The Detour

The Detour is good for what it is: a standard hole-in-the-wall type bar. I had came here expecting a mixed drink menu (based on pictures I saw online), but they couldn't provide that and couldn't even make a mojito for me, so I just settled for a corona.Seeing as the place remains pretty dead, it would be a nice and low key spot for date night I'm sure--if you want to stick with beers. But there was nothing that set it apart from competition in my opinion. I could've had a similar experience by just buying a case of corona and sitting at home.

Yes, atmosphere may be a little divey.... But the food is delicious and very reasonably priced. Friendly staff and clientele. Good selection of craft beers along with the usuals and mixed drinks! Great neighborhood bar!

How have I lived in Rockford for years and never heard of this place?! This is a hidden gem.There are many things going for this spot. It might be small, but it's mighty. A very long beer list, great whiskey options, and a full bar to start you off right.The food is good, and they run daily specials which you can find on the homepage of their website. We came on a Wednesday so I ordered a buffalo chicken salad and got $2 off. Between the rest of our family, we ordered the brat Mac n cheese (unique and delicious), wings (70 cents on Wednesdays), the Detour burger (my favorite of the bunch) and the Cobb salad. The salads were my least favorite (which I guess is not surprising).The service is good and it was not crowded which opened up the staff to make us feel very cared for. The biggest plus about this place is the value. Most of the menu options are under $10 (and that's not even with the daily special discounts applied) and worth every penny. The only negative I can think of is that I've been missing out all these years. Excited we've found another great hidden spot in Rockford!

I used to be a regular whenever I was in town. I have gone to both the Comedy nights and the Trivia nights multiple times and have always had lots of fun. I grew up in Rockford and can confidently say that if you are looking for a fun bar that is mature and casual this and Prairie State Brewery are the spots I recommend. Many of the other bars in Rockford are trashy, wannabe city bars that attempt to cater to the 20 something year old demographic by offering heavily poured drinks, poorly trained scantily dressed young staff, and they often end their Friday/Saturday with the police breaking up fights. If you are looking for a hip "city-esqe" bar just drive inward toward Chicago/Suburbs along 90, because most the "Young/Hip" bars in this area are just dirty, cheap, pale imitations of River North Bars.As a 20 something year old, I have always preferred the cool professional environment of The Detour. This bar is similar to some of the smaller bars around downtown Chicago and I appreciate that. It's simple food/drink, affordable, and has great service (most of the time).There are two things I actively dislike though.1: The Slot machines in the back ruin the atmosphere and attract an interesting crowd of older people that are often angry or sad.2: During Covid they got rid of their in-house Beer Cheese, which not gonna lie was like 80% of the reason I went here (no offense it was Just that good). Please, Please, Please bring it back or post the recipe on your Facebook page or something! BONUS: The Chinese food Place next door to this bar is also a Hidden gem if your looking for a good lunch spot!

We were heading east from Pecatonica so I searched Yelp for a good brew pub to try out. Both the food and beer menu's looked inviting so some friends joined us for dinner. I'm a sucker for club sammy's so I eased into one of those. I didn't have any problems devouring it. The beer selection at Detour is bigger than the dining room with some rarer choices to try. With that in mind I settled for a can of Maplewood Zip Zap. I'd never heard of their brewery but was more than glad I opted for this one. Nice wheat IPA with a tropical kick. The service here was friendly and helpful. The rest of my family and friends also really enjoyed their food/drinks. We'll be back for sure. Cheers!

Great place to go to relax and have a nice cold beer on draft or your favorite beverage. Awesome food with a great variety to choose from. A great atmosphere were the bartenders are always welcoming. I would definitely recommend the Detour Bar and Grill to anyone who's looking for a nice neighborhood bar and grill.

I literally cannot think of a better dive bar that I've been to in God knows how long. They have a great selection of whiskeys, and beers. The other day I stopped in and grabbed some of the spicy cheese curds, and I was amazed at how good they are! So cheesy - so spicy. Out of control! Loved them! Also snagged the pretzel bites. Salty, crispy and the pub cheese mmm... good chow. So yeah, a great place and a fantastic find. If you are thinking " I want a beer and a burger" this is most definitely the place for you. I'll be making many repeat visits.

The food was pretty good but the bar tender was pretty drunk as well.don't think you should be taking shots behind the bar as you work.

As a traveler from out of town, I found this to be a fantastic place to get a drink and some food in a friendly atmosphere. This is my go to place when I travel from out of town to visit to feel a little bit closer to home I recommend this to anyone who is from a small town that wants to feel closer to home.

Good selection of draft beers and menu has never been a disappointment. Adam behind the bar is a great conversationalist.This bar is also conveniently close to my house