It saddens me to even have to leave this review, after being one of our top favorites for the last several years…
We’ve been here three times since July and I think this was our last attempt. We arrived when it started to sprinkle a bit, and the dock seating was transitioning inside. There were no hostesses at the stand, so we went inside and grabbed a table with everyone else. The bartenders watched us for about 10 minutes as they chatted, and we waited for service. No one ever came to our table, so we gathered our things and went upstairs to see if we could ask someone. The girl at the desk was super annoyed when I approached her and said “you should have checked in on the dock…” when another employee rushed past and literally yelled “NO ONES DOWN THERE ANYMORE CAUSE ITS RAINING!” We were then told there were no available tables…..yet we were just sitting at an empty table?
On another occasion, I’ve never waited so long for bar service at an empty bar in my life. It was truly like we were inconveniencing the bartenders the entire time we were there while they talked and talked and talked among themselves. We ordered a single drink and that was our only interaction after that because no one asked.
When we arrived yesterday, the building was mostly empty with lots of clear tables but we noticed a party of 5 or 6 people, including two wheelchairs, waiting for a hostess. She eventually came back and rudely declared “I REALLY don’t know how we’re going to make this work with the wheelchairs and everything, but you can TRY to follow me.” I could see these people just shrink at her words. Luckily the woman in her wheelchair politely just said “we can try!” but you can tell it made them tense. It was such a gross way to make them feel like an inconvenience. Even if you DID think there was going to be a problem, you don’t tell them “I really don’t know how we’ll do this…..” There’s no way these are the firsts guests to be in a wheelchair. When it was our turn to check in, we were told they wouldn’t have an available table for over two hours because of reservations. When I asked when the next reservation was, I was told “5:30”. It was 4:27 at the time….they turned down the next several people in line for a table and told each of us that we would be able to get in in a couple hours. Every single party in line left, because…..well, they were there to eat now. It has literally felt like they don’t want anyone to come in because they don’t want to be bothered. I never take the time to write bad reviews like this, but after the way this person spoke to the party in front of us, shows us there is just zero hospitality all around. It feels like a bunch of teenagers there to socialize among themselves and the customers are in the way.
This has been one of our favorites for years because of the food and the location, but we can’t remember the last time we had remotely...
Read moreDining at Prairie House Brewery was particularly a disappointing experience. When approaching the entrance we were greeted rudely by two unorganized arrogant female servers. We were given two choices, wait several minutes or choose to go somewhere else. My boyfriend and I decided to wait since it was our first time coming to the brewery. Later, the server finally granted us a table after several minutes of patiently waiting, she handed out a sticky menu and persistently asked us to give the menus back as if we weren't. Of course, without hesitation, I'd handed it back. No need for a dirty menu with no use for it. The female server who was a tall, skinny white lady, with light brown hair, about 20, was hostile, made rude remarks about customers, and seemed agitated about serving us overall. The dining options were rather bland and generic. Common American dishes like the greasy burger my boyfriend ordered and regular tacos I accepted. Drinks were watered down, nothing out of the ordinary. Not what you expect from a high-class restaurant. The property is located at The Rock River near a dock. One unique aspect of this property is the landscape. In my opinion, the view is fairly decent but overhyped, as goose pellets flying overhead. My first dining experience was seated outside but my second was indoors. During my indoor experience, we received a pretentious server, who served us egg rolls with hair inside. Absolutely disgusting and neglectful food handling! We spoke to the cowardly manager after several minutes of waiting, handing us an empty gift card, supposedly with the amount we paid for the egg rolls (little did we know at the time), which was insulting and careless to do. Even the customers who were dining made odd remarks, offended by people speaking Spanish. Well, they clearly haven't been to Europe where people speak five different languages. They'd probably have a heart attack hearing them. Maybe they should learn Spanish and not stay ignorant, the world is diverse. I'm working on my master's in Language Technology at a European University, so hearing a loud conversation, by Americans, feeling insulted because they don't understand a language is quite vexatious. In conclusion, this brewery is commonplace with regular drinks and insipid meals. Clearly, they need to work on customer service. The servers are a headache to speak to and the manager is a charlatan. I've never received such bad service from any restaurant until coming to this brewery, high class or not. Overall...
Read morePrairie Street Brewing Co., nestled along the picturesque Rock River, proved to be the perfect destination for a memorable evening with one of my oldest friends who was visiting from Denver, Colorado. This charming brewery and restaurant provided an exceptional combination of delectable food, craft beer, and a welcoming atmosphere that left us with unforgettable memories.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the staff and immediately felt at ease in the rustic and inviting ambiance of Prairie Street Brewing Co. The view of the Rock River added a touch of natural beauty to the surroundings, making it an ideal setting for a relaxing evening.
Our server, Lauren, deserves a special mention for her outstanding service. She not only ensured our glasses were always filled with cold, refreshing beers but also went the extra mile in suggesting appetizers that perfectly complemented our chosen brews. Her knowledge of the menu and her friendly demeanor made our dining experience all the more enjoyable. What stood out most was the personalized shot she crafted to celebrate our reunion—an unexpected and delightful touch that showcased her commitment to customer satisfaction.
Speaking of the menu, Prairie Street Brewing Co. did not disappoint in the culinary department. We savored the wild mushroom quesadilla, a flavorful and inventive appetizer that perfectly complemented our chosen brews.
The brewery's beer selection was impressive, boasting a range of options from light and crisp lagers to rich and robust stouts. It was evident that Prairie Street Brewing Co. takes pride in their craft, as each brew we tried was well-crafted and full of character.
As the evening unfolded, we couldn't help but appreciate the vibrant and convivial atmosphere. The brewery seemed to attract a diverse crowd of locals and visitors alike, creating an inviting and social environment. Conversations flowed as freely as the beer, and we found ourselves immersed in the lively ambiance.
In conclusion, Prairie Street Brewing Co. on the Rock River exceeded our expectations in every way. From the exceptional service provided by Lauren to the delicious food and finely crafted beers, this establishment truly shines as a gem in the heart of Rockford. Whether you're a local looking for a great night out or a visitor seeking a taste of the local scene, Prairie Street Brewing Co. is a must-visit destination. It's a place where old friends can come together, celebrate, and create...
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