Stopped in when we asked a local where the best breakfast in town was located. He said everything was "home made." Niemergs is a below-average restaurant that uses pre-packaged mixes to make their mashed potatoes, pies and waffles/pancakes and also uses prepackaged hash browns and meats. Basically they take it from a bag or can and fix it up a little. We've been driving from Waianae, HI (we shipped our car to CA) and we've been driving x-country to PA. I think this place could be excellent if they used fresh local ingredients and local meats. You don't have to be a chef to know how to make simple and healthy pancake and waffle mixes. Anyone can grate potatoes for fresh hash browns and prepare simple things like chicken fried steak and BBQ sauces. Basically this is a lazy, fast food eating establishment selling itself as a restaurant, but if you need it brown, hot and cheap, this is the place.
(2)
Paige D.
2 Eggs + Toast + hashbrowns = $3.61. Including tax. Yes. Um, eggs were a little bit undercooked, but that's the risk you take when ordering sunny side up eggs. It was cheap, the food was abundant, and breakfast was served all day. Just go for scrambled. There were some hilarious drunk ladies each downing their own bottle of wine at 2:30 on a Sunday. It made the trip from Carbondale a lot more amusing.
(3)
Richard S.
Review is for Chicken Caesar Salad which is the only item I purchased on my first-time visit. The salad was perfect: fresh, crisp romaine; warm, tender, nicely seasoned chicken; homemade, delicious dressing. Garnished with Parmesan and small bits of bacon. The portion size was generous, and it only cost $5.49. And the service was fast and attentive. I'm pleased. Now I have to go back to work!
(5)
Nita L.
Local favorite. The dining room is open during peak hours. The cost of the soup and salad bar is typically fifty cents cheaper than their special which comes with a side, rolls, and the soup and salad bar, so come hungry and get it all. The fried chicken is always the best choice. The food is good, freshly prepared and the rolls are better than Gramma's. The salad bar has the staples you'd find at a local church potluck: macaroni salad, pasta salad, pea salad, broccoli salad aka sorority salad, fruit in jello and that mysterious fluffy salad made with Cool Whip and jello. They usually have 2 soups that are decent. It's not fancy, it can get crazy busy but you will always be full when you leave. The pies are good and worth buying one for home. Lunch for 2 was $15 including tip.
(4)
S B.
I can't believe the rotten reviews about this place. I've never been here before, but was staying at the motel next door and they recommended this place. I was going to go to Culvers, because this place was PACKED. Culvers was busy too, so I came back here and I'm glad I did. They have a cafe on one side and a dining room on the other, with a full salad bar. The cafe doesn't serve the same food as the dining room does. I had the prime rib and it was the best I've had all year. It was better then was served in Texas. Their bread was homemade fresh and came out hot. It was delicious. The staff was very nice and efficient. This place didn't remind me of a rest home and there were plenty of young people eating here. The place was very busy and packed. They accommodated large groups and children. Service was good. I would definitely come back here for dinner. I may even come back for breakfast in the morning!
(5)
Jeanie K.
This place is always busy the parking lot stays full. But the service is quick . good food,chicken and desserts are Awesome Worth the stop !! I am from Farina
(4)
Lindsey L.
My Parents ordered the deluxe omelet and they said it was terrible. It had strips of American sliced cheese on top and canned mushrooms. The egg tasted like egg substitute, and not real eggs. The sausage on the side was leathery. On the plus side, the server was nice, and the coffee was good.
(1)
Sam M.
Unbelievable food. This is such a great place. Lunch specials include soup and salad bar all for about $6. Home made desserts and whole pies to go. Bar is in the same building. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Jessica S.
The food was delicious and super affordable. For $12 I got an amazing dinner, including 2 sides and a salad bar plus a piece of lemon meringue pie to take home for later!! The service was implacable, so ask for Julie!!! Going back before my business trip ends!!
(4)
Philip D.
Niemerg's was right in front of my hotel. What luck that was. Food is very reasonable. Steaks are quite good for the price point. Salad & soup bar wonderful. Homemade pie excellent (I had the cherry). Service great. Next time I'm in the area I'll be sure to stop by. The locals are real lucky to have this restaurant.
(5)
Bill L.
It was my first time visit to Niemerg's today. I had chicken livers and mashed potatoes and gravy and cottage cheese. Great service quick, accurate and great friendly waitress. My only issue was the brown gravy tasted like it was either to strong or burnt. Other then that great food.
(4)
Maridel S.
I haven't eaten here in years and was very impressed. There are two nice size rooms for eating--the coffee shop and the dining room--in addition to the bar area. We had the fried chicken meal with salad bar. The salad bar was one of the nicest I've seen for a while. In addition to the regular lettuce and toppings there were 3 soups, potato wedges , nacho chips and cheese. The wait staff was excellent.
The fried chicken is very good and reasonably priced. The whole restaurant gives off a "home-cooked meal" type of setting. The pies are definitely a staple, as well.
(4)
Lisa B.
I've eaten here and it's nice, my date enjoyed a fried chicken dinner and he LOVED it and so many people there order that. My deal was the pies, you have to see the amazing pies this store makes and the lemon and coconut cream pies are to die for. I've also have a cherry and wild berry that is incredible . Niemergs is almost 3 hours from my home and yes, I have traveled that far just to get some pie, and you will too once you find this little secret tucked away in Effingham Illinois. Make sure you check out the big huge white cross as well, it's really BIG and interesting as well!
(4)
Kevin B.
Good home cooking. It's a local legend.
(4)
Tim K.
My wife's grandmas took us here when we were visiting Southern Illinois. It is one of their favorite places to eat and I can see why. The restaurant has two parts; a diner side and more of a sit and stay restaurant side (this side also has a buffet). The servers in the diner were awesome and called everyone "Darlin'" and "sweetie". They were on the ball, never leaving us wanting anything. Aside from the food being great, the prices were absolutely killer. Lunch specials were $5. And the eggrolls, even though nearly as expensive as the lunch special were delicious. Funny that place like this in Illinois would have such a great rendition of a Chinese staple.
(4)
Tari P.
The last few times we've been here the food was absolutely horrid. I will never walk through their door again, after today. They refused to accommodate a party of twenty after a funeral. They refused to open the dining room & said they would only be able to split the group up & seat us far apart in the coffee shop, and only on a first come, first serve basis. And, no, we didn't just drop in, the funeral is tomorrow & that's what they told me today when I called to give them a heads up. I spoke with two managers. Apparently they don't need the revenue.
(1)
Chris F.
Foods horrible. Comparable truck stop food. Staff is friendly,service is great. But food is horrid. Had a fahita salad, and you coukd get better at taco bell. Had a order of veggie egg rolls, and they were horrible. Maybe they need to stick to steak? Dunno, don't eat it, but can't be worse
(2)
Becky T.
Cheap cafeteria food in my opinion. Always tastes good with a hangover though :-) And for the price it is great for large families. Its not my first or even second pick when choosing somewhere to eat however. I'd rather pay more for better quality food and service.
(3)
Buzz D.
CFS was an uplifting experience, crispy tender with a flavorful gravy, good whipped potatoesbut no veggies - and at the other end of the spectrum swmbo had a burger that was over cooked and low on any beefy flavor with fries that were inedible We ate in the bar area where drinks were decent and inexpensive and the service was decent if a bit rushed but the place was getting slammed at bout 7pm on a Saturday nite Would definitely stop again but be more specific in ordering--burger medium, fries crispy etc And the price was more than reasonable--including 6 cocktails the bill was $33 and change!! Did I say the Manhattens(straight up) were good too! good thing we were walking
(3)
Kristine N.
Pretty busy on a Wednesday spot, seems like a typical local spot. Service was efficient but not very friendly, food came out quick and it was decent, nothing special.
(2)
amy c.
they've recently done a lot of renovation here - new restrooms, flooring, menus, etc. Fortunately the improvement plans must have included a new cook as well. I've noticed significant improvements in the food. we mostly come here for breakfast and the last few times it has been terrific - eggs, toast, sausages: both patty and link style. I can't speak to the fancy pants dining room, since we always eat in the commoners "coffee shop" but i have had brunch in the dining room and it was hogmush. That's what it tasted like anyway. All the pastries (the most important brunch component!) were beaten up and soggy, the foods all aggressively over-handled by fellow buffet rioters and the fruits canned and/or bruised. If this is what the riches eat leave me with the poors thank you very much. The bottom line is this: if you have breakfast in the coffee shop you will get a solid diner-quality meal for a rock bottom price.
(3)
Jason G.
my favorite truck stop joint in the world. best fried chicken (high-pressure broasted) i've ever had. delicious breakfasts (the biscuits & gravy is the best, this side of memphis) and the best pies in the midwest. DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE if you're driving through effingham on I-57!!!
(5)
Peggy H.
The food here is still disgusting and the place is highly over-rated. If you like banquet tv dinners, then you will love this place. The mashed potatoes are instant, veggies are canned and food is greasy. It amazes me how so many people are hell bent that the food is great here. The food might have been great back in the 70's, but since the 80's on it has been the same old nasty crap. Marie Callendar's restaurant has better baked goods and fried chicken and that's not saying much.
(1)
b w.
A local classic.
(4)
Nana H.
After 5 hours in the car, my butt was numb and my belly was rumbling. When we saw a huge white Jesus cross, we pulled over. What sort of town is this?? My husband drive into the drive way of this fine establishment because it's parking lot was packed. What was this restaurant that all of the people in EFFINGHAM seemed to enjoy? Well it's a 2 part restaurant, half of it is a "cafe" which they really mean, diner. And the other half is a salad and soup buffet, but it's the nicer half of the restaurant, because it's darker. The majority of the wait was for the soup and salad bar, but I wasn't about to wait any minutes for a buffet of starters!! This is a town of families who are willing to wait for their salads and soup. Patience must be something that huge cross baring down on them has taught. We dined at the cafe and dined well for under $15!!! We had a beverage that was NOT water each, and got 2 full meals WITH sides. Our waitress was nice and let me know I was getting their " signature", I ordered the fried Chicken LUNCH (although it was dinner time!!) and I thought it was okay, but just okay. For $5.50 I was okay with it.
(3)
Thomas B.
A real dump. The coffee is clearer than tea. It's all about price. If you want to eat with a group of toothless hicks, and be called "sweetie" by the aging waitress, then Niemergs is the place for you. It's like a Ryan's, Sirloin Stockade or Home Town Buffet, but without the charm.
(1)
Angela C.
Great Midwestern home cooking! We had the prime rib special with vegetable and salad bar. We didn't know when we ordered but the special comes with dessert. Tonight's dessert was carrot cake with cream cheese icing. Moist and delicious with pieces of real carrot! Our waitress, Christin, was very attentive and friendly. Our beers were cold and refreshing. Thank you for a great meal after a long day of traveling! We will definitely be back, possibly in the morning for breakfast!
(5)
David D.
This place was really busy when I ate there. But we were seated fast and service was good. This is the kind of place you go if you want a lot of food at a good price. The salad bar comes with just about anything you order and just about all the entrees were around $10. I can't say the food was all that good. I was looking forward to a juicy, midwestern steak and I got a kind of tough steak that wasn't cooked the way I ordered.
(3)
Chris K.
This place has done nothing but decline over the last 15 years that I've went there, the food becomes cheaper and cheaper and the service is worse and worse. The only two reasons to come here are the fried chicken/noodles and the breakfast (although I'll argue Martin's IGA has the best breakfast buffet in town). This is the only reason I'm giving Niemerg's two stars. Note to mgmt...get your food quality up and get some good servers, especially on the bar side. That's where I noticed the worst service.
(2)
Bailey P.
Love their chicken and noodles and mashed potatoes. Salad bar is great! Wait staff is friendly! We were seated in a crowded place with my daughter who needs a high chair, so people kept bumping into her.
The atmosphere here reminds me of the diners my family and I would go to every Sunday where I grew up in Birmingham. The food is always hot, and delicious. Although, I can always count on having the squirts afterwards, for that, minus two stars.
(3)
Kyle C.
Good, busy local joint. Food is pretty good overall with a salad bar included in each meal. The restaurant is actually split in half with one side being a coffee shop, but it is not very clear unless you have been there before. The bourbon chicken was not as good as I had hoped, but it could have been worse. Service was relatively friendly and quick. In the end, I'd go back.
(3)
Matthew P.
What can I say, the food was okay. Nothing to write home about or to spend any extra time reviewing. Cookie cutter restaurant with average food. Hostess was rude when we asked for a table for 5 and declined to sit by thye door.
(3)
JarHarms P.
Went here for dinner with a group based on a recommendation. We sat in the dinning area which was nice and had a country-ish decor. The staff was very nice and helpful. Most of us ended up ordering steak and prime rib. The salad bar was abundant in choices. The new york strip I got was ok but not great. It appeared like it was cook top grilled, no charred at all, and a little too much gristle for my taste. The others were initially not sure if they actually got prime rib since it was really thin cut. They said it tasted good but hard to compare with a proper thick cut of prime rib. The shining gem here is the pies, which are excellent. If anything make sure to get a slice of your favorite pie and end on a good note. All in all Niemerg's is better than a chain restaurant and is a good value for your money. But I like a little more than that. Strangely I have had a more difficult time finding good places to eat in Effingham than anywhere else. If I am back in the area I will try eating in the coffee shop section which seems to be the key in getting good reviews.
(2)
Sara D.
Well, I am a huge fan of Niemerg's, and I should know, I've been eating here my whole life. I see a few small town haters have posted reviews - the food here is great. Its like going to Cheers (if Cheers had an awesome restaurant attached to the bar.) It's one of those 'everyone knows your name places. Or if they don't when you walk in, they will when you leave. The pies and baked goods are made from scratch and there is a large salad bar. My favorite things to eat here are the fried chicken, ham steak, and strangely, the eggrolls. This is a place to have a comfortable, tasty meal.
(4)
J H.
Enjoy a fine meal here every time I pass through Effingham. Friendly folks and great food.
(5)
Rick G.
Pretty average. The chicken is good, but nothing to rave over. It's about the only game in town ... it's Effingham.
(3)
Brooke R.
This is a retirement crowds haven. Fried chicken and all the salad fixin's you could ever dream up. AMAZING PIES! I went with my family. Those old folks flocked to my adorable 15 mos old son like he was made out of creme filling. Service is good, food is good for a buffet, pies are awesome.
(4)
Ronald H.
After a disappointing experience with a nearby upscale establishment, we gave Niemerg's a try for a meal before heading over for a play nearby. Their Salad Bar was pretty good and fairly extensive, including breads and potato "skins". For main courses, my wife and I had: - Fried Chicken that was crispy outside and juicy inside, reminding us of some of the outstanding fried chicken some of our relatives know how to prepare. This was served with Mashed Potatoes that were really well prepared. - BBQ Pork, tender and flavorful. This was served with winning Hash Browns (shredded & crispy per request) For dessert, I had Cherry Pie which reminded me of cherry pie from NE Wisconsin. Yummy! Friendly and accommodating staff at host stand. Friendly and efficient server. I'd go back again if in or passing through the area.
(4)
Randolph M.
This is a review of their parking lot, as I never got a chance to get inside. Noon on a Wednesday, and I was pretty much stuck, while a very long line of cars entered the already full parking lot. Granted, I drive a Freightliner M2 truck, which is quite large, but I mean, really, the lot was jammed full, with a bunch of people still trying to get in. I just sat there for awhile, letting people come and go before I had to assert myself. Bulled my way out after about 10 minutes of being nice. The parking lot is way too small for the traffic this place gets. Must be a great place to eat, after seeing the crowds descending on it. But it also must be a drag if you are looking for the salad bar during lunch. I can't imagine the amount of people inside, all trying to order food, and get in line for the salad bar. This has got to be a place where you go during off hours. I'm thinking late morning... early afternoon. Don't go at peak hours. I'm sorry I missed the dining here, but I don't fight crowds at my age.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Dirk J.
Stopped in when we asked a local where the best breakfast in town was located. He said everything was "home made." Niemergs is a below-average restaurant that uses pre-packaged mixes to make their mashed potatoes, pies and waffles/pancakes and also uses prepackaged hash browns and meats. Basically they take it from a bag or can and fix it up a little. We've been driving from Waianae, HI (we shipped our car to CA) and we've been driving x-country to PA. I think this place could be excellent if they used fresh local ingredients and local meats. You don't have to be a chef to know how to make simple and healthy pancake and waffle mixes. Anyone can grate potatoes for fresh hash browns and prepare simple things like chicken fried steak and BBQ sauces. Basically this is a lazy, fast food eating establishment selling itself as a restaurant, but if you need it brown, hot and cheap, this is the place.
(2)Paige D.
2 Eggs + Toast + hashbrowns = $3.61. Including tax. Yes. Um, eggs were a little bit undercooked, but that's the risk you take when ordering sunny side up eggs. It was cheap, the food was abundant, and breakfast was served all day. Just go for scrambled. There were some hilarious drunk ladies each downing their own bottle of wine at 2:30 on a Sunday. It made the trip from Carbondale a lot more amusing.
(3)Richard S.
Review is for Chicken Caesar Salad which is the only item I purchased on my first-time visit. The salad was perfect: fresh, crisp romaine; warm, tender, nicely seasoned chicken; homemade, delicious dressing. Garnished with Parmesan and small bits of bacon. The portion size was generous, and it only cost $5.49. And the service was fast and attentive. I'm pleased. Now I have to go back to work!
(5)Nita L.
Local favorite. The dining room is open during peak hours. The cost of the soup and salad bar is typically fifty cents cheaper than their special which comes with a side, rolls, and the soup and salad bar, so come hungry and get it all. The fried chicken is always the best choice. The food is good, freshly prepared and the rolls are better than Gramma's. The salad bar has the staples you'd find at a local church potluck: macaroni salad, pasta salad, pea salad, broccoli salad aka sorority salad, fruit in jello and that mysterious fluffy salad made with Cool Whip and jello. They usually have 2 soups that are decent. It's not fancy, it can get crazy busy but you will always be full when you leave. The pies are good and worth buying one for home. Lunch for 2 was $15 including tip.
(4)S B.
I can't believe the rotten reviews about this place. I've never been here before, but was staying at the motel next door and they recommended this place. I was going to go to Culvers, because this place was PACKED. Culvers was busy too, so I came back here and I'm glad I did. They have a cafe on one side and a dining room on the other, with a full salad bar. The cafe doesn't serve the same food as the dining room does. I had the prime rib and it was the best I've had all year. It was better then was served in Texas. Their bread was homemade fresh and came out hot. It was delicious. The staff was very nice and efficient. This place didn't remind me of a rest home and there were plenty of young people eating here. The place was very busy and packed. They accommodated large groups and children. Service was good. I would definitely come back here for dinner. I may even come back for breakfast in the morning!
(5)Jeanie K.
This place is always busy the parking lot stays full. But the service is quick . good food,chicken and desserts are Awesome Worth the stop !! I am from Farina
(4)Lindsey L.
My Parents ordered the deluxe omelet and they said it was terrible. It had strips of American sliced cheese on top and canned mushrooms. The egg tasted like egg substitute, and not real eggs. The sausage on the side was leathery. On the plus side, the server was nice, and the coffee was good.
(1)Sam M.
Unbelievable food. This is such a great place. Lunch specials include soup and salad bar all for about $6. Home made desserts and whole pies to go. Bar is in the same building. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Jessica S.
The food was delicious and super affordable. For $12 I got an amazing dinner, including 2 sides and a salad bar plus a piece of lemon meringue pie to take home for later!! The service was implacable, so ask for Julie!!! Going back before my business trip ends!!
(4)Philip D.
Niemerg's was right in front of my hotel. What luck that was. Food is very reasonable. Steaks are quite good for the price point. Salad & soup bar wonderful. Homemade pie excellent (I had the cherry). Service great. Next time I'm in the area I'll be sure to stop by. The locals are real lucky to have this restaurant.
(5)Bill L.
It was my first time visit to Niemerg's today. I had chicken livers and mashed potatoes and gravy and cottage cheese. Great service quick, accurate and great friendly waitress. My only issue was the brown gravy tasted like it was either to strong or burnt. Other then that great food.
(4)Maridel S.
I haven't eaten here in years and was very impressed. There are two nice size rooms for eating--the coffee shop and the dining room--in addition to the bar area. We had the fried chicken meal with salad bar. The salad bar was one of the nicest I've seen for a while. In addition to the regular lettuce and toppings there were 3 soups, potato wedges , nacho chips and cheese. The wait staff was excellent.
(4)Heather M.
Excellent value with a fresh salad bar that will fill you up no matter what you get for entrée. It's not "amazing" food; just down-home, generous portions at a superior price.
(5)Makenzie H.
The fried chicken is very good and reasonably priced. The whole restaurant gives off a "home-cooked meal" type of setting. The pies are definitely a staple, as well.
(4)Lisa B.
I've eaten here and it's nice, my date enjoyed a fried chicken dinner and he LOVED it and so many people there order that. My deal was the pies, you have to see the amazing pies this store makes and the lemon and coconut cream pies are to die for. I've also have a cherry and wild berry that is incredible . Niemergs is almost 3 hours from my home and yes, I have traveled that far just to get some pie, and you will too once you find this little secret tucked away in Effingham Illinois. Make sure you check out the big huge white cross as well, it's really BIG and interesting as well!
(4)Kevin B.
Good home cooking. It's a local legend.
(4)Tim K.
My wife's grandmas took us here when we were visiting Southern Illinois. It is one of their favorite places to eat and I can see why. The restaurant has two parts; a diner side and more of a sit and stay restaurant side (this side also has a buffet). The servers in the diner were awesome and called everyone "Darlin'" and "sweetie". They were on the ball, never leaving us wanting anything. Aside from the food being great, the prices were absolutely killer. Lunch specials were $5. And the eggrolls, even though nearly as expensive as the lunch special were delicious. Funny that place like this in Illinois would have such a great rendition of a Chinese staple.
(4)Tari P.
The last few times we've been here the food was absolutely horrid. I will never walk through their door again, after today. They refused to accommodate a party of twenty after a funeral. They refused to open the dining room & said they would only be able to split the group up & seat us far apart in the coffee shop, and only on a first come, first serve basis. And, no, we didn't just drop in, the funeral is tomorrow & that's what they told me today when I called to give them a heads up. I spoke with two managers. Apparently they don't need the revenue.
(1)Chris F.
Foods horrible. Comparable truck stop food. Staff is friendly,service is great. But food is horrid. Had a fahita salad, and you coukd get better at taco bell. Had a order of veggie egg rolls, and they were horrible. Maybe they need to stick to steak? Dunno, don't eat it, but can't be worse
(2)Becky T.
Cheap cafeteria food in my opinion. Always tastes good with a hangover though :-) And for the price it is great for large families. Its not my first or even second pick when choosing somewhere to eat however. I'd rather pay more for better quality food and service.
(3)Buzz D.
CFS was an uplifting experience, crispy tender with a flavorful gravy, good whipped potatoesbut no veggies - and at the other end of the spectrum swmbo had a burger that was over cooked and low on any beefy flavor with fries that were inedible We ate in the bar area where drinks were decent and inexpensive and the service was decent if a bit rushed but the place was getting slammed at bout 7pm on a Saturday nite Would definitely stop again but be more specific in ordering--burger medium, fries crispy etc And the price was more than reasonable--including 6 cocktails the bill was $33 and change!! Did I say the Manhattens(straight up) were good too! good thing we were walking
(3)Kristine N.
Pretty busy on a Wednesday spot, seems like a typical local spot. Service was efficient but not very friendly, food came out quick and it was decent, nothing special.
(2)amy c.
they've recently done a lot of renovation here - new restrooms, flooring, menus, etc. Fortunately the improvement plans must have included a new cook as well. I've noticed significant improvements in the food. we mostly come here for breakfast and the last few times it has been terrific - eggs, toast, sausages: both patty and link style. I can't speak to the fancy pants dining room, since we always eat in the commoners "coffee shop" but i have had brunch in the dining room and it was hogmush. That's what it tasted like anyway. All the pastries (the most important brunch component!) were beaten up and soggy, the foods all aggressively over-handled by fellow buffet rioters and the fruits canned and/or bruised. If this is what the riches eat leave me with the poors thank you very much. The bottom line is this: if you have breakfast in the coffee shop you will get a solid diner-quality meal for a rock bottom price.
(3)Jason G.
my favorite truck stop joint in the world. best fried chicken (high-pressure broasted) i've ever had. delicious breakfasts (the biscuits & gravy is the best, this side of memphis) and the best pies in the midwest. DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE if you're driving through effingham on I-57!!!
(5)Peggy H.
The food here is still disgusting and the place is highly over-rated. If you like banquet tv dinners, then you will love this place. The mashed potatoes are instant, veggies are canned and food is greasy. It amazes me how so many people are hell bent that the food is great here. The food might have been great back in the 70's, but since the 80's on it has been the same old nasty crap. Marie Callendar's restaurant has better baked goods and fried chicken and that's not saying much.
(1)b w.
A local classic.
(4)Nana H.
After 5 hours in the car, my butt was numb and my belly was rumbling. When we saw a huge white Jesus cross, we pulled over. What sort of town is this?? My husband drive into the drive way of this fine establishment because it's parking lot was packed. What was this restaurant that all of the people in EFFINGHAM seemed to enjoy? Well it's a 2 part restaurant, half of it is a "cafe" which they really mean, diner. And the other half is a salad and soup buffet, but it's the nicer half of the restaurant, because it's darker. The majority of the wait was for the soup and salad bar, but I wasn't about to wait any minutes for a buffet of starters!! This is a town of families who are willing to wait for their salads and soup. Patience must be something that huge cross baring down on them has taught. We dined at the cafe and dined well for under $15!!! We had a beverage that was NOT water each, and got 2 full meals WITH sides. Our waitress was nice and let me know I was getting their " signature", I ordered the fried Chicken LUNCH (although it was dinner time!!) and I thought it was okay, but just okay. For $5.50 I was okay with it.
(3)Thomas B.
A real dump. The coffee is clearer than tea. It's all about price. If you want to eat with a group of toothless hicks, and be called "sweetie" by the aging waitress, then Niemergs is the place for you. It's like a Ryan's, Sirloin Stockade or Home Town Buffet, but without the charm.
(1)Angela C.
Great Midwestern home cooking! We had the prime rib special with vegetable and salad bar. We didn't know when we ordered but the special comes with dessert. Tonight's dessert was carrot cake with cream cheese icing. Moist and delicious with pieces of real carrot! Our waitress, Christin, was very attentive and friendly. Our beers were cold and refreshing. Thank you for a great meal after a long day of traveling! We will definitely be back, possibly in the morning for breakfast!
(5)David D.
This place was really busy when I ate there. But we were seated fast and service was good. This is the kind of place you go if you want a lot of food at a good price. The salad bar comes with just about anything you order and just about all the entrees were around $10. I can't say the food was all that good. I was looking forward to a juicy, midwestern steak and I got a kind of tough steak that wasn't cooked the way I ordered.
(3)Chris K.
This place has done nothing but decline over the last 15 years that I've went there, the food becomes cheaper and cheaper and the service is worse and worse. The only two reasons to come here are the fried chicken/noodles and the breakfast (although I'll argue Martin's IGA has the best breakfast buffet in town). This is the only reason I'm giving Niemerg's two stars. Note to mgmt...get your food quality up and get some good servers, especially on the bar side. That's where I noticed the worst service.
(2)Bailey P.
Love their chicken and noodles and mashed potatoes. Salad bar is great! Wait staff is friendly! We were seated in a crowded place with my daughter who needs a high chair, so people kept bumping into her.
(4)Dee C.
We visited the lounge side of this location. The chicken was juicy & the drinks were inexpensive. The restaurant side was packed on a Thursday night. Always a sign that the rest of the entrées are just as good.
(4)Ron S.
The atmosphere here reminds me of the diners my family and I would go to every Sunday where I grew up in Birmingham. The food is always hot, and delicious. Although, I can always count on having the squirts afterwards, for that, minus two stars.
(3)Kyle C.
Good, busy local joint. Food is pretty good overall with a salad bar included in each meal. The restaurant is actually split in half with one side being a coffee shop, but it is not very clear unless you have been there before. The bourbon chicken was not as good as I had hoped, but it could have been worse. Service was relatively friendly and quick. In the end, I'd go back.
(3)Matthew P.
What can I say, the food was okay. Nothing to write home about or to spend any extra time reviewing. Cookie cutter restaurant with average food. Hostess was rude when we asked for a table for 5 and declined to sit by thye door.
(3)JarHarms P.
Went here for dinner with a group based on a recommendation. We sat in the dinning area which was nice and had a country-ish decor. The staff was very nice and helpful. Most of us ended up ordering steak and prime rib. The salad bar was abundant in choices. The new york strip I got was ok but not great. It appeared like it was cook top grilled, no charred at all, and a little too much gristle for my taste. The others were initially not sure if they actually got prime rib since it was really thin cut. They said it tasted good but hard to compare with a proper thick cut of prime rib. The shining gem here is the pies, which are excellent. If anything make sure to get a slice of your favorite pie and end on a good note. All in all Niemerg's is better than a chain restaurant and is a good value for your money. But I like a little more than that. Strangely I have had a more difficult time finding good places to eat in Effingham than anywhere else. If I am back in the area I will try eating in the coffee shop section which seems to be the key in getting good reviews.
(2)Sara D.
Well, I am a huge fan of Niemerg's, and I should know, I've been eating here my whole life. I see a few small town haters have posted reviews - the food here is great. Its like going to Cheers (if Cheers had an awesome restaurant attached to the bar.) It's one of those 'everyone knows your name places. Or if they don't when you walk in, they will when you leave. The pies and baked goods are made from scratch and there is a large salad bar. My favorite things to eat here are the fried chicken, ham steak, and strangely, the eggrolls. This is a place to have a comfortable, tasty meal.
(4)J H.
Enjoy a fine meal here every time I pass through Effingham. Friendly folks and great food.
(5)Rick G.
Pretty average. The chicken is good, but nothing to rave over. It's about the only game in town ... it's Effingham.
(3)Brooke R.
This is a retirement crowds haven. Fried chicken and all the salad fixin's you could ever dream up. AMAZING PIES! I went with my family. Those old folks flocked to my adorable 15 mos old son like he was made out of creme filling. Service is good, food is good for a buffet, pies are awesome.
(4)Ronald H.
After a disappointing experience with a nearby upscale establishment, we gave Niemerg's a try for a meal before heading over for a play nearby. Their Salad Bar was pretty good and fairly extensive, including breads and potato "skins". For main courses, my wife and I had: - Fried Chicken that was crispy outside and juicy inside, reminding us of some of the outstanding fried chicken some of our relatives know how to prepare. This was served with Mashed Potatoes that were really well prepared. - BBQ Pork, tender and flavorful. This was served with winning Hash Browns (shredded & crispy per request) For dessert, I had Cherry Pie which reminded me of cherry pie from NE Wisconsin. Yummy! Friendly and accommodating staff at host stand. Friendly and efficient server. I'd go back again if in or passing through the area.
(4)Randolph M.
This is a review of their parking lot, as I never got a chance to get inside. Noon on a Wednesday, and I was pretty much stuck, while a very long line of cars entered the already full parking lot. Granted, I drive a Freightliner M2 truck, which is quite large, but I mean, really, the lot was jammed full, with a bunch of people still trying to get in. I just sat there for awhile, letting people come and go before I had to assert myself. Bulled my way out after about 10 minutes of being nice. The parking lot is way too small for the traffic this place gets. Must be a great place to eat, after seeing the crowds descending on it. But it also must be a drag if you are looking for the salad bar during lunch. I can't imagine the amount of people inside, all trying to order food, and get in line for the salad bar. This has got to be a place where you go during off hours. I'm thinking late morning... early afternoon. Don't go at peak hours. I'm sorry I missed the dining here, but I don't fight crowds at my age.
(2)