You Gotta Try This: Great food and the best views at The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge in Rockford

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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You Gotta Try This is the Rock River Current’s dining feature focused on signature dishes at your favorite local restaurants. Want to see one of your favorites here? Email news@rockrivercurrent.com to suggest a local staple.
Where: The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Address: 416 S. Main St., Rockford, on the 12th floor of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront Hotel
Hours: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. (Closed Monday-Thursday)
You have to try: We liked multiple options on the menu, but here are three we’d say you should consider including in your order: Caribbean pork sliders, romakee, and carne asada tacos.
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What’s in it: The Caribbean pork sliders feature slow-cooked salsa verde pork and pineapple salsa served on a grilled polenta cake.
The romakee is a serving of six apple-smoked bacon-wrapped teriyaki water chestnuts dressed in Asian plum sauce.
The carne asada tacos have a tender marinated skirt steak dressed with pico de gallo and goat cheese crumbles served on soft corn tortillas.
Why you should try it: The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge feels simultaneously like an escape from the city while also being in the heart of downtown Rockford. The dining experience feels like something you’d be more accustomed to at a rooftop bar at one of the Chicago skyscrapers. The views overlooking Davis Park and the Rock River are one of a kind in the city of Rockford, but even on a cloudy day the food here makes The Top a worthwhile stop.
The menu is designed to be light and shareable, but it’s still a more substantial meal than traditional tapas.

The Caribbean pork sliders feature a juicy and tender pulled pork, and the carne asada tacos are a well-seasoned and delicious-smelling treat. Both pair well with the fruity cocktails such as the Davis Park Daiquiri and Flight 1913. The Davis Park drink is refreshing with a hint of sourness, and it’s garnished by lime and strawberry. It compliments the smokiness of the tacos and the sweetness of the pulled pork.
The romakee is a nice blend of sweet Asian plum sauce and savory applewood smoked bacon.
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The tuna nachos are a hearty blend of rare Ahi tuna steak tips and a salsa that has hints of sweetness and a spicy kick from the fresh jalepeno peppers. This big plate of nachos is a meal on its own.
Pro tip: Now that the weather is cooling, the indoor bar will fill up quickly. Make sure to call ahead for a reservation. Or you can sit for a drink by one of the fire pits on the rooftop.
Contact: thetoprockford.com; 815-668-7878
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This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.