A must try effingham staple. Eat on the salad bar or diner side and enjoy a hometown style meal or the spring rolls! Every time we visit this town we try to get in a meal or at least take home one of their handmade pies or cookies. They rotate staff a lot but the food is always the same so it's a good bet you will have a good meal. Don't forget they do a great job catering! read more

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Passed through Effingham IL again and decided to commence my 30 minutes + off duty break here. Low-Key truck stop next door to Niemerg's Steakhouse is the Speedway; the startegy is park your rig there and walk over to this landmark. Haven't not been inside this restaurant ever, i kept an open mind I didn't know what to expect. Theres apparently three dine in area options. You have a whiskey, bar lounge that probably the likes of General MacArthur would patronize for food and cigars like at the Historical Manila Hotel in Manila Philippines. Then you have the open dining room where you seat yourself and it was reminiscent to an Army Chow Hall...sort of with retro 80s decor. And lastly, I chose the Salad Bar room with a booth seating. Server Jessica was fantastic! Went through the standard protocols with me; I was really enjoying the vibes at this place. It's very Mahogany, 1960s - 1980s feeling, almost like that steakhouse Warren Buffet likes to go to in Omaha Nebraska. Very community family oriented, quiet, really quite different than any restaurant or diner you patronize in a city like Los Angeles. A lot of retired folk here and truly, you feel like you been thrown back in time to the 80s and early 90s in some sense. So anyways on to the food. I'm going to state my opinion straight up, the salad bar hot food bar is the star of the show. In fact everything from the soup to the oven potatoes to the COLESLAW (Best Coleslaw Ever), reminded me of that once upon a time Soup Plantation that died during Covid....and the best part is the Cold and hot bar is all-inclusive with your main entree order. Yes you heard that right, you buy the resort tickets, and you enjoy your stay with unlimited cocktails at Cancun...I mean Neimergs... Now to the Iowa Premium Rib Eye Steak. To the kitchen staff: 2 minutes on the top side, 2 minutes on the bottom side. Bake in oven 1 minute on both sides. Done. Medium Rare. A perfectly good steak was destroyed because it came out well done. To future passerbys, skip the baked potato loaded if you decide to dine in at the hot and cold bar room. Last thoughts. I want to give the steak a 3 stars but the overall ambiance, the grandpappy grandma vibes and that overall feel like your dining at someone's home in farm country really elevated the entire experience. Plus the servers are all working their tails off. So I've rated this place a 4 stars. Think anyone on a road trip, or just driving their rig through town should give this historical site a visit. 1978 right? Or something like that. This place also has some of the freshest greens. read more

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Wifey and I stopped by here while on the road. We've been here before. In fact, I came here about 21 years BEFORE I ever even MET wifey! I first came here ( my I can remember) as a little five year old. Quite a bit has changed over the decades (but, I guess none of that matters for this review, though). We ordered French toast with strawberries (her) and a full order of biscuits and gravy with a side sandwich (Egg n Muffin). First, the full order of biscuits and gravy in no way needed that sandwich sidecar!! The order was definitely full! The sausage gravy was excellent. The biscuits were large, but a bit under baked. They were still tasty, but could have used a touch more time in the oven. The sidecar sandwich (my name not theirs) was not necessary, and I took it to go. The coffee was a little weak, but good flavor. Our server was Felicia. She was incredibly friendly! Wifey's take? My french toast was both pretty and tasty. The good news is I got to take half home for a snack later. I had also ordered the side of eggs and toast and had to take some of that home as well - so maybe I will pull the whole kit and caboodle out for lunch or dinner. The rye toast and my one over medium egg was perfect. My other egg was more medium plus but it was all good. I agree with the hubs that the coffee was definitely weak for us but we are pretty hardcore with that. It did the trick, though. We left more caffeinated than when we came in. read more

Niemerg's Steakhouse - Egg n Muffin - Steakhouses Near Me - Effingham, Illinois

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The food and service was excellent. Many choices at the salad bar. The pork chop was very tasty as well as the steak. Would definitely go back there. Prices were reasonable too. read more

My dad drove with me to Ohio from Texas, and we ended up stopping in Effingham to stay the night, from a long drive. We weren't in the mood for a loud bar & grill, so Niemerg's looked a little low key. We walked in and I swore we stepped through a time machine and landed in 1985. This was definitely the spot for me and my dad to sit and chill and have a nice meal after a long trip. The service was very friendly, the booths were diner style, the middle bar area had these stools you'd remember from childhood. The time spending with my dad and having a dinner in this place brought back alot of good memories and nostalgia. The fried mushrooms were very delicious, the burger was excellent, fries were nothing fancy, but still great. It's always nice to enjoy simple food, where your not served with a steak knife in the middle of your burger, or a waitress trying to rush you through your meal. We didn't have time, just because we were tired, but I can only imagine how delicious the pies and cookies tasted, which were displayed in the front coolers. Make this a spot to enjoy with the folks, time flies so fast, so enjoy it with family. Look forward to visiting this place again some tie in the future. read more

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Great food, friendly staff, so much to pick from on the salad bar! Very comfortable surroundings!!

We got food from here twice in 24 hours. First we did a carryout order for a large crowd. We got chicken and sides. The chicken was very good. The sides were traditional. Just fine, nothing spectacular. My favorite side was the broccoli and cauliflower salad. The next morning we ate breakfast here. The breakfast was very good. I had biscuits and gravy and hash casserole. Both needed pepper but I expected they would. I also tried a bite of the cinnamon roll and it was quite yummy. The service was friendly. It's a clean and well run establishment. It's family friendly. read more

My family and I have gone here for years and have always loved it. However, after our most recent experience, we left very unimpressed. A steak we ordered medium was served VERY well done and dry. But the worst part is our waitress. She rarely checked on us and then came back when we were maybe half done and asked if we wanted pie. We said the kids may want ice cream and she shrugged and walked away and said she'd be back. She came back a minute later with the check and said "guys I have to be back at 7 am so if we could take care of this that would be great. You can sit as long as you want." And walked away. Mind you, we had a reservation at 7 pm and this was about 7:45 pm when she brought the ticket. Worst dining experience we have ever had in our lives. read more

Great SERVICE and great FOOD . This should cover my entire experience that we had the morning we stopped for breakfast on our way to Casey and then to Arcola. read more

Basically 3 restaurants here, though we've only eaten at one. Brass Rail is a bar, never seen it open - maybe only at night?. Then there is the salad bar room where you get an extensive salad bar with your meal. We've only eaten in the main dining room, which is kind of a diner. Service has always been prompt and attentive. On our last visit we both got the daily fried chicken special. You get 2 pieces of fried chicken and two other items, which can include your drink, a side salad, cup of soup or normal sides. I got a drink and chili, which I thought was very good. Chicken here is very good. Not greasy and the coating is just right. My white meat order came with 2 breasts and I could only eat 1. At lunch there is always a good crowd so it is pretty popular. read more

Niemerg's Steakhouse - Two piece fried chicken, all white meat - Steakhouses Near Me - Effingham, Illinois

One of the best diners I've ever eaten. Biscuits and sausage gravy is a showstopper. It does get busy, so come off-peak for the best service. read more

Niemerg's Steakhouse - Biscuits and gravy - Steakhouses Near Me - Effingham, Illinois

The horseshoe was definitely an expierience for me; as i have never had an open faced sandwich before. The white fish filet was very nice, tasted very nautical. And as for the hot dog, i liked it. Apple pie with vanilla ice cream capped our hearty lunch. Friendly staff, Haley was attentive. Will definitely recommend read more

If you go to any other place in town you are wasting your money , the coffee was great , prompt service from a vey capable staff, my waitress , Kelley , was very competent relaying to the cook and then insuring exactly how I liked my delicious Denver omelette cooked . The fruit cup I ordered instead of potato's was chock full of fresh fruit that complimented the delicious OJ if I ever pass thru again I will stop in again and based on this experience I hope it's for dinner as that menu looks great too read more

Food tasted re-heated - extremely tough chicken. We've been here many many times over the past several years and the entire experience was great - but the food has gotten steadily worse and the usually great service is now replaced with surly individuals with no sense of normal human interrelations. Sad deterioration by people who dont know or dont care. Ambiance is still fair but overshadowed by rude servers. read more

5-25-24 12:42 Lunch for two. Ambiance - Pleasantly pleasing and packed with customers. Small town excellence. Parking - Very adequate off street private parking. Service - Efficient, fast, & polite. Waitress - Kaylee B. Very helpful & polite. Full bakery - Excellent pies, cookies, rolls, & etc. Dining rooms (2) - 1. Quick service counter, tables, & booths. 2. More relaxed formal dining. Food - Philly sandwiches....Large and delicious. Onion rings - Very good. Iced tea - Large and very tasty. Soda - Large Large cookies are excellent too. I've enjoyed eating here for 54 years. I love it. Yes, I do recommend Niemerg's. Hometown excellence. read more

First stop and my kids loved it! Great diner food. Delicious cookies. Met us with the options of both breakfast and dinner, which is wonderful. read more

Homemade everything like Mama makes it!!! I highly recommend the peanut butter and the rhubarb crunch pie Make your tongue slap your brains out read more

Great pie and fried chicken. Waitresses were attentive and knew the menu good. Have the pie warmed up with ice cream. read more

Niemerg's Steakhouse - Waiting for the rain to stop. - Steakhouses Near Me - Effingham, Illinois

Food wasn't that great and one our items for takeout was not in our bag. Maybe the food is better when eating in rather than takeout. My mom really does like the chicken strips. read more

Stopped by while on a business trip to give it another try. I went for salmon entree but learned that is no longer on the menu. Shoot.. but the waitress was really nice and recommended the catfish. It was two nice pieces of fish perfectly fried. The salad bar was average and had a bunch of choices. I wasn't too hungry so did a little salad, catfish, and rice pilaf. I was full and not overstuffed but still no room for dessert. The pies looked really good and people were loading up and taking them home. Good Value. read more

Niemerg's Steakhouse - Catfish with rice pilaf. - Steakhouses Near Me - Effingham, Illinois

Great restaurant, service and food....Niemerg's was a pleasure to discover on a stop on my road trip going north earlier this year so just had to visit again on my return trip south. It did not disappoint. Their fried chicken is wonderful! read more

Reviews were so good but we're 50% disappointed. Hubby had the Rib Eye and it had it was overcooked and tough and had no flavor. His Chocolate Pie was a light brown unappetizing color and had no chocolate flavor. He said it filled the void and he was too tired and hungry after driving all day to complain. On the other hand, my Lemon Pepper Tilapia was delicious. Had a nice sear and great flavor. Cherry pie a-la-mode was also very good. Service was very good and prices good. read more

Food was great, it was delicious, the filet mignon was great, the hashbrowns were amazing, service was great, Jessica was an amazing waiter, it was fast. The ambience was great it was very comfortable! read more

Loved the hometown diner atmosphere. The food was very reasonably priced. I was full for about $15. Also the restaurant is in a great location to stop by during travel! Staff was friendly too. I'll definitely be back. read more

Food was great - we ate on the diner side of the house and it was packed!!! Picked this place at random driving through Effingham on a road trip and was glad that we did. We decided we had to try some of the homemade pies too - I got peach and wasn't that impressed (it was very bland) but my friend got the peanut butter pie and said it was amazing. Would recommend a stop if you're passing through, just skip the peach pie and get something different. read more

Always stop hear when in Effingham and was always good . This Saturday was good but the food was cold. Not used to having a cold breakfast! read more

Ordered two grilled cheese with fries to go. Had less than a 3 minute drive to my hotel. They were very soggy when I opened the containers and there was about half the fries in one container compared to the other. I should probably of went in and sat down to order but the place was slammed packed. read more

Great value. Generous and filling portions. BBQ sandwich tasty. Very nice wait staff. Pleasant stop while traveling.

Great Food! Come in and loosen up your belt! Bread , pies , cookies ! Steaks ! buffet! Note - This restaurant is split up into a breakfast side and dinner side! Both are great! Service is nice and friendly! This is a mom and pop place with the mid west feel! read more

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I wanted a burger. And this place makes excellent burgers. I just got a basic one but I was satisfied nonetheless. The waitress wasn't all that happy. Not sure why. I tried to make conversation. But to no avail. No issues with food. So no change to less than five stars. read more

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My wife and I stop at Effingham on our trip from our daughter's in Alabama for a night's rest and an excellent meal at Niemerg's. My wife always gets the Prime Rib and I wonder through the menu for something to try - steak, ribs, or catfish) all have been very good. I had the slab of ribs this trip which were very tender and flavorful. One more of the highlight of this night was Taylor for our server and she was vey attentive. On our way out we get a pie to take home with us. They are beyond delicious. Only reason not a 5 star was that many of the labels on the salad bar was missing had no idea wha some of the dressing were on one side and soups had no labels. Wondered how many people had a cup full of nacho cheese instead of a cheese soup. read more

I've been coming to Niemerg's for as long as I can remember since our dad, a state trooper, used to work out of Effingham HQ. Niemerg's has AWESOME pies and makes the absolute best chicken gizzards. (If you know, you know.) Locals love the place and lots of folks who travel the interstates know about Niemerg's too. Why go to chains like Cracker Barrel when you can have the real deal? I love this place and the servers are awesome! Trust this midwestern girl turned big city restaurant snob - Niemerg's is the real deal. read more

Niemerg's Steakhouse catered my granddaughter's wedding reception and the food was outstanding! The roast is probably the best that I have ever eaten. Everything was very good. read more

A steak house that doesn't season their steak and over cooks everything? No thanks! Worst steak I have had in a very long time. Both our steaks were severely overcooked and not even as much as salt and pepper in them. The three fan tail shrimp were actually good. I should have called but it was so bad why bother. I had rather just save someone else the horrible experience. Two stars and that is just because the shrimp was good and the lady at the take out window was nice. read more

I keep coming here because of the prices but by the time I add a slice of pie which everyone should be doing when they come here, it adds another four dollars per person! I should say that I come here more for the pie and the friendly service. The food for the most part has always been just OK. Typical diner in the coffee shop area where we dined this time because we got there too late to go over to the restaurant with a salad bar. I ordered the cheesesteak with sweet potato tots. Cheesesteak was marginal, but the sweet potato tots were really good. But like I said the reason you come here is for the pie! I ordered pecan pie warmed and served à la mode. It was so good! Three stars because of the rest of food was just kind of OK. read more

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I like to go out of my way to find local non-chain restaurants when on a road trip. This place is definitely locally owned and operated. It's unique in that they have a diner side that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, a full service steakhouse and also a bar that serves food. I chose the steakhouse and it reminded me of something from my youth in the 80's-90's. The server was super nice and efficient. The salad bar, that comes with the entree is quite interesting. It's laid out in a rather unorganized fashion and could use labels to identify some of the mysterious items that were mainly in the middle. My steak(my strip) was just ok, I have a feeling it's a lower grade of beef than I'm used to. The baked potato and fresh warm bread were awesome. I'd go back if I'm traveling that day. Probably 3 stars if not for the charm and value of the place! read more

Ok really mixed bag here Servers were very friendly and attentive. Prices were really good Let's do a blow by blow... I walk in to have dinner at the bar I'll have a grey goose up with a twist please 5 minutes later... hon what does up mean... I order a ceasar salad It comes with romaine crutons costco creamy Italian and bacon bits Ok i don't eat pork so i put it on the Side Ask for mayo Parmesan lemon anchovies and a pepper grinder to get it closer Mayo yes Parmesan yes Lemon yes Anchovies no Pepper grinder no?????????? How can a steak house not have a pepper grinder???? Now I'm worried Next course Fillet mignon and a baked potato with the works Filet came wrapped in bacon I still don't eat pork Pork infused an otherwise good fillet with smoke which kind of ruined it. I asked for horseradish to kill the bacon taste We have those little packets of horsey sauce like Arbys OMG Eventually i did get some real horseradish Finally I asked for dessert they listed Off many pies Key Lime sounded safe What came was essentially lime flavored cool whip in a pie shell Ok Key lime is a custard pie as pictured below So nice people, fair prices, but uneducated staff and chef read more

Niemerg's Steakhouse - Key lime pie - Steakhouses Near Me - Effingham, Illinois

Really neat local place. They have 3 venues Cafe dining room and pub. Had a 9oz sirloin steak w/2 sides not bad and priced very reasonably. Most of the food items were price below other restaurants in the area. Service was friendly and great. read more

Is Niemerg's perfect? No. Does it try? Yes. The food and service can be really good or mediocre. (Or phenomenal and please keep feeding me the chicken fried chicken.) But especially in this post-pandemic world, it is a literal institution, decades old, open late, clean, reasonably priced, friendly, full of local families-- and for my partner and me, a great place to get together with his family for dinner. We come down from Chicago and stay in Effingham. They come over from Saint Elmo or Louisville. And Niemerg's feeds us well. (Sure did last weekend.) I feel like some reviewers passing through have no understanding of what the food scene is like in South Central Illinois. You could be eating at that awful Cracker Barrel by Avenue of Mid-America. Or that dodgy Spill The Tea in Louisville. Or any number of fast casual places in the surrounding area that don't really care. (Hey Taco Bell in Flora, could you please mop your floor once a month?) Niemerg's really cares. We care back. We go down every month or two and we're very happy Niemerg's is there. read more

So, Niemerg's used to be a fantastic pla e to eat. Things have changed over the past few years. Their chicken used to be great but the last few time I got chicken from there, the white meat is ridiculously dry. The food overall just isn't what it used to be. Now, the staff.. Niemerg's has become the place where you sit and listen to the wait staff bitchand talk trash about the customers who are still sitting inside hearing every word they say. I've been inside Niemerg's 3 times in the past couple weeks, my new job puts me right by the place. First, there's one particular bar waitress at the bar, blonde, hair in pig tails or something like that who likes to tell me they don't have certain things i ask for but i know they do. Every time I've been there I've had to sit and listen to those adolescent children run their mouths about their customers and managers and they do not have a volume control. Today was probably the most asinine I've heard them speak and I've had enough. Shut up, do your job. If you don't think the restaurant has something people ask for, instead of saying you don't have, go find out for sure and then stop running your mouths so loudly about customers. read more