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Social Urban Bar & Restaurant

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A trendy Rockford taproom offering creative New American small plates, artisanal cocktails, and a warm, urban atmosphere.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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Social Urban Bar & Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A trendy Rockford taproom offering creative New American small plates, artisanal cocktails, and a warm, urban atmosphere.

"Experience the 'diamond in the rough' with eclectic flavors and a farm-to-table philosophy that will leave you wanting more."

TIP

Limited Seating - Be Patient

Due to limited seating, expect a wait, but reviewers agree it is well worth the anticipation.

Embrace the Unexpected

Try unique offerings like 'milk and cookies' served at midnight on weekends for a special treat.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Wednesday 5PM

Cuisine

New American

Price

$$$

Phone

(815) 708-0877

Address

509 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Cocktail Creations

Spectacular Cocktail Creations

Experience meticulously crafted cocktails, some with dramatic flair involving flames and liquid nitrogen.

Google Review+1
Farm-to-Table Delights

Farm-to-Table Delights

Savor seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, with a chef who explains each creation.

The Best Restaurants In Rockford, IllinoisGoogle Review+1
Unique Charcuterie Boards

Unique Charcuterie Boards

Indulge in generously portioned and artistically presented charcuterie boards, a popular starter.

Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Limited Seating - Be Patient

Due to limited seating, expect a wait, but reviewers agree it is well worth the anticipation.

Embrace the Unexpected

Try unique offerings like 'milk and cookies' served at midnight on weekends for a special treat.

Prices Have Increased

Be aware that prices may have increased post-Covid; consider new offerings like the Charcuterie Board.

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Tips

from all over the internet

Limited Seating - Be Patient

Due to limited seating, expect a wait, but reviewers agree it is well worth the anticipation.

Embrace the Unexpected

Try unique offerings like 'milk and cookies' served at midnight on weekends for a special treat.

Prices Have Increased

Be aware that prices may have increased post-Covid; consider new offerings like the Charcuterie Board.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Social Urban Bar & Restaurant is lauded for its innovative cocktails and farm-to-table New American cuisine, with many diners praising the talented bartenders and chef's personal touch. While the cozy atmosphere and unique offerings like dramatic cocktails are highlights, some find the portions small for the price and service can occasionally be slow due to the intimate setting.

"Awesome little downtown spot! Staff are always very friendly and welcoming. Since it’s small there’s usually only a couple people working, so sometimes service can be a bit slow but nothing crazy. They have loads of drink options & the foods always been great!"

Jac Perichak

"Always an absolutely amazing experience. Best Sazerac I’ve had outside of New Orleans and better than any you will find in the French Quarter. Staff is friendly, experienced and down right amazing. Food is insanely flavorful. A one of a kind vibe you either get it….or you don’t."

Matthew Logan

"What an amazing experience at this restaurant/bar! Their charcuterie boards were outstanding, and we were all thrilled with our selections. After it, I also ordered the burrata dish, which was spot on. While some dishes weren't as impressive, I was very pleased with my burrata. The cocktails were a hit with everyone in the group."

Letícia Ventura

What People Like

Creative and theatrical cocktails
Farm-to-table, seasonal dishes
Personalized explanations from the Chef

What People Dislike

Small portion sizes for appetizers
Occasional slow service
Perceived high prices

Frequently Asked Questions

It's known for its creative, artisanal cocktails, some prepared with flair like flames and liquid nitrogen, and its farm-to-table New American small plates.

30 Best Things To Do In Rockford, IllinoisGoogle Review+1

Due to limited seating, waits are common, but many reviewers feel it's worth the wait for the experience.

Google Review

The charcuterie boards are frequently mentioned as outstanding, along with their inventive small plates and specialty cocktails.

Google Review+1

Yes, the menu is seasonal and constantly changing to reflect the freshest local ingredients.

The Best Restaurants In Rockford, IllinoisRestaurants – Rockford River District

Yes, they offer NA cocktails, which have been praised for their quality.

Google Review

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An innovative and contemporary restaurant in Rockford is the Social Urban Bar and Restaurant. The menu is seasonal so there is always something new to try every time you visit. Taking their inspiration from local produce and meats, the Social Urban Bar and Restaurants aims to maintain a farm-to-table work ethic, and has created a number of familiar dishes but with a modern twist.

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Coming in at number two and the second downtown restaurant to be featured on the list is Social Urban Bar and Restaurant. Despite being temporarily closed, the restaurant has found a way to offer something to not only customers but local entrepreneurs in the food industry as well. In December of 2021, Social Urban Bar and Restaurant hosted a pop-up event in which food truck Main Squeeze Rockford/Main Squeeze Vegan was able to utilize the restaurant's kitchen and offer a dine-in experience.

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A post shared by Social Charcuterie Bar & Cocktails (@social509). Designed around the philosophy of housemade, handcrafted, artisanal and fresh drinks, Social Urban Bar & Restaurant is an ideal place to try some creative cocktails in Rockford. The bar is proud of their housemade syrups, mixers, and fresh juices that go into crafting the perfect cocktail for you.

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Social Urban Bar & Restaurant’s menu is creatively fresh and constantly changing to reflect the seasonality of the ingredients we use. But one thing stays the same: they are always inspired by the local produce and meats that they utilize, and the dedicated farmers that supply them. Located at 509 East State Street in downtown Rockford or visit social509.com.

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📌 Address: 509 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104 💵 Price: $$$ ⏰ Timings: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM 💎 Restaurant’s Special: Truffle Mac n’ Cheese. Social Urban Bar & Restaurant embodies the pulsating heart of Rockford’s modern culinary scene. Conceptualized by a chef with a flair for reimagining classic dishes, it’s a hotspot for foodies.

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Cuisine: New American restaurantAddress: 509 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104Social Urban Bar and Restaurant’s Website. Situated in the heart of Rockford, you can find a variety of seasonal and local dishes at Social Urban Bar and Restaurant – anything from pork tacos, cassoulet, cheese plates, and creative drinks.

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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (164 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (5.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Contemporary- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 509 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104-1016- Read more on Tripadvisor

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The beer and cocktail offerings we provide are hand-selected with our customer’s in mind but with a few extras thrown in for fun. So if you are someone that appreciates quality drinks for a great value, then you owe it to yourself to check us out.

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Social is located in the lively 500 block in downtown Rockford. With a premium bar, local foods menu, and communal dining, you have artisan options for your eating and drinking enjoyment that you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere, all in a…

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509 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104Phone: 815-708-0877 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Social Charcuterie Bar & Cocktails (@social509)

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