Prairie Street Brewing Company

 

Man, I am REALLY loathe to put places down, but this one simply did not live up to its billing, I spent a week in Rockford and I was happy to try new places, but post-COVID, this place sucked! On both of two different nights, the staff was more interested in cleaning up, securing for the night and generally focused on everything but their customers. If it is so important to them to get out/off on a timely basis, then I suggest simply resigning so as to have all of the time that they may want at their disposal! A woman was so deeply engaged in cleaning out a cooler that she may or may not have spilled something in that she did not recognize my presence for a good five minutes. One jagov slid a coaster to me, Old West stylee, because he didn't want to walk on his freshly-swabbed deck! 8=O I was braced for a mug of beer to be served to me in the same manner, but thankfully, the floor dried and he felt free to move about smartly (or stupidly). The woman (wo)manning the maître d' station was rather clueless and on one occasion, secured without a word, despite that being one of the only ways to procure beer-to-go. Further, the staff was so involved in their precious deep-cleaning on one night that they disallowed a large party to use the back room since it had already been cleaned and secured, despite it being a good two hours prior to their posted closing. Ironically, it was the friends and family of an Icehogs player who had come from Massachusetts to see him play and who was going to meet them later. Fortunately, he was not recognized by many (except me) and as such, he was not mobbed by autograph seekers & the like, but that was why they asked for a modicum of privacy. I doubt that they will be returning and I feel likewise.

Located in an 19th century brewery building on the banks of the Rock River. Lots of exposed brick and heavy wood. Two levels of bars, street level and lower level next to the patio. About 15 taps. Good variety of styles. Good amount of parking lots nearby. Layered outside patio next to the river, with pretty river views across town. Full food menu. Some view of brewing equipment from some rooms. Beer available for take away. Informative staff. Impressive and historic exterior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This pace was hoping. It's right on the river and the layout works nice.
The beers were average, as was the food.
Rockford has a growing number of places in craft beer and local foods, which makes the competition for business even tougher. As their beer and food improves, so does the chances I'll be back.

Update: This is now called Prairie Street Brewing

 

 

 

 

I've checked this place out a couple of times during the course of the year.

The bier itself is not bad; just above average. They had a Berliner that I couldn't distinguish from the Hefeweizen. They get brownie points for having more than a few lagers on tap regularly. A couple of the brews stood out to me as being quite good, too.

The food is quite delicious. Prices are about average, maybe barely above average for the food considering portions. Not overpriced by any stretch of the imagination.

The atmosphere is great. It's an old industrial building right on the Rock river. During summer, they have INSANELY BUSY nights on their dock, and the views are just lovely. It's a definite must for any visiting friends/family who have a negative stereotype of Rockford. Inside, it's quite beautiful as well. It does tend to get a touch loud inside, but that's not the end of the world.

Another fun part is that they're walking distance from Carlyle, so you can get two birds with one stone if you park between them!

Overall, they are a welcome addition to Rockford.