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Abreo Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Tapas Bars Restaurants American (New) Tapas Bars, American (New) [Edit]
515 E State StRockford, IL 61104
(815) 968-9463
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 5 pm - 2 am
Tue-Fri 11 am - 2 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
30 reviews for Abreo Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"My fav plate we ordered was the mushroom bread pudding." In 3 reviews -
"Brio makes their own ginger ale." In 11 reviews -
"...accompanied by a blueberry sherry butter which had just the..." In 2 reviews
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Jiyoun B.
Chicago, IL
5/2/2012
I had the best tapas here when it was called "Brio".
I've had tapas in Spain, several "famous" places in Chicago and THIS is by far the best tasting and presented tapas I've had the pleasure of devouring.
This is where my husband took my parents to talk about our wedding plans. My step-dad lived here for over THIRTY years so he was skeptical that this type of restaurant even existed. When I told him where to meet us, he said, "Rockford isn't like Chicago. We don't have fancy places like that here."
THAT was his first time at "Brio". Needless to say he was impressed.
I loved this place. I can't wait to try it again. -
Review from Tinyee H.
Parsippany, NJ
Great place to bring friends to try their tapas. Their menu has been pretty stable for the last couple of months with great staples like the Barramundi, Duck Confit, and spicy noodles. The Barramundi is a nice white flaky fish that's cooked in a mild curry sauce served over coconut rice and topped with seasonal veges. The duck confit is very tender and flavorful, and the skin is very crispy. The spicy noodles...well if you're the kind of person that loves spicy food, like me, ask them to make it as spicy as they can, and you won't be disappointed.
I recommend you order at least 3 dishes from each of the categories so that you can try them out. Recently, though, their dishes have become smaller, probably due to the economy, but what they lack in portion size is not the same in flavor.
They also like to present the chef's amuse bouches at the first course. It's usually a creative play on some common ingredients that make them so unique. Once they had a spoon made of a won ton wrapper and it was filled with a garlicky goat cheese with pickled vegetables.
Other dishes I'd recommend are: mushroom bread pudding, squash ravioli, spare ribs, arugala salad with prosciutto.
They have seating by the bar, which is a nice place to hang out with a couple of friends; sipping cocktails by the fire in the winter. Or go to the dining area with a few more friends. -
Review from John B.
Rockford, IL
10/6/2011
Best restaurant in Rockford!
Enough said! -
Review from Tom O.
Cherry Valley, IL
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wonderful!
Went here for a friend's birthday. Reservations at 7PM were easy to secure. The atmosphere of the dining room was intimate and dark. The table was a bit small for four people and multiple dishes, but we managed. We were served by Dan and he was wonderful for our table.
Very creative and innovative drink menu. A very extensive wine selection as well. We were seated promptly and Dan brought us an egg-salad amuse-bouche.
Our dishes included: tomato and mozzerella, nectarine salad, sweet corn bisque with pork belly, chorizo soria with three different mustards, cajun spice scallops, asian noodles, duck with braised red cabbage, and mushroom bread pudding. Desserts included creme brulee, warm chocolate caramel cake, and white chocolate blueberry bread pudding.
My personal favorites were the sweet corn bisque and mushroom bread pudding- I could eat that any time, anywhere. Our birthday girl raved about her scallops as well.
I'll definitely come back here- I'd love to try out their patio sometime. -
Review from Cindy K.
Rockford, IL
8/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Locally owned, check.
Great Atmosphere, check
Superb service, check
Fabulous, to-die-for, food, fail
I want to love you. I really really do. We called at 7:20 on a Saturday evening and were able to secure reservations for 8:00 on the patio. Shoulda been a clue.
Of all the patios that I can think of in Rockford, this is my favorite. Secluded, lush greenery, twinkling overhead lights, a distinct lack of street noise (why do Rockfordians think it is a good idea to put their patios on busy streets? E.State, N. Main, Perryville are really crappy choices). The Abreo patio reminds me of New Orleans.
It is a tapas menu, meant to share with your dining companions. We are really good with that concept as it is a great way to try out more dishes than you could consume if ordering traditional entrees.
Complimentary amuse bouche- yet they were old world Italy. Prosciutto and cantaloupe with a balsamic reduction. Really?
We ordered two cold salads, and two hot meat based dishes. The waiter did an excellent job of pacing the meal.
First the nectarine salad, topped with a unique fried brussel sprout. The salad would have been better with a touch of acid based dressing to balance the sweet fruit and cheese and the mild greens. The burnt butter taste of the sprouts overwhelmed their natural nutty flavor.
Second, we had the beet salad. Naturally expecting the fuller flavored red beet, we were enchanted with the milder orange beet, which turned out to be poached, a bit soggy, and fully flavorless. Some orange or kiwi juice in the poaching liquid would have brought this dish out of the doldrums. Chopped pistachio nuts, sweet goat cheese and bitter dandelion greens rounded out this plate. Did I mention bitter dandelion greens? Yes, tasted like eating dirt- had to move those off, to have a three ingredient-two note salad.
Next we partook of the shrimp romesco and the duck crepes.
My husband gave the shrimp a four star, I would give it a three. For one of the ingredients being chorizo, there was no bite to this dish. However, it was a lovely balance of flavors and textures.
The duck crepes were the best of the four. Sweet duck, without a hint of gaminess, tender crepes, very sweet fresh corn, tart blackberries. It was a wonderful combination of flavors. However, a tilt away from the sweet was needed. Perhaps an herb,some salt, or a grind of pepper.
With every ying there must be a complimentary yang. I have not given up hope for Abreo, but with the 100$ that we dropped for dinner, it would be wonderful if the heavens would have opened up and sang, just once. -
Review from Tricia L.
10/31/2010 5 photos
This was one of those comforting meals that makes both your soul happy and awakens your senses.
Our waiter Dan was very pleasant. When asked for recos, he hesitated initially, but did say that on his first visit here, he had the butterfish, and it won him over so much that he applied to work there the next day. The butterfish was indeed a highlight. The coconut curry sauce that's poured over the small plate at the table really makes the dish come alive. Your taste buds won't know what hit 'em. It's a party for your palate!
My fav plate we ordered was the mushroom bread pudding. It had the texture of my fav kind of cookies: slightly crispy on the outside, and softer and mushier on the inside. Topping it with a fried egg = genius! Both the duck and roasted veggie flatbread were also comforting dishes, and we ended the meal with the blueberry white chocolate bread pudding, which Dan said was really the best dessert of the bunch.
Found this gem via a quick search of dinner by Rockford's MetroCentre. Yelp FTW again. -
Review from Elizabeth B.
Chicago, IL
8/4/2010
UPDATE: Apparently Brio is now Abreo! Who knows if the name change will bring any improvements.
I'm just gonna say it - Brio was better when it was Bacchus. Which isn't to say that it isn't good now, but frankly, it's no Bacchus.
In the days of Bacchus, it was the go-to spot for girls' night or a fancy date. I had one of the most incredible meals of my life there - a tasting menu for Valentine's Day - and at the opposite end of the spectrum, I had many cosmos during pub quiz on Wednesday nights.
That was several years ago, and I've since moved from the area. In the first year or two, I'd make an effort to take people here. My friends and I had dinner for her bachelorette party after the switch to Brio, and it was fine, but not the fantastic meal that we were expecting based on previous Bacchus dinners.
I certainly wouldn't say no to another dinner at Brio - but given the choice, I'd go to the Irish Rose or Octane. -
Review from lindsay m.
Lombard, IL
8/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
Delicious. I'm not one to give 5 stars too easily but I honestly can't say there's one thing I did not like about my experience at Brio. The decor and environment inside is inviting and comfortable. The bartender is super duper friendly, along with the rest of the staff. I have wined here prior to this visit and sat in the bar, but this date night my doll and I decided to wine aaaand dine on the outdoor patio.
Picture a beautiful, end of summer night on a city like back patio, quiet, romantic, white patio lights, and a great music selection. Can't get much better than that.
The drink menu is large and in charge, full of unique concoctions and a wine list that is straight to the point with a great selection.
For someone who can never make a decision, small plates is the way to go. We ordered 6 dishes to feast on over our time here.. The tempura asparagus, yellow fin tuna, duck, spicy Asian noodles, flank steak, and ribs. They were all, to die for!
Simply telling you the dishes we had doesn't do half the justice of the quality and flavor in each item. ALSO- they're very veggie friendly, there were plenty of small plates for vegetarians on the menu.
Our server, Michael, was knowledgeable, attentive, but not over bearing. He knew the right times to come to the table and then let us enjoy our evening. He was very professional and nice. Our silverware and dishes were replaced after each course and our drinks were kept full.
When you get desert, you will be pleasantly filled with yummy goodness. We had the bread pudding and it was the best bread pudding I've ever had!
I really love this place, I can't even decide what my favorite plate of the night was.. Ignore the bad reviews, I don't think those people understood the concept of small plates with quality food that is brought out in a course-like manner.. hence the price and portion size.. time in between dishes.. etc.. Brio was priced perfectly for what you get and expect to have a relaxing, enjoyable night.. not an in and out type of thing.
I'm full and happy! -
Review from Luan N.
Columbus, OH
5/4/2010 3 photos
Not too many good reviews, but I had an awesome experience here. Each dish I ordered had depth and had elements that awakened my numb tongue. The last time I had elk was in Oslo, but Brio's elk tenderloin wanted to make me spit on Oslo's costly restaurants. The elk tenderloin was accompanied by a blueberry sherry butter which had just the right sweetness to it.
The halibut cooked in coconut broth had the right balance of sweet and spice.
While the Duck with grilled apples, prosciuitto, brandy organic apple reduction was tender and followed by a blissful smile.
In addition, the chef went around to each table for a greet. -
Review from Patrick H.
Rockton, IL
10/1/2010
There is no question that Brio is the greatest dining experience in Rockford. The menus are fantastic and change once in awhile. Waiters are actually able to make wine pairing suggestions that make sense, unlike the majority of Rockford restaurants.
If you're feeling adventerous get a couple courses of the chef's choice (items not on menu). You will not be disappointed and can offer suggestions on what you do and don't like or if you have allergies. I have never had a single dish that was not exemplary. -
Review from Timothy M.
Rockford, IL
11/8/2009
Hi
last night, (Saturday) we took my sister in law, who is in town from the big city, to a hip local restaurant. Called Brio, it's one of the best places we have to show off, food wise... It's a 'small plate/tapas' style establishment, with a great staff.
We each ordered something different from each other... We started with hen of the woods mushrooms on pasta, olive oil, and garlic. A lot of garlic. I had never had that species of mushroom before, but, I will have them again! Mary had in chili sauce. She loved them. Maggie and I don't like scallops. Yuck... Maggie had a asparagus tempura. The girls loved it. I don't like asparagus either... Yeah, I know, what a picky eater...
Next, we had spicy asian noodles, but not too spicy. Fresh beans, mushrooms and onions chopped into it. Mmmm mm. Maggie had chicken lemon crepes with a nice reduction on it.... Mary skipped this round... We did share with her... A little.
The last course was a great mini ribs on a chipotle corn cake for me. The girls decided to skip this round, I should have, 'cuz I was already stuffed, but, they are sooooo good! By the way, these are not 'full' plate meals, sort of half size...
For dessert, Mary a blueberry bread pudding. Talk about tasty/sweet. I had the ever popular, traditional creme brulee'. We did share with Maggie, but she was the sensible one, and decided not to order any more.... I did push the sweet meter over the top by ordering a ginger ale. Huh, what you say? A Canada Dry to go with this? Nope... Brio makes their own ginger ale. Not too sweet, but what a bite. Mmm mm.
We stayed for over 2 and a half hours, sipping wine, coffee, and talking about everything under the moon, since it was dark out. Our waiter, Dan, has served us before, and is a great guy, along with being a wonderful waiter. He and his partner had gone to France since the last time we were in, so there were stories to tell and hear.
Mary had a great time! Said it was every bit as good as anything in NYC that she has visited. Cool! -
Review from Christopher K.
San Diego, CA
7/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
The food here is okay, but quite pricey for what you get. Expect to spend about $35 per person and to order 2-3 things per person. The portions are pretty small.
Their bread is good, and although they don't seem to make their own butter, they at least jazz up the slice they give you with some herbs. The golden beet salad isn't anything too amazing. I suggest avoiding the shrimp asiago - it was extremely salty and the amount of butter was excessive. The elk is good and it didn't have a strong gamey taste. The accompanying polenta was too salty. By far the best thing we ordered was the Hawaiian butterfish in curry sauce; it is very delicious. The raspberry crepes were mediocre and the crepe was more like a pancake.
Our service was horrible. We ordered all of our dishes at once, but they came out one at a time at 25 minute intervals. Since this is a tapas place, this meant the meal took over two hours. We were tucked into a lonely corner and had difficulty finding our server when we needed him. -
Review from Gustafo M.
Chicago, IL
8/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
[ Visited in August, 2010 ]
Brio came out of nowhere. Here we are, me and my compatriota, walking the streets of Rockford in urban exploration mode. A building strikes our fancy as having been built in 1889, and we check out the store fronts. Brio? "A nice, fancy restaurant in Rockford?" "Hmm, we're from the big, bad city and think we know everything about good food."
Hello foot, here's my mouth.
Brio offers an excellent selection of tapas-like dishes with more of a whimsical, French-like touch. You'll find a good selection of small plates and your appetite will easily be satiated with a mere three dishes. There's bar seating, a dining area, and a wonderful walled-garden out back (that's where you want to sit if possible, because the ambiance of ten-foot ivy-covered walls really make for a great dinner).
The price is right for this type of establishment, and they also have some of the most fantastic bathroom decor I've seen north of the 42nd parallel. Oh, and that building they're in from 1889? Don't worry, it's been refurbished and is just as classy as anything in the large mid-western city 90 minutes to the east. -
Review from Tom C.
Rockford, IL
3/5/2010
Wonderful patio! The wine is king. The staff is very knowledgeable about the wine and it's not all overpriced. Best of all... No TVs , just good music (usually) and conversation. Also, free Wi-Fi.
Maybe a coincidence but seems to be a lady hang out. The only bar I have ever consistently witnessed females outnumber males. Also the hangout of Rockford's "Who's Who's" like Cheap Trick's Rick Neilson and Mayor Morrissey.
The food is very good. I loved the pizzas (cajun shrimp and andooli sausage) but then one day they shrank. They still taste great, but now they are for one little tiny person. I also highly recommend the blackend scallops with mango reduction and prosciutto.
Watch for specials and unique dinner events. -
Review from traci g.
Rockford, IL
5/11/2009
Coming from Chicago I have been spoiled with great food. I have had a very hard time finding a place here in Rockford. I love, love, love this place. I don't think Rockford gets it, but I do. I love it. Did I say that yet? Plus I love the service. Micheal was a gem. Both times I was there. Great service and extremely wonderful food. Tried different things both times and loved all of it.
Did I say I loved it all? -
Review from Jimmy G.
6/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
I wouldn't really call this tapas, but it is a small plate restaurant aiming at the suggestion of a fine dining experience in downtown Rockford. It's quiet, no TVs, crowd looks like they put some effort in to looking nice. Most plates hover around 10-12 and most of the dozen or so wine by the glass choices from a fairly large bottle menu are between 7-10. It could add up fast since portions are small enough that I could have taken down three and a dessert by myself.
Jenn and I started with a cheese plate (a mild blue, something local and stinky, an aged gouda, and an aged, slightly sweaty manchego) and a pretty basic salad.
Second we had the seared tuna and the elk, the latter of which was the most expensive item at 18. Now, I have to say that I quite liked the sherry butter and the first half of each bite of elk, but the finish was always more gamey than I would have liked. I've never had elk before and so have no idea whether something was amiss or whether I just don't like elk. I probably wouldn't venture to try it again with everything else on the menu. The seared tuna, on the other hand, was great. Thicker slices with meaty texture, bright color...super delicious.
We had to run after that and the staff was most accommodating with our tight schedule; we could tell that ordinarily they'd prefer to slow it down a bit, which is good. I'll go back to Brio when I'm in Rockford. -
Review from Kristan M.
Rockford, IL
8/2/2011
I've eaten here several times and have had an excellent experience every time. The food is amazing, the service is always great. I highly recommend.
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Review from Susie S.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2009
I agree with the other Yelper. I've been going to Brio for a few years. It's a great place to go and have drinks and a light meal. It's pretty small, so when there is a band playing, it can be tight quarters.
Decent wine selection and a few speciality drinks. The food is good, not great, it is perfect portions. This is a great location (River District) and is right next door to The Irish Rose, another great cafe. -
Review from Erin M.
Boston, MA
1/13/2009
This is a great bar, not such a great restaurant.
They have a great selection of wine, beer, and unique cocktails. I've stuck to the wine, but there are many other options.
They have good appetizers if you're just stopping in for a drink, however not that amazing for dinner. Went on NYE for a 6 course dinner - it was so disappointing. Everything was OK, but nothing overly amazing. -
Review from Amy B.
Naperville, IL
8/6/2010
My boyfriend and I love Brio. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is classy, and the staff is great. There are a lot of vegetarian selections, which not many other restaurants in Rockford offer.
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Review from Teri P.
Crystal Lake, IL
11/9/2010
This gem in the heart of downtown Rockford (a place not known for its vitality or fine anything) is NOT TO BE MISSED. The chefs out-do themselves every time, and the bartender is incredible. The waitstaff are professional, knowledgeable, friendly, funny, attentive, and generally amazing. And the food....oh, the food. Last night we had a vegetarian tasting--five courses (plus dessert!) of stuff the chefs dreamed up while we were sitting at our cozy table. Every bite was like heaven (and, speaking of heaven....be sure to check out the decor in the restrooms!).
The atmosphere is perfect, the food amazing (have the mushroom bread pudding--just trust me), and the people friendly. We even got to go into the kitchen to say hi and thanks.
Stop in and enjoy a fabulous meal--you'll be glad you did. -
Review from Sherri W.
Park Ridge, IL
9/4/2011
Loved our meal at Abreo! Due to many street closures and not being familiar with the area, it took us a long time to get to this restaurant. We almost gave up but it was certainly worth the effort. We liked each of the small plates. Started with the nectarine salad and seared tuna. Then had corn bisque which was amazing and onion tart. Finally, we had the delicious mushroom bread pudding and a duck plate. Did I mention the bread? Warm and chewy - just perfect. Add a good bottle of wine and it was a great meal. Will definitely be back.
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Review from Cherie O.
4/11/2009
Bacchus. Brio. Brio@Bacchus. You know, that restaurant next to the Irish Rose.
This is a restaurant with a severe identity crisis gone bad. Every time I go, they've done something different, and most of the time, it's not an improvement.
One thing has remained constant. I always feel like this is the place where you go in Rockford to be seen. When you enter, you have to thread through the length of the bar area and several tables in order to reach the hostess podium. It's kind of a pain.
The bar is great though. It does have an extensive list of hard liquor, wines,and other drinks, including bottled water. The bartender will willingly suggest something complimentary to your food.
As to the menu...this is where the lack of dependability comes in. Years ago, they used to be a regular restaurant with good solid plating. It seems like they've thrown that over for small plates. I wouldn't necessarily call it tapas because that implies small plates that are shareable. These are small plates all right, perfectly designed and executed, but a) the content is so minuscule, it's pretty hard to divvy up and b) more plates are prettier than they are tasty. Some are just bland (asian noodles, beef tenderloin), some don't even taste what you expect to taste (korean beef...tough and stringy instead of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth, I've come to expect from other restaurants), and some are just stale staples (bruschetta). The ones that are good include the butternut squash bisque and the argula and prosciutto. The desserts are ok, but stay away from the crepes. The vanilla cream gives it a bitter taste that clashes with the berries.
Honestly, the food would only give the rating 2 stars. But because customer service is pretty good..and their drink list is one of a kind...I feel I should bump it to a 3. -
Review from Michael M.
Chicago, IL
7/2/2010 1 photo
My wife and I had our wedding rehearsal dinner at Brio in the downstairs area. I'll be honest, when we first saw the downstairs area we were not impressed but it dresses up really nice. We worked with Karen to plan the entire thing and she was absolutely amazing. Karen bent over backwards to make sure we had everything we needed to make the night special. Thank you Karen! We had about 35 people and picked 10 or so different tapas including some "veggie" ones for our veggie friends and family. The food was great. Karen suggested we ordered a few more due to the portion size so we did based on advice and we still could have used more food so if you have an event their, be sure to order extra food. They also worked out a drink deal with us and provided "drink tokens" which worked out great.
Thank you Brio! Michael & Rebecca -
Review from Kathleen W.
Rockford, IL
9/14/2009
I love to go here to celebrate special occasions. I especially love eating on the patio during our warmer months. The atmoshpere is interesting and food good. I like that it now has tapas menu, get to choose more from the menu. I love tasting other's choices.
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Review from Adam W.
Woodridge, IL
8/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place was sweet. I had heard about it, and wanted to go but was never in rockford to check it out. so i was there randomly, and went. let me say, i loved it. the menu was great...all the food looked great, but of course i could only order so much. service was perfect, he wasnt overbearing, and knew when we needed something or some attention. if you read below my review you will notice that someone commented about the speed of service, the portion sizes, that the restaurant doesn't make their own butter (what!?), and the crepe tasted like a pancake. Okay, speed of service and portion sizes...they tell you that it will come out coursed and that they are small and meant to be shared. they dont make their own butter? who makes their own butter...haha, thats retarded. and the crepe tasted like a pancake...no shit sherlock...look up what a crepe is...its a thin pancake champ...so ignore that review, cuz they are obviously misinformed/uneducated. go here, expect to sit and enjoy yourself...its not wendys, its a nice place. loved it, enjoy!
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Review from Lisa W.
Roscoe, IL
5/8/2011
This place is cool! The staff was extremely courteous and knowledgeable. I liked it so much the first time that I treated about 10 ladies one evening. I have only been twice and Im anxious to go again!
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Review from Steve L.
Rockford, IL
4/2/2011
Michael was our waiter tonight. Doesn't get any better than this. The new Spring menu is incredible!
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Review from David L.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2010
Brio is an uncommonly good restaurant with food that is interesting, consistently well-prepared & a bit challenging (in a good way). We go often & are rarely disappointed. Chef Paul is an intuitive & innovative cook, on a par with many of the best in Chicago. Nice wine list. Well informed staff. A place to dine for a unique experience in Rockford.
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Review from Tesa M.
Chicago, IL
6/16/2010
Ordered share dishes with my sister. We LOVED everything we had, which included raspberry brie salad, korean beef, lemon chicken and asiago cheese shrimp. Wine was amazing too. Nice addition to the River District. Perfect for dates or a group for girls night out!!
