New igloos let you experience historic Rockford skyscraper’s rooftop dining all winter
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
ROCKFORD — A historic downtown skyscraper’s rooftop restaurant has set up cozy new private igloos to let you dine on its 12th floor despite the winter cold.
The Top Rooftop Rooftop Bar & Lounge, 416 S. Main St., has added two igloos furnished with patio-style seating and kept warm with space heaters. You can rent them for $50 for two-hour time slots and order food from The Top’s menu or its special shareable items made specifically for the igloo experience.
“Especially when the snow starts to fall, this is going to be such a cool experience,” said Kelly Plath, director of sales for Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront. “If you’ve ever wanted to be in a snow globe, here’s your chance. And you get the amazing views on top of it. We just want to create a winter wonderland.”
More business: Lino’s new box market to hold debut event in Loves Park as it works toward full opening
The Ziock building, which served as an Amerock industrial facility for years, was built in 1912 as Rockford’s first skyscraper. The property was nearly torn down after falling into disrepair, but it was saved from the wrecking ball and revamped into the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront hotel and conference center.
The rooftop dining and views quickly gained recognition after its opening in July 2020, but the outdoor portion typically shuts down when the weather turns cold.
“Nobody wants to be outside 12 stories up when the wind is blowing and it’s frigid and cold,” Plath said.
The igloos are designed for six guests to enjoy warm adult drinks such as a spiked hot chocolate with salted caramel whiskey or butternut Schnapps.
You can also toast marshmallows over small solo stoves to make gourmet s’mores with Lindt or Ghirardelli chocolate.
More news: Rockford region’s streak of record-setting home sale prices ends, but market remains hot
There are also mimosas and other specialty cocktails designed to tie into the outdoor experience. Joining s’mores on the shareable menu are BBQ Avalanche Nachos, which have a slightly spicy kick, and 815 Melted Poutine, which comes with braised short ribs, beer gravy, cheese curds, pickled onions, french fries and scallions.
The menu items are all designed to be shareable and keep you warm, said sous chef Dalton Knight.
“It’s a space that I think everybody truly loves and enjoys. It offers such a different atmosphere than anywhere else here in Rockford,” Plath said. “You still get the views through the igloo.”
The igloos are available Tuesday through Sunday, including the Sunday brunch.
“You can have brunch out here when the sun is shining and its beautiful, or in the evening when the sun goes down and we’ve got these amazing lights that are inside the igloo and all around,” Plath said.
The Top’s Igloo Experience
Where: The Top Rooftop Bar and Lounge, 416 S. Main St., 12th floor, Rockford
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $50 to reserve for two hours
Book: Go HERE
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
