Octane InterLounge
124 N Main St, Rockford, IL, 61101
Octane InterLounge Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Rockford for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Rockford for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Rockford for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
124 N Main St
Rockford, IL, 61101 - Phone (815) 965-4012
- Website https://www.octane.net
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :8:00 am - 3:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Heather M.
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!
(5)Sara L.
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.
(5)Caitlin L.
Octane is a fantastic restaurant. The atmosphere is excellent - very artsy. The food is all delicious and high quality. My favorites are the Thai Linguine Noodles, Hawaiian Burrito, and their nachos! Octane isn't a place you would normally expect to find nachos, but they are killer - very artisan. Service can be a bit slow at times so I don't always recommend them for a meeting over the lunch hour when you're short on time. As far as I know, they still do not split checks which is annoying. The food is great, drinks are good. Great place for a date night or girls' night out.
(4)Jeanne L.
$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.
(4)Patrick H.
One of Rockford's better dining establishments. The hawaiian burrito, tuna and jackson st. salad are my favorites here. Lunch service has, in my experience, been a bit slow however. I'd recommend going for dinner and drinks instead of a midday meal.
(4)Danielle K.
Eclectic in both menu and atmosphere, Octane is a great place to get an interesting, unique, and delicious meal at a reasonable price. Well worth a return visit especially for the Pepperberry Potstickers.
(5)J K.
I have eaten at Octane Several times- The Food is Great a very eccentric menu and is a downtown staple. However the customer service is lacking, They need to hire better wait staff who is focused on customer service. Multiple times have I been here and had to wait for long periods of time to place a drink order, drink refills, etc.
(3)Phillip T.
Went to see a show in Rockford and stopped here to eat. Unfortunately, it was reservation only until 7pm. The bar area was open but was full and no staff was anywhere to be found. This was my first time in Rockford and was very disappointed.
(1)Lauren V.
We go here every Tuesday night for Buy One Get One Free Appetizers, Small Plates, and Flatbreads. The food is delicious, the waitresses, waiters, and bar tenders always seem to remember what we order, or what we ordered the last week, and the service is always friendly. We love Octane!
(4)Suzie H.
I have been to Octane more times than I can count and I have enjoyed every visit. Their espresso martinis are wonderful. It is a great place to go with friends. Food is always great! Ask for their burger menu, the Johnny appleseed burger is delicious.
(4)Kathleen W.
The best place to go anytime, food great, not cookie cutter chain menu, affordable, and perfect place to go before an event downtown such as RSO (symphony), RCCA, any Coronado event or Metro event.
(5)Gabriel R.
Food was great and so the attention. I was nicely priced. A little hard to locate because of construction right in front the place, but it looks like its the place where the locals go to lunch. I really liked the way they prepared the sandwiches and wraps with dressings. Great place. I would definitely go again if I ever go back to Rockford.
(4)Becca C.
Octane was great! I needed a farm-to-table restaurant for a group of farmers I was hosting at work. Because I work with so many farms in northern Illinois, I know they use local produce and meat, but last week was the first time I was able to go there. The food was amazing - all ten of my guests (all farmers) absolutely loved the food. Everyone got something different and I got only rave reviews about everything. Personally being vegetarian, I got the thai noodles and they were excellent! The roasted chickpea appetizers were also fantastic. Thanks Patrick for the awesome food! Grace was an amazing server. She was so friendly and so attentive. Even though I was there on work, she made me feel like I could relax and she would just take care of everything. She was great. I would definitely recommend this place!
(5)Katrina S.
Loved it!!! My burger was delicious and boyfriend's bowl was amazing. Our server was so friendly and fun to chat with. Amazing potato wedges. We had the almond joy iced coffee and it was super tasty (and sugary, fyi!). I would absolutely go back to try more items!
(5)Carl F.
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!
(4)M K.
I'm only in Rockford when I visit family, but when I am here I always come to octane. The atmosphere is fun, the drinks are good, the food is AMAZING. The twisted Mac and cheese is so good it makes me weak in the knees. The Brie grilled cheese is INCREDIBLE. the Macombo (sp?) salad is FRESH AS HELL. This is my favorite restaurant, and I can't stay away. I went there twice this week. Added bonus there are a lot of farm fresh ingredients and supported local farms. Please go here!
(5)Natasha P.
Super great restaurant and service. Chris was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and beverages ! Had a great cocktail menu and the food was fantastic! Will definitely be returning !
(5)James J.
I love love love Octane! Great food awesome drinks. And being Downtown Rockford I love supporting local business with awesome customer service.
(5)Michelle S.
This is a great restaurant. While living downtown, this was our go-to-place. Creative dishes, delicious food, and always fun specials to try. It can be tricky to find a seat since it is on the smaller side, especially when there is an event going on downtown. But completely worth the wait! Great service, friendly staff, and delicious cocktails.
(5)Colin M.
My whole family really loves octane. Great, interesting food, fun drinks, friendly staff. All in all a great restaurant -- one of my favorites in rockford
(4)Adam L.
A must eat lunch/dinner location in the old downtown - no matter what is the soup of the day it is always excellent - potato wedges perfectly cooked - great atmosphere
(5)Holly G.
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!
(4)Tyler R.
The Hawaii 5-O is simply amazing. Wonderful atmosphere and just delightful. Best lunch in a long time!!
(5)Bharat S.
Excellent place to grab a bite to eat on a business day! They had anything and everything in the menu, which made me concerned about food quality. However the spiced chicken sandwich I had was great! Meat was a little sweet but not overly sweet. The bread and presentation was excellent. Food was to the right quantity. I finished up all my meal and did not felt stuffed at all. Will check you guys out again when in the area.
(4)Dinna Y.
This is for the drinks. We had the Moscow mules which were very refreshing. It had the good quality ginger beer not the cheaper not so tasty one. Service took a while, we were pretty thirsty when we got there and had probably 5 servers walk by, we were addressed, but no orders taken until maybe 7-10 minutes later. Atmosphere- I was expecting "Octane" to be a darker, louder music type of bar. It looked more like a crunchy coffee shop where people were talking and chatting w full lights on. Cool though to have coffee so late and now I get the Octane part. Overall very nice people, cool funky spot and since that area of Rockford doesn't have tons of options, it was a very nice place to go.
(4)Brendan B.
This is probably one of my favorite resteraunts in all of Rockford. Everything I have eaten there has been excellent, and I have been their quite a bit! The service is excellent, the environment is cool, and of coarse the food is great. I highly recommend this place for lunch or dinner.
(5)Chris K.
Excellent food and service. Parents, don't let the fact that this place does not have a "children's" menu scare you away. I came here with 4 kids and the all loved their meals. The restaurant is able to make many of the menu items kid friendly.. The staff is very accommodating and able to help you navigate through the menu. I'll admit, I was a bit hesitant when we first arrived but was quickly won over. Whether you are a meat eater or vegetarian you will have a lot of tasty options. The food is not only delicious ( seriously, every single thing we ordered) it is locally sourced and many things are made in house. The hamburger sliders are big enough to make a meal if you order a side to go with it. My kids and hubby said it was the best burger they ever had... The vegetarian Thai pasta was awesome!
(5)Joe S.
Octane is on point. The espresso martini is incredible. Seriously just get one...or three. The smokey mountain rye is also a fantastic drink. The food is also pretty tasty. I like the portobello sandwich but wish the mushroom was a bit larger and got like 2 more potato wedges. The salad with walnuts and cranberries is really good too. Just come here for dinner and drinks. You won't be disappointed. Oh the the service is great and bartender (you know who you are) is amazing!
(5)Keith B.
I don't understand the high reviews for this place. My pulled pork tacos were a train wreck. The pork was so dried out that when I took the first bite I actually though that I had bitten into a toothpick. The taco itself was a weird amalgam of tastes that did not belong together and the tortilla was stale. My black bean and pork soup was under seasoned and flat. I had water and my better half had an iced tea and the check came to $41 with tip (and our server was great). The atmosphere was excruciatingly hip with the staff loud and obnoxious.
(1)Hyemi L.
Decent quality good food BUT too overpriced. We were disappointed that regular menu wasn't available on Saturday.
(4)Mallory H.
Great atmosphere and a menu with something for everyone. Its hard to find true vegetarian options sometimes, but they had plenty of choices. We'll definitely come back anytime we're in Rockford.
(5)Ben W.
We had a south african white wine her that was perfect.I had one of the best date nights ever here. This place is all the rave. A bit pricier, worth every penny.
(5)Sarah M.
Love this place! We have been here probably a dozen times now and have never had a bad meal. Service is fantastic, food is delicious, and drinks are strong! By far one of our favorite places to visit for a good night out.
(5)Jared W.
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.
(4)Tommy C.
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.
(2)Margie L.
Don't be fooled by the lunch menu on their website-they only offer maybe a quarter of the selections for lunch. Pretty sneaky if you ask me. Was also not a fan of the ambiance-just weird! Food was okay, but I can get a quesadilla and burger anywhere! Where were the tacos, pastas and bowls, most of the sandwiches? Not offered, at least not on the day we were there. Maybe dinner is better, but we won't find out cause we don't plan to return.
(2)Lisa L.
Octane is a diamond among downtown Rockford restaurants. The décor is casual and fun. It's a great place for lunch or dinner or even a cup of coffee and dessert. The menu is creative and the food is really good. One of my favorite items is the Salmon over rice with curry sauce, asparagus and green onions. On the rare occasion I'm in the mood for a burger, Octane is hard to beat. The meat is provided by Eickman's. My favorite is the Atomic Burger. You can choose how spicy you want it. They have a good list of cocktails, wine and beer. They also have a creative list of non-alcoholic beverages including house made sodas and coffee drinks. My server persuaded me to try a soda and I was delighted. I had the orange cream soda which reminded me of an orange push-up. If you're lucky enough to have Ian at the helm when you order a drink, latte or otherwise you are in for an extra treat. I mentioned I appreciated latte art and was treated to a fire-breathing dragon creation and a unicorn. In addition, he has whipped up a special soda for me to try which was topped with some whipped cream. He's quit the beverage master. My only peeve is that they use Windex to clean the glass top tables and I'm not a fan of the fragrance. That said, it won't deter me from being a frequent diner. Enjoy!
(5)Craig M.
Octane is a must visit in Rockford's down-town. Try the Mac-n-Cheese with grilled chicken. Once you taste this you will have a hard time ordering it anywhere else. Don't be worried about parking. Most days you can park right in front or in the lot directly across the street.
(5)Chelsea L.
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...
(5)Mary B.
My husband and I choose to try this place out based on the reviews,1st was unaware u have to a make reservation so we were offered to sit at the bar ok fine, service was slow they seemed to cater more to the people with reservation,, we orders a drinks waited some more for someone to take our order, but the food flavors where wonderful, my husband had curry chicken, I had jerk chicken tacos they where both quite tasty....however a little to pricey for the amount of food and who serve curry without rice...there where also no side dishes that went with the entree. Ended the meal with a bread pudding was good and a cup of salted Carmel espresso delicious and husband had turtle expresso also delicious. Was worth the try will go back but not anytime soon.
(3)James R.
I had heard of this place for years. Mostly from staff and patrons of other bars I frequent. Based on the personality of the people that always told me about it and when they said they where going, I always pictured Octane to be more of a dance club than what it truly is, a small bar with great decor and almost an hipster atmosphere. The lay out is interesting in that there is a hair studio in the back, and there is a long walk to the bathrooms. I walked in with my wife, and we happened to be downtown and wanted to try someplace new. This was bookmarked as a place to try and it was open, so I figured. What the heck. When I opened the door and the first thing I heard was Jazz music, I know my preconceived idea of Octane was wrong. We were there around 1 in the afternoon, so it wasn't too busy, we grabbed seats at the bar and that's when the good times started. Because we both had the day off, we thought we'd live it up a little and try their signature drinks. One of the items on the menu was the Mojito, and since we both love Mojitos and are on the look for the perfect one, that's what we ordered. I was a little surprised to find out that none of the staff there knew how to make a mojito. It was on their list of signature drinks, so I figured any bartender there should know how to make it. To give them credit, they tried real hard and to be honest, who orders Mojitos at 1 in the afternoon in April? The mojito's where okay... I doubt I'll order another from them. However, we played with their other signature drinks and since our bartender was very nice and apologetic about the Mojito, we had him make us a drink that he specializes in. It was a Neapolitan coffee drink. It was fantastic! We sampled many other drinks and for the most part, they where either really good or at least decent. I wasn't in a beer mood. (Gasp, I know!) but they did have a decent selection of craft beers and mainstream ones. Including Schlitz. (gag). I joked around with them bartenders and staff about the fact they have some good craft beers for the beer snobs and Schlitz for the occasional Backwoods American that might frequent. I was surprised that they didn't have anything on tap at all. I will say that even though their drinks were good, they were small. Most of the drinks we ordered were served in martini glasses and they used the smallest martini glasses I've seen.
(4)Vickie E.
Dinner was excellent. Our group had burgers and the Modern TV Dinner. Waitress was great. However, the hostess was a bit of a bitch. We came from the Chicago area for an event at the Coronado Theatre. We Google somewhere nearby to eat and found Octane. We arrived 5pm. Hostess asked if we had a reservation and I told her we didn't. She proceeded to tell me in a snotty tone that she just so happened to have a table available, but in the future I really should make a reservation, because they're usually very busy. After our meal, she stopped by our table and asked if we needed anything. When my husband asked her for change for a $20, the snotty voice came out again, "The hostess really isn't supposed to handle money, but I'll see what I can do.", in a tone that implied we should have known that. We had a great meal, but I don't think I need to feel like I've been reprimanded by restaurant help.
(4)Brian C.
I have been here several times over the past year and it has been pretty much the same experience each time. Some good times- it is very cool inside the joint. Service has been, at best, average. Food has been the same. The last few times I have been there was after a show or event at the Coronado. Last year after seeing "The Nutcracker", my daughters and some of my friends went to Octane afterwards to grab a bite to eat and some dessert. The place wasn't packed but it was obvious that others had the same thought and were coming from the Coronado. The restaurant seemed understaffed, and when we went to order dessert we were informed that they literally had nothing in the kitchen for dessert- except creme brûlée. Well- my daughters, 10 and 16, were not at all interested and the waitress seemed very uninterested in their disappointment. So here is the thing about Octane- they play great music and the place looks cool. Other than that? Come out to watch the infamous Rockford hipster in its natural element- serving tables for or eating average food served by other hipsters. I kid I kid. But Just don't expect great food or service. Fine for drinks tho. So maybe a stop at the bar is best here.
(1)Callie K.
Have only ordered out from here, and really like the food every time. Always ready fast (15-20 min) and seems quite fresh. Lots of delicious and creative food items to try. Pretty vegetarian friendly (there's enough meatless items to get you full). Overall, my boyfriend & I really enjoy the food from here. Worth checking out for sure.
(4)Noah E.
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.
(5)Shannon B.
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!?"
(2)Scott M.
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.
(4)Jett T.
I've been to Octane twice. It is a lot of fun. I'm not sure what my waiter's name was but he is always very nice. I've gone there once by myself and once with friends. It shines a great light on Rockford. The decorations are so artsy, and the food is to die for. I feel the need to go here every time I go downtown. I recommend the Hawaiian wrap. It is so good.
(5)J C.
I went to the Octane with two co-workers for lunch on 2/26/2014. Previously, I only had coffee there and my daughter said I should go to lunch or dinner. Well I was glad I did. I had a wrap as well as a co-worker and our other guest had the salmon. All meals were cooked perfect, the food was fresh and the service excellent. I tried the Ambrosia drink that is non-alcoholic and it was fabulous. Another regular eatery for me!
(5)Cory N.
The food was exceptional: good price, great taste, and reasonable serving size. Service was standard. Atmosphere was enjoyable; a live trio started right before we left. They were decent and unobtrusive.
(4)Michael S.
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.
(4)J O.
Fun environment, clearly a favorite with the locals. Stopped in before an Icehogs game and was pleased with menu and ambience. Shared nacho platter--great idea making the chili vegetarian--and the blackened salmon salad. Nachos are nachos, fun finger food, but I really liked my salad. The dressing was amazing--may ask for it on the side next time due to spice, and I generally like my salad with a tad bit less dressing. Wrapped up with coffee to-go. However, what really made me like this place was the kindness of the waitress accommodating us despite there being less than an hour before an event, and she suggested we scoot our table and chairs a bit more away from the door, where it was cold and drafty. Lastly, I had been charging my phone on the wall outlet, and of course, I walked off without it. I remembered not long after leaving and returned. They had noticed immediately and run out after us, but I speed walk everywhere--I'm tough to catch. Nonetheless, my phone and charger were safe and secure! Will make a habit of stopping in here before every game when I make it out to Rockford!
(4)Richard S.
Great quesadillas and coffee drinks. Funky environment too.
(4)Meredith U.
Went there last weekend before a show downtown and really enjoyed ourselves! Good food! Good service! Will definitely be going back
(4)Mike R.
What else is there to say? Expansive, eclectic menu; I haven't had a bad entree ever from here. Beer and coffee selections are both well above average. Service has always been good. The only gripe I have had is that they do not split checks for larger groups. Luckily, all the positives far outweigh the single negative.
(5)Elizabeth E.
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.
(5)Dcd F.
I attended a dinner here for a birthday. I had been before for a beer, coffee and haircut. Tonight was the first time I actually tried the food. I ordered the Curry Salmon. I loved the salmon. It was served on a bed of jasmine rice as was indicated per menu... the menu also listed that it would be served with carrot and asparagus. They were basically unrecognizable. They were there but more of a "relish" as opposed to a side. Overall I loved my dinner but thought I would have vegetables as a side. The menu should be a bit more clear as to what you are actually getting. In summation.... the salmon was delicious. Next time I will make sure to order a "side" vegetable. Service was fine.. prices were reasonable. Dined with others who were very happy with their choices
(4)James J.
I have been to Octane MANY times. I have never been disappointed. Until now. Apparently the new "Executive Chef" is making some changes to their classic menu items. The Atomic Burger has always been amazing, and I am very hard to impress. The one I ordered last Saturday night was terrible. They should change the name to "Bland Burger," and be done with it. Normally, it comes on a Ciabatta bread. Instead, it came on a too-large plain, untoasted bum About 25% larger than the burger. Bore me. The burger itself was cooked exactly how I wanted it, but there was no salsa sauce on it, only cheese. I had to put ketchup on it to give it some flavor. The "pickles" they had on the side were plain cucumbers. NOT. I go there specifically for the Atomic Burger, as do several of my friends. It was fantastic. I tried to complain to a manager, but it was only the guy that screwed it up in the first place. I will give it ONE more try. If something doesn't get corrected, that will be it for me. I can get a bland burger anywhere. The blue corn chips and salsa were good. Server was good. They discounted our entrees 35%. So what? I wanted what I ordered. BTW-it was 7 PM on a Saturday night and they were not busy. Hmmm. Sad.
(1)Jon W.
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.
(4)May H.
W went there with a bunch of my friends for a birthday dinner. Y-U-M-M-Y!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am hooked!
(5)Janey K.
My fiance and I love Octane! Octane describes its own environment best- Upbeat Casual Dining. The food is great; they have a choice of wine, craft beers, fanciful cocktails, and an assortment of delicious coffee drinks. And, I am not lying about the food; they offer great salads, flat breads, sandwiches, pastas, and a decent steak or sorts. They run awesome specials and their soups have never disappointed. The atmosphere is unique to Rockford. And, it is never too loud; you can always have conversation while hearing the music subtly in the background. Try it; Octane will not leave you wanting more!
(5)Zouyan L.
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?
(4)Tiffany S.
I love Octane. It's just got great atmosphere and guaranteed savory food. It's difficult to get a table without a reservation, but that's a sign of how good the food is. Some of the servers are not quite as attentive. Last weekend, we had to go up to the bar to get refills on our water and iced tea. The special- ravioli stuffed with sausage and broccoli with a fire roasted sauce- was out of this world!
(4)Ronald F.
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!
(4)Michael H.
I have been going to Octane since it opened in 1997. I still remember the old imac that was on the bar for many years for public use. Great drink menu and a very eclectic mix of food options. If you are downtown please check it out!
(4)Amanda Z.
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.
(5)Mill V.
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.
(4)Erin H.
I really like octane. the food is consistently good and they offer a decent selection of beers. the servers are nice, and there's always new art on display. one of the best spots in rockford!
(4)Jason B.
A fun cafe to go to and chat with friends when I'm in town. I wish they were open on Sundays, it seems like downtown Rockford closes up on Sunday. Great vibe here and the food is darn good for the price. Good coffee too.
(3)Peter S.
My buddy Noah introduced me to this place, being a lifelong Rockford resident I'm upset I never knew about Octane. I've eaten here a handful of times and every time the service and food has been phenomenal. I would recommend trying something new everything because this place is outstanding.
(5)Keith A.
If Rockford had, say, four to six places like Octane, and they were all within three blocks of one another, and there were three more J.R. Kortman Gallery-type gift shops and a couple of coffeehouses and a few clothing stores and an independent movie theater in the same area, it could call itself a real city. Good food, great ambiance, reasonably priced. May it live long and prosper.
(5)Mirza H.
This certainly looks like a cool joint. I found the burgers to be severely overpriced for what they put on the plate. For $10+ you would expect a gourmet burger but it was nothing better that what you get at a hole in wall place. I still haven't figured out how I ended up with $19 bill after just ordering a burger and a coke ($2.99). The service was slow and by the time we finished our lunch it was so way past our lunch hour that I did not even bothered to unravel the mystery of my bill. I could only guess that they charged me every time I got a refill. The ambiance was nice but the food, the service and the level of execution of both, together with the price leave a lot to be desired.
(2)chris W.
I eat here at least 3 times a week when I'm in town! When you hear people say "upbeat casual dining" this is what they mean! It's food you know and love with it's own unique twist to it... the only problem I have with Octane is there are too many of my favorite meals to eat in one sitting which forces me back a couple times a week to fulfill my cravings. A tip to the wise... order their specials whenever you can because they are always signature dishes of the chef's personality and passion! Also probably the best place in town for soup!!!
(5)Melissa M.
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.
(5)Marc H.
Octane is a gem in Rockford. In the midst of the normal chain bars and restaurants in the area is a place that is totally different. The decor is music centric, old album covers are everywhere. The food is great, if not a bit pricey. The beer selection is filled with smaller breweries and they have great speciality drinks. The service is a tad lacking but it's not terrible. The one real issue is the bathroom always seems to smell bad. Not sure why but it just stinks. I love going here and I wish Rockford had more of these type of places around.
(4)Danikka P.
My feelings for Octane are now mixed. I ordered from here and picked up about 3 times while I was at work and the food is AMAZING. I have tryed the Hawaiian Burrito and the Thai flat bread and a Burger with Pulled pork. YUM. So I thought I would take my fiance out after work for a late night treat. Dessert and a drink maybe. We showed up about a half hour before the kitchens close... I use to work at restraunts and didnt want to be "that couple" who shows up after you already scrubbed the kitchen clean. The waiter seemed annoyed that we were interested in the menu. that irked me. I brushed it off and ordered the iced tea of the day. he told me it was Raspberry Vanilla... I got it and it was Blackberry, with maybe some vanilla at some point. yuck. The desert menu was a little lacking, so I ordered a Thai Flatbread instead, and my fiance just ordered a turtle mocha. The Mocha was fantastic and was gone before I blinked. He was a little upset it was so small for the price. We love the decor and the art and were having fun looking at all of it. A party of about 15 came in right after us and I had to listen to the cook argue with the waiter about how he shouldnt have let them in and how the kitchens closing soon yadda yadda.... that stuff is meant to be bitched about... IN THE KITCHEN. I felt like I was intruding or something. The group was rather annoying so we moved to another part of the restaurant. So we were perfectly chill, till about a half hour later. I had already went thru my nasty iced tea and we sat bored without my flat bread. My fiance pointed out the group of 15 who ordered way after me was being served. :( 45 minutes for a flat bread.... are you kidding me. The waiter kinda apologized. I had a piece of it before I asked for a box and took it home. Delicious food, Pompous wait staff. I may be a little harsh... but you never know whos gonna review you.
(4)