ROCKFORD — There’s nothing like enjoying a delicious meal and a cold beverage on the bank of the Rock River.

A handful of restaurants and pubs in the area offer riverfront dining.

Here's just a sampling of places where the scenery includes a steady stream of boaters on sunny summer days.

Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford

Known for its handcrafted beers and Dinner on the Dock every Thursday in the summer, Prairie Street Brewing Co. offers a full lunch and dinner menu, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, steak, salmon and fish & chips.

Outdoor dining features beautiful views of the Rock River and downtown Rockford. You can arrive by boat and dock right outside of the restaurant.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday.

Tad’s on the Rock, 10 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park

Located just north of the Riverside Bridge, Tad’s features an outdoor dining deck and a Tiki bar overlooking the Rock River.

Tad’s prides itself in offering the best fish fry in the area, featuring baked or fried cod or all-you-can-eat walleye, served with a side of fries and coleslaw. The menu also includes burgers and homemade special recipe pizza.

Much like Prairie Street Brewing Co., you can dock your boat on the river when you visit.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

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The Rock Bar & Grill, 101 Maple Ave., Beloit

The restaurant’s spacious patio overlooks the Rock River and offers a family-friendly atmosphere.

The menu features specialty sandwiches, burgers, wings, pork chops, salmon, chicken and steak. There’s also a long list of appetizers.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday.

Hairy Cow Brewing Company, 450 E. Blackhawk Drive, Byron

Established in 2016, Hairy Cow features a tap room and a deck that offers scenic views of the Rock River.

The establishment boasts over a dozen signature and seasonal hand crafted beers and hard seltzers made from locally produced ingredients.

The menu features woodfired pizza, wings and salads.

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Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Maxson Restaurant & Riverboat, 1409 IL Route 2, Oregon

Maxon’s features a dining room with views of the Rock River plus conference rooms and a banquet hall for wedding receptions, parties, reunions and business meetings.

There’s also a deck for outdoor dining and a 103-foot riverboat, which is available for cruises on the river.

The menu includes sandwiches, steaks, ribs, chicken and seafood.

Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday; 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Ken DeCoster: kdecoster@rrstar.com; @DeCosterKen

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 5 Rockford-area restaurants that offer dining on the Rock River