Rockford Nightlife

Creative craft cocktails, whiskey bars, top-notch restaurants are waiting for you in downtown Rockford

Creative craft cocktails have become a trendy staple at bars and clubs across the country and in the Rockford region that sentiment holds true. Start your adventure at a Real. Original. Rockford gem, Social Urban Bar & Restaurant, which has blown many visitor's mind, making them think they have been transported to Chicago, San Franciso, or New York. Hint: Whiskey drinkers, try the Vieux Carre cocktail while you're at this local hotspot. Not to be outdone, Octane, has been crafting the finest cocktails and unique recipes for years just a few blocks away from the historic Coronado Theatre.

If specialty crafted cocktails are your game, venture over to Minnihan's, just steps from the BMO Center, this has quickly become the go-to spot before and after IceHogs hockey games. 

For top-flight food with your drinks, make your way to Abreo, where the ever-changing menu puts the emphasis on locally sourced foods. Or, try your taste buds on some authentic pub grub at the Irish Rose Saloon. They do a great steak or bangers and mash.

The mouth-watering restaurants don't end there. You can't go wrong with pizza from Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza. The Asian cuisine at Sister's Thai might just leave you speechless; be sure to try the Nam Kow (you'll thank us later).

During the summer months, you check out the specials and live entertainment scattered throughout the downtown as part of the Rockford City Market. And if you want to see who's performing at local clubs, bars and restaurants coming up? Visit our Calendar of Events to see what's going on this weekend!

For more great places throughout the Rockford Region for a great night out on the town, check out the listings below!