I'm bummed we didn't have a great time, as based on the reviews we had much hoped for a fun night out in Rockford. We were only in town for 2 days so we chose our restaurants carefully. Two things we didn't like about Ernie's: the lack of vegetarian option on the menu and the level of noise. I got the chicken salad and skipped the chicken, but I didn't see any other entrees that were vegetarian. The other thing that made it tricky was a whole restaurant trivia night event happening that we didn't know about. There was no indication. Just after placing our orders, the emcee came out with a microphone and shouted for the next 30 minutes. Disney trivia, I think. Or something about cartoons or old movies with bears. I'm not sure. We couldn't hear each other speak. I startled every time he shouted questions or answers. I had to cover my ears. It was rough! We asked the server if she could ask him to lower the setting on the mic, or at least stop shouting into it, but she said that wasn't possible. So we super quickly ate half our meals and left as soon as we could. Drinks were good though. I got a mango cider, a really unique flavor that was crisp and delicious. That was the best part of our short visit to a very noisy Ernie's in Rockford. read more

The food is delicious, the place is very clean, and the staff is friendly. Plus, their drink menu is great! read more

Ernie’s Midtown Pub - Chicken sandwich - Pubs Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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Ernie's is a classic restaurant that has phenomenal food. It's become a staple restaurant on our list when we are in Rockford. The Nashville Chicken Sandwich is FIRE. So so good. The Cajun potatoes weren't our favorite but I can see someone enjoying them. The beer selection here is great! I recommend trying some of the local brews on tap. Rockford has a great beer scene. Staff is always friendly and attentive. We never have had an issue. Lastly: get the cheesecake! It's so good. So unbelievably good. Doesn't matter the flavor it will be phenomenal. read more

Ernie's midtown pub is an elevated dive bar. In an interesting part of Rockford. We ordered appetizers as dinner and they were delicious! I loved the portobello mushrooms slices that were battered and fried. Cheese curds squirty and crunchy as they should be. And, best of all, they had dragons milk on tap...Can't think of anything that would be better. Highly recommend. Ernie's midtown pub. read more

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Awesome curds, THC drinks available, great service. Had a great lunch with a friend. Big portions!

Came for the fish fry - stayed for the vibes. The staff is SO sweet and welcoming. The environment is clean and the decor has just the right amount of funk. Now, let's get to the food. We started off with the fried pickle app and my son got the hot dog kids meal. The hot dog was massive lol and i obviously had to try a bite and it was legit. For the pickles - let's just say I'll be dreaming about them until i can have them again. SO good! I had the cod fish fry with the hush puppies. Delish! The breading was light and crispy and the inside was moist and flavorful. The coleslaw was outstanding. I loved every bite and i seriously cannot wait to come back and try one of their other amazing entrees! Love love loved this spot! read more

Ernie’s Midtown Pub - Friday night cod fish fry! - Pubs Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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Friday fish at Ernie's does not disappoint. We went with friends, all had baked or fried cod. All was fantastic. Good sides, cold beer, good service. Looking forward to going back. read more

We've been to Ernie's multiple times and it has never disappointed. We love the fish fry and the shrimp was delicious. The staff is awesome. Ernie's is a must if you're looking for good food and drinks. read more

Went to Ernies for my first time for Christmas Eve Brunch so my review is strictly referencing the brunch experience. The place was busy but the service was quick. We tried the Biscuits and gravy burrito and the breakfast crunchwrap. Both were great options and the tator tots were crispy. Dipping the burrito in the gravy was delicious. No complaints on food here! Beautiful Rockford mural on the side of the building for a perfect photo op! read more

Ernie’s Midtown Pub - Pubs Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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Stopped in with my wife and had a very nice meal. The Old Fashioned I had was suburb. Very well made and good to the last drop. The smash burger was great. It has a in-house sauce on it that makes it unique. French fires were okay and could have been a tad better. My wife's fried cod and hush puppies was very good. Stop in for a good meal. read more

Me and my girlfriend ordered Ernie's chicken sandwich. The chicken sandwich was huge and really delicious. I asked them if they can sauce my chicken sandwich and they said yes in my point of view for the food to be so cheap and so good it was worth every single penny the service was amazing and they were so kind they were awesome staff and awesome at work and they really know how to make a good drink. Make sure you order a tall instead of regular because it is the same price. read more

2nd time at Ernie's, both excellent. We live in Rockford, Rural Oaks area, so nearby. Wife and I had burgers, daughter had wrap. Beer cold and service fast. Buffalo Shrimp appetizer was great, big shrimp tasty great sauce. Love the old building atmosphere glad to finally see some renewal and growth in old Rockford areas. Mark G. read more

I was excited to try Ernie's Midtown Pub for the first time, frequently go to restaurants in downtown Rockford and I'm a bar owner in Kona Hawaii , I've worked and managed bars my whole life. Friday 12/12/25. Unfortunately my experience was deeply disappointing due to the extreme unprofessional behavior of the female bartender and lack of acknowledgement from the male bartender . From the moment I sat down there was no hello I'll be right with you , nothing ! I said hello to the bartender three times as he stood in front of me and he gave me a smirky smile. The female bartender. had a cold and dismissive attitude . She asked if someone was joining me mind you I just sat down, put my purse on the barstool next to me. There were plenty of barstools.. I wasn't gonna leave my purse there forever. She asked me in a cold manner and rude manner. Is someone joining you? I said no then you're gonna have to remove your purse. It's exactly what she said in a cold dismissive attitude.. I told her my age I'm a mature woman and I said I know etiquette and to remove my purse. She wanted to argue I did not.. I I had fried mushrooms and a beer and the mushrooms must've been frozen because they weren't that tasty. It's really sad the attitude of the BAR staff actually I've never experienced it before.. read more

Popped in to Ernie's for brunch with some friends in town. Seated right away. Was pretty busy but not over crowded. Service was excellent. Staff were all very friendly and helpful. Fun setting and bar vibe. Food was decent. All the brunch food was great. I went on a limb and ordered the orange chicken wrap... not my favorite. Slightly like Trader Joe's frozen orange chicken and frozen fried rice in a tortilla. Everyone else's food looked good and they seemed to enjoy it. read more

Good food, good service nice decor. Italian beef sandwich is good but huge. Craft beer tap.....and flies. So many flies I could not enjoy my meal, felt like I was eating in a stable. read more

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We had been reoccurring customer of Earnies for a couple of years now, but sadly after our experience today with the owner and the service we will not be coming back! We decided to come with our two children today. While we waited for our food and drinks our kids were walking around by our table and stepped on a loose air vent. The owner came up to us and said "you need to watch your children, especially because there are other people here". My husband was right behind our son the whole time. The restaurant was EMPTY on our half, and there were two other tables in the other half of restaurant with people sitting. Clearly our kids were being kids by walking around our table , but it is not our fault there is a loose vent on the floor. 1. Either the owner does not have kids of his own and doesn't understand that children will not stay put. 2. And/or he must have been prejudice 3. Maybe consider fixing the loose vent on the floor because anyone could step on it and fall. Although this is considered a pub, we went during day business hours for dinner, 4pm - and our kids being there should have not been an issue. The owner's approach was not adequate at all. Very disappointed that this happened. read more

This place was amazing! I had their create special sandwich, it was seriously so good! The cheesy fiesta potatoes were also bomb. The service and atmosphere were super friendly,fast,and inviting. We got our food in like 5 minutes! The restaurant and bathrooms were super clean. I highly recommend and will be back! read more

Ernie’s Midtown Pub - Crabcake sandwich - Pubs Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Tried this restaurant for the second time. There won't be a third chance. I ordered Ernie's chicken salad and got the chicken strawberry salad instead. Not a big deal, Except that the chicken was dry and over-cooked. My husband's baked cod had zero flavor. The cole slaw was tasteless. At least the PBR was cold. Won't be going back read more

Great food. Lots of drink options.l especially beer. Friendly staff. Would def go back!!

We finally got to try Ernie's Midtown Pub on a Thursday after the Midtown Farmer's Market. It was very very welcoming both outside which included tables with umbrellas and inside with nice tables, a long bar, tv's and Rockford themed items on the walls. There was a decent crowd for the lunch hour. We had the Ernie's Smash burger with the chips and the chicken tenders with tater tots. Everything was served hot and well made. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. I highly recommend Ernie's for good food in a rehabbed old building in a historical part of town. (Note: They have lots of parking) read more

Ernie’s Midtown Pub - Ernie's Smash Burger with chips - Pubs Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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Waited 30 minutes for a tables which we completely understood. Although after they sat us down we were ignored. A waitress was standing near us talking to some customers looked over made eye contact and still no service. Another waitress walked by didn't bother to ask if needed anything. We gave them the benefit of the doubt and assume maybe they're busy. But when another group of people came in and sat down they immediately got service. So we figured we weren't going to get any service and left... read more

The food was amazing at Ernie's. The sampler was our favorite! The service was great too! We will be back! 10 out 10 recommend! read more

Ernie’s Midtown Pub - Pubs Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

I went with a few friends and would definitely go back! The food, service and drinks were all great!

Food is excellent. We had great services. Space is very clean. Had a great time playing trivia with my family and friends.

Always excellent food and service!! I go here for lunch every couple weeks. No complaints with the various menu items I've tried.

Best vibes in town! Excellent food, solid beer list and always great service. Love this bar any night of the week.

Stopped in Ernie's for the 1st after hearing so many amazing things about this place and its spectacular food. Came back into town after being gone from Rockford for some time to see some old friends and this is where they chose to meet up. I was a bit skeptical when they said it was on 7th and 5th. Not skeptical anymore! Also super happy they decided this as the place to go! Craft Beer menu was A++ Hand Crafted Food A++ Service A++ Clean, Well priced menu, Cool vibe, Great Atmosphere and on and on. This place is 100% Awesome. I wish the owner the best of luck in the future. Hope this place can be a beacon of hope to others businesses wanting to open and breathe some new life to this area. Hands down a new Rockford Staple that I will personally be supporting everytime I come to town. Also mentioning this place to all my friends and family! See ya next time.. Rueben Pastrami Sandwich was fire Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Cheers read more

18.00 for salad with chicken on top. Super pricy for some romain, a few crumbs of bacon, a few shreads of lettuce, The garlic toast was delicious But if they are going to remain open they need to lower the prices a bit read more

Love the food and atmosphere! Andrew is a fantastic owner and is passionate about the Rockford community. Love trivia on Tuesday nights.

Been wanting to try this place for the first time for many months. Planned on stopping in to buy a gift certificate and decided to stay and grab a chicken sandwich. Ordered fried chicken, came out grilled, decided to eat it anyway since I was waiting for 20 minutes for food and I was the only person eating of the ten patrons. Consistency of rubber and couldn't eat it. Tipped bartender and told her I've never been here and won't be coming back or recommending to anyone. She says "I understand". No more to the conversation and I left. read more

Had lunch here with a friend. She knew the place and she was spot on about the food. It was delicious. The staff was on point as well. I will definitely be back. read more

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Decided to go with some coworkers for lunch and as you can see from the one-star rating the experience was somthing I could've done without. My order was mixed with another coworkers order, we waited fooooorEVER for 2 burgers and an order of chicken tenders, the burger was dry, and so was the chicken. Needless to say I will never go back. read more

The beer was cold and plenty to choose from. Proper glassware for each style of beer. Great food menu with plenty of delicious apps. I split the Nashville hot chicken and pastrami Reuben. Both were delicious but the tots were phenomenal (nice and crispy, no sogginess at all). Service was great and the cleanliness of this establishment was top notch. Would definitely recommend. read more