The Machine Shed - Rockford

This place was surprisingly very good! It's like a Cracker Barrel on steroids or if Cracker Barrel wasn't a chain restaurant! Came in and got sat with no wait for a booth. If there is a wait, there's a gift shop/bakery while you wait to browse around and kill time! Plenty of neat little things including holiday decor, pet items, kids stuff, etc. The bakery had pies to go, cookies, brownies, fudge, you name it! Lots to choose from. Ample parking including handicap. They had booths and tables. They can accommodate large parties as well. I noticed two big families enjoying themselves while we were dining. Our server was busy but attentive. She brought refills without us asking, gave us to - go drinks, she was friendly, and busy but always checked back. They serve "fixins" with all dinner meals- our server explained cottage cheese, coleslaw, rolls, and a spiced bread came with ours. We were shocked! It was soo much food but pleasant surprise! We took almost all of it home for next meal. The rolls and spiced bread were fantastic! So delicious! Next up we ordered appetizers. They have a platter option so you can choose multiple so we did! We ordered the "sheddar" melts - think giant curds- they were delicious and the pretzels with cheese fondue. The pretzels were equally as good. Honestly, I didn't have anything bad while dining in this establishment. I ordered the meatloaf for dinner which was great! Not dry, perfectly seasoned, and once again- huge portion. My husband had a chicken pot pie and enjoyed his as well. We came hungry and he was able to finish his meal. We will definitely be back and I would love to try other entrees. The menu is large enough there is something for everyone. I'd love to come back and bring my family. The offer alcoholic beverages as well. We didn't visit restrooms so can't comment on those. They are pretty handicap accessible and have a large loop to drop folks off at the door if need be. Just need help getting in front door as they don't auto open(like most smaller businesses). All the employees were friendly. We were greeted and approached by multiple people with smiles. Had a very enjoyable meal here on a Sunday afternoon. Highly recommend the Machine Shed if you are ever in Rockford.

Just came to the Machine Shed for lunch and felt that the food and service were very mediocre. My family and I had been there maybe a few years prior and left with such a positive experience (great service and generous portions of great tasting food) that when the opportunity came up to come back we were very excited. Unfortunately our server Brittney was very detached from us the duration of our meal and really seemed to struggle with any form of customer service. The baked potato soup that I ordered was already lukewarm by the time it was brought to the table. The best part of the entire meal and experience was definitely the dessert. We ordered the coconut cream pie and the chocolate ganache cake slice ($11). If I do come back I might wait to come for the dinner service, otherwise I would not plan on returning for another meal.

Was in town for the weekend. Before we headed back home we decided to check this place out. Loved the way the outside looked and I had high hopes. You get greeted in the same way you do at Cracker Barrel, in a little gift shop area. The restaurant is very spacious and I loved the farm decor. We were seated immediately and our sever came by pretty quickly. She was very pleasant. The wait for the food was ridiculous. We waited a long time. The menu has a little bit of everything. I wanted breakfast but the breakfast menu was small and there was not much to choose from. So I went with a grilled chicken sandwich. My sandwich was good. Chicken was flavorful, I liked that it came with greens instead of the regular iceberg lettuce. The bacon slices were perfectly cooked and huge!! Being a huge fan of fries I am disappointed to say there were not very good. I feel like they weren't cooked all the way. My friend ordered the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and a cup of chili. The server said the cook read the order wrong and one of the pieces of chicken did not come out with the rest of the meal. A few minutes later the one missing piece of chicken was brought out and it was swimming in oil. Did not look appetizing. While we waited for the food we were brought out a basket of bread, coleslaw and cottage cheese. Our meals were just ok, nothing was outstanding and the prices are on the higher side. I would have gotten a better meal at Cracker Barrel. We like to support small businesses and that's why we chose this establishment. If I was in Rockford again I would not go back. Sad to read the reviews of others stating how they have gone down hill over the years.

Went Thursday for a late lunch early dinner. 1. Had to wait at least 10 minutes before someone acknowledged that we were waiting for a table.2. Only one waitress working the dining room and there were at least 7 tables. She did a wonderful job.3. This is supposed to be Pork Month. We were very excited about the pork dinners.4. Never I my life have I had a Parmesean Crusted Pork Loin so tough that a steak knife was not even doing the job.5. This meal was pretty pricey for the quality of the food.I would rethink going here again.

Didn't really know what to expect but , I really enjoyed this place. The atmosphere reminded me of the Cracker Barrel, my server was very attentive and pleasant, I never needed for anything, she was very professional and personable. I had gotten the catfish with the fixins and a nice glass of peach iced tea. My meal was delicious. I will be back .

Turkey all the sides that come with are real good; pies are the best in town.Customer service & pickup need more training....

Stopped here for breakfast after church. Delicious menu items, and especially great (Original) breakfast selections. I had the Omelet with fried potatoes and one buttermilk pancake on the side. Food was hot and delicious. Bottomless coffee! Our server was very friendly and made us feel "at home." Definitely a return trip.

I wanted to like this place. Old-school breakfast. I'm sure it's a great place for older people with memories of hanging out here to get together. Food was average and took so long that it put us back one hour on our trip. We almost missed the game. Please do better. I'm all about taking a little bit of time, but I could have made the food done the dishes and been out the door at home. And yet the food arrived Luke warmThis place needs an update and retraining Sorry

We had been here once years ago and recalled the food had been good then. This stop we were delivering a couple teens to a convention at the Radisson across the street so happened to be able to plan lunch before going over to the hotel.We all ordered the cup of soup and 1/2 sandwich special. It was just the right amount of food for us. We all ordered a cup of creamy potato soup and sandwiches of club, bacon, lettuce and tomato and chicken salad served on a croissant.The potato soup we all agreed was delicious. It as thick and creamy with chives and bacon bits on top. Next time I would order a bowl. Everyone of us finished our cups to the last drop.We all enjoyed our sandwiches. The chicken salad was served on its own mini croissant. It was full of chicken salad that you needed a spoon to eat up what fell out of the croissant. The club and BLT half sandwiches were amply full also.We saw Some crazy looking meals go by on the waitresses platter.My husband is looking forward to stopping off for breakfast when we pick the teens back up from their convention.There is a cute gift shop you walk thru on you way to be seated in the restaurant.

Great food. it took a while to get our order, but that's because everything was made fresh, and our waitress was very attentive.