Restaurants near Stephenson County Fairgrounds

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodPizzeriaFusion / Eclectic

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

24 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Molly's Kitchen & Bar restaurant

1. Molly's Kitchen & Bar

5.0

Exceptional(531)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Mount Carroll

Booked 12 times today

Located in Mount Carroll, IL, Molly’s Kitchen & Bar serves Classic Cuisine and Cocktails made from scratch.

A photo of Fresco at the Gardens restaurant

2. Fresco at the Gardens

4.5

Awesome(688)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Rockford

Booked 11 times today

At the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Fresco at the Gardens serves artisanal breakfast and lunch to match its beautiful surroundings. For breakfast, which can be enjoyed anytime Fresco at the Gardens is open, savory options like the biscuits and gravy made with challah rolls topped with organic pork sausage, chorizo and herbs and the whimsical green eggs and ham with homemade pesto sauce and local asiago cheese, are irresistible. Sweet breakfast choices include the healthy start waffles with Fresco granola and topped with vanilla Greek yogurt and berries and the rock candy French toast, rolled in cinnamon rock sugar, both of which are ideal with a fresh-pressed strawberry orange juice.Popular lunch entrees at Fresco at the Gardens include the Salmon Oscar, a crab stuffed salmon served over cauilflower quinoa rice with grilled asparagus and hollandaise sauce.

A photo of Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint restaurant

3. Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint

4.7

Exceptional(2303)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steak • Beloit

Booked 29 times today

With its rustic feel, hardwood floors and abundant photographs capturing historic Beloit, Merrill & Houston’s has branded itself to tell a great story, but, most importantly, its focus is on the classic steakhouse. The highest of quality steaks and seafood with down-to-earth and attentive service make you feel like you are at your best friend’s home.

4. Franchesco's

4.7

Exceptional(1442)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Rockford

Booked 11 times today

Beauty, Innovation, and culinary perfection, only begin to describe Franchesco’s Ristorante. A new generation of Salamone’s and a finely tuned management and wait-staff ensemble, promise to deliver on our customers’ demanding expectations. Our continued strive towards excellence, will only ensure our ability to grow our Franchesco’s Ristorante family.Please make all Benny's at Franchesco's reservations on this page.All special requests will be noted.

5. Orchard

4.6

Exceptional(25)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • Verona

Booked 14 times today

Orchard is a stylish yet inviting restaurant that celebrates the best of Wisconsin’s culinary heritage with a fresh, global twist. Rooted in an actual organic orchard growing English and French cider apples, Orchard crafts exceptional wine-like ciders and European-style apple brandies. The kitchen, led by Chef Ian Hutchins—newly arrived from Vancouver—emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, complemented by thoughtfully curated ciders, craft beers, wines, and cocktails from sustainable producers. With over 30 years of experience in the organic community, we partner with local farmers and growers to bring the freshest, highest-quality ingredients to every dish. The Orchard experience is both exciting and approachable, offering a warm Midwest welcome alongside internationally acclaimed ciders, innovative plates, and inspired cocktails.

6. Velvet Buffalo

4.6

Exceptional(895)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Beloit

Booked 7 times today

Modern in experience. Timeless in taste.Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian delivers fresh ingredients with a side of rustic charm. Our rotating seasonal menu features thoughtfully crafted dishes made from scratch that are inspired by the many regions of Italy–from house-made pasta and artisan-style bread to sustainably sourced seafood and our own spin on traditional desserts.

A photo of The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge restaurant

7. The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge

3.6

Very Good(185)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Rockford

Booked 4 times today

Experience panoramic views of historic downtown Rockford, Illinois, and the Rock River from 12 stories aloft. Featuring an inviting and modern atmosphere with an indoor lounge and seasonal two-tiered outdoor deck, The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge is the only one of its kind in Rockford. Serving hand-crafted signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, craft beers, and an expansive menu of shareable dishes inspired by cuisine around the world – The Top is the perfect spot for dinner or drinks.

A photo of Fried Green Tomatoes restaurant

8. Fried Green Tomatoes

4.8

Exceptional(4984)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Galena

Booked 22 times today

Fried Green Tomatoes proudly serves steaks, seafood & pasta. We boast a Wine Spectator Award winning wine menu. Outstanding service and an inviting atmosphere make Fried Green a must stop while in downtown historic Galena, Illinois. Fried Green Tomatoes is the place for steak, fresh scallops, and homemade lasagna. Reservations accepted.PLEASE NOTE: We are a multi-level dining facility in a historic downtown building. For the dining enjoyment for all of our guests, we do not provide highchairs or booster seats.We try our best to accommodate your requests but we do not guarantee certain tables.

A photo of Tower Kitchen & Bar restaurant

9. Tower Kitchen & Bar

3.8

Excellent(20)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Rockford

Welcome to Tower Kitchen & Bar, where industrial-chic decor meets culinary excellence in downtown Rockford. Located on the park level of Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront, our restaurant offers stunning views of Davis Park and the serene Rock River, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.Indulge in our diverse menu featuring signature burgers, sandwiches, rustic made-from-scratch pizzas, shareables, and so much more. Pair your meal with a refreshing beverage from our full bar, boasting local craft beers, fine wines, and signature cocktails. Whether you're enjoying indoor seating or soaking in the scenery on our outdoor patio, Tower Kitchen & Bar invites you to savor the flavors of American cuisine amidst an inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of downtown Rockford.

A photo of Red Lobster - Rockford restaurant

10. Red Lobster - Rockford

4.2

Awesome(8)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Rockford

Elevate your day at Red Lobster, where fun meets fancy and every meal is a celebration. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or treating yourself or your crew, Red Lobster is the perfect place to enjoy all your seafood favorites. Dive into our signature shrimp, wild caught lobster and crab, and more. Plus, a variety of fish and popular non-seafood items like our Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo. Looking for a showstopper? Create Your Own Ultimate Feast or select a Live Maine Lobster straight from the tank. Or explore our Daily Deals with a different special available each weekday at a price you’ll love. Toast the day with Signature Cocktails including Lobster Punch and Main Deck Margarita Flights to make any moment feel festive. You won’t want to miss our newest menu items or special promotions like Lobsterfest and Crabfest. Reserve online today. Group Dining, To Go, or Catering options. For parties of 11+, please call.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Caryl
Wisconsin •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Staff could not have been nicer. The menu selection was perfect for luncheon and the food was excellent. We're just sorry that the record heat precluded a walk in the gardens. Next time, because there will certainly be a next time visit.
More info
Fresco at the GardensPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Rockford
•
4.5
M
MatthewVIP
San Diego •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Cider flights were fun and there’s a lot of variety available in terms of flavors and sweet/dry. Smashburger was really tasty. Fries are good. Fish fry was good too but not my preferred breading style. It was well prepared and came with good sides but I’d get the burger or a pizza instead next time.
More info
OrchardPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Verona
•
4.6
M
MartinVIP
Hawaii •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The cocktails are amazing. The ribs are off the charts. Love Molly’s!
More info
Molly's Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• American• Mount Carroll
•
5
D
Dave
Wisconsin •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 16, 2025
Excellent service, Excellent food! Jasmine was very kind, caring yet professional.
More info
Merrill & Houston’s Steak JointPrice: Expensive• Steak• Beloit
•
4.7
R
RaquelVIP
Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 10, 2025
A great experience and all of our food was good. There were no complaints.
More info
Franchesco'sPrice: Moderate• Italian• Rockford
•
4.7

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