Abreo Restaurant
515 E State St, Rockford, IL, 61104
Abreo Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Rockford for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Rockford for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Rockford for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
515 E State St
Rockford, IL, 61104 - Phone (815) 968-9463
- Website https://www.abreorockford.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 12:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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David L.
Brio is an uncommonly good restaurant with food that is interesting, consistently well-prepared & a bit challenging (in a good way). We go often & are rarely disappointed. Chef Paul is an intuitive & innovative cook, on a par with many of the best in Chicago. Nice wine list. Well informed staff. A place to dine for a unique experience in Rockford.
(5)Kathleen W.
I love to go here to celebrate special occasions. I especially love eating on the patio during our warmer months. The atmoshpere is interesting and food good. I like that it now has tapas menu, get to choose more from the menu. I love tasting other's choices.
(5)Sherri W.
Loved our meal at Abreo! Due to many street closures and not being familiar with the area, it took us a long time to get to this restaurant. We almost gave up but it was certainly worth the effort. We liked each of the small plates. Started with the nectarine salad and seared tuna. Then had corn bisque which was amazing and onion tart. Finally, we had the delicious mushroom bread pudding and a duck plate. Did I mention the bread? Warm and chewy - just perfect. Add a good bottle of wine and it was a great meal. Will definitely be back.
(5)Adam W.
This place was sweet. I had heard about it, and wanted to go but was never in rockford to check it out. so i was there randomly, and went. let me say, i loved it. the menu was great...all the food looked great, but of course i could only order so much. service was perfect, he wasnt overbearing, and knew when we needed something or some attention. if you read below my review you will notice that someone commented about the speed of service, the portion sizes, that the restaurant doesn't make their own butter (what!?), and the crepe tasted like a pancake. Okay, speed of service and portion sizes...they tell you that it will come out coursed and that they are small and meant to be shared. they dont make their own butter? who makes their own butter...haha, thats retarded. and the crepe tasted like a pancake...no shit sherlock...look up what a crepe is...its a thin pancake champ...so ignore that review, cuz they are obviously misinformed/uneducated. go here, expect to sit and enjoy yourself...its not wendys, its a nice place. loved it, enjoy!
(5)Pieter W.
By no stretch am I an expert on establishments that specialize in tapas/small plates. Their offerings are more often than not above my budget, but occasionally I get lucky and get treated to one. I felt especially lucky to be treated to Abreo this evening. The food, service and atmosphere were exceptional all around. I've eaten at several tapas joints in Chicago, all of which were very good, but I was surprised to find that this unassuming establishment in Rockford was just as good if not better. Lets start with some of the must haves: the duck nachos and the pork belly! The duck nachos were not "nachos" in the traditional sense: they were comprised of avocado, goat cheese, won tons, sweet soy, pickled peppers and "arctic char", whatever that is. They were absolutely amazing, I could have ate them all night and been perfectly happy, and even though they were not traditional "nachos" they certainly resembled nachos, so I understand why they were named as such. Next absolutely amazing dish was the pork belly, and while I cannot remember the ingredients (or find the item listed on their current online menu) I remember that it was absolutely delicious, melt-in-your mouth cuts of pork belly served in a tea-based sauce. Just unbelievably, exceptionally delicious, those two dishes. Other enjoyable dishes I devoured included the Shrimp Asiago and the Seared Tuna. The Shrimp Asiago tasted very similar to the saganaki cheese appetizer commonly served at many Greek restaurants, except even better because of the shrimp and what I imagine were some spice additions. Extremely savory, extremely delicious. Same goes for the seared tuna, which was complimented by slices of marinated cucumber. Also, the Apple Salad was really tasty, as was the fresh baked house bread they brought out as an appetizer, as was the Seinfeld-themed Kramer "Cosmo" variation on the cosmopolitan that featured citrus and rhubarb bitters! There was not a single item on the menu that was bad, everything ranged from above-average to exceptional, except for maybe the braised lamb, which featured hoisin sauce, peas, and minted yogurt. It wasn't "bad" by any stretch of the imagination but it was perhaps rather mediocre compared to the other menu items. Oh well though, if that was the worst dish of the meal then I am just splitting hairs, because the overall experience was AMAZING. One other recommendation I should make to visitors, be sure to check out the restrooms! I know that sounds funny, but the feature such a bizarre, psychedelic, "Alice in Wonderland" design that you would cheat yourself on the overall Abreo experience if you missed out on them. :)
(5)Des C.
We were attending my sister in law and her friends birthday party and the festivities began at Abreo. I had been to this space many years ago when it was Bacchus and more recently for drinks under the current ownership. We were sat immediately (which we should have been at 5:45) and our waitress came over immediately and began taking drink orders from people as they arrived. The drinks came out quickly. We had a late lunch so my wife and I decided to split 3 "tapas plates", many of the other guests did the same. When the waitress had completed our order she told us she would be bringing them out one at a time. I have been to countless tapas restaurants and they typically bring them out one at a time, but not every 30 minutes!!! After finishing our first course, the blackened scallops which weren't bad, but now we're used to fresh sea food out of the ocean, it was at least 30 minutes before the next plate. Overall the food quality was good, but we are not at a fine dining restaurant. Apparently someone forgot to tell the servers and whoever makes the prices. After three plates, a few drinks and tip I spent over $100.
(3)Alyssa R.
Dined here for the first time today with my boyfriend and had an incredible first experience. Our server, Christina, was amazing! Incredibly sweet and genuine. We had ordered the duck nachos, shrimp asiago, blackened scallops and had one of porterhouse steaks that came with Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes. I was awestruck. Having dined at many restaurants in Rockford and even between Schaumburg to Chicago, I can say without hesitation that the meal I had at Abreo was one of the best meals (and just overall dining experiences) I've had. The duck nachos came fresh out of the oven with a succulent scent. Smelled almost as great as they tasted. Easily my favorite dish after the porterhouse- which was seasoned perfectly. Everything just left me speechless. Portions are tapas style and are a little pricey, but you are 100% paying for fresh, quality dishes so it's more than worth it. Will be back!
(5)Natasha P.
My favorite restaurant in Rockford! Tapas and their menu is constantly changing. I LOVE it here! My boyfriend and I sit in the bar on Monday's with Olga the bartender she is the best! Monday's is industry night so we get half off all food! Can't go wrong with anything here !
(5)Molly K.
We used the cellar for a bachelorette party. They helped us create the perfect atmosphere for the occasion. The food, drinks, and staff made for a great night.
(5)Neha S.
What a gem in Rockford! Worth traveling to from far and wide Local ingredients with amazing gourmet flare! Everything is tasty- you can't go wrong! Excellent cocktails Outdoor seating in summer Private room downstairs for parties Wednesday nights right now they have a special Dive bar menu- duck or pork confit nachos (have had both) and it's so incredibly tasty ($12 and $6 respectively) and a $6 burger- best burger in Rockford regular menu is tapas style and meant to order a few Menu changes reguarly, so go back often! Their sister restaurant is Social next door (and if you want the social brussel sprouts- just ask and they will bring that over!!)
(5)Abby S.
The positive: the bartender was very friendly and the drinks we had were delicious. The negative: Try not overbooking on Valentine's Day next year. We had 8:30 reservations. We finally got sat at 9:30... Then no one came and talked to us at all for 10 minutes, so we left. Many couples around us had the same issue and waited over an hour for "reservations." Anyone actually know the definition of that word?
(1)Kathy L.
I think this place is just ok. I had the shrimp Asiago. It's okay. If you share it it would probably be okay. I had it for dinner. It was too rich. I also had the seared tuna and jicama salad-I do recommend that. The Kerr kumber cocktail was a little to sweet for my taste. The saving grace was that I came during happy hour, so everything I had was half off. I don't think the plates I had were worth what that actually cost. I indulged and had the chocolate cake with salted caramel-not bad
(3)Michael A.
We were meeting some friends who were having Wedding Rehearsal downstairs. We ate while they finished. I had my daughter and girlfriend with me. I had stuff pepper app YUMMY. Then we had cheese plate, charcuterie plate and bbg platter. This was so good. The menu is little small but it works for the venue. I did go down stairs say hi to everyone, Wow what a nice area have party. It has very Tuscan feel to it. Love the service we received as well. Good job Rockford finally some good places to eat.
(5)Mike Z.
Stopped in before the Mellenkamp concert. Food was excellent. Drink was equally so, including the "rock" (large cube of ice). Ordered the olive appetizer which was very tasty and just the right size for our party of 4. Also had the asparagus gazpacho and seared tuna, both of which were fantastic. I only give 5's when my expectations are overwhelmingly exceeded, which rarely happens. Notched this one down by 1 star to reflect service which could have been a bit quicker. And no, we were not rushed to get to the concert. That said, I would definitely give them a 2nd chance when I'm in Rockford.
(3)Rhett R.
Coming from Chicago , finding Abreo was Such a wonderful delight...Quite a subtle gem in downtown Rockford...service is beyond a high standard ...extremely subjective and personal approach.... Olga, who was the bartender...in addition to our waitress, was the epitome and pennicle of the hospitality industry. ...bringing smiles to my (and my party's) face /s ...as well as tasty morsels of cuisine and vino :-) ...very knowledgeable & loveable. Highly recommended to ANYONE in the area! Cheers to you all!
(5)Natasha M.
Just happened to stop by here before a concert. Amazing! The food was creative and delicious!
(5)Carolyn B.
Everything about this place is five stars. The food is impeccable and they have hands down the best bartenders. It's a little bit more on the expensive side but worth the price every time. If I could recommend any place for dinner or drinks in Rockford I'd choose Abreo. Great quality in atmosphere, dishes, mixology, and staff.
(5)John B.
Best restaurant in Rockford! Enough said!
(5)Tesa M.
Ordered share dishes with my sister. We LOVED everything we had, which included raspberry brie salad, korean beef, lemon chicken and asiago cheese shrimp. Wine was amazing too. Nice addition to the River District. Perfect for dates or a group for girls night out!!
(4)Kyle B.
Downtown Rockford has a lot to offer and this restaurant should be at the top of your option list. Great restaurants, eye catching architecture, and cool bars (I recommend Carlyle as well). All those features add to the nice ambiance the location has to offer. The wait staff here is always pleasant, and after 3 meals here, I can still say I've been impressed with the food at each one.
(5)Lindsay M.
Delicious. I'm not one to give 5 stars too easily but I honestly can't say there's one thing I did not like about my experience at Brio. The decor and environment inside is inviting and comfortable. The bartender is super duper friendly, along with the rest of the staff. I have wined here prior to this visit and sat in the bar, but this date night my doll and I decided to wine aaaand dine on the outdoor patio. Picture a beautiful, end of summer night on a city like back patio, quiet, romantic, white patio lights, and a great music selection. Can't get much better than that. The drink menu is large and in charge, full of unique concoctions and a wine list that is straight to the point with a great selection. For someone who can never make a decision, small plates is the way to go. We ordered 6 dishes to feast on over our time here.. The tempura asparagus, yellow fin tuna, duck, spicy Asian noodles, flank steak, and ribs. They were all, to die for! Simply telling you the dishes we had doesn't do half the justice of the quality and flavor in each item. ALSO- they're very veggie friendly, there were plenty of small plates for vegetarians on the menu. Our server, Michael, was knowledgeable, attentive, but not over bearing. He knew the right times to come to the table and then let us enjoy our evening. He was very professional and nice. Our silverware and dishes were replaced after each course and our drinks were kept full. When you get desert, you will be pleasantly filled with yummy goodness. We had the bread pudding and it was the best bread pudding I've ever had! I really love this place, I can't even decide what my favorite plate of the night was.. Ignore the bad reviews, I don't think those people understood the concept of small plates with quality food that is brought out in a course-like manner.. hence the price and portion size.. time in between dishes.. etc.. Brio was priced perfectly for what you get and expect to have a relaxing, enjoyable night.. not an in and out type of thing. I'm full and happy!
(5)Elizabeth E.
UPDATE: Apparently Brio is now Abreo! Who knows if the name change will bring any improvements. I'm just gonna say it - Brio was better when it was Bacchus. Which isn't to say that it isn't good now, but frankly, it's no Bacchus. In the days of Bacchus, it was the go-to spot for girls' night or a fancy date. I had one of the most incredible meals of my life there - a tasting menu for Valentine's Day - and at the opposite end of the spectrum, I had many cosmos during pub quiz on Wednesday nights. That was several years ago, and I've since moved from the area. In the first year or two, I'd make an effort to take people here. My friends and I had dinner for her bachelorette party after the switch to Brio, and it was fine, but not the fantastic meal that we were expecting based on previous Bacchus dinners. I certainly wouldn't say no to another dinner at Brio - but given the choice, I'd go to the Irish Rose or Octane.
(3)Eric X.
[ Visited in August, 2010 ] Brio came out of nowhere. Here we are, me and my compatriota, walking the streets of Rockford in urban exploration mode. A building strikes our fancy as having been built in 1889, and we check out the store fronts. Brio? "A nice, fancy restaurant in Rockford?" "Hmm, we're from the big, bad city and think we know everything about good food." Hello foot, here's my mouth. Brio offers an excellent selection of tapas-like dishes with more of a whimsical, French-like touch. You'll find a good selection of small plates and your appetite will easily be satiated with a mere three dishes. There's bar seating, a dining area, and a wonderful walled-garden out back (that's where you want to sit if possible, because the ambiance of ten-foot ivy-covered walls really make for a great dinner). The price is right for this type of establishment, and they also have some of the most fantastic bathroom decor I've seen north of the 42nd parallel. Oh, and that building they're in from 1889? Don't worry, it's been refurbished and is just as classy as anything in the large mid-western city 90 minutes to the east.
(4)Cindy K.
Locally owned, check. Great Atmosphere, check Superb service, check Fabulous, to-die-for, food, fail I want to love you. I really really do. We called at 7:20 on a Saturday evening and were able to secure reservations for 8:00 on the patio. Shoulda been a clue. Of all the patios that I can think of in Rockford, this is my favorite. Secluded, lush greenery, twinkling overhead lights, a distinct lack of street noise (why do Rockfordians think it is a good idea to put their patios on busy streets? E.State, N. Main, Perryville are really crappy choices). The Abreo patio reminds me of New Orleans. It is a tapas menu, meant to share with your dining companions. We are really good with that concept as it is a great way to try out more dishes than you could consume if ordering traditional entrees. Complimentary amuse bouche- yet they were old world Italy. Prosciutto and cantaloupe with a balsamic reduction. Really? We ordered two cold salads, and two hot meat based dishes. The waiter did an excellent job of pacing the meal. First the nectarine salad, topped with a unique fried brussel sprout. The salad would have been better with a touch of acid based dressing to balance the sweet fruit and cheese and the mild greens. The burnt butter taste of the sprouts overwhelmed their natural nutty flavor. Second, we had the beet salad. Naturally expecting the fuller flavored red beet, we were enchanted with the milder orange beet, which turned out to be poached, a bit soggy, and fully flavorless. Some orange or kiwi juice in the poaching liquid would have brought this dish out of the doldrums. Chopped pistachio nuts, sweet goat cheese and bitter dandelion greens rounded out this plate. Did I mention bitter dandelion greens? Yes, tasted like eating dirt- had to move those off, to have a three ingredient-two note salad. Next we partook of the shrimp romesco and the duck crepes. My husband gave the shrimp a four star, I would give it a three. For one of the ingredients being chorizo, there was no bite to this dish. However, it was a lovely balance of flavors and textures. The duck crepes were the best of the four. Sweet duck, without a hint of gaminess, tender crepes, very sweet fresh corn, tart blackberries. It was a wonderful combination of flavors. However, a tilt away from the sweet was needed. Perhaps an herb,some salt, or a grind of pepper. With every ying there must be a complimentary yang. I have not given up hope for Abreo, but with the 100$ that we dropped for dinner, it would be wonderful if the heavens would have opened up and sang, just once.
(3)Paul D.
What a tremendous find in Rockford! Delicious food with some great vegetarian options; our market pasta was delicious, beet salad was remarkable, dessert was tremendous, service was friendly and efficient. Really outstanding. I wish they'd open a restaurant in California!
(5)Patrick H.
There is no question that Brio is the greatest dining experience in Rockford. The menus are fantastic and change once in awhile. Waiters are actually able to make wine pairing suggestions that make sense, unlike the majority of Rockford restaurants. If you're feeling adventerous get a couple courses of the chef's choice (items not on menu). You will not be disappointed and can offer suggestions on what you do and don't like or if you have allergies. I have never had a single dish that was not exemplary.
(5)Tim S.
Food and atmosphere was fantastic as always. Make sure you pick 3 entrees because it is a small plate (tapa) restaurant. Food is amazing and they even have retro beers such as Hams and PBR. The scallops are the best.
(5)Ellie E.
Best place in Rockford! Everything I've always had was so good!
(5)Luan N.
Not too many good reviews, but I had an awesome experience here. Each dish I ordered had depth and had elements that awakened my numb tongue. The last time I had elk was in Oslo, but Brio's elk tenderloin wanted to make me spit on Oslo's costly restaurants. The elk tenderloin was accompanied by a blueberry sherry butter which had just the right sweetness to it. The halibut cooked in coconut broth had the right balance of sweet and spice. While the Duck with grilled apples, prosciuitto, brandy organic apple reduction was tender and followed by a blissful smile. In addition, the chef went around to each table for a greet.
(5)Kate L.
Very very delicious and elegant plates. Everything we had from salads, to fish, to ribs was outstanding. Everything on the menu looked great, good thing, we could try six different things:) we did not even expect to find such a gem in a small town. The kitchen is open until 12 o'clock, very convenient if you are late on the road. We sat on the beautiful patio that has intimate atmosphere, lights, and is very quite. Our server, Jewel, was very helpful and friendly. There was a life band playing at the bar. If we ever need a late grub on the way to Madison, we will surely be back!
(5)Dan E.
Chef /owner who grew up here using fresh ingredients from local farms better than most Chicago chefs at a half the price. Do it.
(5)Tom O.
Wonderful! Went here for a friend's birthday. Reservations at 7PM were easy to secure. The atmosphere of the dining room was intimate and dark. The table was a bit small for four people and multiple dishes, but we managed. We were served by Dan and he was wonderful for our table. Very creative and innovative drink menu. A very extensive wine selection as well. We were seated promptly and Dan brought us an egg-salad amuse-bouche. Our dishes included: tomato and mozzerella, nectarine salad, sweet corn bisque with pork belly, chorizo soria with three different mustards, cajun spice scallops, asian noodles, duck with braised red cabbage, and mushroom bread pudding. Desserts included creme brulee, warm chocolate caramel cake, and white chocolate blueberry bread pudding. My personal favorites were the sweet corn bisque and mushroom bread pudding- I could eat that any time, anywhere. Our birthday girl raved about her scallops as well. I'll definitely come back here- I'd love to try out their patio sometime.
(5)Benjamin H.
The arctic char was fresh and the beef tenderloin was cooked perfectly. The menu was short and to the point. I will be back.
(4)Christopher K.
The food here is okay, but quite pricey for what you get. Expect to spend about $35 per person and to order 2-3 things per person. The portions are pretty small. Their bread is good, and although they don't seem to make their own butter, they at least jazz up the slice they give you with some herbs. The golden beet salad isn't anything too amazing. I suggest avoiding the shrimp asiago - it was extremely salty and the amount of butter was excessive. The elk is good and it didn't have a strong gamey taste. The accompanying polenta was too salty. By far the best thing we ordered was the Hawaiian butterfish in curry sauce; it is very delicious. The raspberry crepes were mediocre and the crepe was more like a pancake. Our service was horrible. We ordered all of our dishes at once, but they came out one at a time at 25 minute intervals. Since this is a tapas place, this meant the meal took over two hours. We were tucked into a lonely corner and had difficulty finding our server when we needed him.
(3)Tom C.
Wonderful patio! The wine is king. The staff is very knowledgeable about the wine and it's not all overpriced. Best of all... No TVs , just good music (usually) and conversation. Also, free Wi-Fi. Maybe a coincidence but seems to be a lady hang out. The only bar I have ever consistently witnessed females outnumber males. Also the hangout of Rockford's "Who's Who's" like Cheap Trick's Rick Neilson and Mayor Morrissey. The food is very good. I loved the pizzas (cajun shrimp and andooli sausage) but then one day they shrank. They still taste great, but now they are for one little tiny person. I also highly recommend the blackend scallops with mango reduction and prosciutto. Watch for specials and unique dinner events.
(5)Kristan M.
I've eaten here several times and have had an excellent experience every time. The food is amazing, the service is always great. I highly recommend.
(5)Erin S.
This is a great bar, not such a great restaurant. They have a great selection of wine, beer, and unique cocktails. I've stuck to the wine, but there are many other options. They have good appetizers if you're just stopping in for a drink, however not that amazing for dinner. Went on NYE for a 6 course dinner - it was so disappointing. Everything was OK, but nothing overly amazing.
(3)Elle W.
This place is cool! The staff was extremely courteous and knowledgeable. I liked it so much the first time that I treated about 10 ladies one evening. I have only been twice and Im anxious to go again!
(4)Douglas L.
Went to Abreo last night and received a warm welcome from the owner who graciously offered to and did hang up our coats. He later came by to inquire how the food was and then got our coats for us when we were ready to leave. A very good first and last impression. It was my first time there since an extensive remodeling of the bar area. The fireplace is gone but the new booths and bar height tables offer comfortable and varied seating. Our waitress was very friendly as well. She was attentive, patient and knowledgable regarding the specials for the evening. Also, as to how the food was prepared and the level of spice in any one item. Everyone at our table was very pleased with the salads, the pasta dishes, (even the really spicy one,) the grilled scallops, the beef tenderloin and especially for me, the raspberry crepe with ice cream for desert. All in all, a very pleasant beginning to our evening out. The only reason I give Abreo four stars rather than five is that although my tenderloin was tasty and prepared exactly as I requested, it was really tiny. At best, an ounce and a half. I know it's a topas bar but I think for $14 they could do at least 3 oz. I'll still go back for all the other reasons listed above but won't be ordering the tenderloin. Almost forgot to mention that they are generous with their wine by the glass. It's well priced and the portions are just right.
(4)Timothy M.
Hi last night, (Saturday) we took my sister in law, who is in town from the big city, to a hip local restaurant. Called Brio, it's one of the best places we have to show off, food wise... It's a 'small plate/tapas' style establishment, with a great staff. We each ordered something different from each other... We started with hen of the woods mushrooms on pasta, olive oil, and garlic. A lot of garlic. I had never had that species of mushroom before, but, I will have them again! Mary had in chili sauce. She loved them. Maggie and I don't like scallops. Yuck... Maggie had a asparagus tempura. The girls loved it. I don't like asparagus either... Yeah, I know, what a picky eater... Next, we had spicy asian noodles, but not too spicy. Fresh beans, mushrooms and onions chopped into it. Mmmm mm. Maggie had chicken lemon crepes with a nice reduction on it.... Mary skipped this round... We did share with her... A little. The last course was a great mini ribs on a chipotle corn cake for me. The girls decided to skip this round, I should have, 'cuz I was already stuffed, but, they are sooooo good! By the way, these are not 'full' plate meals, sort of half size... For dessert, Mary a blueberry bread pudding. Talk about tasty/sweet. I had the ever popular, traditional creme brulee'. We did share with Maggie, but she was the sensible one, and decided not to order any more.... I did push the sweet meter over the top by ordering a ginger ale. Huh, what you say? A Canada Dry to go with this? Nope... Brio makes their own ginger ale. Not too sweet, but what a bite. Mmm mm. We stayed for over 2 and a half hours, sipping wine, coffee, and talking about everything under the moon, since it was dark out. Our waiter, Dan, has served us before, and is a great guy, along with being a wonderful waiter. He and his partner had gone to France since the last time we were in, so there were stories to tell and hear. Mary had a great time! Said it was every bit as good as anything in NYC that she has visited. Cool!
(4)M. M.
My wife and I had our wedding rehearsal dinner at Brio in the downstairs area. I'll be honest, when we first saw the downstairs area we were not impressed but it dresses up really nice. We worked with Karen to plan the entire thing and she was absolutely amazing. Karen bent over backwards to make sure we had everything we needed to make the night special. Thank you Karen! We had about 35 people and picked 10 or so different tapas including some "veggie" ones for our veggie friends and family. The food was great. Karen suggested we ordered a few more due to the portion size so we did based on advice and we still could have used more food so if you have an event their, be sure to order extra food. They also worked out a drink deal with us and provided "drink tokens" which worked out great. Thank you Brio! Michael & Rebecca
(5)traci g.
Coming from Chicago I have been spoiled with great food. I have had a very hard time finding a place here in Rockford. I love, love, love this place. I don't think Rockford gets it, but I do. I love it. Did I say that yet? Plus I love the service. Micheal was a gem. Both times I was there. Great service and extremely wonderful food. Tried different things both times and loved all of it. Did I say I loved it all?
(5)Cherie O.
Bacchus. Brio. Brio@Bacchus. You know, that restaurant next to the Irish Rose. This is a restaurant with a severe identity crisis gone bad. Every time I go, they've done something different, and most of the time, it's not an improvement. One thing has remained constant. I always feel like this is the place where you go in Rockford to be seen. When you enter, you have to thread through the length of the bar area and several tables in order to reach the hostess podium. It's kind of a pain. The bar is great though. It does have an extensive list of hard liquor, wines,and other drinks, including bottled water. The bartender will willingly suggest something complimentary to your food. As to the menu...this is where the lack of dependability comes in. Years ago, they used to be a regular restaurant with good solid plating. It seems like they've thrown that over for small plates. I wouldn't necessarily call it tapas because that implies small plates that are shareable. These are small plates all right, perfectly designed and executed, but a) the content is so minuscule, it's pretty hard to divvy up and b) more plates are prettier than they are tasty. Some are just bland (asian noodles, beef tenderloin), some don't even taste what you expect to taste (korean beef...tough and stringy instead of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth, I've come to expect from other restaurants), and some are just stale staples (bruschetta). The ones that are good include the butternut squash bisque and the argula and prosciutto. The desserts are ok, but stay away from the crepes. The vanilla cream gives it a bitter taste that clashes with the berries. Honestly, the food would only give the rating 2 stars. But because customer service is pretty good..and their drink list is one of a kind...I feel I should bump it to a 3.
(3)Susie S.
I agree with the other Yelper. I've been going to Brio for a few years. It's a great place to go and have drinks and a light meal. It's pretty small, so when there is a band playing, it can be tight quarters. Decent wine selection and a few speciality drinks. The food is good, not great, it is perfect portions. This is a great location (River District) and is right next door to The Irish Rose, another great cafe.
(3)Amy B.
My boyfriend and I love Brio. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is classy, and the staff is great. There are a lot of vegetarian selections, which not many other restaurants in Rockford offer.
(5)Teri P.
This gem in the heart of downtown Rockford (a place not known for its vitality or fine anything) is NOT TO BE MISSED. The chefs out-do themselves every time, and the bartender is incredible. The waitstaff are professional, knowledgeable, friendly, funny, attentive, and generally amazing. And the food....oh, the food. Last night we had a vegetarian tasting--five courses (plus dessert!) of stuff the chefs dreamed up while we were sitting at our cozy table. Every bite was like heaven (and, speaking of heaven....be sure to check out the decor in the restrooms!). The atmosphere is perfect, the food amazing (have the mushroom bread pudding--just trust me), and the people friendly. We even got to go into the kitchen to say hi and thanks. Stop in and enjoy a fabulous meal--you'll be glad you did.
(5)Steve L.
Michael was our waiter tonight. Doesn't get any better than this. The new Spring menu is incredible!
(5)Derick F.
Recently went here with a party of four celebrating our birthdays as all of ours are within a month. Had an excellent experience! Everything from the food to the service, and drinks were top notch. Such a relief to find a place like this in Rockford. Can't believe it took me so long to make it in here, but it certainly will not be the last time. The Shrimp Asiago was a bit on the rich side, and I probably wouldn't have been able to finish it all if I were not sharing it, but it was delicious nevertheless. Love the fact that the majority of the food is locally sourced. Have since been to Pk Diner a few times since then as it is near my home. Social will be on the itinerary before long. Wish the owners much success in their endeavors. And will support as often as possible.
(5)James H.
Abreo is modern cuisine, served elegantly, without being overly fussy. Every dish has unexpected flavors that enhance each other. Dishes here are equal to, or better than, those found in Chicago. A wonderful surprise.
(5)Jiyoun B.
I had the best tapas here when it was called "Brio". I've had tapas in Spain, several "famous" places in Chicago and THIS is by far the best tasting and presented tapas I've had the pleasure of devouring. This is where my husband took my parents to talk about our wedding plans. My step-dad lived here for over THIRTY years so he was skeptical that this type of restaurant even existed. When I told him where to meet us, he said, "Rockford isn't like Chicago. We don't have fancy places like that here." THAT was his first time at "Brio". Needless to say he was impressed. I loved this place. I can't wait to try it again.
(5)Rachel K.
This is the place to be in Rockford, Illinois if you're looking for the full five star experience. The dishes are ALWAYS perfect. Perfectly cooked, perfectly conceptualized. And the variety is outstanding. There is something for everyone here, from the conservative traditionalist who wants meat and potatoes, to the adventurous foodie of the group who wants to the more daring entrees. Be aware that the portions vary widely and are generally tapas - style (small plates, of which you would need to order several for a complete meal). Prices also vary widely. I once ordered a noodle dish that could stand alone as a meal, but in the same night ordered a seared tuna that was a single bite, and the noodle dish was of course much cheaper. Your waitstaff is incredibly knowledgeable though, so if you wish to know the portion sizes before ordering, simply ask! Also, the menu is constantly changing in the beat way possible! It is different every time I'm in there, which is so refreshing! But with that in mind, if you want to try a dish, do it now before it's too late! Speaking of the waitstaff, the service is literally the best I've ever had. I once ordered a dish explicitly labeled as extremely spicy, and was even warned by the waiter about the heat. When it arrived, it was indeed much too spicy for me. The waiter not only removed the dish from our bill, but replaced it for free and let me pass along the spicy dish to my brother. On more than one occassion, the chef sent our table a specially concocted dessert that isn't offered on the menu (on the house, I might add). You are truly treated like a king here. Also, the waitstaff is incredibly knowledgeable about the food and drinks. They will expertly pair wine with your courses, recommend dishes based on your tastes, tell you what region your wine comes from, or describe the ingredients and preparation of the dishes on the menu down to the smallest detail. Now, the ambiance. Wow. This place is out of this world. I believe the unique architectural design was created by a local artist who also played a large role in designing the interior of Kryptonite. Regardless, it's classy yet funky in here and you'll never see another place like it. I haven't been in since they changed their name (again!) from Brio to Abreo, so I hope nothing has changed but the name!
(5)Joey B.
Always on the lookout for a unique and delicious dining experience, our party of four decided to check out Abreo last night. It was around six o'clock on a Saturday evening and we had not made a reservation. Turned out not to be a big problem as we were offered seating on the patio or at the bar. Either would have been fine, but we chose the patio. Surrounded by ivy walls and ornamental shrubs, it was like dining al fresco at a European cafe. The host and wait staff were efficient and knowledgable, presenting us with food and drink menus as we were seated. The locally-sourced menu items are served as "small plates," very much like tapas. The menu changes daily depending on the seasonal ingredients available. We started with a shared plate of duck nachos. I chose the 3-course chef's special "tasting menu" comprised of an asparagus salad with house bacon, Dijon vinaigrette, frisée, fennel goat cheese and orange. It was followed by a "surf and turf" plate of seared scallops (3), crispy suckling pig, wild ramps, corn butter, and pork rinds (a.k.a. thin, curly cracklins'). The third plate was grilled ham with coconut milk marinade, red cabbage, Thai basil, kim chi, miso butter, cilantro and roasted peanuts. Other dishes by our party included the broccoli salad, roasted root veggies, Asian noodles with wild ramps, seared sea trout with sweet & sour rice, mussels with slivered apples in broth, and lamb. For dessert we shared a few bites of a Manhattan sponge cake with vanilla custard, dried cherries and bourbon orange. We had craft beers from an extensive beverage menu. Not exaggerating, everything was wonderful! From the duck nachos appetizer through each subsequent dish, served at a relaxed pace and each arriving hot at the table, all were uniquely seasoned and the explosion of various flavors from each dish was a welcome change from anything we'd previously experienced. It was a five-star dining experience. Not cheap, but classy and tasty. Note to the reviewer who went on Valentine's Day: Never, ever expect a perfect dining experience on that day, Mother's Day, or Father's Day. Go on your birthday and make a reservation.
(5)J M.
Abreo is by far my favorite in the area. I like a lot of flavor in my food and they always deliver! The apple goat cheese salad is amazing and the tuna tartar is to die for. Shrimp Asiago is one of my husbands favorites. The drinks are always great and the staff is very knowledgable about everything they serve. 5 stars!!
(5)Jamie L.
Hands down the best restaurant in the Rockford area! Every single dish is made with true heart and soul and it can be tasted in every bite! A true culinary experience! A restaurant with values, that knows how to impress! You will not be disappointed!
(5)Ben D.
Went here for a wedding rehearsal dinner. Food was phenomenal! Portion sizes were not huge, just right. The meeting room in the basement had the look of an old wine cellar. Great beer selection too.
(5)Paul C.
My wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary at Abreo the other night and were treated to a wonderful dining experience. We shared duck nachos and the cheese plate from the "snacks" menu to start. The cheeses were wonderful, especially the blue cheese. The duck nachos were interesting and delicious. For small plates, my wife ordered the apple salad and the chicken and mushroom crepe. I ordered the root vegetables, blackened scallops and the pork belly. They were all great. I think my favorite was the root vegetables - perfectly seasoned and roasted. For dessert my wife had the chocolate cake and I had the creme brûlée. The creme brûlée was perfect. We had coffee with dessert and it was great, too - a nice balanced medium roast. All in all, it was the best dining experience we've had in Rockford. The food was outstanding and the service was friendly and attentive. Pricey? You bet, but well worth the money.
(5)Marisa Y.
I went here Saturday with my boyfriend and a friend who was visiting from Chicago. We wanted to take him to Social since we've been there a couple times and always enjoyed it, but our friend convinced us to try Abreo and I'm glad he did. We wanted to go to Social because we'd heard the portions are more generous for what you're paying. This is definitely true. At Social my boyfriend and I can order 3-4 small plates and be more than content. At Abreo, we ordered about 7 small plates and two desserts. The food at Abreo was fantastic. I liked everything except for one dish, but I typically don't like lamb so it wasn't surprising to me. My friend and boyfriend liked it. We ordered the duck nachos, Australian barramundi, lamb margeuz, kimchi pancake, and shrimp asiago. The Australian barramundi was by far my favorite. The shrimp Asiago was also delicious but definitely very rich (think lots of butter, cheese and garlic) so don't get it if you're on a diet. Or actually, just stop your diet. The cocktails were also good and reasonably priced. I really enjoyed my Moscow mule. The desserts were just ok - nothing to write home about. I probably wouldn't get them again and would just order another tapas plate instead. Dinner was about $40 a person. I will definitely be back, but probably for occasions rather than as a consistent meal.
(5)mei s.
What a cool place. Not something you would expect in Rockford, downtown Chicago, New York, but not Rockford. This place, found courtesy of Yelp, was amazing. The ambiance was cool. The service was excellent. And the food was unbelievable. We ordered the apple salad, fgilled cheese, Duck nachos, Corvina fish, Mushroom bread pudding, Kimchi pancake and the Ribeye. Not one bad dish in the bunch. And as you can see an eclectic array of dishes. I will definitely make sure to come back the next time I am in the area.
(5)Joe S.
Service is good but drinks are not very good. They read well on the menu but do not taste good. If you're looking for good drinks go to Social or Octane.
(2)Lindsey G.
No matter when we go or what we order everything is excellent. Great restaurant, service, and exceptional local food. Love that the menu changes. One of my top 5 restaurants in Rockford.
(5)Tinyee H.
Great place to bring friends to try their tapas. Their menu has been pretty stable for the last couple of months with great staples like the Barramundi, Duck Confit, and spicy noodles. The Barramundi is a nice white flaky fish that's cooked in a mild curry sauce served over coconut rice and topped with seasonal veges. The duck confit is very tender and flavorful, and the skin is very crispy. The spicy noodles...well if you're the kind of person that loves spicy food, like me, ask them to make it as spicy as they can, and you won't be disappointed. I recommend you order at least 3 dishes from each of the categories so that you can try them out. Recently, though, their dishes have become smaller, probably due to the economy, but what they lack in portion size is not the same in flavor. They also like to present the chef's amuse bouches at the first course. It's usually a creative play on some common ingredients that make them so unique. Once they had a spoon made of a won ton wrapper and it was filled with a garlicky goat cheese with pickled vegetables. Other dishes I'd recommend are: mushroom bread pudding, squash ravioli, spare ribs, arugala salad with prosciutto. They have seating by the bar, which is a nice place to hang out with a couple of friends; sipping cocktails by the fire in the winter. Or go to the dining area with a few more friends.
(4)Andrea S.
This is an amazing local spot. Great food specials during the week. Love the 1/2 off food menu from 5 to 6. The duck nachos are a must!
(5)Gretchen E.
Let me start this review by saying shame on me and my significant other that we had not been to Abreo sooner. This restaurant is AMAZING. Intimate setting, beautifully decorated, exceptional service, original cocktails, and fresh, delicious food. You can order anything off the menu and it will be scrumptious. And it's competitively priced for the high quality of food and service. We've been there twice in a month now and plan to become regulars. If you live in the Rockford area or are visiting, Abreo should be your first choice for dining.
(5)Martin P.
For a nice Rockford restaurant this is definitely a spot to check out. Its a nice place to get together with a group of friends. It's really relaxing inside with lighting and setup of restaurant. The service and food was better then I expected. The food portions are perfect, a little bigger than I was expecting and that's a plus. If I'm not mistaking they recommend 3 tapas but honestly 2 Is just fine to start with. They are pretty good portions. The waitress we had was great and very helpful. I plan to go back soon to try other plates. If you plan on going be ready to pay the bill lol. The drinks are a little pricey and so are some of the plates. But I think the price on food is ok their quality is really good. The only thing I don't agree on is price on drinks they are a bit high. They would probably sell more drinks if some were at least $3 less. But over all this is definitely a place I will keep going to.
(4)Dave M.
I was taking here for my birthday as it turns out it was on a Wed. which is divebar wed. nights. We did have a chicken dish that was not very good but I forget what it was called, sorry. But, we now go for dive bar Wednsday night. They have the worlds best $6 burger I have ever tasted and $2 well drinks I would recommend this place for any one that asks.
(5)Colin E.
Were there last night and had an absolutely wonderful experience with our server, Christina. All the food was so well-balanced and so thoguthful in textures and flavors. We started with drinks. I had the Hickory Stick. Bourbon, pecan, chocolate bitters. Not sweet tho. They smoked my glass with hickory smoke, so that was bad ass. That drink is a great way to start a wintry meal. For food we ordered: 1. Pig's Face served with mustards and wonton crisps--very good, altho I wish it had been served with cornichons, in addition to the mustards. 2. Broccoli Salad--perfect balance to the fattier plates 3. seared tuna--gorgeous to look at, texture out of this world, delicious, and the cucumbers and jicama with lemon they're served on pair perfectly, and were delicious to eat after we'd eaten all the tune. 4. Chicken crepe with white cheddar and beschamel, (the winner but just by a nose)--be sure to squeeze the lemon wedge onto the crepe 5. The duck--also gorgeous, so tender, and served with roasted apple 6. Scallops with this really thin, crispy prosciutto and I belive orange marmalade? Something like that. Fantastic. 7. The warm chocolate cake with salted caramel. Christina added their homemade vanilla ice cream to it. This is the rare case where a dessert in a restaurant is as excellent as the main courses. So so good. Like I said, Christina was great. When we asked for wine recommendations, she ran off and came back with samples of 3 wines. She wouldn't tell us what they were but had us pick our favorite from it and then told us what they all were afterward. I'd like all my wine recommendations to be done that way from now on. She also got us some port and limoncello with the cake. Clearly we loved the food and the service. The decor was sleek, modern, warm, cool.
(5)Nathan N.
A dining experience; not just dinner. Standouts: corvina with asparagus (perfectly prepared), beef tenderloin with fried goat cheese, and lamb with cabbage and apples. Raspberry crepes stole the show. Seating on the patio on a fine spring evening heightened the experience, as did the friendly, informed wait staff.
(5)Brian C.
Just had my best dining experience ever in Rockford. From start to finish the staff was genuine, personal and as completely accommodating as you could wish for. The food was excellent. Everyone needs to celebrate a special occasion here at least once. But there is reason to go for a casual night too. The bar and drinks are phenomenal, and there are plenty of people in jeans. This isn't Josef's so you don't have to be dressed to the 9's- but you certainly could and would feel very comfortable if you are. Definite 5 stars and kudos to the staff and kitchen.
(5)Jared W.
Really nice place, downtown Rockford needs more like this one. The food is very good, and the inside offers a variety of areas for dining, including a private room downstairs. My one complaint was that they did not have any beer on tap. They did have a pretty decent list of beers, but to not offer anything on tap seems wrong. Bottled beer in restaurants is always grossly overpriced, so to not have anything on tap is a bit of a rip off. All things considered though, this is a very nice restaurant, and hopefully it sticks around, and helps to revitalize Rockford's downtown.
(4)Aaron C.
Simply amazing. Order anything. My wife and I have been a few times.
(5)Tricia D.
This was one of those comforting meals that makes both your soul happy and awakens your senses. Our waiter Dan was very pleasant. When asked for recos, he hesitated initially, but did say that on his first visit here, he had the butterfish, and it won him over so much that he applied to work there the next day. The butterfish was indeed a highlight. The coconut curry sauce that's poured over the small plate at the table really makes the dish come alive. Your taste buds won't know what hit 'em. It's a party for your palate! My fav plate we ordered was the mushroom bread pudding. It had the texture of my fav kind of cookies: slightly crispy on the outside, and softer and mushier on the inside. Topping it with a fried egg = genius! Both the duck and roasted veggie flatbread were also comforting dishes, and we ended the meal with the blueberry white chocolate bread pudding, which Dan said was really the best dessert of the bunch. Found this gem via a quick search of dinner by Rockford's MetroCentre. Yelp FTW again.
(5)Nita W.
Loved our waitress! She was so friendly. Some dishes were hits: duck nachos & scallops and some I had to force myself to finish...the shrimp asiago and the zucchini cake dessert. We had to share a table with other customers so it hardly felt romantic for me and my hubby as we could clearly hear their conversation the whole time. Spent 140. Wish the dinner could have been more memorable. However, the place was packed...so, obviously it's a repeat for many folks. I felt overdressed in my heels and dress pants. Most people were in jeans and a sweatshirt.
(4)Ivy S.
We had the prix fixe menu on Valentines Day. Great selection. Our server was very attentive. I paired my dinner with a glass of Riesling. Overall, amazing experience.
(4)Missy R.
One of my favorite places in town. The food selection and tastiness is hard to beat. I usually sit at the bar and the staff has always been friendly, fun and knowledgable. Drinks and meals are affordable. I always take out-of-town friends to this place. Did I mention that the food is incredible? Because it is.
(5)Jeannette M.
Amazing! The service is wonderful. I had the fries....These fries are the best fries I've ever had.....so not just a side dish....they were like a main course! Their bread is so nutty and delicious and their butter is seasoned and salted. Yum! Their Asian noodles were very good but not to die for. My fiance had the seared tuna which was so so so delicious! Also he had the pork shoulder which he said was the best he ever had! I can't wait to come back here! Also....This place is not kid friendly but is great for date night!
(5)Chris B.
This is the kind of place I would expect to find in Chicago or New York. it is fabulous. The chef is brilliant at using local foods and making then taste the very best without overpowering the food by slopping on heavy sauces or preparations. The courses were all divine, the waitstaff very capable and the chef's dad came around to ask if everything was acceptable. The drinks were also creative and outstanding. We were visiting friends who brought us here, I would love to go back weekly, sadly we live in AZ, the ultimate food desert.
(5)