It's that time of year when single people try harder than ever to make themselves un-single.

Unfortunately, you have to start somewhere and if you got past the awkward internet dating intro you somehow made it to a slightly less awkward first date.

It's just not a typical first date though, it's the more casual, first-date drinks.

Since Rockford is a town where seemingly everyone knows everything about you, you definitely don't want to go to the same bar you always do, lest being seen by other regulars. It would be considered a bad move and could potentially give the wrong impression even though the actual impression is "Yes, I drink so much, everyone here knows my name."

Just to be on the safe side you need to switch it up.

Thankfully, Yelp has a list of the best first date bars in Rockford.

6565 Lexus Drive

Paninis, salads and pizzas for lunch. Shared plates in the evening. Wine, craft beer and craft cocktails all day.

411 East Riverside Boulevard

With a subtle decor and superb food, perfectly complemented with knowledgeable and friendly staff, we are excited to serve Illinois Stateline area!

1402 North Main Street

Brunch Pub w/ a Nordic Twist; Live Music Venue in Rockford, IL

509 East State Street

Social is here for you to enjoy and appreciate food as its own experience, and to remember that it all begins long before we put it on a plate.

1710 Rural Street

The beer and cocktail offerings we provide are hand-selected with our customer’s in mind but with a few extras thrown in for fun.  So if you are someone that appreciates quality drinks for a great value, then you owe it to yourself to check us out.

Are there any bars in Rockford that we missed you'd like to add to the list? What first-date drink bars in Rockford are better than the rest?

Sweet Lenny is the brand manager of 97ZOK, Q98.5, and Operations Manager for Townsquare Media Rockford. Catch him afternoons 3 to 7 on 97ZOK. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram and like his page on Facebook.

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