Dine-in
Yes
Social Urban Bar & Restaurant in Rockford
Categories
Location on the map
Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois, US
Service options
Offerings
Alcohol
Yes
Phone: +1 815-708-0877
Site: http://www.social509.com/
Site: http://www.social509.com/
Opening hours
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:4PM–12AM
- Wednesday:4PM–12AM
- Thursday:4PM–12AM
- Friday:4PM–2AM
- Saturday:4PM–2AM
- Sunday:4–10PM
Comments (181)
Good first impression, great atmosphere, warm inviting staff. I would try Social again. My only complaint was the single cocktail I had was ill-prepared and lacking bourbon. Perhaps the bartender was new or training, but its disconcerning when he looks at the menu repeatedly while making a house cocktail. Also, we arrived at 5pm on a Friday and the staff was preparing for the evening rush. It took about 5minutes before someone finally took our order.
This cute little spot holds it’s own with any of the trendy little bars out there. Great specialty cocktails, and tasty dishes. We were just passing through and feel very fortunate to have experienced this place. Michelle took great care of us, including my high-maintenance celiac needs. The arugula and egg salad was a real favorite. Everything we had there knocked it out of the park.
Absolutely lovely place! Amazing atmosphere, servers and chef. Order the Shrimp & Grits. You can watch Food Network all day long and see nothing as outstanding as that dish. Dont forget the Brussels (and absinthe ;)
I travel all over the country for work and have dined at many a restaurants, and this place is easily at the top. The atmosphere is inviting, staff very knowledgeable and approachable and the food is top notch. The cocktail list is on point and if dont know what you want just ask for a high stakes. The bartender will ask you a few questions and surprise you with a drink that wont disappoint!!! If youre in the area make a point to visit Social Urban!!
Social is my favorite place in Rockford! Their food is INCREDIBLE, local and sustainable, and beyond delicious. Their craft cocktails are creative works of art and scrumptious. The place is clean, cozy and the staff goes above and beyond in courteousness and kindness. I cannot recommend them enough!
The brisket is not good. The fat has not been rendered into the meat, they slather it with sauce. Any smoke flavor it may have had coming out of the smoker was destroyed by the overpowered sauce.Chairs on one side of the table are about 4 inches shorter than the other side. It’s just a weird place that over hyped. Skip the deserts.Staff is nice.
Absolutely delicious cocktails. Its my favorite spot in town for a true craft cocktail. If you like spice and gin then you have to try Haunting of the Gimlet. Its unique and delicious!
Good food. The tortillas were a bit soggy on our pork belly tacos but they were still tasty. They took my favorite drink off the menu unfortunately and no one really recommended anything like they used to.
Drinks were great, atmosphere is wonderful and service was terrific . We got the Brussels and they were disappointing. Just slivers of Brussel sprouts and tasted like burnt Parmesan cheese. Falafel was great and very fresh tasting. A bit on the pricey side but overall we had a great experience.
One of the best places in Rockford for a great cocktail and upscale food. Try the fried brussels sprouts, even if you dont like brussels sprouts. Theyre amazing. The pork chop is the best Ive ever had, and plenty large enough to feed two people. The bartenders are lively and entertaining and treat you with nothing but respect and kindness.
Social has an infectious atmosphere, delicious farm-to-table food, and friendly staff. The bartenders know just how to mix up a wide variety of cocktails with the plethora of spirits on their shelves. Social 509 is fantastic all around. Highly recommend!
It was my first visit and I had no idea what I wanted to drink. They have a great drink menu which makes it hard to choose haha. I asked the waitress for her recommendation, which I cant remember the name of, and the drink was fantastic! I highly recommend stopping in!
Ive tried creating the brussel sprout app at home and i cant pin point why mines not as good. Lemon juice? Zest? Fried with the sprouts? I dont know! Their cooking technique must be superb...its beyond the ingredients which isnt common. The large pork chop was the best pork dish I ever had in my life, without question.
Hanger steak. Absinth. Whisky sour. Chicken noodle soup. Split pea soup. Cheese curds. Everything we had was amazing. Do order the Blue Bourbon. Its worth the spectacle!
Came in with 3 friends, and there were only 3 seats at the bar. So 3 of us sat down and I stood. Was told there was no standing at the bar. WTF? Prices were ridiculous for the small crowded atmosphere and poor customer treatment. They did have decent Scotch, but I wouldnt go back...
I was greeted by the Bartender, Andrew, who was friendly and had great knowledge of the menu. I started with the fried cheese curds which were seasoned with cajun spices and the fried Brussels Sprouts which were served with lemon and Parmesan Cheese. Both appetizers were excellent. For dinner I had the Berkshire Pork Belly which was came with spaetzle and beer cheese.
Social is absolutely, hands-down, the BEST restaurant and bar Ive ever visited. My wife and I love it. They have a small menu, with only a few items - sometimes that means I order something Im not familiar with, but Im never concerned; no matter what you ask for it is always amazingly good.The cook brings the food and explains where all the ingredients are from: The pork chops are from Joe Smiths pig farm in McHenry; the mustard I made myself; I have an herb garden on the roof. The catsup we made here from tomatoes that came from Dave Daviss vegetable farm in Loves Park. . . (actual names are made up; Im trying to demonstrate the level of specificity in the descriptions).They make old-fashioned cocktails and the bartender is always great, with personality and skill.If you order a drink that is usually made with crushed ice, instead of using a slushee-machine, they include enough liquid then pour liquid nitrogen and stir until it reaches the right temp.they concoct things that include Absinthe.They use pepper in some drinks and they will sprinkle the pepper and light it, just to give you some fireworks. . . that type thing.The decor is really nice; they create a friendly admosphere and strangers become friends. . .Just a little bit of heaven right in the middle of downtown Rockford.
Beef tenderloin was very good. If youre looking for something new to drink I recommend it. They have a very diverse cocktail menu. Quite pricey but worth it for one of the best places in Rockford.
Social is one of my favorite restaurants in Rockford. They have a fresh local food menu that is always incredible, and a really cool (and tasty) drink menu. The staff is always friendly and professional. Prices are definitely a bit on the high side for Rockford, but the quality of the food and drinks are more than worth it.
Should be a 5 star rvw bc the food is great. Was a semi regular since it opened. The last time, will be my last time. Made a reservation for my wifes birthday a month in advance. Get there with our party, and they got lippy with me acting as if it was my fault that they over booked. Offered no resolution and were super rude. As a fellow local business owner, I was really sad that things transpired the way they did. Thankfully the Prairie St Brewhouse squeezed us in when we explained the situation (and saved the day). Social had a chance to offer some kind of remedy and did nothing.
Great food! The Thai mushroom dish was the star of dinner. Hot chicken and jackfruit eggroll were also excellent. Impressed by the depth and variety of the cocktail menu
The bar is very skilled in mixology. Every drink and serving of food has amazing presentation. Every food item that I tried (5) was phenomenal and homemade. Most of the ingredients are locally grown as well. I highly recommend it.
This place has amazing drinks very skilled bartenders.
Best food in town. The pork chop is delicious. The hot chicken is spicy and amazing. Good absinthe selection and cocktail menu.
Just celebrated St. Valentines Day there with my sweetheart of 50 + years. We sat at the bar and had delicious cheese curds, pork tacos, pulled pork sliders and outtasight cheesecake for desert. All was excellent. Staff was congenial and swift.My ONLY suggestion is that the bar should have a larger selection of the more common brands of liquors. I had two gin martinis that were waayyy over my head in artsy gin. Gimme Sapphire etc.We will be back
The chef, Chase, knows his ingredients. Some combinations sound weird but together they make a great flavor. Craft cocktails here are out of this world. Ask for a unicorn tears and watch some of the magic they create.
Drinks are wonderful, interesting and satisfy your question of what colors taste like. New in town or looking for something different, stop in eat drink and be happy. Service is extremely helpful and easy to engage.
Great food great drinks, great atmosphere. Perfect setting to bring people together. They take great pride in both their food and spirits. Service is always excellent as well.
Creativity and quality. Best Craft cocktails in town. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Grab the cheese curds and a JFK or a Surgeon Generals Warning! Another small venue call ahead.
Such a unique and fun place. I had some of the most delicious drinks and I cant wait to go back and try more. Fantastic bartenders.
A Diamond in Rockford! Excellent food and a variety of good drinks from the bar. Their pork chop is fantastic and be sure not to miss sandwich nights. Great service as well.
This bar truly holds up to its name. The bar staff wil go out of their way toknow your name and style of cocktail. The clientele is multi-generational, the food is great and the art on the walls is amazing.
The waiter was great in suggesting food. Food was great. The chef even came out to check on us after receiving our food. Nice, cozy little place
Remains one of our favorite restaurants! Great food, drinks and service - everytime!Stay until 10 on Fridays and Saturdays formilk and cookies; a delicious treat.
Local eatery, great menu. Its clear that the owners of this place love what they do. This place provides the setting for great memories and experiences. Have a bite to eat and meet some new folks who love great eats! Cheers!
This place is expensive, but lots of fun. You get a story with every dish and if you order the right cocktails or absinthe there is added entertainment value. This is more than just eating and drinking.
Come for the craft cocktails, delicious wine or full experience absinthe bar. Stay for some of the most scrumptious food you have ever tasted. Entree highlights: The slightly spicy, Tennessee-inspired Hot Chicken w/ sorghum demi, hoecake and collard greens; Cider-brined Pork Chop with sage, apple and roasted beets. Small plate highlights: Crisp Pork Belly Tacos w/ homemade guac and butterkase cheese; House-made Charcuterie Plate, crostini, homemade pickles, mostarda; Anything with morels are a must-get when in season.
Love, love, love this place. Menu is alway changing and drink menu is amazing. Service is always very polite. Great atmosphere and food, did i mention i love this place!!
A great place for specialty cocktails. I had the filet with roasted potatoes in duck fat on a bed of sweet corn. It was incredible! Ill will be back.
The desserts here are the best, especially their crème brulee. Less food per tapa than at Abreo, but their theme nights (Swedish Dinner, Fat Tuesday) are always great. Like the layout, and actually being... you know... social.
The place is very high brow. The wait staff was incredibly slow and my gin in tonic was $8. Any sane place charges $3-4 for a gin in tonic. I guess the ridiculous prices keep away riff raff, and myself.
This place was amazing! On a work trip from Seattle and the food was on point and drinks were super high quality. Made me feel right at home.
What can I say bad about this place? NOTHING. Its a hidden gem and has the best food in town and the best unique drink mixes around. Dont miss out on this one. Will put a dent in the wallet though.
Local food and so so amazing, I can not stress amazing enough. And the staff is incredible... nice, funny, charming. I will make the hour trip to Rockford to get dinner here.
Amazing food! The Hot Chicken is our favorite! The atmosphere and staff are friendly & inviting. Love this restaurant!
Come here often for drinks and appetizers. Service is always great as is quality of food. Big selection of spirits.
This is the best restaurant in Rockford. Never had a bad meal. You will be insisting on sharing your experience because the food is so good
The atmosphere is amazing! The food and drinks are astounding. I have and will continue to recommend Social to anyone looking for a great spot to go in Rockford.
Awesome bar in downtown of Rockford. The staffs honestly love what they do and their energy shows it. I let them create my drink Everytime and never disappointed.
By far the best place to have dinner and drinks in Rockford, IL. At first we had sticker shock because of the higher prices but after our first dinner there we realized that you get what you pay for. Service is excellent and the food is even better.....everything...and I mean everything we ordered was the best version we have ever eaten. Congrats Social.....and thank you.
Hidden gem!! Rockfords best by far!! From the drinks to dessert... the service from all was fantastic! We cant wait till our return!
Amazing cocktails and great food! Definitely a local place to recommend to people visiting from out of town.
I absolutely love this place! The atmosphere is fantastic.... and the food is top notch! Also, the absinthe speaks for itself!
Pork tacos were fantastic, as well at the other three appitizers I tried. The apsinthe cocktails were also made very well.
Creative. Fresh. New. Fun. Trendy. Hip. Words that just dont quite do this place justice. Drink absinthe. Eat food like youve never tasted before. Love your life again.
You will be hard pressed to find better food anywhere. Atmosphere is fantastic. You do sit next to people you dont know (hence the name Social).
Fantastic cocktails, relaxed atmosphere. And wonderful staff. My go to place to wind down
Bar wizards. Thats really all I can say about this place. Fire and ice and smoke. Its quite a show! Drinks made were fantastic, the presentation incredible.
Fabulous service, delicious &unique locally sourced food, hand-crafted cocktails, lovely &intimate atmosphere
Food was fantastic! Unique and flavorful, the drinks are wonderful and clever. Hidden gem
Great place to eat. I love seeing whats new on the menu. Highly recommend.
Amazing good and helpful waiters. Loved the mushroom dishes chicken dishes and pork tacos.
Best mixed drinks, great atmosphere, amazing food. The staff is amazing too!
Great food! Friendly staff!
Locally sourced ingredients prepared into the best food in the City of Rockford. Absolutely fantastic, and worth a dedicated trip!
Great food, great cocktails, great service, the only letdowns are that it is small, usually packed, and loud inside.
Absolutely amazing food, would give 6 stars if I could. If the lamb is in season and a special, get it.
The best place in Rockford for excellent food! Hands down! Meticulous wait staff and managment. Highly recommend.
One of the best kept secrets in town reminds me of Chicago when Im there great food great drinks great service great times!
Food is fresh and top notch! Great atmosphere and super friendly staff!
Our go to place. Delicious food and superb cocktails. Excellent service.
Delicious foodCozy atmosphereVery nice peopleAmazing place, if there more stars I would put more
Classy joint. I like it, but Im too much of a hillbilly to not look out of place. Try the flight of bourbon.
ALWAYS delicious, ALWAYS fun. Get two orders of cheese curds. Vote for Pedro.
Great atmosphere the bar tenders were all very nice and there food was well presented and very good
Classy drinks, especially the absinthe, with classy service and treats, like fresh baked cookies and milk shots!!
Service was unbelievably slow, food was OK, though the portion sizes were incredibly small compared to the prices charged.
Food was absolutely delicious. This was our first visit and we are already planning a second visit
Great food and cocktails using locally sourced ingredients.
Just had the most amazing bologna pie. I ordered a second for dessert. OMG!
We wanted to try some place different before going you the Coronado Theater for a concert. Loved this experience!
Greatest atmosphere, menu, cocktails and staff in Rockford hands down!
Very nice place in downtown Rockford with a great wine and cocktail selection and good food...
Amazing food and great service. Staff is very friendly!
Definitely my favorite culinary gem of Rockford. Best cheese curds in town!!
Fantastic food, drinks, and service! My favorite restaurant, by far.
My favorite place in town for great cocktails and fantastic service!
Unique cocktails. Great food. Nice atmosphere.
Expensive and small but worth the price. Social is one of my favorite restaurants around and competes with Abreo its neighbor on the block
Everything about social always wows me, yet remains super comfortable. In love with the Lavander drink!
A little pricey but the food, drinks, and service were all great.
Great vibe. Fabulous food. The pork meatballs are the bomb!
Always amazing food ... a very cool place to meet people.
Whoever served me an Old Fashioned Friday night April 27th around 1130, thank you!
Wonderful service. Awesome food. Definitely going back.
Picked up the Aww Shucks bbq today. It was excellent!
Excellent service, top notch food, and unbelievable drinks.
Awesome cocktails, good atmosphere, kind staff
Always amazing food and service. My favorite restaurant in Rockford.
Food was good , bartender was excellentNice place to eat and socialize
Great food! Great Service! Very small place
Amazing cocktails, painfully slow service, especially when it comes time to close a tab.
Great food. The staff are excellent. Well worth it.
Small place. Farm to table southern flair. Very cozy at community tables.
Some of the best food in Rockford and always great sevice.
Everything here was always so good! I love the duck nachos!
Espresso cocktail was delish and tasty small plates
Very good, creative dishes but pretty spendy!
Get the blue bourbon and watch them make it. Be careful though, that drink is strong.
Amazing cocktail menu and great small plates
The best drinks. Very thoughtful food.
Great service. Thanks Adam. Excellent food.
Great for unique tapas and interesting delicious drinks!
Incredible food and drinks and a great atmosphere
Horrible service. Don’t go there unless you don’t mind being ignored by your wait staff.
Apparently COVID means you stop answering your phone during business hours.
Great food. Amazing drinks.
One of the best meals I have ever eaten.
Great drinks made with an ole fashion flare.
Great pizza, drinks and atmosphere.
Where husband propose plus their fire and ice cocktail is to die for
A bit pricey, but great atmosphere and service
Great food! Awesome staff!
Awesome food & craft drinks!
Great atmosphere and great drink options.
Went their for dessert. Cookie was a little too hard
Excellent! Hot Chicken was fantastic, as was the sturgeon .
Food and staff are both amazing!!
Good drinks including club soda
What a gem in downtown Rockford! Highly recommend but pricey.
Great food and great drinks.
Awesome food and service. Ask for Melissa!
Food was good, service was great.
Super bartenders. Great service.
Killer food and great staff!
Get the pork chop, you will not regret it
Probably the best bar downtown.
FOR ROCKFORD THIS ISNT TOO BAD! DECENT ENOUGH CUISINE AND LIBATIONS!
Fun food and curious cocktails!
Local farm to table restaurant. Delicious food!
Unique flavors in appetizers and beverages!
Very creative drink menu
Easily the Best cocktails around
Fantastic food and drinks!
Best cocktails in town.
Great trendy restaurant and bar!
Wonderful food and locally sourced
Nice spot to catch a drink after work.
Best place for food and drink in town!!!
Tiki Tuesday is not to be missed.
Nice atmosphere
Very good
Delicious small plates.
Try the pork Tacos 🌮👍
Chill spot with fancy drinks.
Best drinks in Rockford
The hot chicken....... is the best.......
Amazing!
Love it!
Great mixology!
Not bad for Rockford
Great good.
Great vibes!!
Always amazing
Cute & intimate
Love it. Love it all...
A diamond in the Rock.
Great environment
Its SOCIAL!!!
Great Service
Unforgettable night
Total reviews rating 4.7
181 Reviews for Social Urban Bar & Restaurant 2023:
Review №1
2018-11-23This place has the best cocktails in the whole city, and their food is awesome! Seating is extremely limited, but worth the wait. This is a classy place made to enjoy your drink and the people youre with.
Review №2
2019-10-07Amazing food and drinks. Very personal service - the Chef brings each item to the table to share what is in the dish and where it was sourced. We enjoyed the brussel sprouts appetizer (our mouth is still watering for more) the pork belly tacos and the hanger steak was delicious! Will definitely go back.
Review №3
2020-10-23Drinks and dinner during Stroll on State. Attentive, friendly service all around. We all tried new cocktails. Mine was the gin & jam. Delicious. The fried brussel sprouts was my fave dish of the night. We had a blast. Love when the chef comes out to give details on each dish.
Review №4
2018-02-04Great food and specialty drinks. Also fun environment; seating is set up communally fun way to meet new people.
Review №5
2017-12-07This place is great! The drinks are crafted, not just made. The bartenders are very friendly and the service is great. We had an appetizer, and it was probably the best cheese curds Ive ever had. I asked the bartender to make me a drink I found in a book of antique recipes (the drink itself was dated 1912), and he whipped it right up for me! We will DEFINITELY be coming back to this lovely place!
Review №6
2019-09-23Great food and friendly staff! The pork chop was terrific!
Review №7
2019-01-11Longtime local customer. Came here the first time within the first 3 months after it opened, and it was immediately my favorite bar, and remains so. Great, imaginative food, and so-good craft cocktails. Still getting those Brussels sprouts once in a while, and the arugula salad. Wonderful staff. I go alone a lot, and never feel like Im less attended to because of it, and I do get that feeling at other places.
Review №8
2018-06-16Awesome the bartenders are great! They make you feel like youve been there before. The chef is top of the line. The Manager Zach is The coolest. I rock with this establishment. My first time there and i will be back many times. Support from Michigan *Tom*
Review №9
2019-05-05Food was great. Party of three, we had the Pork Chop, Lamb Chop special and some Thanksgiving special. Everyone was very happy with their meal. Our server was Sheila B. She was sensational. She was pretty busy, yet made all her tables feel special.
Review №10
2018-06-15I have yet to be disappointed. The food is always new and unique. They keep their favorites and I always try a new drink every time we go there. I love the atmosphere, the staff, the local businesses they buy from, and experience. Totally worth it. This is my favorite restaurant.