Social Urban Bar and Restaurant
509 E State St, Rockford, IL, 61104
Social Urban Bar and Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Rockford for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
509 E State St
Rockford, IL, 61104 - Phone (815) 708-0877
- Website https://www.social509.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Natalie W.
Social is one of the best bars I've ever been to. Their drink selection ranges from champagne to wine to mixed drinks. Their mixed drink selection is full of both classic mixes and new ones that will please anyone. And while I've never had anything from their food menu, everything sounds amazing. They have both small plates and large plates full of local-grown items. But be prepared-while their menu is amazing, it will all come at a relatively high price. The only complaint I have about Social is that the bar is sometimes a little overcrowded on Friday and Saturday nights.
(5)H K.
Great good, great service, and loved the local fare. It's nice to see a Rockford restaurant using quality local ingredients. Will be back when I'm in town next. Must go!
(5)Brad P.
Alright so cheese curds are always good but theirs were amazing, you could tell they were using the best of the best cheese. Order porked belly tacos, never had pork belly before and it was incredible. Texture of bacon but tastes like a pork chop. I love guacamole and theirs was the best I've had. The tacos with the guac and their homemade hot sauces were the perfect balance of all flavors, it was impressive. The service was fantastic, the waitress and the bartender were both attentive to our table and the chef brought out our food and explained the dish, which I've never had happen before and it very neat. This place was impressive.
(5)Angie V.
Excellent food and service! The only thing I did not like was the cheap wine they served. Dissapointing.
(4)Rashi B.
I can't believe I haven't written a review on Social yet! Whenever I'm in Rockford, this is my go to, for drinks, food, dessert, whatever. Starting with the amazingly talented bartenders to awesome host/manager, Social mixes up some of the best drinks and awesome personalities ever. The drinks and vibe here beats out places I've been to in NYC, Chicago, Miami, and LA. Chef is always changing it up in the kitchen, but my fail safe is the pork chop- AHmazing! If you haven't been- goooo! NOW If you have been- goooo! Again :)!
(5)David R.
Unique food using local ingredients. Creative cocktails and comfortable atmosphere. Any foodie would love this place!
(4)Ashley M.
It's one hour since our meal at Social, and I'm writing. It's THAT urgent. Go now. Go frequently. I agree that it's a shame there are some picky negative reviews. Went with a party of six on a Sunday night, and the meal, the drinks and the service couldn't have been better. This place rivals competitors in Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland (and we've been to Publican, Roast and Lolita). Well-sourced, local food, lovingly prepared. We are Brio fans (now Abreo), and dare I say, it's even better. Way to go Rockford. Order the trout, tenderloin or pork tacos. You won't be disappointed. Loved the Lavender cocktail.
(5)Debbie L.
Went to Social with a small group, most who had not been there before. Decided to go after 11PM after the crowd had cleared. Great atmosphere, more like a Chicago bar. Waiter and bar tenders,(mixologists,) were friendly and willing to answer questions concerning cocktails. All of us had a different drink, so we got to taste a variety. All were very good. If you have not been there give it a try. We will be back.
(5)Brian C.
Still has great food, still a great place to eat! But just not "THE" place to eat. That would be Abreo. And if Abreo feels like "too much" then Irish Rose is next up for me (I said this before the slots. Yuck. So right now there is a competition for my number 2. Lol), Definitely go! Just not my favorite place any more.
(4)Karisma E.
Food, service and ambiance all great!
(4)Karoline O.
This is my favorite restaurant in Rockford. The food is all locally bought and/or organic from sustainable farms. Inexpensive and delicious. Good atmosphere and awesome cocktails.
(5)Bill S.
Food was outstanding, but the atmosphere of this place is what makes it special. The chef presentation of each course really brought out the care and understanding that went into each meal.
(5)Steve D.
Locally produced menu items. Normally good but the liquor is off brand... And expensive. Food was great. I had pork belly tacos. Yum!! Wife had the spicy squash soup also very good. Quirky seating, small, loud but fun. Pass on the booze unless you like to experiment.
(3)Review R.
For the most part an excellent restaurant. Drinks are tops if you get one of the better educated bartenders. (Andrew is a favorite) Hands down the best place in Rockford to eat and drink. Menu changes constantly. The chefs genuinely care about their craft and are always pushing themselves into new territories, which is always admirable. The pork chop is a staple. Recently had the beef stroganoff , absolutely a winner. Always the first place I consider taking guests (aside from Spider Sushi) and first on my list when I don't mind spending money. And always the first place I want to hit when I feel like a well made drink after work.
(4)Tim J.
The place is a bit small with a limited menu, but what they do offer, they do it right. We started with buffalo sliders and the brussel sprouts. Capers, lemon and cheese made the sprouts delicious. I moved on to the braised pork shoulder that was fork tender and basically falling apart. The homemade sausage accompaniment was equally delicious. Finished with the bread pudding. Social Urban has earned a place in my rotation when in Rockford.
(4)M K.
Visited social a while ago, and was highly impressed. Went there with family to try absinthe, and was genuinely given a great experience. Waitress was knowledgeable about the drinks and walked us through the whole process. It was fun!! They also have a very interesting drink menu. Definitely worth trying. Only downside is that it is a bit pricey.
(5)Leslie D.
Great food, atmosphere and service. The food was creative and delicious. I'm from California and it rivaled some of the best restaurants we have out there. Recommended.
(5)benjamin b.
This place is awesome! They try to use as much local produce as possible, from vegatables to fruit as well as the meat! Not your typical bar or restaurant! Even the beers are pretty much local! Awesome! A must go if your in the Rockford area! Pork Belly Tacos Oh Yeah!!!
(4)Michael M.
Tiny, with attitude that's too big for it's britches. The beer I had was pretty good, but would've liked more of a selection - especially if I'm paying Social's prices. Next time I'm in town I'll just go to Brio or across the street to Bamboo.
(2)Carlos E. C.
I was visiting Rockford and I asked to my local friend for a place to sip crafted cocktails, my friend told me to go to Social Urban Bar, and you know... my friend was 100% right. I love the simplicity of the place, cozy and comfy. The bar staff is friendly and open to accommodate your request, in fact I ordered two cocktails that were out of the menu, and a "yes" was the answer, I was pleased with the drinks. A solid spirits selection, great cocktails, tasty food and great staff = priceless experience. Hospitality is the name of the game, and they know how to do it ;) Salud!!!
(5)Kirsten R.
Not a fan of this place. I went here once and that was enough for me. Overpriced and a rude bartender is what I encountered.
(1)Chris G.
If your going to have just one meal in Rockford go to Social. The menu and the presentation and the food choices are superb. Craft cocktails and top drawer service add to the experience. Do not miss dining here.
(5)Rick E.
I would have to say that this was one of - if not the - best dinners we have ever had. Wife had the Pork Chop and I had Salmon. Had a meat platter and cheese curds for appetizers. EVERYTHING was excellent!
(5)L B.
Pros: waitstaff was friendly and helpful, Brussels sprouts - phenomenal!, meatloaf sliders - one of THE best dishes I've ever had, great cocktails, fun atmosphere, small and large plates were easily shared with whole table Cons - the guy at the front was pretty rude about us waiting for a table. We were willing to be patient but he was pretty cold to us - if we didn't know the food was going to be good, we would've moved on pretty quickly. I've lived in major cities on the west coast and was never treated so poorly by front staff
(4)Michael A.
What a wonderful place to have drinks and food. They have great atmosphere. I am old Rockford Native. They never had true foody scene. They just now are coming into there own. They have great selection craft beer, wine and Vodka. They were fairly busy and service , food and drinks were divine,,
(5)D G.
Fantastic service, food, atmosphere. While we love a salad, we found their other dishes were more stand-outs (to die for cheese curds, brussel sprouts, tacos). Highly recommend.
(5)Sarah M.
My husband took me out to dinner for my birthday and we decided to try Social since neither of us had ever been there. They had an extensive cocktail menu, but nothing stuck out to me, so I just ordered a standard run-of-the-mill cocktail. It was good, but very pricy for the size. The service was very good. Our server (I'm sorry I can't remember his name) was very informative and professional without being over-bearing with constant interruptions. The food was incredible. I am a picky eater by nature and was initially put-off by the size of the menu as well as the fact that the menu had no description of the sauces, spices, flavors, etc.. In retrospect, I think the menu is better off staying small and light. We decided to split the beef tenderloin and a tomato basil pasta. The beef was perfection! Outside was charred perfectly while the inside was a red, melt-in-your mouth medium rare. I have been thinking about it all day today, but I think it is best as a once in awhile treat. The pasta was also delicious and I also liked the chef serving the plates to tell you how it was prepared and where the products used are from. Different and I liked that. I will be back for sure!
(5)Jordan T.
The food was good. This rating is not based on the cuisine, but on the service. Arrived without a reservation ( as I understand, they don't do reservations past 6pm. No big) Waited in the corner a solid 30 minutes, which isn't a huge deal, if we had not watched two tables be seated before us, (to clarify, both parties entered after us), and not until we got the attention of a different server, did they remember we too were waiting to be seated. I have to assume that by asking about our status on acquiring a table, we had rubbed the staff the wrong way. As we were subsequently treated in suit for the duration of our meal. Condescending and rude service from some. Sheer annoyance with no effort to hide it , from the rest. Shameful, and insulting. I will not be returning to 'social'
(1)Rachel D.
Favorite restaurant of all time! Arugula egg salad, I could eat it everyday. The filet is hands down the best I've ever had- every time. Staff is great and the drinks are fun and creative. Love this place.
(5)Neha S.
I can't believe I haven't written a review yet and I have been here a bunch! This is one of my favorite places... ever! 1. The menu changes with the season and what's available locally 2. they are local! and farm to table 3. the chefs really care about what you are going to eat. They even come out to your table when serving you the food to tell you about how they make it, where the ingredients come from- and they are so passionate. It definitely translates into the food as everything I have had here is YUMMILY! 4. They have long tables.. so sometimes you might be sitting next to people you don't know. But you know you are going to like them. They have similar tastes (which is obviously good because you are both at Social) and helps live up the namesake 5. excellent cocktails (and the bartenders are equally passionate) so this makes for a win-win combination 6. if you are near Rockford or passing through or live here- you should find any excuse to come here and spoil your tastebuds (like.. lets go look at the river downtown, oh it's cold outside so let's eat out...) 7. such a fun atmosphere (I could be in a hip NYC restaurant when inside!) menu highlights (again- changes every-so-often... but these are things I crave and dream about) -brussel sprouts. I didn't even know I liked brussel sprouts until I had these. you don't even know you are eating them. It's just perfect. -pork tacos are flavorable fun for your tastebuds with every bite -beef sliders are the most mouthwatering thing I have had (I was craving them one night and my sweet hubby got them to go- SCORE!) the buns are perfect and don't get soggy and it's a total flavor explosion with every bite -mains: i have had vegetarian ravioli (cooked to perfection and tasty down to me licking the sauce off the plate. it's a compliment to the chef, right?), the pork chop (always cooked perfectly with amazing sides), steak (equally perfect) -desserts- you can't go wrong with whatever tickles you that day Find any excuse to come here! and come here often! JUST REMEMBER- they are CLOSED ON MONDAYS!
(5)Laura J.
The Brussel sprout small plate is delicious. Attentive service, great atmosphere, great drinks. We love it!
(5)Tim K.
With apologies to everyone who may think differently, Rockford is not exactly known for its excellent dining options. Social Urban Bar and Restaurant stands out in an otherwise mediocre-at-best crowd. But, don't let the relatively low bar fool you - Social Urban would stand out amongst a much tougher crowd as well. The drinks on the menu are innovative and it's fun to watch them being prepared. I am in no way a mixology connoisseur and I won't pretend to know the difference between a good daiquiri and a bad one. I do know that they take this art very seriously. The few drinks I have ordered have been delicious. The whole farm-to-table thingy has been a bit overdone. Who really cares if the pigs were raised a half-mile down the road and went to your elementary school if the cooks don't know what to do with them? I find it all a bit tiresome - especially when it's just a gimmick. At Social Urban, it is decidedly not a gimmick. The appetizers - ahem, I mean "small plates" - are highlighted by the pork-belly tacos. Folks, pork belly, when properly cooked, is almost like astronaut ice cream. The fat should just melt into your palette with just a bit of chew from the meat. These tacos are so good - they could actually be an entrée unto themselves. I am also a fan of the cheese curds and the egg-arugula salad. The fried brussels sprouts are really more of a side. Don't get me wrong, they're good and all. But, I'm not sure they have the oomph to stand on their own. The pretzel gnocchi is the only thing even close to a misstep. Think pretzel bites rather than the pillowy ethereal goodness that is gnocchi. The entrées - oops, I mean "large plates" - feature the tenderloin (which, buy the way the server insisted was new to the menu - but I've had it as far back as several months ago) and the hot chicken. The chicken is really the star here - and that's really pretty unusual for me. It is so yummy that I would actually just come here for that dish. The demi-glace features sorghum - one of my favorite and least-understood (by us Yankees) ingredients. The hoe-cake is very well made and the greens are right from a grandmother. Well, maybe not my grandmother - but someone's grandmother anyway. The tenderloin is also good. I love steak, and that's what it is. There's nothing fancy about it - or really that special. It's just very well prepared. You also might try the shrimp and grits. The shrimp were plump and perfectly cooked. The grits also well done (not the instant kind) and carry the wonderful smoked ham flavor from the all-important hock. The house-made hot sauce is really good as well. Much better than the McIlhenny family's version. Dessert: OK, I will float the following disclaimer out there for all to know from where I am coming: I have a sweet tooth. That being said, the desserts I have experienced have not met my post-meal desires. At a previous visit, I had the ice cream which was sourdough. It had a malty-yeasty flavor and was definitely not sweet but not in a good way. I found it a bit off-putting and the house made "grape-jelly" that came along did not add any sweetness of grape-flavor to it. This most recent visit, I had the cinnamon roll bread pudding. Sorry, Urban, but I found nothing in it that reminded me of cinnamon rolls. It was more like a pumpkin bread pudding. The cream-cheese frosting (something I was REALLY looking forward to) was really a flavorless component - no peanut-butter to be found. Overall, I've been disappointed by their desserts and it may be just me. For those who appreciate a more "savory" dessert experience, Social Urban may be right on. The experience afforded by the staff has been nothing short of spectacular. We've been there with our 5 year old. The staff, particularly one of the bar tenders (sorry, I can't remember his name) is so nice - especially to our 5 year old. The attitude could easily be a bit haughty in a place like this. Its clear that while they take good food seriously, they are still there to have and provide a good time.
(4)Nikki A.
Had dinner recently. For an extra $15.00 I was offered morel mushrooms in my dish. When the dish came I did not see any morels. They said they were chopped in the dish. The couple next to us also had a dish with morels and they were not chopped up. Why would you hide a morel mushroom in a dish. I felt like they took our $15.00 and did not deliver what I had ordered. I would never go back there or recommend this restaurant. We eat out 3 to 4 times every week so I am accustomed to good food and service.
(1)Amy H.
If you are anywhere near Rockford, a visit to Social is a must! My fiance was in town for work and we were staying in Rochelle and we stumbled across Social on Yelp and decided to check it out. We arrived around 8:00 on a Saturday night and just had to wait a few minutes for a spot. The restaurant is small with communal seating and a nice little bar. We were seated at the end of a table that had a few other dinners finishing up. They have a great cocktail and I decided to start with a Carousel and he selected a Dark & Stormy. Based on the reviews we read here, we knew we wanted to try and the cheese curds and pork belly tacos and we were not disappointed. The cheese curds were coated in panko and fried to perfection then dusted with a little chili salt. The pork belly tacos were equally as good - corn tortillas with crispy fried pork belly, homemade red cabbage slaw and a little cheese. They were served with guacamole, salsa, a super hot ghost pepper sauce and a little cilantro. The flavors were perfectly blended. We decided to stick with the small plates instead of the larger entrees and ordered the buffalo sliders and spicy lamb meatballs. The buffalo sliders were cooked a perfect medium with swiss cheese on a potato roll with a sherry aioli. Spoons of homemade catsup and mustard and a few chipotle pickles were served on the side. Absolute perfection and just about melted in your mouth. The lamb meatballs were served in a little cast iron pot and were fall apart tender. They were stuffed with mozzarella cheese and served in a spicy red pepper tomato sauce with crispy pasta on top...delicious! One of the chefs came out with each order and explained the ingredients, where they came from and how the dish was made. Our server was incredible - there when we needed him, but never hovering. Based on prior reviews and his recommendation, I also tried the lavender cocktail which was a little sweet, tart and very refreshing. We were hoping to try the S'more dessert, but their menu changes based on seasonal ingredients and they just took it off two weeks ago. We opted to share the vanilla bourbon ice cream which was decadent with a nice balance of sweet and a little salt from the homemade caramel sauce. Every thing about our experience was absolutely perfect! The price was very reasonable for the amount and quality of food we received and we could have easily done with three small plates instead of four. The biggest challenge was deciding what to order. With dinner, five cocktails and dessert, our bill with tip was $125. Pictures of our selections are posted.
(5)Joshua N.
This is hands down the best place in rockford to get food and drinks. Where do I start? There is nothing else like social in rockford. They have some of the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Their chef goes above and beyond. Not to mention after eating their delicious food, you get an opportunity to have some of the best mixed drinks available. Their mixologist make art in every drink. Very cool experience. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Abby S.
Always delicious/unique foods and creative drinks. Small restaurant with very cool vibe. Likely the best restaurant in Rockford.
(5)Lindsey G.
One of the best spots in Rockford. Never disappointed and dinner always comes with a show by the bartenders mixing fun drinks with dry ice! This place is always packed so make a reservation!
(5)Bret B.
We arrived minutes before 10pm, when the kitchen closed, to join a group of friends and colleagues who were already there, eating and drinking. It was really disconcerting to be told we had to order immediately because the kitchen was closing. We did manage to do that, with my ordering the pork tacos, but I just felt unwelcome in this restaurant. The food was adequate, nothing exceptional, The two salsas that accompanied the tacos were excellent, but the rest of the taco construction was just average. The server was friendly, and the chef came out to our table, but it was all too little too late because of the rush to order. The pork actually had very little flavor (compared to the excellent pork tacos I order in Chicago). Perhaps if I hadn't felt so rushed, I would have ordered something different, but this is how it played out, and I'm left with a very unpleasant memory of my time at Social. A friend at the table did give me some of his duck entree, and it was also short on flavor, even with the various components (though the leftover salsas from the tacos helped a lot!). Admittedly, we arrived later than we had planned. But when one is joining a group that has already spent a good amount of money on food and beverage, a little flexibility is appropriate. Instead, I'm left with a bad taste in my mouth from the evening, and no desire to return. I think some customer service training is appropriate.
(2)Courtney S.
Love this place! We have always received great service and delicious food. Fun, "happening" kind of atmosphere. The filet is one of the best we have ever had- and we have been to quite a few places. It is heavily seasoned so that may be why we like it. and always cooked exactly how it is ordered. The only reason a 4 instead of a 5 is because they only take LIMITED reservations BEFORE 6. If you are like us and are hiring a babysitter for the night, this can be an inconvenience if your wait is an hour.
(4)Aimee B.
Great atmosphere, excellent food, and incredible staff. It was a fantastic dining experience that I hope everybody has the opportunity to have. It was a fun and refreshing evening, even without the awesome cocktails. The after dinner absinthe is a MUST as well. We'll be back!
(5)Andrea S.
We love the drinks, cheese curds, Brussels sprouts, and pork tacos. If you are downtown this the place to try.
(5)Jamie L.
Another diamond in the rough! A fabulous concept executed to it finest! Great atmosphere, with a terrific local menu that is sure to please all appetites! Don't miss the chance to try it for yourself!
(5)Roman R.
I'm a regular here. Probably the best that Rockford has to offer. This place is a sister to another restaurant up the block, but I prefer Social. The cocktails are on par with what I've had in any major metro. The menu is small, but it changes quarterly (or more) and I usually order whatever special they offer. And pork tacos. And the fried brussels sprouts. Everyone there is very knowledgable and very welcoming. I can't say enough good about Social.
(4)Lisa L.
Rockford is lucky to have this restaurant and it is on my list of "go to" best places when dining out. The space is small and the tables are long and very "social." That doesn't mean you have to converse with your neighboring diners, but it's possible. This farm to table restaurant style is pretty popular in Chicago, too, so it's not the 'white table clothes and intimate dining experience for a romantic dinner for two' sort of place. The space is hip and fun with deep green painted walls, gorgeous wood tables. The bar is an art piece in itself with the lit top. The space definitely adds to the over-all experience. The cocktails are inventive and served in a manner to delight and amuse. They are worth the trip alone. Enjoy classic cocktails like "The Vesper" to the clever "The Dude Abides" or one of my favorites "The Lavender" which is served in a classic martini glass (tiny). The glassware and presentation are part of the fun. The food is nothing less than amazing. I get a craving for their pork belly tacos which are a staple of the menu. The menu does change based on the season. Most, if not all, the meat and produce is from local farms around the area. If you're a newbie, or having a new dish the chef comes out and explains what's in it and where it's from. From steaks to fish to vegetarian dishes, their menu varies and there is something for everyone. The portions are perfect, too. Since we are frequent fliers (diners), we feel like Rock Stars every time we're there. Between Matt, the manager and Adam who tends bar, it's always a great experience. Enjoy!
(5)Daniella D.
First time here was this New Year's Eve for special 3 course menu. Our friends had raved about this place for awhile but we still hadn't made it in. Mostly b/c we don't eat out much as in my experience my home cooking is healthier and better tasting than any of the restaurants in this area. Not bragging about my cooking but basically saying there really aren't many good restaurants in this town worth going to until now. I have to say that I wish we would have come in sooner because it was excellent & hands down this is the best meal I have had in town. The food is fresh & made of quality ingredients. The chef came out to explain the meal, the ingredients, & preparation method. I expected the portion sizes to be small but they were really well portioned. The manager really took care of us in order to make us comfortable as we experienced a delay in our reservation time. My only issue was that the menu didn't explain the meals as well so I didn't quite order what I wished I would have. We will definitely be back to try the regular menu & I suspect that Social will be our new go to restaurant.
(5)Richie G.
An extraordinary experience. Cool urban style in a small town environment. Unique foods to tempt your palate. Probably my favorite dining experience in Rockford. And as always I support local. Oh yeah....this place is sexy!!
(5)Ronald F.
Pleasant place with very good and friendly service. Wine a little overpriced. Food a little salty for my taste, but very interesting and otherwise well prepared and presented. The ingredients used for the salmon were a bit too adventurous for my wife, but I enjoyed the spicy porchetta I had. The fried ricotta with a hazelnut chocolate ganache made an excellent dessert to share. $98 for one shared appetizer, two main plates, one dessert and two glasses of wine, with tip. I will look forward to the next time!
(4)Elyse M.
Driving back to Wisconsin from a work trip in Chicago, we searched for a sit-down restaurant instead of the typical fast food stop. We got so much more than that at Social. From the moment we walked in, the service was prompt and attentive, though it was a busier-than-normal weeknight, according to the staff. A dazzling array of cocktails tempted us, but I chose a glass of champagne to accompany my meal. My colleagues opted for the Monkey Gland and the Corpse Reviver #2 - both made with gin and absinthe, among other ingredients. All of our drinks exceeded expectations in presentation and taste. To start, we had cheese curds and pork belly tacos. Though we live in Wisconsin, we pronounced the butterkase curds to be the best we'd ever had, and the pork belly tacos - especially the sauces and guac served with - were incredible. As entrees, we had seafood pasta, a pork chop, and the Arctic Char - a delicious, salmonlike fish prepared in a light sauce with capers. The ambience and service are fantastic - we'll definitely be back.
(5)tom h.
While driving back from vacation, we yelped for restaurants in Rockford and Social Urban came up at the top end. Wow. What a great experience! Well thought out and executed dishes; excellent balance of flavors and unique twists that we all really appreciated. It was a rare meal where I just wanted to close my eyes and savor each bite. (Yep, that good). Our favorites this night were the Brussels sprouts (our 15 yr old non-sprout eater loved them), pork tacos (nicely done.. side hot sauce with ghost peppers) , BBQ pork shoulder (melts in your mouth... savor it) and the chicken special with mango salsa (light and balanced). The bar makes unique cocktails with interesting preparations (frosty liquid nitrogen mojito, various absinthe based drinks). Gracious and timely service... The chefs actually brought out and explained the preparation of each large plate... very cool. Atmosphere was very mod, intimate and relaxing. We also had nice conversation with the others at the shared table, which is fun. Kudos and thanks to Social Urban! We had to continue on our way home, but you Rockford residents get to dine here often... Lucky you!
(5)Chris V.
I came to Rockford on a business trip. To be perfectly honest I did not expect to find a fully functional foodie scene there. (Sorry for being Newyorkcentric.) I had eaten at Abreo, which has the same owner and is up the block. I was told Social was also worth the visit. I had a stupendous meal. The house made pickles, the buffalo meatballs (bison, not Frank's red hot) and the fried duck liver special. They had a respectable bourbon list as well. Plus, the tables are all large communal tables, which was just what I needed being alone in a strange city. I ended up getting tipsy with some friendly strangers and having a fantastic night.
(5)R H.
Stopped in this trendy yet quaint restaurant following a day of antiquing. The Social is small and has mainly counter height tables perfect for groups. Since there was only the two of us, we sat at the bar. They pride themselves on being not being ordinary--even the drinks they serve. No Grey Goose Vodka here--instead its Tito's handmade vodka from Texas. I was pleasantly surprised with my martini. Although the menu is limited, choosing an entrée was difficult as every menu item sounded delicious. Chef only uses local produce and meat. We decided on strip steak for him and fresh chicken for me. Neither of us were disappointed. Loved the way the chef came to our table and explained each dish. The entire experience was great and we will be back. Maybe next time we will try the absinthe. Social serves it the traditional way using a fountain with small spigots for the cold water. Our bartender/server told us that the chef/owner, Paul Sletten also owns the restaurant, Abreo a few doors down. We will make a point to try Abreo as well next time we are in the area.
(5)Roger G.
Was there Saturday night. 4 for apps and drinks. Great! The pork tacos with spicy sauce were awesome. Cheese curds awesome. Highly recommend. That nigh our group (4 adults) toured 4 Rockford restaurants. This was the only place that we could say was high quality. All of the others had poor service, bad food, or no food. We will definitely go back to Social. This place saved our night.
(5)Jason J.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Rockford. They have a great cocktail menu, including a really cool absynthe service. The food (much of it locally sourced) is absolutely fantastic. While the menu changes regularly (apparently to reflect that local sourcing), the pork taco's and pork shoulder are always great. The staff is incredibly friendly and informative, and they go out of the way to make sure you have a great dining experience.
(5)Cory N.
Food was delicious, the prices were in lone with quality and atmosphere. The service was exceptional. Definitely a Rockford gem. The cheese curds and gratin are to die for...
(4)jon f.
Terrific food, great drinks. Love the touch with having someone from the kitchen come and talk to us about the food. Will definitely come back again!
(5)James O.
As far as places around Rockford, this is a fantastic place. It is pricey, but so worth it if you want real good food that is prepared nicely. Only complaint I had tonight was the table I was at had little air circulation and near the kitchen, so it was a little muggy. The cocktails are $10 a piece, but the variety is amazing. Tried a variety, as did my date and all were excellent. As you have seen on here many times, the cheese curds and pork tacos are amazing. I also had the olives, and they were OK, but watch for the pits! Also had lamb meatballs and they were excellent. Dessert was something to be desired. Did have a chocolate cake with bacon brittle. The cake was dry, but the bacon brittle was awesome! Something needs to be done with more bacon brittle!
(4)Katie K.
This week I had the pleasure of stopping into Social twice! Lucky me! The first trip was a stop on an "appetizer and a cocktail" crawl a friend and I were doing on July 4th. We got lucky with an open seat at the front "communal" table and a very sarcastic waitress, loved her wit, she kept us very entertained. I am not a stranger to this type of seating, and I kinda like it since I was new in town. Communal seating makes it REALLY easy to strike up a conversation with the folks seated next to you, as there is no way to avoid eavesdropping on their conversation. My friend and I each got a drink (she a white wine, and me a raspberry flavored bottled beer) and ordered the cheese curds. Chef brought them out and described the dish in great detail. They were AMAZING! In retrospect, we should have ordered something else that night, but it was just a stop on our little crawl up State. I left that day satisfied and wanting more so I planned my next attack.... As a reward for moving over the weekend to a town where I don't have a friend, I decided to put my big girl panties on and take a stroll down to Social for 'dîner pour un'. I was seated at the bar, not too crowded but it was around 8pm on a Sunday. There was one other gentleman seated at the bar and since we were both alone, it was easy to strike up conversation. He was a local guy who worked at the restaurant next door. He answered all my questions about the neighborhood and I was very thankful to get some insider information. The bartender was my server and kept my wine and water glass very full. I had read about the arugula and egg salad, even though there was a salad on special that night, I had to have it. So glad I did. I pretty much licked my plate it was so tasty! I asked for a recommendation for dinner, and of the items I was interested in, the bartender recommended the BBQ pork shoulder. It was quite tasty, my only complaint is that there was too much meat and not enough sauce. I had a lot leftover and the chef would probably be very angry that I mixed it in with my Bertolli frozen pasta tonight for dinner...but I didn't have any other way to use it! I also wish there were more of the kale salad on the plate, as it was just delicious and complimented the BBQ sauce perfectly. To end the meal, the bartender brought me a small flower for dessert with some sweet sauce...by this time I was a little tipsy, so I don't even remember what the sauce was (I'm thinking raspberry). Both trips to Social were scrumptious and I will for sure be back after I make my way down State Street experiencing 'dîner pour un'. Maybe next time I'll just do two appetizers, or one entree with no appetizer, as it was just too much food! I'm not one who likes leftovers, especially of fancy food. I feel like fancy food should all be consumed in one sitting, for it is never as good the next day.
(4)Andrew A.
Hippest place downtown, great cocktails. Only recommendation would be to curate the music better to make sure it's all fun. Other than that, a favorite place to go.
(5)Maureen T.
It makes me sad to read bad reviews of such a wonderful addition to the restaurants downtown. Social is wonderful. The food is fantastic and the service is great. My husband and I go there as often as possible and have never left dissatisfied with the food we have had. I love that the menu changes every few months and gives us an opportunity to try something new and different. I've read that a lot of people feel that maybe this place is trying to be too trendy but I just simply do not agree. As downtowner, it is exciting to see new and different restaurants popping up with different ideas for Rockford. I think that it is unfair to compare a restaurant in downtown Rockford to restaurant in any other city.
(5)marissa l.
Oh Rockford you seem to chew up and spit out most of the great things that try to thrive here. But I am hoping that a new classier generation is starting to finally take over my hometown. This new urban bar/restaurant fits in just perfect in the cute little Brio block on state street that I find is my go to stomping grounds when I wander back to the Rock from time to time. Girls night reunion started and ended here at Social. As soon as we walked in, I felt right at home in this chic little lounge. Right away the wide variety of top notch liquors caught my attention and they had me at Death's Door Gin. Now I am not ashamed of my love for some Gin but after my first cocktail I really started to become intriqued by the Absinthe which I have honestly never indulged in before. Our mixologist, Greg explained the Absinthe fountain method and we were sold. This place is a blast! Its of course a bit pricey but worth the entertainment and outstanding cocktails. I would definately say a great date place as well. Next time I will add some food to this liquid diet because the menu sounds amazing and the ingredients are all local, which is a great way to support our local farmers. Please check this place out and lets hope they stick around!
(4)Rick M.
Amazing food and the atmosphere is great. Their menu is a touch on the expensive side, but it's not out of line with other high quality options in the area. If you are looking for a special place, try Social. The pork chops and the cowboy cut steak have got to be their best dishes. They are definitely my favorites.
(5)Toby N.
Great local grown food and tasty unusual drinks. I've been here many times and have never had a bad meal or drinks. Service is always exceptional also. If you want to experience a nice classy Chicago style bar and restaurant, you must check this place out!!
(5)Carli R.
Social is probably one of the coolest places in Rockford. Other reviewers give accurate descriptions, so I'll leave it at that!
(5)Cate J.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant of all time. You can really tell that the food is prepared when you order it from fresh ingredients. My husband and I visit at least once a month and I love that the menu changes so frequently so it never gets old--however my husband ALWAYS gets the cowboy ribeye :) Service is top notch and is my standard when comparing any restaurant.
(5)James R.
This is a small Restaurant and bar in downtown Rockford. Walking in, the first thing I noticed was the communal seating. I took my wife here for a date; this was not conducive to a small intimate meal. We had the choice of sitting at the bar or sharing tables with strangers. We opted to sit at the bar. Keep this in mind if you are looking for a cozy dinner for two, you can't do it here. The atmosphere and attitude seems to be hipster trendy. I loved the bar top with the colored glass set in it, and the bar back shelving being made from barn beams. The staff took pride in telling us that the majority of the food is purchased from local farms and that they didn't carry "common large brand" spirits. When we walked in it was dimly lit, and as the night went on they kept turning down the lights making it darker. Social really started coming off as a little pretentious by the end of the night. It was like, "Look, see how hip and trendy we are? We're so cool we'd never serve (insert brand name.)" The food was good. My wife loves Brussel sprouts, so for an appetizer we ordered their fried brussel sprouts with capers and lemon zest. It had a good flavor, but it was hard to get past the saltiness of the capers. Some bites were fine, but others it was almost too salty to eat. For a main course I had the stuffed eggplant with the roasted carrots and beets as a side. The carrots and beets were okay, but they tasted like they just roasted some carrots and beats, no seasoning or anything. Part of the reason I ordered the eggplant was the description of it, "swiss chard, spinach, garlic, parmesan, smoked tomato and onion, aged goat cheese" What was served looked like three very pretty quarter inch slices of breaded deep fried eggplant with a pico de gallo on top and some sauce drizzled on the plate. That is pretty much what it tasted like too. I couldn't detect any of the Swiss Chard, Spinach, Garlic, or aged goat cheese. It reminded me of why my mother used to pan fry eggplant when I was growing up. It didn't taste bad, but I was not impressed with it. My wife ordered the pork chop. She ordered the single, and thankfully so as what was brought out to her was HUGE! She enjoyed it, it was moist. I tried a little bit, but I don't like pork chops, so all I can say is that it tasted like a pork chop. For her side she ordered the potato gratin. To quote her, "They were fan frickin' tastic". She let me try some. They were pretty good and probably the best thing we had there. The staff was very nice and accommodating. Since we were on a date night we were taking things slow and they allowed us to go at our pace. We spent over two hours there and were never pressured to rush or to order while we sat and enjoyed our drinks. They were very proud of their restaurant and when questions were asked, they answered them. When our food was served, the chef would come out and tell us about the dish, where the ingredients came from and what it was we were eating. When it was time to go, we had our check and were cashed out
(3)Amy D.
We had 7 people here for dinner -- most from out of town -- and everyone was absolutely blown away by everything we ate. Great wine and cocktails list, gorgeous, delicious smalls and mains, outrageous desserts (parsnip cream brulee? Out of this world.) All that, plus friendly, attentive service, and loved having the chef come out to share the preparations and provenance of the ingredients. I don't usually gush like this, especially about a place we stumbled on because we'd been working nearby, but this was awesome.
(5)Sara H.
Social is a place that you can go and forget where you're at...downtown Rockford needs more restaurants like this one! Going to Social is a full-out experience...from the atmosphere, the music, the amazing staff, unique cocktails, and of course, the food. I can't think of a place in Rockford (and in many cases, beyond) where I've had better food. I've eaten at Social about three or four times, and gone for cocktails and appetizers a few times more than that. I'm a big fan of the ambiance of Social...unlike many upscale Rockford establishments, Social isn't "confused"...everything seems to fit well together. The atmosphere feels very relaxed, and the communal seating ensures that you're going to have a slightly different experience anytime you go. If you're a little freaked out about sitting with strangers, try to grab a spot at the bar. The wine list and cocktail menu are extensive, and very unique. I really wasn't sure what to start with (don't go looking for your garden variety liquors you're going to find at most bars...they aren't there), so I tried Steel, which was a sweet white wine that they were serving for a limited time. Coming back ever since, I've been stuck on the Bellini cocktail, which is really light and refreshing. If you're not sure what to try, ask the bartender for a recommendation...they're very nice and very knowledgeable. And the food...can't forget about the food. I can't begin to start recommending. Between myself and the people I go to Social with, we've eaten through a vast majority of the menu...from appetizers and small plates all the way through the dessert menu. My favorites go to the cheese curds, the guacamole, and the pork tacos. I love that the chef comes out with your food and explains where everything comes from and how it was prepared. I love the attention to detail...it makes the experience all the more special. The one thing that I have to say about ordering food at Social...if they are running a special that they will only be serving for a limited amount of time...order it! The single greatest thing I've ever eaten at Social was the butternut squash ice cream...yes, you read that right. It was freshly made in the fall for a limited time, and I secretly can't wait for it to come back. Don't let the higher prices scare you...just remember that you're having a unique dining experience here, and you're not going to find a place like it in the area. Highly, highly recommended!
(5)Danielle S.
This was my first dining experience at Social. I didn't really know what to expect, but we went with friends who had been here before thankfully. We went tapas style and tried several dishes between us. I loved the fact that they try to use local meat and produce! I totally support this idea! We started with popcorn, cheese curds, and the shrimp cocktail. Out of the 3 the cheese curds definitely stood out. I probably could have ate them all myself :) Our main courses were the pork tacos and elk sliders. Both were excellent! I would get both again for sure... Although when I go back I'd like to try a main course...I'm a hungry girl :) And definitely would like to try one of their specialty drinks!
(4)Jeff B.
Every meal at Social has been great and the service outstanding. Unique and classy atmosphere. Matt is a 5-star host. Highly recommend.
(5)Chris W.
Ahhhh yes, Social Urban Bar and Restaurant... This has been a glimmer of hope for the Rockford area since it opened less than a year ago. Why? With all the mundane and poorly run establishments in this town it's almost sad to eat out unless you're a fan of the mediocre. Social brought this town so much in such a small package. Social is a tiny place, but filled to the brim with amazing drinks, food, atmosphere and service! I've never been so taken by a place because it seems that everyone centers around one gimmick and tries to reel us in with it. Social on the other hand is built around an incredible staff behind the bar and in the kitchen. I've tried at least two thirds of the entire drink menu and all but one cocktail was the most amazing drink I've had. The one drink I didn't like... pulled by the manager who agreed it needed help and came back with new creation to fill my palette with. Social doesn't carry your average liquor cabinet (Yes there is NO Jack Daniels, NO Smirnoff and DEFINITELY NO garbage), which is what makes it so unique. When I first walked in I knew a few of the bottles on the wall, mostly whiskeys, and over time I've learned many of them and I know the reason why they chose what goes into every drink. Better alcohol tastes better and is better. They serve new drinks and specialize in classic cocktails so they have something for everyone. My recommendation is to try one that you know and love then continue down the list and let yourself be amazed drink after drink. Not only do they serve THE BEST cocktails in Rockford the also have some of the best food items to go along with them. The crew in the kitchen are amazing and the flavor from each plate is spectacular. I don't know what else to say besides, "get your butt down to social and eat!" Well, I believe I've gushed enough about the best bar in town so it's time for me to sign off Yelp and head to Social for a drink or two :)
(5)Dr. B.
Loved it! Will definitely go back. Drinks are great, and I'm not normally a fan of cocktails. Brussel sprouts- Awesome. Super good! Squash and Roasted Beets- fresh and filling Pork Tacos- almost Big Star, but def delicioso For two of us, that is all we needed for dinner. Not huge portions, but just enough. The bartenders offer intriguing and insightful information into their concoctions. Once dinner is served, the chef emerges from the heat of the kitchen to review the ingredients of your selections to let you know more about how and why it was all assembled as such. And he's a really nice guy. The bartenders too :) Good craft beer selection as well. Definitely recommended. Fish Tacos next? ;)
(4)Carri A.
What a fantastic addition to Rockford, IL. Their small plates are affordable and delicious and their cocktails are genuine. I'm going for my 2nd time tonight and I can't wait!
(5)Cindy K.
Fabulous! From the exceptional bartenders/servers to the chefs who hand deliver your food (to describe what you are about to eat), the entire experience was wonderful. We stopped in for a quick bite, and stayed for three hours. Communal seating, which freaks out Rockfordians, we kept offering the extra seats from our table, but no takers. We started with champagne (it was a celebration), moved onto great, inventive, fresh mixed drinks. For food we had the shrimp ceviche, fresh tasting, good mix of tastes, but a bit heavy on the fresh cracked pepper. Then we shared some trout with a side of swiss chard. (the chard was finished with butter- when ghee would have been a better choice to take the bite off the bitter leaves). We finished with a trio of egg cremes, which were absolutely wonderful. The bread was handmade, but from their sister restaurant Brio. Lots of locally sourced ingredients and inventive preparations. I highly, highly recommend Social for a quick meal, inspired cocktails, special occasions, and great staff.
(5)Chris P.
A small cozy place that has a beautiful modernly rustic feel. Perfect place for a date where you want to get to know someone. Matt was an excellent host and made sure we had everything we needed. The food was perfect. I had the Beef tenderloin and it was outstanding (way better than the one I had at a Michelin 5-star restuarant). My date had the pork chop which was just perfect. Didn't even need a knife it was so tender. I like that the chefs come out and tell you about the meal as well as answer any questions. Definitely a must stop!
(5)Sara L.
In my quest to find a great drink in Rockford, I have found my place! If enjoy trying different drinks and really know your mixology then come here! I love the communal seating. This place kinda reminds me of the Violet Hour- minus the rules, and Alice in Wonder Land theme. The food is also yummy! I recommend the fried brussel sprouts...sounds gross, but tastes amazing! Now only if I could have their manhattan at work hahah
(4)Andrew D.
Best cocktails and food in Rockford, hands down. Many folks mention that it is a bit "pricey," but when you take into account the quality, it's really quite reasonable. Terrific atmosphere and extremely personable, knowledgable, and talented staff.
(5)Andy T.
We were home for the holidays and met a few friends here. We started with their Lavender Vodka cocktail which was by far the best cocktail I've ever had. Then we had their cheese curds which were amazing. Then on to their daily specials which included a arugula salad and asian short rib. My wife had their sliders. The food and cocktails were simply fantastic and the service was even better. With each drink and coarse of food we received an in depth description of the drink or food by the bartender or the cook. I was very impressed and plan to return during our next visit.
(5)Patrick H.
So I'm pretty much gonna be regurgitating most other reviews, but here's my take. I had been to Social for drinks before, but wanted to wait till I was able to sample the menu to write a full review. When I had been for drinks I was in the mood for a nice single malt scotch. I asked if they had anything smokey, like Laphroiag, alas they did not, but the bar tender made a suggestion and I agreed to a glass. I don't remember the name but it was, disappointing. Lacking the real heavy peaty smoke flavor I was after. Upon learning of my dissatisfaction, the bartender came over, apologized for the recomendation and offered up a glass of bourbon and rendered bacon fat. My immediate thought was of the fact I detest bourbon, but boubon with bacon fat??? Sounds good enough to try, was my next thought. As he explained the process on how he had made the concoction, I took my first sip...(eyes open wide and wtf is happening in my mouth)! Holy mother of God was it phenominal. The fat took the burn out of the bourbon and left it with only a silky bacony finish. Sadly, it's not a menu item and wasn't available upon my next visit. Onto the dinning experience. To anyone that complains about the seating arrangements, you're special, just not the kind of special your mom and kindergarted teacher told you, you were. Sit next to someone you don't know, maybe make a new friend. Hell, I ended up taking 4 Korean ladies picture. I guess if you're agoraphobic I wouldn't recommend Social. The decor is upscale ubran, you know, exposed brick, fabrics, paintings only the artist understands, etc... The actual bar is domineering but makes an excellent focal point. My only gripe is the stools at the tables. Apparently, Social wasn't thinking of us hobbits when they picked out chairs. Coulda used a booster seat I guess. I had heard of Socials' epic pork chop from a very reliable source. However my mind had been swayed by cured meats and fattier cuts of pork. My wife and I shared a cheese plate, charcuterie plate, pork tacos, sliders and a spice rubbed skirt steak. It's pretty pointless to talk about the cheese as I'm sure it changes every few weeks, nonetheless it was awesome. 60yo parm, that's all that needs be said. I'm a sucker for cured meat, so I dug right into the duck prosciutto, various pate and sausages. First to come out were the pork belly tacos. I found the little pork cubes, crispy, yet juicy and oh so smokey. However tacos comes with three 'relishes'. The first relish is your run of the mill guac, the 2nd was a ancho (I think) based salsa and the 3rd, a ghost chili salsa. If you do not know what a ghost chili is, for the love of God, do yourself a favor and just try a bit at first. Unfortunately, I tried a little, then tried more, and more and more. I was fighting back tears as if someone (insert inappropriate pain inducing technique) me. You've been warned. The sliders were not elk as they were before, but were great. The house made ketchup was not your usual overly sweet and disgustingly salty Heinz crap. It tasted like tomato reduced with red wine, mmm. Although the bites with only the aioli were the best. Our meal ended with a rare skirt steak. The steaks are crusted with paprika and cumin. I will say I wasn't a fan of the rub, but the meat itself was some of the most flavorful I've ever had. Being a country boy, I appreciate that Social is working with suppliers like Eickmann's and not some commercial food industry wholesaler. Kudos, Social.
(5)Kristan M.
Yum! Great food, awesome service and excellent drinks. Loved the lavender cocktail, as well as the gin fizz. Upscale, but not snobby. We sat a table alone, but the seating is communal which is a different concept for the area. Would go here again.
(5)Samantha L.
Where to begin! Having been in Rockford the past couple of weekends I had some decent and not so decent dining experiences. I was pleasantly surprised to be introduced to Social and the lovely block it is on which seems to have some of Rockford's more fine dining establishments. The friend that I was visiting is a total foodie, a quasi farmer, and very into dining at places that use local products. BUT, I still did not know what to expect having been placed outside of my Chi town bubble. We arrived at Social, no reservations, seated right away but they still seemed busy. I like the atmosphere, more like an upscale bar. Food is very high end but served in a more trendy casual place. Instead of ordering entrees we shared small plates, which I prefer because then you are able to sample more of the menu. We had the meat plate for a starter, I think it is called a chacterturie plate(?). It was quite good, a venison and beef sausage, and some sort of pate. Then we each had a salad. It was arugula, bacon, and a fried egg with truffle oil. I love truffle oil! It was a great salad. Next we shared the pork belly tacos and the mussels. Both were fantastic. We thought about ordering more but were all very full. Oh! And I almost forgot the drinks. They are fantastic also! Made with quality liquor, it really does make a difference. Ten dollars a piece and worth every penny. Hell, you pay that much at most places in downtown Chicago and are usually not getting top shelf. I had a drink called "adelita." It was a tequila drink with strawberries. Very good, I had to have two! I don't know when I will be in Rockford next, but when I am back I will visit Social again!
(5)Mark M.
Great atmosphere .. Awesome pork chop and ribeye ... Service is also great .. Would definately go back ... Just Great Food and Atmosphere!!
(4)Karen T.
Excellent cocktails. Even better cheese curds. Seriously. Get. The. Cheese. Curds.
(5)Nicholas W.
All around, I was really impressed by Social. The food is great and the drinks are even better. It captures that big city vibe in a low-key town.
(4)Elizabeth E.
Exceptional artisan drinks, if priced a bit higher than I fear the Rockford market can bear. The food sounds fantastic, though we haven't had a chance to try it. I sincerely hope that Social makes it so that my husband and I can continue to enjoy fine cocktails at their bar whenever we're back in town.
(5)Mathew K.
Great drinks and there are a lot of different offerings. You need to experience it for yourself. Drinks average $10 but do not let that stop you from experiencing one of the best bars in Rockford.
(4)Royce E.
First off, I think a staff should know about whatever is on the menu. Many many moons ago, when I was a server, we had to know the menu forward and backward, our daily specials, soups of the day and veggie of the day. We also had monthly featured items. We didn't run back to the kitchen to ask about the items, we knew. And that is exactly what our server did not know. He knew very little about the menu and once, even when he asked a manager, he didn't know either. That is a disgrace in my opinion. We were drinking soda, and you'd think at the price they charge for those, we'd get some refills, but no. It took a good hour to get our food and our server checked on us once and when he came to the table, he reeked of cigarette smoke. I can only guess that the reason he pulled the Houdini routine was that he was smoking. When we finally got our food, we found it to be very dry and bland. By the way, after our server dropped off our food, we didn't see him again. We even had to flag another server down to get our check for us. All in all, a very bad experience.
(1)Spencer Q.
My favorite restaurant in Rockford! I have been here about four times now and have not been disappointed. The local produce is delicious. Last time my girlfriend and I went there we split the roasted beet salad, roast asparagus, and elk tenderloin. Tough to say what was best.. Probably the elk though. It was so tender and the sauce, finished with brandy and confit garlic I believe, was just amazing. Aside from food, the drink menu is second to none. It is full of drinks you cannot find anywhere. I would recommend the Blair for the scotch drinker. I personally believe there is no cocktail that can compare to the sheer perfection of johnny walker black on the rocks. But this drink rivals it. Also, don't forget to ask about the absinthe! The staffis very knowledgeable about it and will find the right one for you. It is a great after dinner drink that cannot be found elsewhere in Rockford. Service wise, social hits the nail on the head with being informal decadence. The servers are there to please and inform without making you feel like you are in a stuffy atmosphere. All questions are welcomed and you can feel their mutual love for the food. There is no other place in rockford like this
(5)