8th Ward Pub in Rockford features evolving cocktail menu, meals that cross between tapas and pub food
Rockford Restaurant Week Spotlight | 8th Ward Pub
Rockford Restaurant Week runs Jan. 23-Feb. 2, and we’re putting a spotlight on different locally owned establishments to celebrate the occasion. Today we feature 8th Ward Pub, 3905 Broadway, Rockford.
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The menu at 8th Ward Pub, a former 1960s-era filling station converted into a cozy sunlit barroom, defies what most have come to define as pub grub.
Forget the greasy bacon burgers and fries, and instead set your tastes on a menu that blends the line between tapas and upscale pub fare.
The pub, at 3905 Broadway just west of Alpine Road, prides itself on an evolving array of cocktails and a food menu that switches with the seasons.
“A lot of our customers thoroughly enjoy when we change the menu,” said Alison Fuller, the pub’s general manager. “We know when they’re getting bored because they say, ‘So when’s the next one?'”
Related: ‘A true foodie destination’ | Rockford Restaurant Week kicks off 11-day culinary celebration
For Rockford Restaurant Week, the menu is changing again with appetizers such as the apricot prosciutto crostinis and entrees like the bacon and Brussels sprouts flatbread pizza.
“Putting Brussels sprouts on a pizza is not something you would normally think to do, but it’s really good,” Fuller said.
The flatbread, one of two entrees featured on its Restaurant Week Menu, is topped with bacon pepper jelly, mozzarella and fontina cheese blend, Brussels sprouts, bacon, red onion and balsamic honey glaze.
“The bacon pepper jam adds just that extra flavor to it,” said Erica Wagner, head bartender. “You get a hint of it. It’s almost like that sets first, and then cue the Brussels sprouts and all the other goodness in it.”
The pub, which won for best cocktail or brew twice in past Rockford Restaurant Week awards, is serving a special blueberry pie martini for this year’s Restaurant Week menu. For fans awaiting its arrival in the Rockford area, there will also be Yuengling on draft starting Monday.
There are also mocktails and non-alcoholic beers for teetotalers.
“We like to add things that are different,” Wagner said. “It’s out of the ordinary but it fits us.”
The Restaurant Week menu also includes a cranberry brie grilled cheese on sourdough bread, whipped brie cheese dip and cheesecake from CheeseKake Ko. in Ashton for dessert.
“When one menu rolls out, we immediately the next day start thinking of our next menu,” Wagner said. “It’s not out of the ordinary for her and I to be texting at 4 o’clock in the morning, sending each other cocktail ideas. Just thinking of the next best thing, trying to get one step ahead of everybody else.”
Fast facts | 8th Ward Pub
Here’s a breakdown on what’s being offered for Rockford Restaurant Week and the quick need-to-know information about the pub.
What’s the special? 8th Ward Pub has a fixed price menu where you select one appetizer, one entree and a dessert or cocktail/brew for $35.
Restaurant Week menu: See it HERE
Location: 3905 Broadway, Rockford
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Opened: Aug. 6, 2020
Owner: Cathy Middleton
On the web: 8thwardpub.com
Facebook: @8thWardPub
Instagram: @8thWardPub
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
