Went here with friends. Super interesting delicious food and drinks!! The ramen was good and so was the espresso martini.

Food was a little pricey, but everything tasted good. There was only one server/bar tender when I went, but she was attentive and very nice. The ambiance of the inside has a good mix of bar/cafe spot. There is also outdoor seating here which was lovely. read more

Just moved here and was looking for some food restaurants. Stumbled on this place. Food was amazing, drinks were strong, waitress Emma was so sweet! 10/10 will be back for sure read more

I'm not very familiar with Rockford, so it came as a shock to me when we wandered into this part of town on a Saturday night and found--nothing. Although it was about 7 p.m., the streets were deserted, and it felt like 5 o'clock in the morning. We were just about to take that as a sign from to the universe to get out when we found Octane, our intended destination. Octane was the breath of life in a ghost town. There were people here! Lights! Life! Inside its double-doored entryway (as someone who has always lived in Chicagoland and survived countless brutal winters, I always appreciate this thoughtful bit of architecture), Octane bursts with life, creativity, and energy, as well as the rare combination of food, coffee, and booze. We were only there for drinks and snacks, but they were quite enjoyable--the spinach and artichoke dip was hearty and delicious, and my mojito was full of minty deliciousness. I loved some of the little touches there as well--impressive artwork from local high schoolers on the way to the restroom, a trendy bar area with colorful lighting and a club-like vibe, the well-lit and cheerful front room, and a nice-looking meeting room in the back that would have been great for a private party. Our waitress was a lot of fun, too: patient but helpful, with just the right amount of sass (she let out an "oh, snap" when we chided our friend for hogging the drink menu). A great place to fuel up, hang out, and let loose. Love it! read more

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The Octane is located in the old part of town and conveniently located just a block or so from the theater. As my wife and I were seeing a concert, before coming to the area I did some Yelp reconnaissance and booked marked the Octane. Didn't think about making reservation and we got lucky as we just got in with minutes to spare and were able to get sets at the bar... otherwise we would have been out of luck because all the tables were booked. So, word of caution, if you're coming here and there is a show going on just down the block, you may want to make reservations. The decor of the place is what I would call rather bazar and a bit cold. We found the service very good. They were on the spot, making sure our needs were taken care of and were very helpful in guiding us with choices on the menu. I must admit, while checking out the appearance of the decor and the wait staff, I was slightly doubtful on the quality of the food. So, I was pleasantly surprised when it came out with a very high end presentation... to the point where it was artfully done. Then the most important, the food tasted really, really good! Bravo, Octane! You once again taught me not to judge a book by it's cover, despite being a bit tattered, written on and has some spelling mistakes, the story was a good one! read more

27 Aluna - Asian Fusion Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

$5 martinis on Tuesdays (including mojitos)!! Hurray for new weekday drinking spot! And the food is good, with fun little "twists" to them. I never thought that wasabi mashed potatoes could be so tasty. read more

27 Aluna - Asian Fusion Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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Came in on a date night environment was nice and our staffer was friendly. Did not care for the food tho the noodles were not good flavorless barely ate any of it and couldn't exchange or refund best the manager would do was some super burnt fries! Left those too lol u win some u lose some ‍ read more

The food was incredible. Their nachos to die for! Drinks were unique and great quality.

We came here for a last minute dinner date after a movie. It was pretty busy for 8 o'clock on a Friday. We got seated immediately. Their menu is very unique, and has so many options for every persons desire or food needs. The decor is so cool, and retro, super 70s feels. Our server was very nice, had great daily specials. I got the Mac and cheese and i only got the half order which was my mistake because it was bowl licking good. My friend got the seared tuna salad, when it was brought out the waitress said it was the longest salad in rockford lol. Everything tasted great, the only thing i would say is it's kind of pricy for the amount of food you get. No need for reservations, space is limited so I'm not sure how they would accommodate a large group and kids probably would not enjoy such unique food, so leave them at home for this one. Can't wait to go back and try one of their specialty menu items. read more

Absolutely delicious. Everything was fresh and delicious. Definitely a place to keep coming back and try the rest of the menu.

Growing up in the Greater Rockford Area, I got used to be excited about chain restaurants coming to town like Chili's. I was so misguided in my youth, that's now for certain. Now, a wise lass, I appreciate places that stand out. Places that offer something extra other than a fried onion in a fancy shape. Places that don't have the "TM" behind its name. And dammit, I hate flair on a server's uniform. Octane fits the bill on all accounts. High five to Rockford, you have a kick ass restaurant in your down-town area that is not a chain...suck on that, Applebee's/Chili's. Octane is in close proximity to the courthouse, which makes for a perfect lunch stop when I have to make the trek out to Winnebago County. The menu is great, lots of salads, lots of yummy sandwiches....and the evening small plates (unfortunately not available for lunching) look great as well. I enjoyed a cup of coffee (what, I'm an old lady now, I drink coffee at lunch sometimes) and the Three's Company sandwich, an open-faced chicken sandwich topped with artichoke, spinach and asiago cheese. Fabu. I had to hack at it with a fork and knife, but it was awesome. I also loved that I was able to get the perfectly spiced tomato soup on the side. Our server was sweet, attentive, and the only flair visible was her sweet ink. If I lived in the Rock permanently (not gonna happen, sorry, Grandma), I would definitely make this place a frequent stop for lunches and for happy hours. read more

Octane is a great place for a meal before catching a show downtown or for a quickie business lunch during the daytime. Make sure to make reservations if you plan on eating here before a show if you want a table, as they can be busy before some of the more popular shows. Although the wine selection needs a bit of work in my opinion (but is better than many local places), the bottled beer selection is pretty decent (with a few "crafty" gems and some decent imports to go along with their "hipster" cans). The coffee, from which Octane gets its name (by way of its former internet-cafe-roots), is certainly tasty, with several ways of having it prepared, including as espresso-based beverages. The food portions could be a bit larger in my opinion (they are realistically-sized instead of being the heaping-sizes most places serve) and I sometimes have personal issues with a few of the pasta dishes' preparation methods, they generally taste decent and their flatbreads are indeed wonderfully tasty, and the visual presentation of all is usually worthy of a mention. Several items on the menu are vegetarian and vegan-friendly (for those non-meat-eaters who like to eat more than merely greens or salad when dining out--I like the hummus plate, for example). I also wish they had more-and better-desserts than they do at the present time. After most are done with eating, later nights one can find colorful locals laughing and hipsters holding-court mixed with "girl's night out" women sipping fancy mixed drinks. Daytimes one usually sees local hipsters mingling with politicians and downtown office workers. All times of day have people toting laptops to make use of Octane's free wifi hotspot while sipping coffees. read more

When this restaurant opened, it was one of the first five Internet cafés in America, offering free WiFi and an inviting, great-looking atmosphere. Fifteen years later, Octane InterLounge still offers these much more common amenities, but stays ahead of the curve with their contemporary menu and wonderful bar staff. My favorite place with food and drink in Rockford, I've been here at least a half-dozen times--since moving to Rockford in August 2011--and Octane consistently delivers. The appetizers are creative, the food is terrific, and although there are no beers on tap, the selection is good and the bartender is so excellent that I stick with cocktails most of the time anyway (save beer specials). My favorites here: Nachos appetizer Fat Albert Potatoes appetizer - mashed potatoes with your choice of about twelve different items blended in (various cheeses, bacon, broccoli, etc.) Ricky Ricardo - a Cuban sandwich with a secret delicious sauce and huge tasty potato wedges Any pasta Anything from the bar, especially a Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet On a lesser note, if you have a dog he or she may sit outside with you provided your animal is friendly. I am likely over-hyping this place, but I am unashamed because I love it. You know those songs on the radio that you simply love to death, regardless of if it's actually a great song or you have just grown to love it on some deeper level? Such is my relationship with Octane. I hope you visit, and I hope you love it as well. read more

My wife and I went out for a quick bite to Octane based on the reviews by others. First thing I noticed was online they had about a dozen different burgers but in their menu only a couple. We didn't go over the top in our ordering because neither of us were all that hungry , but we did get some chips and salsa for a light appetizer. The blue corn chips and salsa were quite tasty. I ordered a Bleu Burger (one of their specialties) and clearly communicated that I wanted it slightly pink and definitely not well done. The short of it was, my burger was lousy. Expecting a "gourmet" burger (for $10) I was met with an overcooked, dry hockey puck on a ciabatta bun with a small dollop of bleu cheese sauce on the top. (I'm guessing it was a quarter pound burger, but then again as much as they cooked it, it could have started out as a half pounder.) It could have used twice the amount of bleu cheese sauce and maybe something else to dazzle me as if they had given a little thought to what they were presenting. The potato wedges that came with it were just okay, but nothing that I would remember. My wife ordered some kind of portabella sandwich and she would agree with the 2-star (Meh. I've experienced better) rating. So, for the record...I HATE giving low ratings and I want to like every place I go to, but if you can't get a burger right then it's hard to give the benefit of the doubt. P.S. My server did ask us how everything was, but I was kind of surprised by the way she "asked" as it was more of a statement, so I couldn't muster up a complaint. She said, "Isn't that burger just soooo perfect!?" read more

Had dinner here before the Kansas Concert at the Coronado- which is just a block away. Excellent food and drinks although, I thought the wine list could be better- so I went with mixed drinks which were poured well. The chicken Bao apps were awesome. Service was also good. After 5, there is abundant free parking. Only complaint is this is a "loud" restaurant, so be warned. Otherwise, I very much enjoyed Octane. read more

Love this place! It is rare to find a place where you can come back and always get great service and food! Been here several times and never been disappointed...too bad my love life can't say the same..I kid I kid! They have a great selection of beer and oh yes they do carry Matilda! Not really a big pasta fan, but their Octane Blue is faaannntasstiicc! Big, tender pieces of steak, portabella mushrooms and the sauce is just to die for! The seafood quesadillas are wonderful! Big chunks of shrimp, crab, super cheesy and the dipping sauce is great! The portions are big enough and are reasonably priced. Another tip, do try the caipirinhas here. Yes, they are great, but watch out it sneaks up on you and after a few you just may not know how you got home that night. read more

AWESOME - Hawaiian burrito! Roasted potatoes! Atmosphere! I LOVED this place. The menu has so many original and interesting dishes it was difficult to make up my mind. I settled on the Hawaiian Burrito, and it was just melt-in-your-mouth FANTASTIC. Also, the potato wedges are a great alternative to the standard "french-fry or chips" carb options. Roasted to prefection - not too crispy, not too soft. We were there during a weekday lunch hour, and though the place was busy, the service was great. The decor is charming urban chic, and comfortable. Some of the folks I knew were regulars, and it seems there are a lot of regulars! The staff knew my dining companions and were very welcoming and accommodating. I highly recommend Octane, and am looking for a good excuse to drive back to Rockford and stop in again... read more

My wife and I came here for a lunch date with a friend of mine who lives in Rockford. The first thing I noticed upon walking in to Octane was the hilariously misspelled sign advertising the specials. The handwriting was hardly legible two out of the five words were spelled incorrectly. The sign included a "Vegetable Madley" and a dish featuring "andulli sausage". I know it might seem really picky to pick on a misspelled sign, but its an advertisement for your restaurant and the first thing customers see. The lack of awareness made me pretty nervous. Anyways, we sat down and ordered drinks. I was exhausted and had to drive home so I stuck with coffee. The server didn't know who the roaster was and gave me a watered down, shitty cup of coffee. My wife and our friend ordered beer. The beer selection is pretty decent and... sorta reasonably priced. Not cheap enough to note but not expensive enough to gripe about. It's always good to see any establishment take its beer selection seriously. The fancy sodas are a nice touch too. I ordered the Genovese, which was a basil pesto pasta. It was ok, the pesto itself was good, but the noodles were over-cooked and impossible to spiral around my fork and i'm pretty sure everything was all cooked together at the same time. The pine nuts had their taste and texture killed. Also I'm not sure what the "garlic chips" were on the menu but unless they are molecular I didn't notice them. It was ok, but it felt rushed and sloppy. My wife ordered the atomic burger which is Octane's requisite spicy burger. Jalapeno, spicy mayo, pepperjack, you know the drill. I didn't try it but apparently it was basically a good burger that was pretty spicy but nothing special. Reasonably priced so whatever who cares, it's a burger, and making a burger competently is a good thing. My friend ordered the ginger pig trio. The trio is three fancy, brightly colored tacos with pulled garlic pork. I was considering getting this but it sounded way too crazy. Mozzarella cheese and "saffron aioli" sound like a fucking aesthetic nightmare, and that fear seemed validated when they brought the neon tacos out, but honestly, they tasted REALLY good. If you're able to be unpretentious and unauthentic when it comes to taco eating (which is obviously something I need to work on) go and eat these tacos because they are delicious. Basically, I just think Octane needs to pump the brakes. It feels like their is too much shit going on with the menu and none of it is given the focus it deserves. The pesto was pretty lame, but that's what I deserve for ordering pesto pasta on the same menu that has a whole section dedicated to quesadillas. I understand Octane's attempts to be irreverent, and that it's hard to make a financially solvent amount of people happy in a city that's in the very preliminary stages of stepping up its food game, but I'd have enjoyed a more relaxed feel to the meal I ate. Also figure out how to spell the specials or you just look really silly. read more

I used to avoid this place like the plague. All the little emo/hipster/punk rock kids I went to high school with talked about this place. And they were snotty, so I thought this place must suck. Well high school is long gone, and this place is still here. I heard their sandwiches kicked ass. And my mom and I went, and the waiter was so nice. For Rockford, that's a rarity it seems. He deserves a star. Actually everyone there. The food is totally yummy. The prices are decent, like Perkins prices. The poppy seed dressing is sooo good. That's a recipe worth asking for! The menu is cute, lots of choices. I am going back, praying I don't run into any asshole from high school. read more

Octane was one of the first restaurants I visited when I moved to Rockford, and as such, it holds a special place in my heart. The first meal I ever got the was the Salmon Curry bowl and it exceeded all my expectations. I was seriously considering ordering another for dessert....Octane has also launched a ramen bar on Thursday nights which has been an absolute saving grace. I'm pretty sure it's the only place to get a good bowl of ramen within 50 miles. It's not necessarily super authentic, but the noodles are homemade, the egg is UNREAL, and the fried pulled pork or chicken adds an incredible texture element that you usually don't get with the traditional pork belly in ramen. The bao are also fantastic. I'm actually writing this review while eating cold, leftover fried chicken boa for breakfast - they're that good. All in all, I think Octane might be my favorite Rockford spot. More casual and thus more accessible than Social, and a far more inspirited menu than a majority of the spots you'll find in the downtown area. read more

The coffee drinker in me wants to spend more time enjoying their coffee drinks. I wish I lived in downtown; I would spend my mornings there. Most of our visits, however, are spent over dinner. To me, most of the menu is eclectic twists on traditional plates. Try one of their burgers! I've never had a bad meal here. Portion sizes are perfect; you leave having eaten enough. read more

We were told this place was great to hit before going a show at the Coronado. There is a huge variety of chooses right around the building. Parking is limited, so plan for Street parking. We got a table but I advise making reservations. The establishment isn't very big and if there is a show going on it'll be busy. Most of the tables are 2 or 4 people. They have a full bar and a nice selection of beers and cocktails. The service was pretty slow and took us about 15mins before someone took our drink order. By then we knew our dinner choices. The drinks again took quite a while to come, 10mins more. Mind you it REALLY wasn't that busy, most tables were empty. It seemed like there were only 2 guys working the entire place. The food did come out hot and beautiful presentation. The burger was done to perfection, the potato. Wedges were 'wigwammed' stacked. My Father Knows Best turkey on sourdough was excellent. Choose the Cesar salad, it was wonderful. I'd got back, Knowing I'd have a slow, time to relax meal. read more

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I never think to go to Octane for dinner but am always happy when someone suggests it. The decor is cool and the burgers are amazing. The music is great if you're into the indie/hipster stuff. Which I am. Edit: Closed on Mondays, why? read more

This is the worst restaurant in Rockford easily. The service was absolutely terrible. Save yourself the trouble and go to the Olympic. It took 45 minutes for a medium burger and a grilled cheese. I feel like I was robbed for $50. I would love for the owner to reply and explain this amateur hour staff and service. This is not how you run a restaurant. read more

Octane was the site of my first date with my now ex. The year was 1997, and Octane was more like a dive-y coffee bar than the funky-upscale establishment it has become over the years. He had a blue Mountain Dew, and we sat on the patio with his friends from Rworld. In the intervening years, Octane has lost the grunge-y proto-hipster feel and has turned into an upstanding and delicious spot for dinner and a drink. I love the flatbreads - both savory and sweet - and the cocktails. I've never been able to face down Der Doppelgänger - four shots of espresso, steamed chocolate milk, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream - though it seems like back in the day, they used to kick it up another notch by brewing the espresso with Water Joe. Remember Water Joe? What a bad idea that was. I rarely get to Octane when I'm back in town but, like Zouyan L., I'm always happy when someone suggests it. read more

Such a cool place. Rockford doesn't get enough credit, in my opinion, for having a good restaurant scene, and places like this make a good case for more people to appreciate Rockford's food options. Great food, the portions are a bit small, but the prices are pretty low, so I don't mind. They have a good craft beer list, though I do wish they offered more on tap. Overall, I am a big fan. read more

My significant other and I visited Octane after a show on Friday and we were truly shocked that there weren't a lot of individuals. We each got a burger and attempted both. My significant other said hers was the best burger shes had in quite a while. Mine was great I requested it to be hot and it had a decent nibble however it wasnt very hot. Server was extremely pleasant and supportive with inquiries regarding the menu. read more

We lust over Octane. We live in the neighborhood and make it a point to eat there at least once a week. A favorite starter is the potstickers -- 5 delicious dumplings with a raspberry dipping sauce on the side. The menu is eclectic; always daily soups and specials. You really can't go wrong -- everything from creative salads to full-on entrées. There are a few burgers on the regular menu but if their "burger menu" is available, scrumptuous choices abound. Service varies but is typically above average friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. Business at Octane has been increasing to the point that reservations are really a good idea, especially on nights when one or more shows are happening at the nearby Coronado Performing Arts Center or BMO Harris Bank Center arena. In the start of the day Octane is a quiet, comfortable coffee place frequented by a range of movers and shakers, attorneys and judges from the nearby courthouse to interesting and funky characters. I like everything about Octane except that when it is jammed in the evening, the din can be overwhelming. read more

Never disappointed with the food! Everything is so delicious, even the simple Caesar salad. I love the burgers. I have yet to try anything beyond a burger but am eager to and have heard great things from friends. The service has always been pleasant as well. I love the uniqueness of the menu and the fact that they use locally sourced foods. This place is definitely a downtown favorite! read more

Great succulent food. Good looking servers! Posh af. What a gem! Did, I mention that bartender , Anne, what a cutie! read more

27 Aluna - mmmartini time!!! The bartender Anne, is so cute and sweet. She makes THEE BEST drinks! - Asian Fusion Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

It wasn't a good experience. We came here on a Saturday night before a hockey game. Service and drinks were pretty good. However, that can't save what was ultimately disappointing food. My husband ordered the southwestern quesadilla with steak. First off, the amount of steak in the quesadilla seemed light and wasn't the best. While the steak was lukewarm, the biggest problem was that the rest of the quesadilla was cold. I tried one bite and that was enough. The texture was off and it was bland. The chili garlic mayo had a glossy almost-congealed look to it that was not appetizing at all. It should have gone back and I'm surprised our waiter didn't ask why so much of it was left on the plate. My entree (the flank steak special) was better but really just okay. The flank steak special came with oyster mushrooms and a mushroom sauce. The steak was cooked as requested and was hot. However, a fair amount of my steak was chewy. The bill for 4 people w/ drinks and tip was $160 which felt like a kick in the face. Given the other good reviews, perhaps it was an off night. However, either way, I probably won't be back. read more

My dad, brother, boyfriend, and I all came here to celebrate my birthday a couple weeks ago. My brother is vegan, but my dad and boyfriend are like hardcore carnivores so it can be kind of tricky to find a place where everyone can find something they like. I noticed in previous reviews (and looking at their menu) that there were a few vegetarian/vegan options, so I figured it would be good. This place is deceptively large and goes back quite far on the inside. I was surprised when I went to go to the bathroom and saw an entire hallway and some side rooms for people to sit in too. Anyway, I started out with the Mai Tai cocktail and our waiter warned me that it was quite strong (is that a problem? nope!) and he wasn't lying. I think of a Mai Tai as kind of a sweet syrup-y drink but this was definitely the opposite, and it was great. For my meal, I got the Three's Company sandwich, which is grilled shredded chicken mixed with spinach, artichokes, and mozzarella cheese. It was super tasty, and reminded me a lot of the dip you can get as an appetizer. Just a sandwich instead. The potato wedges on the side were pretty good too but they're a little stingy with those, you only get like 5 or 6 total. They're bigger, but still. Don't skimp on the potatoes! Anyway, the service was pretty good too, nothing to complain about there. The parking is actually decent for downtown Rockford. There are some street spots and then there's a fairly decent sized parking lot right across the street. I know that other places use that for parking too (like the District, which is just down the road) so it might be kind of full later on at night. I would definitely check this place out again! read more

I went with a group of other women for a night out. The hamburger was good. A number of us then ordered the bread pudding - which was delicious but was very very tiny and over priced. We commented on the size and price but our server said there was nothing she could do and the manager was not in. Will not go back. read more

We ordered the soup with the twisted Mac N Cheese because it was supposed to come with a "side". Well they charged us for it (after 1 hour of waiting on a not busy night) and they said, sorry but the menu has an error in it and we WON'T fix it for you. Sorry you have to pay. Last time to go here! read more

One of family's favorite places to get an interesting but still reasonably-priced meal as well as pretty good mixed drinks. There are always several items I want to try. On Feb. 17th it was the seafood ravioli, which were very good, along with a $5 Mai Tai -- good value! read more

We took a group of out of town guests for dinner ( Chef's & Catering staff) One of the Chef's from Michigan had the Mac and Cheese.. he said it was the best he has ever had. I had the Hawaii 5-0.. Hands down the best burrito/wrap I've ever had. Down Side, food took a bit to come out.. not super long but could have been a little quicker, however we were a group of 9. The menu had a ton of stuff to choose from. I will make a effort to get back there to try some different options. read more

Hell yeah! I went here for the first time a couple days ago...and wow! I had the "Blue Note" burger (LOVELY garlic, blue cheese, and dijon thing on what seemed to be flatbread--and I usually don't even LIKE flatbread (which pita and such no longer count as)--but THIS was yummy and I would have eaten it by itself, without the burger) Now, I thought THAT was good, but my cousin gave me a bite of the Humongous Fungus sandwich she had and.....swoon! No offense, but I never thought I'd see a place where veggies actually and truly have it better! No WONDER they go here all the time--it's hard out there for a veggie! At least usually, (tell me I'm wrong)--that's why I'm still not one and prolly never will be! C'mon, tell me it's not true--and yet this place breaks the mold. They are also one of those "cute tasty coffee places that also serves beer and wine," ALWAYS a good thing ;) Yeah, I need to start, uh, going out to Rockford more! (I was missing Rockford anyway haha but WOW, this adds another reason to miss it!) VERY friendly and attentive waiter. read more

One of my favorites in Rockford! Great specials and a fun downtown vibe. Outdoor seating is fun when the weather is nice.

I had been meaning to visit this establishment for quite some time, and when I had a mean hankering for a burger I basically told my girlfriend come hell or high water we are going to Octane tonight. When you get there, a kind lady opens the door for you and greets you with a smile. Not something you always see anymore, and I was impressed. The noise level is somewhat elevated, but after all it is a "lounge", and we were still able to have a conversation about all the interesting decor in the place without losing our voices. The drink menu is noteworthy. On this particular occasion, I wanted a beer...the heat that day had been oppressive and I needed to hydrate! Their beer list is broken down into categories including belgians, ipas, a variety of ales, and of course your classier more pretentious beers such as Schlitz. They had a very good selection of Two Brothers beers, so I went with a Resistance IPA...très rafraîchissant! They also had specialty cocktails including a kiwi mojito, which my dining partner ordered. A stiff drink with muddled mint, lime, and kiwi, she enjoyed it immensely. There was a lot of description on the different wines they serve in the menu, which was fun to read and next time I go back, I may want to partake in a few. Our waitress was attentive and informative. She told us about the night's drink specials and entrees. I had my mind set on a burger, otherwise the specials sounded very fancy and delicious. I ordered the Sanford and Son burger, which is an angus beef patty made to order and built how you want it. I got it medium with asiago cheese, roasted garlic, spinach and artichoke dip, bacon, lettuce, onion, and tomato on a toasted brioche bun. The burger was cooked perfectly, with a nice pink center (I live dangerously). My girlfriend had the bruschetta flatbread which had a nice balsamic reduction that gave it a pleasant sweetness that complemented the basil and tomato well. Extremely delicious. I can't say enough good about this place. It is a charm tucked away in downtown, and I will be going back on a regular basis. read more

ZERO! OMG! My recommendation for #Octane in Rockford : ABSOLUTELY DO NOT GO! By FAR, the WORST dining experience we've had. Food was okay but I'll admit I'd have liked it a lot more if the service wasn't DEPLORABLE! After an hour and fifteen minute wait, 3 apologies from the waitress, and our meals being served (1 dish at a time, several minutes apart, with an employee just walking up to every person (3 tables of 6 or more, 2 different groups of people) asking if they ordered that dish, not even knowing what the dish was some of the time), I walked out to the bar, pounded on the counter and said, " Excuse me. We ordered a #MillerHighLife over an hour ago and I want it now!" At which time I was handed the beer... we had already eaten our meals, one person at a time. The specialty (high price) drinks were delivered about 45 minutes after ordering, but they were "too busy" to serve the non-alcoholic and domestic? Whomever claims to have been Manager tonight should be reprimanded, terminated or quit. I am embarrassed and ashamed for the owners of #octane that you even opened your doors tonight - a Buddy Guy concert and big Ice Hogs game downtown and this is what you are providing? Stop making Rockford look so rotten, if you can't provide an even remotely close to acceptable dining experience, close your doors! Worst part, when I went out to demand the beer, the restaurant was nearly empty, bar was full but only a few dinner tables left. ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC! We, all 12 of us, will NEVER dine here again. This wasn't just a poor training situation, it is clearly TERRIBLE MANAGEMENT. Add to this, FOUR of us work in downtown Rockford every day. I wouldn't feel so strongly about this if I hadn't heard this exact story from a friend only two weeks ago. read more