Editor’s Note: This is a review on the lunch offerings by Peppermill Grill. For our full breakfast review, click here.
Some restaurants are indisputably a good value. Maybe they’re not the fanciest, or the most innovative, but they are kind to the wallet. Such was my first visit to the Peppermill Grill in Rockford — good food at a good price.
Our group of seven was looking for a place we could go with our dogs following a nice Saturday morning walk on the White Pines Trail when the Peppermill Grill came to mind.
Its open patio has four tables with umbrellas and the dogs were welcomed to join us and sit tableside. Two of the four tables were occupied when we arrived, but as soon as those diners vacated, we took over three of the four tables in search of shade. The umbrellas don’t have a tilt adjustment, so on this hot, bright day, getting out of the sun was difficult.
We were greeted right away. After a little confusion about who was helping us — brought on by the combination of a new server and new system — we got things straightened out. While we looked over the menu big glasses of ice water for the humans and a pitcher of water and Styrofoam trays for the dogs arrived.
The menu is pretty simple, the expected array of classic sandwiches, salads and a nice selection of breakfast standards, including omelets which are served all day.
We all opted for sandwiches, none of which cost more than $4.50. I had the classic cheeseburger ($3.95), and added “deluxe” and olives, each an extra 50 cents. Others had the tuna salad, grilled cheese, the bacon cheeseburger and the BLT. I polled the group and everyone said their food was good. All of the sandwiches came with chips and a pickle. Fries could be added for an extra charge.
This restaurant has perhaps kept their costs where they are because they do charge extra for things not everyone wants (so if you do want it, it costs extra). I’m OK with that — people have got to make a profit and at these prices, if it costs 50 cents for olives, then so be it.
It’s hard to leave any restaurant for less than $10, but we all walked away for far less with our stomachs full.
As far as dining inside, I did catch a glimpse on my trip to the restroom. It was nice and cool (a welcome respite from the hot temperatures outside) with booths and tables, mostly full with lunch-time diners.
You aren’t going to walk away from the Peppermill saying, “WOW, That was the best burger I’ve ever had!” But you might walk away saying, “That was really good and it was cheap.”
A little south of the bustling center of Rockford, this restaurant is located on the south side of Squire Street. In a town with few quick, casual sit downs, this is a good one to keep on your radar for a speedy, economical meal.
