Homewood Grill

For residents across Illinois, and especially those in the Effingham area, Homewood Grill stands as a true local institution, offering a delightful blend of classic American comfort food and fantastic ice cream. Since 1952, this charming establishment has been tempting taste buds, building a reputation for its quality offerings and welcoming atmosphere. It's more than just a place to eat; it's a nostalgic experience that has become a beloved stop for families, travelers, and anyone seeking a satisfying meal or a sweet treat.

While Homewood Grill offers a comprehensive menu of savory items, its ice cream often steals the show. Customers consistently rave about the "fantastic" ice cream, praising its rich flavors that "tasted exactly how they sounded." From indulgent choices like "coffee heath ice-cream" to comforting classics like "coconut cream pie," the hand-dipped ice cream selection is a highlight that keeps patrons returning. The ice cream is described as "super sweet and rich," making it "a perfect treat for the full family!" This dedication to delicious, high-quality frozen desserts truly sets Homewood Grill apart.

Beyond the ice cream, Homewood Grill also excels in its food offerings. As one pleased customer on a road trip noted, they "accidentally stumbled up on this little gem" and found the "food was delicious and plentiful," with "prices that are fair." This sentiment underscores the value and quality found across their entire menu. The friendly staff ("the ladies inside were great") further enhances the positive experience, ensuring that whether you're a local regular or a first-time visitor passing through, your stop at Homewood Grill will be a memorable one. This establishment captures the essence of a classic American eatery, making it a must-visit in Effingham, Illinois.

Homewood Grill is conveniently situated at 1002 W Fayette Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, USA. This address places it along a prominent thoroughfare in Effingham, a city known as the "Crossroads of Opportunity" due to its location at the intersection of Interstates 57 and 70. This strategic position makes Homewood Grill exceptionally accessible for both local residents and travelers passing through Illinois on their road trips.

Being on West Fayette Avenue (also known as US Route 40) ensures high visibility and easy navigation. For those arriving by car, Homewood Grill typically offers a private lot for parking, contributing to a hassle-free experience. Its presence along a major route, combined with ample parking, makes it a convenient stop for a quick bite or a relaxing ice cream break. While specific public transport options might be limited in a city like Effingham compared to larger metropolitan areas, its location on a primary road means it's usually accessible via local transit routes if available, and certainly by private vehicle for the vast majority of visitors in the Illinois region.

Homewood Grill offers a comprehensive menu that expertly blends classic American diner fare with a delightful selection of hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream, providing something for every taste.

• Premium Hand-Dipped Ice Cream: A wide range of flavors including Banana, Butter Pecan, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Coffee, Cookie Dough, Green Mint Chip, Strawberry, Vanilla, and a rotating Specialty Flavor of the Month. No Sugar Added Vanilla is also available.
• Soft Serve Ice Cream: Classic Chocolate, Vanilla, or Chocolate/Vanilla Swirl soft serve, with options for Flavor Burst (Banana, Blue Goo, Bubble Gum, Chocolate, Green Apple, Lemon, Orange, Strawberry) and Twinkle Cone or Dip Top.
• Specialty Ice Cream Treats: Options like Brain Freeze, Freeze, or Dole Freeze (dairy-free flavor of the day). They also offer various sundaes and shakes.
• Burgers and Sandwiches: A robust selection including Hot Dogs, Cheeseburgers, Double Cheeseburgers, Bacon Cheeseburgers, Coney Dogs, Sloppy Joes, BLTs, Chicken Strip Sandwiches, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and their popular Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches (small and large).
• Fries and Sides: Crispy French Fries, Fried Pickles, Cheese Curds, and Mushrooms.
• Appetizers and Kids Meals: Mini Tacos, Chicken Nuggets, Corn Dogs, and specially curated Kids Meals with choice of entree, fries, and a small soda.
• Beverages: A variety of sodas (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Mr. Pibb, Root Beer), Sweet Tea, Unsweet Tea, Lemonade, Powerade, and Slushes in multiple fruit flavors.
• Flavor Add-ins for Drinks: Customers can add flavors like Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Marshmallow, or Peach to their sodas.

Homewood Grill distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that contribute to its long-standing popularity and appeal in Effingham, Illinois.

• Dual Culinary Excellence: The ability to deliver both fantastic, rich hand-dipped ice cream (with flavors like Coffee Heath and Coconut Cream Pie explicitly praised) and delicious, plentiful savory food (like their burgers and sandwiches) is a major highlight. This makes it a versatile stop for a full meal or just a dessert.
• Long-Standing Local History: Operating since 1952, Homewood Grill has established itself as a deeply rooted local favorite, offering a sense of tradition and familiarity to generations of customers.
• Friendly Staff: Reviews consistently mention the "great" and "friendly" ladies working there, contributing significantly to a welcoming and positive customer experience.
• Fair Prices: Customers appreciate that the "prices are fair" given the quality and generous portions of the food.
• "Road Trip Gem": Its location near major interstates makes it an ideal and highly recommended stop for travelers passing through Illinois, providing a high-quality, non-chain dining option.
• Variety of Ice Cream Options: Beyond hand-dipped, the inclusion of soft serve, Flavor Burst, Dole Soft Serve (dairy-free), and various specialty treats ensures there's an ice cream option for every preference.
• Seasonal Operation: The fact that it's a seasonal establishment (typically opening mid-March through mid-October) creates a sense of anticipation and makes each visit feel special.
• Outdoor Seating: Offers outdoor seating, which is a desirable feature, especially during warmer months, allowing patrons to enjoy their treats and meals al fresco.

For inquiries, orders, or to experience the classic charm and delicious offerings of Homewood Grill, please use the following contact information:

Address: 1002 W Fayette Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, USA

Phone: (217) 342-4677

Mobile Phone: +1 217-342-4677

Homewood Grill is an exceptionally suitable choice for locals in the Illinois region, particularly those in Effingham and surrounding communities. Its decades-long history as a local favorite speaks volumes about its enduring quality and appeal. For families, it offers the perfect combination of a satisfying meal for everyone and delightful ice cream treats to cap it off, all at fair prices.

Whether you're craving a classic American burger, a generous portion of fries, or an incredibly rich and flavorful scoop of ice cream, Homewood Grill consistently delivers. Its convenient location for both residents and travelers, coupled with its friendly service and nostalgic charm, makes it more than just a restaurant—it's a cherished part of the community fabric. For any Illinoian seeking a reliable, delicious, and authentically local dining and dessert experience, Homewood Grill is a highly recommended and beloved destination.

Homewood Grill

1002 W Fayette Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, USA