Rockford’s food scene will be getting an IRONMAN-sized boost June 20 and 22 as local eateries roll out special menus, discounts and celebratory events for triathlon athletes and fans.
It’s one more way the community is rallying behind the landmark event, showing visitors that when it comes to food and hospitality, Rockford is ready to go the distance.
Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or something light and energizing, there’s no shortage of options. Many spots are debuting themed dishes, athlete-friendly meals and extended hours to accommodate the action-packed schedule. It’s a citywide celebration—on the plate and beyond.
Here’s a list of some of the Rockford area restaurants and bars running specials for the IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford.
27 Aluna
124 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-965-4012
Serving an IRONMAN-themed menu featuring Iron Burger MK1 with Eickman’s beef, bacon, sausage, red pepper and onion jam, and white cheddar on a house-made Pan de Sal bun and Palladium Power Bowl with Filipino pork belly adobo, garlic fried rice, fried egg, and pickled cabbage.
For more: 27aluna.com
8th Ward Pub
3905 Broadway, Rockford, 815-708‑6523
Serving a special endurance-themed cocktail menu, plus a “First Sips of Summer” patio sampling on Friday night featuring Hendrick’s Oasium, Hendrick’s gin, and Tullamore Dew Honey Irish whiskey.
For more: 8thwardpub.com
Ambiance Cuisine Cocktails & Catering
307 S. Main St., Rockford, 779 423‑0624
Offering a light IRONMAN menu of soul food cups, fresh salads and recovery bites — perfect for fast fuel.
Barnstormer Distillery
6969 S. Main St., Rockford, 815-269‑4069
Live music June 21 with 3 Good Men, race-themed with signature nachos, charcuterie boards, and unique IRONMAN smash burger creations along with specialty cocktails and mocktails. Recover after the race with Bloody Mary Sunday and a 10% discount on handcrafted spirit bottles. Mention IRONMAN to get the discount.
For more: barnstormerdistillery.com
District Bar & Grill
205 W. State St., Rockford, 815-977‑4524
15% off for all competitors, staff, friends and families.
For more: districtdowntown.com
Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront
416 S. Main St., Rockford, 815-668-7878
Special grab-and-go breakfast on the patio from 6 to 11 a.m. June 22. Guests can also enjoy live music at The Top Rooftop Bar & Lounge with DJ Turn 1 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on June 21.
For more: esrockford.com
Happy Wok
211 Elm St., Rockford, 815-398‑1818
Get a free egg roll when you you buy two dinners.
KBQ
6551 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, 779-246‑0296
Featuring an IRONMAN protein‑packed dinner for two for just $47, featuring your choice of steak, brisket, spicy pork, chicken, shrimp, Bulgogi, Galbi and shrimp, paired with rice, soup and side dishes. Mention the offer to receive the special.
For more: kbqlovespark.com
Lucha Cantina
1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, 815-977-4319
10% off to anyone wearing IRONMAN merchandise on June 21 and 22.
For more: luchacantina.com
Marrufo’s Tacos
3222 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, 815-608-1544
Daily specials starting at $10 throughout race weekend.
Murphy’s Pub & Grill
510 S. Perryville Road, Rockford, 815-986-0950
$14.99 Guinness fish sandwich, avocado shrimp wrap for $11.99, corned beef and cabbage for $15.99, $2 off Philly cheesesteaks, $1 wings, $6 Bloody Marys, $10 domestic beer pitchers and $3.50 domestic beer bottles.
For more: murphyspubandgrillrockford.com
Neighbor’s Bar and Grill
7745 Forest Hills Road, Rockford, 815-633-6990
Live music, steak and grilled shrimp specials, steak and eggs breakfasts.
For more: neighborsbarandgaming.net
Pig Minds Brewing Co.
4080 Steele Dr., Machesney Park, 779-423-2147
Specialty menu items include the 100% vegan Iron Man Burger. Elote Corn Bites and a tasty S’mores Brownie. Valid June 16-22.
For more: pigmindsbrewing.com
Pino’s on Main Pizza
2511 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-963-6400
Free small pizza or a free 2-liter pop with any 18‑inch pizza, plus a special $10 and under menu.
For more: pinosonmain.com
Plume
1132 Auburn St., Rockford, 779-500-0246
Fueling up triathletes with an IRONMAN Carb‑O‑Load special featuring turkey, fresh tagliatelle pasta, pesto, and kale.
For more: plumerockford.com
Ramen & Tea
7062 Walton St., Rockford, 815-977-4553
Buy any rice or noodle entrée and get one free house-made drink.
For more: ramentea.com
Running a BOGO deal on rice or noodle entrées with a free house-made drink.
Sam’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
6075 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, 815-877-2127
10% off all food for carryout, dine-in, and delivery (maximum discount $15) — just mention promo code IRON10. Large groups welcome.
For more: samsristorante.com
Shogun Japanese Restaurant
293 Executive Parkway, Rockford, 815-394-0007
$89.95 Dinner for two special — a two-person hibachi dinner package with premium lobster tail, filet mignon, and hibachi chicken. Sides include Shogun soup, salad, vegetables, rice, yakisoba noodles and hot green tea.
For more: shogunofrockford.com
Spider Sushi
641 S. Perryville Road, Rockford, 815-977-4276
Try the special “Iron Man Roll” featuring shrimp tempura, spicy crab meat, white and red tuna. 15% off for all IRONMAN participants.
For more: thespidersushibar.com
The Crow Bar
315 S. Main St., Rockford, 779-423-0456
Opens early with coffee, donuts, mimosas and Bloody Marys, plus signature Iron Man cocktails.
The Music Box
218 E. State St., Rockford, 815-986-7396
Drink specials all weekend — $5 hot coffee, $5 hot chocolate and a new cocktail and THC menu. Plus a Saturday-night set by Americana artist Beth Bombara.
For more: themusicboxrockford.com
Tortilla Express
206 W. State St., Rockford, 779-210-2588
Three tacos and a soda for $12, a Victory Burrito for $13, or a Runner Appetizer — guacamole, chips, salsa, and a medium soda — for $7.
For more: tortillaexpress815.com
Victory Pickleball Pub
7003 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, 815-846-3043
Unlimited free soda with every meal purchased IRONMAN weekend.
For more: victorypb.com
Which Wich
5542 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, 815-639-1399
Get $3 off a $15 purchase when you order in-store or by phone and mention IRONMAN.
For more: whichwich.com
Jack Ivanic is a freelance contributor to the Rockford Register Star.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 24 Rockford area bars and restaurants offering IRONMAN specials
Reporting by Jack Ivanic / Rockford Register Star
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