Effingham, Illinois, is known as the “crossroads of opportunity.” It has notable landmarks such as the cross at the crossroads, Tuscan Hills Winery, and other great sites to see.
Although there are great places to visit, your trip to Effingham is incomplete until you try out some of the best Effingham restaurants.
Some of the top restaurants in Effingham includes Firefly Grill, Niemerg’s Steakhouse, Gabby Goat American Pub and Grill, and lots more on this list.
Are you planning a trip to Effingham? Here is a guide on the top Effingham restaurants you should try out during your trip.
Best Effingham Restaurants
1. Firefly Grill
Firefly Grill is where class meets finesse. It is an award-winning restaurant of no comparison to the others.
Owned by the Campbells, Firefly Grill is an upscale restaurant with a deep history. Born out of the dream of two daring people who teamed up not only as a couple but as partners in the business of serving meals cooked with the purest ingredients, love, and a concern for nature.
Firefly Grills is your ideal spot for a relaxing time while enjoying the best meals and the most serene environment you can find in any Effingham, Illinois restaurant.
The restaurant is built on a large expanse of land with well-situated plants, which adds to the restaurant’s aesthetic appeal.
Firefly Grill has a soothing atmosphere, and a spacious dining area furnished to taste. There is also a wooden patio should you want to enjoy your meal outside the restaurant.
The cooking ingredients are grown in-house without pesticides, herbicides, or anything harmful to nature’s delicate ecosystem.
Whatever cannot be sourced from Firefly Grills’ farms is sought from local farmers and fisheries using sustainable farming methods.
The ambiance that welcomes you as you step onto the Firefly Grill property is peace and a feel of serenity that can only be found when close to nature in its purest form.
The menu is divided into Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, After-Dinner, and Kids menu. For Brunch, the starters include french toast bites, firefly coffee cake, firefly bread plate, sweet Dutch baby, etc. Entrees include steak in eggs omelet, corned beef hash, Moroccan avocado toast, etc.
The lunch menu consists of Chicken noodle, Firefly, Beef pho Firefly, Beet Gazpacho, Caesar, Mediterranean Chopped, Ravioli, Summer shrimp Risotto, Seabas, Montana mignon firefly, etc.
Dinner options include carne asada street tacos, fried shrimp street tacos, Korean hot chicken steam bun, avocado guacamole tostada, etc.
The after-dinner menu features desserts like Key lime pie, pavlova, banana foster cake, brownie sundae, etc.
There are drinks called libations, including Chocolate Martini, Firefly Irish coffee, Firefly espresso martini, etc.
Firefly Grill opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM.
Address: 1810 Avenue of Mid America, Effingham, Illinois 62401-4576. Phone: +1 217-342-2002.
2. Gabby Goat American Pub and Grill
With a distinct name and reputed to be Effingham’s premier pub and restaurant, Gabby Goat American Pub and Grill is one of the top restaurants in Effingham.
Built-in the form of an American pub with a restaurant side to it, Gabby Goat American Pub and Grill attracts customers from far and near.
Some outstanding features include ample seating space for patrons, a dedicated section for diners to enjoy their meals, ample parking space, and a well-designed interior.
It has all the features of an American restaurant, like a wooden bar front with a well-polished top and a games corner for customers interested in having fun.
The menu options are simple. The meals on the menu include Effin’ tasty steak bites, American rangoons, loaded tater tots or fries, pretzel sticks, crispy fried pickle chips, nachos, fried smoked gouda mac and cheese bites, bruschetta, etc.
There is also a wide range of wines and beers of different brands available to customers at a reasonable price.
Gabby Goat American Pub and Grill opens daily at 10:30 AM and closes at 12:00 PM.
Address: 303 E Fayette Avenue, Effingham, Illinois 62401-3616. Phone: +1 217-342-4628.
3. Niemerg’s Steakhouse
Niemerg’s Steakhouse was opened on the 1st of September, 1978, to serve customers using a unique cooking method called “Grandmother’s style.”
This style has attracted twenty-four million patrons to this restaurant over the years as they serve specially made delicacies made from scratch based on the customer’s order.
At Niemerg’s Steakhouse, serving fresh meals is more of a tradition than a work ethic; they have abided by this for over three decades.
Niemerg’s steakhouse features include adequate seating space, wheelchair accessibility, a full bar, a buffet service, a takeout option, and ample parking space.
The menu is divided into three segments. First, it has a catering menu with entrées like coffee, iced tea, lemonade, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, potato chips, gourmet baby carrots, green beans, homemade noodles, etc.
The coffee shop menu, slightly similar to the dinner menu, includes breaded meat ravioli, an Italian basket, mozzarella sticks, poppers, fried zucchini, etc.
Niemerg’s Steakhouse opens at 06:00 AM and closes at 02:00 AM daily.
Address: 1410 W Fayette Avenue, Effingham, Illinois 62401-1915. Phone: +1 217-342-3921.
4. Joe’s Pizza & Pasta
Joe’s Pizza & Pasta is the best Pizza place among all Effingham restaurants. The Pizza and meals have created a standard that no other pizza place in town can compete against, and the restaurant has what it takes to live up to its name.
Joe’s Pizza & Pasta, Effingham is part of a chain of pizza restaurants, but the Effingham branch stands out due to the high influx of customers who patronize Joe’s Pizza to taste the sweetness of the pizza place.
With over 47 years of making Pizza and serving customers the tastiest meals, we can be bold to say Joe’s Pizza & Pasta has earned a spot in its rightful place.
Located in the calm yet busy part of town, Joe’s Pizza & Pasta has all the features one can find in a pizza place.
The restaurant has a lush green lawn out front and a hanging sign on the building wall advertising the business to people passing.
The restaurant’s interior features a well-lit dining room with well-arranged tables ready for diners to settle in.
There is also adequate parking space for automobiles and a counter to get whatever you need to drink.
Other notable features include customer delivery options, wheelchair accessibility, excellent table service, and excellent Italian cuisine.
The menu covers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Some meals include thick crust, tiramisu, cannoli, and stuffed crust.
Joe’s Pizza & Pasta opens its doors at 11:00 AM and closes by 10:00 PM from Thursday to Friday, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Sunday and Tuesday, and 4:00 PM to 10 PM on Saturdays.
Address: 115 E Jefferson Avenue, Effingham, Il 62401-3457. Phone: +217-347-5637.
5. Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is one of the top restaurants in Effingham, Illinois. It is an American restaurant with fantastic meal options and a packed menu.
Reputed to have a beautiful fireplace and the tastiest steak Effingham restaurants have to offer, Cracker Barrel is one of the best places to eat in Effingham, Illinois.
It is built like a regular American diner with see-through windows that helps you enjoy the outside view while dining inside the restaurant, and there are seats outside the restaurant for those who wish to sit outside for a nice American meal.
This restaurant’s features also include wheelchair accessible structure, adequate seating space, a spacious environment, ample parking space, and flowers to add to the aesthetic appeal.
Cracker Barrel restaurant ranks the menu on a scale of 10-1. It starts at old timer’s breakfast at number ten, Grandma’s Sampler at number nine, Southern Fried Chicken at number eight, Chicken Fried Chicken at number seven, Roast Beef at number six, Country Fried Steak at number five, Grilled Chicken Tenders at number four, Meatloaf at number three, Chicken ‘N’ Dumplings at number two, and their special is momma’s Pancake Breakfast at number one.
Cracker Barrel opens at 6:00 AM, closes at 10:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday, and from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 1101 Avenue of Mid America, Effingham, Illinois 62401-4700. Phone: +1 217-347-7130.
6. Joe’s Sippers Cafe
Joe’s Sippers cafe is a coffee shop with a restaurant side to the business. The cafe places great importance on its core values which revolve around excellent customer experience, quality service delivery, and customer satisfaction.
Joe’s Sippers Cafe takes excellent care of its customers, taking this further by buying a roastery to produce a wonderful collection of its products to serve its customers.
The restaurant arm is one of the best restaurants in Effingham. It offers a beautiful selection of meals and drinks to customers.
The menu is divided between coffee choices and meals. The coffee options include hand-brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino, firepot loose-leaf tea, hot or iced tea, etc.
The meal options have breakfast items like the Huevos Rancheros Wrap, Breakfast wrap, Caprese breakfast wrap, plain Jane breakfast sandwich, etc.
Joe’s Sippers Cafe also serves the Platter Menu, ham & Havarti sandwiches, giant salad, southern salad, and many other options.
Joe’s Sippers Cafe opens daily at 6:00 AM and closes by 7:00 PM.
Address: 114 S 4th Street, Effingham, Illinois 62401-3639. Phone: +1 217-347-2232.
7. Taqueria Don Pedro
Taqueria Don Pedro serves the tastiest Mexican cuisine on this side of town.
It brings the freshest and tastiest Mexican flavors to the table to satisfy its customers’ craving to taste what Mexican cuisine has to offer.
The unique features that help one of the top restaurants in Effingham stand out include well-cooked Mexican cuisine served to customers who have always praised the restaurant for its spice and menu options.
Other notable features include wheelchair accessible structure, takeout option, meal delivery, outdoor seating, off-street parking space, and a beautiful selection of the finest alcohol available in Effingham restaurants.
The menu is not different from what you will get in a traditional Mexican home. The meals served at Taqueria Don Pedro include Queso Dip, Guacamole, Quesadilla, totopos, zarape, pollo Americano, torta, enchiladas, etc.
The drinks include classic lime, Golden margarita, iced tea, coffee, Pepsi, Aguas Frescas, glass bottled sodas, etc.
Taqueria Don Pedro opens at 11:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM daily.
Address: 307 W Jefferson Avenue, Suite 101, Effingham, Illinois 62401-1940. Phone: +1 217-347-2216.
8. Culver’s
Culver’s restaurant, Effingham, is part of a chain of restaurants. It is an American fast food restaurant in Effingham, Illinois, owned and managed by the Debolt Family.
Over the years, Culver’s restaurant has carved a niche among Effingham restaurants and is widely known as one of the best places to eat in Effingham.
The restaurant features a beautiful bungalow building painted white and blue, which is the restaurant’s theme color. The interior is basic yet functional, and it sure serves its purpose.
Some additional features that make this restaurant comfortable include wheelchair accessible entrance, outdoor seating, a takeout option, and a drive-through option.
The menu includes sandwiches, sides, snack pack meals, kids’ meals, dinners, salads, soups, beverages, coolers and smoothies, cones and dishes, mixer, shakes & Malts, and sundaes.
Culver’s opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM daily.
Address: 1510 W Fayette Avenue, Effingham, Illinois 62401-1916. Phone: +1 217-347-4986.
9. Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse
Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse is an ideal place to experience the Japanese food culture and taste delicious Japanese cuisine.
Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse is one of the top Japanese restaurants in Effingham, Illinois. The features include vegan options, takeouts, ample seating space, a full bar, table service, a dedicated hibachi cook, Japanese hibachi tricks, and good entertainment to make your evening beautiful.
The menu includes Appetizers like Harumaki rolls, Shrimp shumai, edamame, gyoza, kanisu, coconut shrimp, etc.
Lunch specials include California roll, tuna roll, veggie roll, spicy tuna roll, spicy salmon roll, salmon roll, Philadelphia roll, shrimp tempura roll, spider roll, Bayridge roll, etc.
Teriyaki options include Teriyaki chicken, teriyaki steak, teriyaki shrimp, teriyaki salmon, etc.
Lomein options include chicken fried rice, beef fried rice, etc.
Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse opens from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Sundays, 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM, and from Monday to Saturday with a daily break between 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Address: 1302 Avenue of Mid-America, Effingham, Illinois 62401. Phone: +1 217-342-3833.
10. TGI Fridays
TGI Friday’s history goes as far back as 1965. The self-acclaimed best corner bar in town was established in Manhattan before it moved its roots to Effingham, Illinois.
Over the years, TGI Fridays have served countless Patrons who patronize the restaurant for its local meals, fun-filled environment, and well-crafted cocktails in 16 locations all over Illinois.
The Effingham branch stands out among the sixteen other branches due to its high number of customers, customer reviews, and outstanding customer service.
Situated between Effingham performance center and Mid-America Motorworks, locating this restaurant and bar is relatively easy.
The features of this brand include a meal takeout option, ample Seating space, table service, reservations, adequate parking space, and wheelchair-accessible floors.
The menu includes whiskey glazed sampler, mozzarella sticks, boneless wings, whiskey glazed burger, big ribs whiskey glazed, cajun shrimp and chicken pasta, and brownie obsession.
TGI Fridays open at 11:00 AM and close at 9:00 PM daily.
Address: 1208 N Keller Drive, Effingham, Illinois 62401. Phone: +1 217-342-9499.
11. Homewood Grill
Established in 1952, Homewood Grill has been in the hospitality business for more than seven decades.
It has served customers the finest burgers, ice cream, and much more for the past 72 years.
In 2016, Homewood Grill won the prestigious People’s Choice Awards for its Ice cream entrée.
The distinct features of Homewood Grill include a mobile ice-cream truck that is used for events outside the restaurant, takeout, wheelchair-accessible floors, outdoor seating, and a spacious dining area.
The menu includes soft serve ice cream, yo cream yogurt, dole whip non-dairy soft serve, flavor burst soft serve, corn dog, corn dog nuggets, chicken nuggets, hot dog, cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger, triple cheeseburger, tenderloin sandwich, beef burger sandwich, etc.
Homewood Grill opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM.
Address: 608 S Willow Street, Effingham, Illinois 62401-3757.
12. Effing Brew Company
Effing Brew Company is one of the top Effingham restaurants to visit if you want value for money spent.
Effing Brew Company is the leading restaurant in Effingham when it comes to serving local dishes. It serves residents from Newton, Altamont, Neoga, Charleston, and environs.
The features of Effing Brew Company include ample seating space, Wheelchair accessible floor, superb table service, and an outstanding menu list.
The menu includes finger foods like Giant pretzels, white cheddar beer battered cheese curds, onion rings basket, fried avocado bites, etc. There are also items like baby back ribs, wings, pulled pork sandwiches, etc.
Effing Brew Company opens at 3:00 PM and closes at 9:00 PM on Sundays, 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM from Thursdays to Saturdays.
Address: 221 W Jefferson Avenue, Effingham, Illinois 62401-2347. Phone: +1 715-347-2337.
13. Steak ‘n’ Shake
Steak ‘n’ Shake is an American restaurant that has been around since 1934. This restaurant has served generations of patrons patronizing it for its wholesome western dishes and premium burgers.
Steak ‘n’ Shake is famous for its burgers and milkshakes, which is the origin of its name.
The top restaurant prides itself as the “better burger leader,” serving the best steakburgers money can buy in Effingham.
Steak ‘n’ Shake offers takeout options, adequate seating space, wheelchair-accessible floors, exceptional table service, and swift drive-through service.
The menu options include double steakburgers with cheese, single steakburgers with cheese, Frisco melt, bacon ‘n’ cheese double, steak frank, etc.
Steak ‘n’ Shake opens from 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily.
Address: 1211 N Keller, Effingham, Illinois 62401. Phone: +1 217-210-0386.
14. Gopher’s Grill
Gopher’s Grill brings together three outstanding elements: food, fun, and drinks, under one roof for the satisfaction of its customers.
What sets this restaurant apart from other Effingham restaurants is the diversity in its offerings and the uniqueness of its facilities.
Under the same roof, Gopher’s Grill has a large yet modest dining area for diners, golf simulators for golfers, a hunting simulator for game lovers, a multi-sport simulator for people who like to play sports, and a games arcade for gamers. There is no other restaurant in Effingham offering such fun-filled activities in one place.
The menu offered at Gopher’s Grill is divided into Appetizers, soups & salads, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, entrées, sides, children’s menu, desserts, cocktails, and children’s drinks.
Gopher’s Grill opens from 10:30 AM till midnight from Tuesday to Sunday. The restaurant closes its doors on Mondays.
Address: 206 W. Jefferson Avenue, Effingham, Illinois 62401. Phone: +1 217-342-4674.
15. China Express
China Express is a restaurant on Banker street. It serves Chinese and Asian cuisine to customers who patronize the business to have an excellent taste of the sweetness the Asian cuisine has to offer.
China Express offers good Asian cuisines at a pocket-friendly price in a modest establishment.
This restaurant’s features include excellent service delivery, takeout, wheelchair-accessible facilities, and excellent staff service.
The menu plan significantly considers vegans and non-vegetarians by creating different menus for them.
The menu has unique options like general Tso’s chicken combo, sweet and sour chicken combo, chicken wings, chicken strips, supreme egg roll, Chinese donut, etc.
Chinese Express restaurant opens at 10:30 AM and closes at 10:00 PM daily.
Address: 112 S Banker Street, Effingham, Illinois 62401-2446. Phone: +1 217-347-0304.
Plan a Trip to Effingham
Effingham is a fantastic place to explore. Adding these listed restaurants to your tour list will make your trip more memorable and enjoyable.
Start planning your trip to Effingham, create your bucket list of places to visit, and have a great time here.