As stated in our Princeton Illinois blog (check it out on our Travel Page), we had stopped in Rockford, Illinois, for a place to have lunch on our side trip. After doing some research we decided to stop at Prairie Street Brewing Company and we are sure glad we did.

Originally, in 1849, an Englishman Jonathan Peacock settled alongside the Rock River and started Rock Brewing Company. Fast forward to 2013 where a couple of local beer enthusiasts had a vision to create a brewery with the same passion as Peacock had. This beautiful large building sits right on the river and comprises a large outdoor dining and event space connected to a dock where boats can stop, as well as an indoor restaurant, tasting room and the actual brewery. They have a large variety of brews to try. We did a flight consisting of the Screw City, Wavey Blonde and Peach Wheat, and pints of Screw City and the Peacock Pale Ale were also enjoyed by the group.

We each ordered something different from the menu which gave us a great sampling. We have to say, for a brewery, this menu was large with a variety of choices to pick from. However we should also state that this is a well thought out, well constructed menu and the detail that went into each dish is over the top fantastic. For example - I had the Black Bean Burger (which by the way was the best black bean burger I ever had). It is house-made with black beans, heirloom quinoa, sweet potato, cheddar jack cheese, harissa aioli, avocado, radish sprouts, tomato, red onion and served on a pretzel bun. The combination was fantastic. For the side I had the beer cheese chips which were a nice change from regular chips. We had also ordered the California Reuben, as well as the Super Smash Burger (which was on their tasting menu). The burger consisted of two Wagyu smash burgers, brick cheese, griddled shallots, horseradish beet aioli, pickled mustard seeds, and arugula on a toasted Hawaiian roll. See what we mean about intricate and thought out? The pictures below really only tell half the story. The empty plates by all tell the other half.