If not for yelp reviews, I probably wouldn't even have given them a chance, but I am sure glad I did try it. Hole in the wall joint. Nothing fancy, just well priced delicious food.
A great wine list accompanied by delicious food.
Five Forks Market
6565 Lexus Dr
A great wine list accompanied by delicious food.
Hands down the best bakery in Rockford. Everything is made from scratch and goes quickly. I would highly recommend visiting late morning hours and literally anything you order from there is delicious.
Banana Cherry Bakery
1274 S Alpine Rd
Hands down the best bakery in Rockford. Everything is made from scratch and goes quickly. I would highly recommend visiting late morning hours and literally anything you order from there is delicious.

Arts & Culture

If you get a chance to see a performance here, I highly recommend it!
19 locals recommend
Coronado Performing Arts Center
314 N Main St
19 locals recommend
If you get a chance to see a performance here, I highly recommend it!
More than 1,900 works focused on modern and contemporary art, photography, and glass. Features many local artists as well as regional artists.
14 locals recommend
Rockford Art Museum
711 N Main St
14 locals recommend
More than 1,900 works focused on modern and contemporary art, photography, and glass. Features many local artists as well as regional artists.
Rockford's oldest outdoor theater that features more than a thousand seats and a stunningly artistic, creative retractable roof.
Starlight and Studio Theatre
3301 N Mulford Rd
Rockford's oldest outdoor theater that features more than a thousand seats and a stunningly artistic, creative retractable roof.
Come explore award-winning exhibits on dinosaurs, windows of wilderness, woolly mammoth, Native American, geoscience and more!
23 locals recommend
Burpee Museum of Natural History
737 N Main St
23 locals recommend
Come explore award-winning exhibits on dinosaurs, windows of wilderness, woolly mammoth, Native American, geoscience and more!
Experience a world of hands-on investigation and fun-filled exploration. It boasts the nation's first community-built outdoor science park, which you may have trouble pulling your kids off of.
18 locals recommend
Discovery Center Museum
711 N Main St
18 locals recommend
Experience a world of hands-on investigation and fun-filled exploration. It boasts the nation's first community-built outdoor science park, which you may have trouble pulling your kids off of.
If you are here in Rockford, you must stop by this gem of a museum. You will be able to view presidential vehicles all the way to the bat mobile. New exhibits are added yearly. Never a dull moment!
Historic Auto Attractions
13825 Metric Rd
If you are here in Rockford, you must stop by this gem of a museum. You will be able to view presidential vehicles all the way to the bat mobile. New exhibits are added yearly. Never a dull moment!
The museum campus consists of a Victorian village with 26 historical buildings filled with artifacts. They host several themed events throughout the year - Rockford Sock Monkey, Rockford Peaches.
15 locals recommend
Midway Village Museum
6799 Guilford Rd
15 locals recommend
The museum campus consists of a Victorian village with 26 historical buildings filled with artifacts. They host several themed events throughout the year - Rockford Sock Monkey, Rockford Peaches.
An auto museum in the downtown area for any car lover to wander around in.
14 locals recommend
Rockford Art Museum
711 N Main St
14 locals recommend
An auto museum in the downtown area for any car lover to wander around in.
A studio and gallery where you can take classes for painting, pottery, mixed media, etc. Check out their website for current events. http://www.317studiogallery.com/
317 Market St
317 Market Street
A studio and gallery where you can take classes for painting, pottery, mixed media, etc. Check out their website for current events. http://www.317studiogallery.com/

Drinks & Nightlife

Oasis has the most diverse selection of craft brews in Rockford! The prices are very inexpensive as well. Being able to order food from Uncle Nick's across the street is an added bonus!
Oasis Micro-Pub
901 E State St
Oasis has the most diverse selection of craft brews in Rockford! The prices are very inexpensive as well. Being able to order food from Uncle Nick's across the street is an added bonus!
IF you are looking for the best microbrewed beer in Rockford you should come to Carlyle. Period. In the past six years that I have been going they have yet to disappoint with the quality of beer.
6 locals recommend
Carlyle Brewing Co.
215 E State St
6 locals recommend
IF you are looking for the best microbrewed beer in Rockford you should come to Carlyle. Period. In the past six years that I have been going they have yet to disappoint with the quality of beer.
Newest brewery in town and its on my list to check out.
34 locals recommend
Prairie Street Brewing Co. Events
200 Prairie St
34 locals recommend
Newest brewery in town and its on my list to check out.
Love this place! Great beer selection, great hipster crowd. Love the lounge feel. A big plus is that it is in walking distance!
Rural on Tap
1710 Rural St
Love this place! Great beer selection, great hipster crowd. Love the lounge feel. A big plus is that it is in walking distance!
Vegan friendly and beer is unique and delicious.
15 locals recommend
Pig Minds Brewing Co.
4080 Steele Dr.
15 locals recommend
Vegan friendly and beer is unique and delicious.
Local brewing company that one should check out during your visit and is only 5 minutes from the house. http://rockfordbrewing.com/
34 locals recommend
Prairie Street Brewing Co. Events
200 Prairie St
34 locals recommend
Local brewing company that one should check out during your visit and is only 5 minutes from the house. http://rockfordbrewing.com/

Essentials

It has the largest selection of fresh produce in Rockford, and at the cheapest prices. They have a great array of international products as well.
Valli Produce
5880 E State St
It has the largest selection of fresh produce in Rockford, and at the cheapest prices. They have a great array of international products as well.
If you are looking to grill or cook top quality meat, this is a place you need to stop at. They are always filled with multiple types of meats and cuts that any meat lover will enjoy.
Pinnon's Foods
2324 N Court St
If you are looking to grill or cook top quality meat, this is a place you need to stop at. They are always filled with multiple types of meats and cuts that any meat lover will enjoy.

Parks & Nature

Pearl Lake’s expansive swimming beach offers the perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming on warm sunny days. Meticulously maintained and with a gently sloping bottom marked clearly.
Pearl Lake Beach
1220 Dearborn Ave
Pearl Lake’s expansive swimming beach offers the perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming on warm sunny days. Meticulously maintained and with a gently sloping bottom marked clearly.
There are multiple activities to get involved with at this park. During the summer you can enjoy music and golfing with the family. During the winter you can visit the light festival & snow sculptures
9 locals recommend
Sinnissippi Park
1401 N 2nd St
9 locals recommend
There are multiple activities to get involved with at this park. During the summer you can enjoy music and golfing with the family. During the winter you can visit the light festival & snow sculptures
155-acre living museum filled with spectacular gardens and rare trees.
19 locals recommend
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
2715 S Main St
19 locals recommend
155-acre living museum filled with spectacular gardens and rare trees.
A beautiful area where anyone can walk along paths as well as volunteer to plant flowers and help maintain the lands beauty.
Nygren Wetland Preserve
3714 W Rockton Rd
A beautiful area where anyone can walk along paths as well as volunteer to plant flowers and help maintain the lands beauty.
One of IL largest state parks. There is a multitude of activities to partake in during all seasons.
36 locals recommend
Rock Cut State Park
7223 Harlem Rd
36 locals recommend
One of IL largest state parks. There is a multitude of activities to partake in during all seasons.
Located right on the river and is a great place to escape to another location that is warm and lush with plants and wildlife. If you can catch their butterfly tour that is fantastic!
31 locals recommend
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
1354 N 2nd St
31 locals recommend
Located right on the river and is a great place to escape to another location that is warm and lush with plants and wildlife. If you can catch their butterfly tour that is fantastic!
A private garden tucked away in Rockford that is stunning, gorgeous, and a treat to walk through.
La Paloma Gardens
3622 Brookview Rd
A private garden tucked away in Rockford that is stunning, gorgeous, and a treat to walk through.
The nation's largest Japanese Garden that allows one to get lost within its beauty as you walk around within it. A must see when stopping here in Rockford.
44 locals recommend
Anderson Japanese Gardens
318 Spring Creek Rd
44 locals recommend
The nation's largest Japanese Garden that allows one to get lost within its beauty as you walk around within it. A must see when stopping here in Rockford.

Entertainment & Activities

Movie theater, kid friendly, food is expensive, but a great idea for rainy days.
10 locals recommend
AMC Showplace Rockford 16
8301 E State St
10 locals recommend
Movie theater, kid friendly, food is expensive, but a great idea for rainy days.
This theater is the best one in town.
AMC Machesney Park 14
1860 Anjali Way
This theater is the best one in town.
Batting cages, miniature golf, arcade games, and go-karts. Will keep the family busy for the afternoon
8 locals recommend
Volcano Falls Adventure Park
7602 Rock Valley Pkwy
8 locals recommend
Batting cages, miniature golf, arcade games, and go-karts. Will keep the family busy for the afternoon
Located in the Clock Tower, an indoor water park that is geared for 10 and under kiddos.
CoCo Key Water Resort
Located in the Clock Tower, an indoor water park that is geared for 10 and under kiddos.
Hole in the wall joint filled with old arcade games, ridiculously cheap and will keep everyone entertained.
Nickel World
3321 N Main St
Hole in the wall joint filled with old arcade games, ridiculously cheap and will keep everyone entertained.
A space to place your creative mark. An instructional art studio and fine art gallery. They host art workshops and classes, and art exhibits on the second floor.
6 locals recommend
317 Art Collective
317 Market St
6 locals recommend
A space to place your creative mark. An instructional art studio and fine art gallery. They host art workshops and classes, and art exhibits on the second floor.
Tour on a boat of the most stately homes gracing the banks of the Rock River. Performances by Ski Broncs and lunch served on the boat are provided as well.
Forest City Queen Riverboat
324 N Madison St
Tour on a boat of the most stately homes gracing the banks of the Rock River. Performances by Ski Broncs and lunch served on the boat are provided as well.
An indoor laser tag that will allow you to get loads of energy out of your kids.
Laser Quest
293 Executive Pkwy
An indoor laser tag that will allow you to get loads of energy out of your kids.
A great night out with the family in downtown Rockford.
Rockford IceHogs Pro Hockey
300 Elm St
A great night out with the family in downtown Rockford.
An evening of roller skating with family always makes a fun memory of all the crazy falls and tricks performed on the skating rink.
SkateCo
3209 N Main St
An evening of roller skating with family always makes a fun memory of all the crazy falls and tricks performed on the skating rink.
You have the ability to take courses on site, feed animals, milk goats, collect eggs and purchase vegetables and local honey. A little bit of a hike, but well worth it.
Angelic Organics
1547 Rockton Rd
You have the ability to take courses on site, feed animals, milk goats, collect eggs and purchase vegetables and local honey. A little bit of a hike, but well worth it.
They offer rentals, tours, and lessons for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards during summer. During winter nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
Rocktown Adventures of Rockford
313 N Madison St
They offer rentals, tours, and lessons for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards during summer. During winter nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
One of Rockford's beautiful golf courses to enjoy for a day. Also has a restaurant on site for food and drinks.
Aldeen Golf Club
1902 Reid Farm Rd
One of Rockford's beautiful golf courses to enjoy for a day. Also has a restaurant on site for food and drinks.
Many Midwest soccer tournaments are hosted at this facility as well as yearly, recreational sport events.
Indoor Sports Center
8800 E Riverside Blvd
Many Midwest soccer tournaments are hosted at this facility as well as yearly, recreational sport events.

Shopping

A local shop where you can purchase homemade decorations for your home or as a gift to someone you love.
Urban Farmgirl
716 North Madison Street
A local shop where you can purchase homemade decorations for your home or as a gift to someone you love.
Antique shopping that you can walk to in five minutes.
The White Trunk
1706 Rural St
Antique shopping that you can walk to in five minutes.
A local, high-end women's clothing store.
She She Boutique
2211 E State St
A local, high-end women's clothing store.
Find a unique gift for yourself, a girl friend, or family member. You might spend hours in this store looking at everything they offer.
Poska
2213 E State St
Find a unique gift for yourself, a girl friend, or family member. You might spend hours in this store looking at everything they offer.
Not only can you browse through books and comic books, but they have a great selection of vinyls. Locally owned!
Toad Hall Books and Records
2106 Broadway
Not only can you browse through books and comic books, but they have a great selection of vinyls. Locally owned!