Here are Rockford's highest-rated restaurants, according to Yelp reviews
ROCKFORD— Yelp recently released its ninth annual Top 100 U.S Restaurants list for 2022.
Although no Rockford restaurants found their way into the country's top 100, two Chicago eateries manage to crack the top 25 places to eat.
Below are two separate lists, one which displays Rockford's highest-rated restaurants, which ranks places based on who has the highest rating by Yelp reviewers. The second is a Yelp "recommended" list, which uses an algorithm created by the company.
More: What Rocks: Best places to eat and drink in Rockford area as voted on by readers
Here's are the best places to eat in Rockford according to reviewers who post to the Yelp website and app.
Highest-rated Rockford restaurants
5. 15th & Chris
15th & Chris at 201 15th Ave., in Rockford, is fifth on Yelp's ranking.
Located on the city's southside, this burger restaurant has garnered local support and has consistently been viewed as one of the best burger spots in town. In 2017, 15th & Chris was rated the No. 1 rated burger place in town on Yelp.
4. Abreo Restaurant
One of two downtown restaurants to crack the Rockford top four, Abreo Restaurant takes pride in offering locally sourced ingredients and a chef-inspired, seasonal menu.
Located at 515 E. State St., the Abreo menu includes a variety of dishes such as the Snake River Farms Flat Iron Steak and Bacon Noodles. The restaurant also offers catering services and offers event space.
3. The Norwegian
The number three restaurant on Yelp's list, The Norwegian, offers Scandinavian-style breakfast and brunch with cocktails for each occasion.
Located at 1402 N. Main St., in Rockford, visitors will find decor to match a menu that includes dishes such as the Shakshuka, a tomato, onion, and red pepper stew filled with feta cheese and a choice of egg.
2. Social Urban Bar and Restaurant
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.
Social Urban Bar and Restaurant hopes to offer a similar opportunity to other area entrepreneurs in the future according to their Facebook page.
1. Sahara Palace Mediterranean Restaurant
The top-rated restaurant is Sahara Palace Mediterranean Restaurant, located at 5890 E. State St., in Rockford. The restaurant received 178 reviews, more than any other place on the list.
Visitors will find some of the best Mediterranean dishes like falafel sandwiches, lamb shish kabob, and hummus with beef or chicken shawarma.
More: Rockford area restaurants that opened, closed in '21
Yelp's top recommended Rockford restaurants
5. Tavern on Clark
Type of food served: American
Location: 755 Clark Drive, Rockford
4. Pig Minds Brewing Company
Type of food served: Vegan
Location: 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
3. The Norwegian
Type of food served: Scandinavian-style
Location: 1402 N Main St., Rockford
2. Prairie Street Brewing Company
Type of food served: American
Location: 200 Prairie St., Rockford
1. GreenFire Restaurant Bar and Bakery
Type of food served: American and woodfire-pizza
Location: 6795 E Riverside Blvd., Rockford
Shaquil Manigault: smanigault@gannett.com; @RRstarShaquil
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Best restaurants in Rockford, Illinois, according to Yelp reviews
