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Granite City Food Brewery
Categories: Food Breweries Restaurants American (Traditional) Breweries, American (Traditional) [Edit]
7140 Harrison AveRockford, IL 61112
(815) 332-7070
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Granite City Food Brewery
Review Highlights
"The Idaho Nachos are awesome."
(in 3 reviews)
"...huge and delicious) with a Northern Light (light and smooth..."
(in 2 reviews)
"Honey-Rosemary steak and the Two Pull (for those who enjoy..."
(in 1 review)
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Dan D.
Rockford, IL
1/19/2012
The Cuban sandwich, home brew and service is why I return. I have dined here several times and have never had a bad experience. Even while sitting in the bar the staff is prompt and thorough.
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Review from Brandon W.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2011
I wanted so much to love your beer, but I couldn't. I tried three, but I was disappointed. The stout was like chocolate milk, which is fine, and I normally like that - but it was uncarbonated and had no lingering taste that most beers have. Your wheat beer tasted of a german pilsner - it was sour on the tounge....
The Octoberfest was the best of them. Flavorful and perfectly carbonated. I would have that one again.
Now, the food was great. The Idaho Nachos are awesome! And for the food, I just had wings, but they were awesome as well. I highly recommend them. Everyone else enjoyed their food. Burgers, and wraps - all great!
Go for the food, the beer can come or go... -
Review from Erin D.
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Although I haven't tried the beer here, the food never disappoints.
I've stopped in here a few times and not once ever had an issue with the service or anything we ordered. The last time we were here, there was 10 of us and our server was top notch. I know it was pretty late but she still was fun and got everything right.
Huge portions and good. I'm not one for chains but definitely good for Rockford. -
Review from Bridget H.
Glendale, AZ
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Granite City is a great option in the Rockford area. It's decent, the pricing is reasonable, and it's a brewery! I had the french onion soup and a flight of their brews when I was recently there, and I can't complain! I've been a few times in the past and will definitely continue to return when I am in the area :)
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Review from Jim T.
Marengo, IL
12/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just chanced across this place while shopping with he wife. Decided to stop in for a bite. It was well worth the 10 min. wait. it got crowded after we sat down... good timing on our part as I over heard the dreaded 1hr wait time as the hostess handed the pocket vibrator to the next person in line. We had a table in the bar area close to the door so we could see and hear the hoards of people coming in. Once our server came by and we were served our food and drink I found out why so many people flocked to this place. They have home brewed beer that is made on premise and it was good. I am defiantly going back. Well worth the money for the food.
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Review from Kristen O.
Normal, IL
7/14/2011 3 photos
Time and again, I am not disappointed with the GC. Generally I order t he pepper bacon and tomato flat bread (huge and delicious) with a Northern Light (light and smooth) which compliment each other nicely.
This recent visit (for a family birthday dinner) I decided to opt for a steak dinner. Scanning the menu for the smallest steak, I found the honey-rosemary, 8oz sirloin, and after asking the seasoned veterans of the restaurant (who all said it was good, and ended up ordering it themselves) I made my decision (with asparagus instead of the broccoli).
HOLY COW!
The steak was nicely marinated and cooked to perfection! The mashed potatoes and asparagus made the meal. I have to say that before now I've never really eaten the onion straws some places to give you, but they complimented the steak fabulously. For a girl who eats like a bird, I finished the whole plate, minus 2 forkfuls of potatoes. Just couldn't do it. As for the drinks I started with the Two Pull, a mix of the bock and Northern Light, a brew I had not tried. Definitely darker than the Northern, but not too thick for this light brew lover.
New suggestions:
Honey-Rosemary steak and the Two Pull (for those who enjoy a medium beer). -
Review from Kai R.
Rockford, IL
6/20/2011
Pro: Great place to eat to eat, nice group and family place
Con: it is one of the few actual eat out restaurants that are good in Rockford. So you get tired of eating there, but they have great food. -
Review from Michael S.
Stillman Valley, IL
5/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I am especially critical of east side restaurants in Rockford, and Granite City was no exception. I assumed it was another restaurant on that side of town that over-charged and under-delivered.
I was wrong. I have been twice now. Each time, the food was great, and the service was excellent. Recommended! -
Review from Elizabeth B.
Ann Arbor, MI
5/25/2011
Yet another chain getting rave reviews in Rockford.
I feel like I could leave my review at that, and you'd still get a sense for Granite City. Instead, I will also mention that Granite City is a great place to go if you want to efficiently grow morbidly obese.
We were treated to brunch at Granite City on Sunday - $15 per person, with kids under 12 eating for free. Our server was EXTREMELY earnest and talkative to the point of being annoying - fortunately nearly all of us partook of the brunch buffet, so we didn't have to talk to her as much as would've otherwise been the case.
The buffet was quite good as far as brunches go - two salad options, soup, fresh fruit, a range of egg dishes, excellent bacon, and a few lunch-y things that I didn't try. I particularly liked the Eggs Benedict station, where you could choose your assortment of Benedict toppings.
Totally unnecessary, however, was the ENORMOUS PLATE OF CARAMEL STICKY ROLLS our server presented to us at the table. The bread basket is a thing at most restaurants with table service - a few carbs to snack on while you're waiting for your food. These rolls, however, are Cinnabon-sized, and arrived after we'd all made at least one trip to the buffet. And this is why I say that Granite City is a place to go if you want to efficiently get morbidly obese. Our table of 7 finished 3 rolls, which includes the roll my 15 year old brother finished by himself while waiting for his very belated burger to arrive.
So yeah. We enjoyed our food, but we both felt disgusting when we were done. We split a good Bloody Mary, but the beer samples we were offered were totally forgettable. I don't expect that we'll go here again. -
Review from James R.
I've eaten here multiple times. The food is good, but when I'm going to someplace with the word Brewing in the name, I'm really going for the beer. First off, the beer isn't completely manufactured on sight. The mort is shipped in premade. They just do the final steps. I found this out by talking to the staff and doing a little research online. It is a chain afterall.
The beer is par at best. There was nothing that really stood out that made me want to go back for the beer. I live close by and I'd rather go to other places in town if I want a craft beer.
The service has been hit and miss for me. Somedays it's really good, other's it's not and it has nothign to do with how busy they are.
Basically, I only go here when I'm at the mall and I want a beer or if I'm waiting for my wife to finish shopping. -
Review from Jen C.
Moorhead, MN
1/12/2011
I always thought the food here was just OK. People rave about Granite City and I wondered what the fuss was about. But this location in Rockford is just mediocre. I don't know why. I've been to the one in St. Cloud, MN and Fargo, ND and they are great compared to this one. Hello managers, if you're reading this STEP IT UP!
With the food allergies my menu selection is kinda tough here. I usually get steak and steamed veggies. Whippity do! Get's boring after a while. Personally, I prefer Rockton Inn but it's about 1/2 hour or so from here. -
Review from Katie S.
Chicago, IL
3/17/2010
I came for the beer, and I'll be back for the food, maybe. I love great beer. Granite City has some good beer that they brew in house, but nothing about it was special. I ordered the beer sampler, which is a great idea and I highly recommend. There really wasn't anything unique or original about any of them. They weren't bad, they were just sort of generic. I really enjoyed the appetizer pizza and I loved the mashed potatoes that came with my delicious pork chops.
If you've ever been to a Rock Bottom, this place is very similar. I like the beer better at Rock Bottom, but again, very similar, even the decor.
The desert itself deserves 5 stars! We got the brownie fudge sundae- wawaweeewaaa! It was huge, 5 chunks of delicious brownie around the plate with large scoops of ice cream and hot fudge. -
Review from Patrick H.
Rockton, IL
3/10/2011
I've olny ever ordered 2 things here, the black & bleu burger and the cuban sandwich. Both are pretty damn good. They will actually cook bugers to order so if you don't like a dried out beef chip and you're jonesin' for a burger, give it a try. I'm not a fan of their beers though. Kinda taste like soap to me. The french fry dip is great w/ waffle fries, but it's easily replicated at home (mayo, sour cream, yellow curry, garlic&onion powder, pinch of nutmeg, chili powder).
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Review from Jason Z.
1/26/2009
Not bad. That's the best I could say. It's very good bar food. It's good, but I think Goose Island does it better. The beer was good, but not especially flavorful. I had an open meatloaf sandwich with garlic potatoes. Both were very good, just not great. The portions are HUGE though. You will almost definitly being taking half your meal home with you. We split the waffle fry nachos for the app, again, good, just not great. There were a lot a tv's around to watch all the games going on.
It was a fine place for lunch. I saw the brunch sitting out, but we were there for the end of it, so we just ordered meals. -
Review from Alicia W.
Rockford, IL
6/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went here for a light meal and it was really delicious. I shared an appetizer that was like pita with buffalo chicken on it. I think its called blue cheese something. I really love the french onion soup though. That was delicious! If you go for a drink I suggest the GC Tea. Its like a long island with peach flavor. Soo good!!
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Review from Marc H.
2/15/2011
I'm a pretty big fan of this place. The pretzels are unreal good and the burgers are solid. I've had varying service from fantastic to bleh but it's mostly good. The decor is nice because it's fancy and clean yet I feel comfortable in jeans and a t shirt there. As far as the microbrews go, I've had better and usually don't have them. Although, it is nice that they suggest a beer to pair with almost every meal. Overall, I'd say that this is a great place but not an all time favorite.
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Review from K F.
Rockford, IL
8/24/2010
Terrible service. We waited an hour during a weekday lunch for our food to arrive. When it never came, our waitress neither came to explain or apologize. The manager was equally unapologetic when we decided to leave.
Bad service at a place I would have gone back to several times. Unfortunately, good food doesn't make up for an awful experience. -
Review from Drew J.
Schaumburg, IL
1/27/2010
Very delicious food and the bartender on both my trips is the greatest thing in the world, just ask her, she'll tell you.
Original reason for stopping in was to obtain some discounted grub courtesy of my buddie's "VIP drink membership" deal. This is just a fancy way for restaurants to track his visits and to offer pointless 10% off incentives, but hey, if it makes him feel special then by all means push it to the limit.
Overall, I've stopped for lunch a few times and had dinner once with every trip being as good as the previous. The wraps are great, the Caesar salad could transform the Romans, and the Idaho nachos will beat your ass like a red headed step child out behind the woodshed. Oh yes I did.
If I'm in the area, I would probably stop again. On a side note, congrats on getting a Sonic, Rockford. Honestly, I leave you for the dusty trail and you date rape my favorite Iowa establishment. Point You. -
Review from Trevor S.
Naperville, IL
1/24/2010
Granite City has excellent food, excellent wait staff, and most importantly, excellent beer! My friend and I shared the Idaho Nachos appetizer, which is a glorious combination of (pay a little extra and get their special sauce!) fried potatoes, bacon, sour cream, green onions, jack cheese, and tomatoes! We both had the Northern Light Lager, which is a fabulous, light beer, that will satisfy the taste buds of anyone with an interest in this style of beer.
The interior design was tasteful and modern. It felt quite comfortable inside.
A quick shout-out to our waitress, whose name was Ashley! She was very pleasant and was also quick to correct a minor mistake on one of our orders.
If I'm ever out in Rockford again, I'll be sure to visit this place again. -
Review from Travis W.
Chicago, IL
Granite City is one of those places that is truly come-as-you-are. I have seen high schoolers in full prom gear to hockey game folks there and all are comfortable. The food is good, the beer is done on premises in their micro-brewery, and the prices are moderate. They will specialize your food order any way you want it. Sitting at the bar provides one with good conversation and service from the bartender. It sort of reminds me of the old TV program, Cheers. I'll be back!
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Review from creige a.
Chicago, IL
10/24/2010
THE ADDRESS ON YELP IS WRONG.
If you use that address or click for directions on your phone, you will end up north west of Rockford in the middle of NOWHERE. The zip is wrong and it's Ave. not Rd. it's 19 miles away in the Cherryvale Mall.
The actual address: 7140 Harrison Ave, Rockford, IL 61112
It's the kind of pub fare you'd expect from a chain brewery. Much better than some of the other food we tried in the area. Had a chicken salad and chicken sandwich. Both were fresh and not overly heavy. They made us onion rings - not on the menu. That was fabulous customer service. Our waitress was awesome, friendly and fast. Good experience.
If you need a sandwich or burger and some craft beer, not a bad bet. It is in a mall. Good stop on the way home from Galena. -
Review from Mel V.
Nashville, TN
3/23/2010
Enjoyed the food here, the service here was great! I'm a big fan of good beer and the stout was creamy and yummy. I wouldn't say that the beer was something to write home about, but it was good.
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Review from Jen H.
Rochelle, IL
11/6/2008
Granite City's food is delicious. I've been here several times and had: chicken parmesan, a grilled chicken sandwich, a caesar salad -- all were delicious. The waffle fries came out pretty cold when I had them - wouldn't recommend. Also, they seated my party of 2 at a table for 6. Kind of silly when there was a booth open close by.
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Review from Sara Y.
Rockford, IL
10/22/2007
The restaurant is usually busy all the time. I went there on Friday night. We had to wait an hour for a table for 12 people since the restaurant offers no reservation service. The waiting area is not too big so it gets really crowded. Excellent beer choices and the bar service. The bartender can even create something that you like that's not on the beer list. That was cool. The bar is on the other side of the restaurant. Overall a great food. Great service. We asked for a separate check for everyone and it was done! I like the interior with a visible kitchen (like The Wildfire restaurants). Good for the casual family dine out, birthdays, friends hangouts and even a date.
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Review from Sam S.
Lake Zurich, IL
4/6/2010
We have been to Granite City a number of times over the past several years. This Easter visit was pleasant albeit a bit crowded. Reservations were not accepted but the wait was tolerable, 40 minutes, and came in less than the 75 minutes stated. Gave us an opportunity to have a cocktail on the outdoor patio, where excellent service was provided. Our party had the buffet which we had had previously. As buffets go it is so so. Several of the dishes were cold or out when we made our way through the serving line. There definitely is an ample amount of food provided. Always enjoy the craft brews, which are very reasonablly priced, $3.95 for 25 ounces. Try the IPA. Service was good overall.
