‘A true foodie destination’ | Rockford Restaurant Week kicks off 11-day culinary celebration

January 23, 2025|By Kevin Haas|In Eat & Drink, Things to Do, Rock River Current, 815 News, Rockford, Business, Top Stories, Restaurants
Rockford Restaurant Week returns Thursday, Jan. 25 and runs through Feb. 2. Pictured, clockwise from top left, is a selection of food from Plume, The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Sticky Rice Bites and Marrufo’s Tacos. (Photos by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — An 11-day celebration of Rockford’s restaurant scene kicks off Thursday with a record number of businesses offering meal deals and special menu items for the occasion.

Rockford Restaurant Week is back for a fifth year, running through Sunday, Feb. 2. This year there are 65 participating businesses, including 19 joining for the first time. GoRockford organized the celebration of the local culinary scene as a means to boost sales at restaurants, pubs and cafes during a typically slow part of the year.

“Rockford Restaurant Week is more than just a celebration of food — it’s a spotlight on the incredible culinary talent and diverse flavors that make Rockford a true foodie destination,” said John Groh, president and CEO of GoRockford. “This annual event is an important opportunity to support our local restaurants, showcase the creativity of our chefs and culinary artists and bring the community and our visitors together over shared dining experiences. This year, we’re excited to feature an even broader range of cuisines, offering something for everyone to explore and enjoy.”

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Restaurants are offering fixed price menus ranging from $15-$25 for lunch and brunch to $25-$50 per person for dinner. You can find the full lineup of deals on GoRockford’s website HERE.

“Quality of restaurants reflects the health of a community,” said Ernie Redfern, co-chairperson of Friends of Veterans Memorial Circle and an advocate for local businesses and restaurants. “In Rockford, we have some great restaurants. With this event, it’s easy to discover places we all need to be shouting out about. In the North End alone, where we already have The Norwegian and The Olympic Tavern, we got three terrific new spots in the last year: Plume, Oak and Embers Bistro, and The GOAT Pub and Grill. I hope my fellow Rockfordians pay attention and start mapping their culinary adventures right away.”

Vote for your favorites

You can help decide which restaurants will claim honors in five categories: best dessert, best deal, best cocktail or brew, best main course and best experience.

Voters who provide an email address will be entered to win a $100 gift card to a participating restaurant of their choice.

Voting will be open HERE today through Monday, Feb. 3.

The winners will receive an award at a news conference Feb. 25 at Lucha Cantina.

Photo challenge

New this year, GoRockford is including a photo challenge through its digital passport on GoRockford.com.

Participants can use their mobile device to check in at Rockford Restaurant Week locations by submitting photos of their dining experience.

Check-ins will earn you badges, which go toward entries into a drawing for an overnight stay package at Hidden Creek Estates, which was last year’s winner for best experience. The package is valued at $750 and includes a one-night stay at Hidden Creek Estate’s Oakview Suite, a wine tasting experience for up to six guests, and a $100 Hidden Creek Estates gift card.

“Our team at Hidden Creek Estates is thrilled to join Restaurant Week again,” said Kim Malavolti, general manager and part owner of Hidden Creek Estates. “It’s a favorite time of year for us to meet new guests and welcome back familiar faces. Winning Best Experience last year was an honor, and we’re excited to work hard to deliver another memorable week.”

Participants

Here’s the list of participants in Restaurant Week. Go HERE to see their special menu offerings.

 

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