Power down, robot…read more While driving to Wisconsin, I needed some caffeine and was quickly approaching Rockford. I decided to see if there were any cool local coffeehouses to drop in and get my usual americano and Velvet Robot won me over with the unique name. Knowing nothing else about the place, I set GPS and took a detour for caffeine. I headed in and went straight to the counter. The barista was chilling out on a couch and watching a movie since no one else was in there. We made some odd small talk while I ordered my usual americano. That's when things got weird. He asked if I wanted steamed milk in mine despite me ordering it just black. He seemed confused as I was telling him that they are usually just water and espresso shots. As he was putting my drink together, I noticed he used the handwashing faucet to add the water to my drink. I thought that was really really odd and if not a bit unsettling. Surely they have an actual tap for adding water to drinks? After my drink was made, I went on the hunt for the bathroom. The building that houses Velvet Robot is massive. It almost feels like a mall or a convention center. It was seriously a 1.5-2 minute walk to the bathroom and along the way, it was wide open spaces filled with a church and some offices. As for Velvet Robot itself, it honestly feels like the kind of coffeehouse I would've designed in my early teens. It had cool aesthetics, there was a small arcade corner, stickers adorned the coffee counter, and skateboards with sick art along the walls. I really dug the feel and vibe of the interior. Sadly, when I got to my car and started sipping on my americano, I knew this robot fizzled out. The americano tasted like it was made with drip coffee instead of espresso. Which is weird since I saw the barista make my drink. On top of that, having to explain to the barista what and how to make an americano was a head-scratcher for me. So, while I loved the aesthetics and vibe of Velvet Robot, the disappointment in ordering and taste of my drink has me leaving one of the lowest scores I've ever given to a coffeehouse. Definitely a 5/5 for vibe but 1/5 for coffee and ordering. Maybe if the future allows me to revisit Velvet Robot again, I would gladly give it another shot (no pun intended). But, I don't see myself trying it again until I've had a few of the other places in Rockford first.

super delicious cold brew! I was scared it was gonna be too bitter but it was amazing if u like…read moresweet but not too sweet drinks! 10/10

A family owned coffee shop with an eclectic and funky flair for the area, polite and welcoming…read morestaff, who also offer fresh and delicious food options. People work, study and socialize here, no pressure just able to be. They didn't bat an eye when I requested an off menu item.

The customer service was disappointing. My husband and I love trying quaint coffee shops around the…read moreByron and Oregon area, so we were excited to visit Hazels. I ordered a London Fog with lavender cold foam, but the majority of the drink tasted like milk and was tasteless. I politely asked if it could be remade or if I could simply get a different coffee instead. I was told that if I wanted another drink, I would need to pay for a new one because they believed the drink had been made correctly. Three employees then argued with me about the drink, insisting that an Earl Grey concentrate "couldn't be messed up." The interaction felt very hostile and unprofessional. I wasn't asking for anything fancy -- I simply requested a replacement black coffee. Unfortunately, the way the situation was handled left a very negative impression. $17 for two coffees that tasted like milk is diabolical.

After my race, I figured I'd finally get a drink, but wanted to try something new. I wouldn't mind…read morestaying here longer and trying more things, but alot of the parking spots say 2 hour limit and I saw a few patrols. To make the most of my time, I ordered a flight (Cider, Root Beer, Light and IPA). The Cider tasted just like the name suggested, IPA is my fave type of drink and Light helped prevent me from going to crazy. I had high expectations from the Rootbeer Float one, but didn't expect it to be one of those dark, tobacco tasting beers (didn't finish). For my meal, I got a burger with all the works and chips. It will do, the only note is the mustard packets must be very old because it was hardened and wouldn't squeeze out. Oh, for the flights, pay attention to your cups, one of them chipped away and could've easily been swallowed. Wasn't too chatty after the race, but the one guy working was cool!

Have been here for lunch several times over the past 2 years and it seems to be going downhill…read more Arrived for lunch on a Sunday and the server presented us with menus while telling us all the things that were unavailable...about 5-6 items on a very limited menu. I ordered a mini flatbread which tasted fine, although lacking in sauce, but my husband ordered from their specials "sloppy Joe Mac". It arrived in a plastic bowl with a plastic fork and was PLAIN macaroni noodles with a dollop of sloppy Joe and some shredded cheese on top. Very underwhelming for $10. They also have permanently removed the giant pretzel from the appetizers, which was always one of our favorites. Not sure if we will be returning. Their priority seems to be the beer and cocktails.

I've eaten here for years. The food here is always fresh and delicious with satisfying portions…read more And Muda's pies are to die for! The service is always attentive and with a smile. The family that runs this place treats you like family too. The decor is cute and pays homage to the historic Lincoln Highway that goes through town. A great place for a great meal!

A fun stop on our way to Oregon, IL. Good food and friendly service. We loved the tomato mac soup…read moreand rolls.

We have been there multiple times and its never disappointed. The parking is street side but there…read moreis a lot nearby. The restaurant is very nice with a very good menu the has breakfast any time. We asked for the turkey with bacon, lettuce, tomato & avocado to be made like a panini and the said sure. We also had what the call the 5 x 7 it is 5 tacos for $7. They were made to order el pastor with tomato, lettuce and onions

Visiting Dixon Illinois for a little antique hunting and stopped at Fresco On First for lunch…read more Easy to find, easy to park, large vintage downtown venue. Very spacious with large windows and modern boho vibe. The menu was extensive for breakfast and lunch and the decisions were hard to make. Our order was delivered timely, fresh and d visually exciting - and the food tasted as good as it looked. Great experience that makes me one to return and explore the menu further!

Great service, excellent coffee, a fantastic Denver omelette and a Philly cheese steak are just the…read morestart! Next time we're in Dixon this is our go-to diner! Great job guys and gals!!

Very accommodating in seating with wheelchair accessibility, fast friendly service, and fabulous…read morefood. get the unique offerings like pancake of the month, potato pancakes, and corned beef hash. We want to go back asap!

Best ham and Swiss sandwich I've ever had in my life. The smokey flavor of the ham pairs perfectly…read morewith the buttery roll, cheese and mustard sauce: Chili was okay, bakery items are amazing (especially the cookies). A bit pricey as a lunch option but absolutely worth a visit!

The chocolate chip cookies were fresh, big and sooo good. The chicken pesto panini was fresh and…read moreflavorful! If we come back to Rockford, we will stop here again!

Got some pretty great coffee and okay breakfast in Freeport. It doesn't have a lot of options but…read morethis is one. 9 East Coffee is a lot like any typical small town coffee shop. Has a simple menu and a quiet atmosphere. The prices are pretty okay really. Coming in here in the morning it wasn't as crowded. It's got a few tables in the front and a few more in another room. The menu is pretty basic and there's not a whole lot of fancy stuff. A few lattes if wanting more than regular coffee. It's about $5 to get a latte. A few to choose from. I got the Lo Fi Vanilla Lavender Latte. Creamy and filling. They have plant based milks including oat. It's about $2 for a bagel. They have a few spreads including peanut butter, which goes great on a plain. Has a simple amount of things to choose from. It's closed Sundays. This is the best place for breakfast around here, because otherwise it's just fast food, greasy stuff, or whatever.

I actually drive there to get ice tea. They have a lemongrass I enjoy. Their pastries and quiche…read morelook amazing too. But I have only enjoyed the tea. The service is pleasant and not hurried.