Ditch the Chains: 28 Must-Try Local Restaurants in Rockford

While it’s tempting to hit up the familiar chain restaurants, let's venture out and experience the incredible local dining options we have right here in Rockford!

Rockford’s food scene has improved over the past decade, according to me.

As the years have gone by, more and more local restaurants have opened shop right here in the Stateline. If you think we have far too many food spots, you're crazy! Who complains about food?!

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Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food, something a bit more spicy, or completely out of your comfort zone, the Rockford area has it all. Nothing a chain restaurant could give you!

Ditch the Chains: 28 Must-Try Local Restaurants in Rockford Area

27 Aluna
Lino's
Abreo
Fiesta Cancun
Windsor Pizza Parlor
La Casa Grande
Johnny Pamcakes
GreenFire Restaurant
Alchemy
Crave
Prairie Street Brewing Co.
Magpie
The Norwegian
Disco Chicken
Schiro's
Salamone's Cherry Valley
Pomodoro
Capri
Rock Pho'd
Sister's Thai Cafe
Velvet Buffalo
Ernie's Midtown Pub
Mexico Clasico
Marc's Fusion
Lucha Cantina
Tavern On Clark
8th Ward Pub
Tortilla Express

I'd say The Norwegian is great to try new foods if you're open to intense flavors, Disco Chicken has some unique drinks, Pomodoro is my favorite place to dine at on Sundays for all their deals, and Johnny Pamcakes has the largest breakfast menu I've ever seen. Well, Eggsclusive might have them beat haha.

Let's make this list even bigger. Which local restaurants do you love to dine at in Rockford? We're always looking to try something new!