Two Of America’s Best Restaurants Are An Easy Drive From Rockford

If you're looking for your next great meal, you won't have to go far to dig in.

While Rockford gets historically left off these lists in favor of bigger cities, it's always comforting to know that the state as a whole gets recognition, and the best part is it's not always Chicago that gets the nod.

READ MORE: Ditch the Chains: 28 Must-Try Local Restaurants in Rockford

New York Times Names Two Illinois Restaurants Among America’s Best

This time, The New York Times just dropped its 50 Best Restaurants in America list, and while it included a place in the Windy City, it also dropped another just outside the city limits in Niles.

According to The New York Times, Creepies is a can't-miss, saying, "The roast chicken at Creepies is a remarkably convincing validation of classic French bistro cooking, with its glistening gold skin and liver-enriched wine sauce. The dish is emblematic of a restaurant inspired to excellence by the bistro model, not limited by its perceived rules."

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Chicago Restaurant Creepies Earns National Recognition

I can picture this meal, and if you're a foodie, it sounds like a place you need to add to your bucket list.

The other, in Niles, is Koulkas Greek Eatery, with the New York Times noting, "the restaurant makes a compelling case that we should be eating better Greek food — and more of it."

READ MORE: Rockford’s Ten Best ‘Hidden Gem’ Restaurants According to Yelp

Niles Greek Restaurant Makes New York Times Top 50

I can't tell you the last time I ate at a great Greek restaurant, but a trip to Kouklas should happen soon.

If you were going to add a Rockord restaurant to the New York Times Best Restaurants list, what would it be?