This Burger Joint in Illinois Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered

I can’t think of anything more synonymous with road trips than fast food and burgers. But if you want to add a little extra epic to your order, you’ve gotta stop at Beef-a-Roo in Rockford, Illinois. If you ask me, it’s one of the best road trip stops in Illinois when the bellies are grumbling. 

How Beef-a-Roo Became An Iconic Burger Joint in Illinois

Emerging in the late 1960’s, the first Beef-a-Roo location in Rockford added a casual, made-to-order twist on the classic fast-food joint. It was the brainchild of a local police officer and a nurse who wanted to serve something fresh: never-frozen beef, hand-cut French fries, and homemade sauces. Another location soon followed, and Beef-a-Roo developed a cult-like following for its good food and community-first vibe. In 2000, the chain began to expand rapidly, and today there are more than 20 locations across 8 states. But the location I'm talking about today is the original—an unexpected place in Illinois thanks to its 1950s diner decor. 

What Makes It So Unexpected

Putting it frankly, not every Beef-a-Roo location is the same, and whether you’re a true fan or just curious, you’ve gotta go to the original on East Riverside Boulevard in Rockford. I’m on Team Curious, and not from Illinois, so I had never even heard of Beef-a-Roo when locals told us we had to stop here before we left Rockford. I was honestly charmed from the get-go by the giant brick-wall mural stretching the width of the parking lot. I even made my kids stand out in the cold for a photo-op to earn a milkshake to go with their burger and fries. 

What To Eat at Beef-a-Roo

Before you get to the grub, be sure to take a loop around the inside of the 50’s style diner. It’s filled with all kinds of fun, nostalgic road trip memorabilia. It has some serious Route 66 vibes, although it’s actually a 60-mile detour from America’s Main Street. My kids loved the T-bird bumper-boat chair, the Sinclair gas pump, and the jukebox. I loved the chain-drop lamps and the tin signs. When it comes to the menu, the sky’s the limit, from classic burgers to grilled chicken wraps, to loaded baked potatoes, chicken strips, hearty salads, and even veggie burgers. But the go-to is the original, shaved roast beef sandwich. No matter what you eat, Beef-a-Roo is a road trip stop in Illinois you won’t forget.

Nearby Road Trip Attractions in Rockford

Over the past few years, Rockford has become one of my go-to cities for a mini family getaway. There is much for families to do in every single season, but we especially find ourselves drawn here in the winter. Places we love include Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens for its February orchid show, the Snow Park at Alpine Hills for snowboarding and snow tubing, and the Burpee Museum for Jane, the T. rex skeleton. We also like to stay downtown for Thanksgiving weekend to attend Stroll on State. It’s a holiday parade with walking balloons, an interactive street festival, and fireworks. After visiting dozens of holiday events in the Midwest, it’s one of our favorites. 

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