Regional road trips are all the rage right now. Many folks feel most comfortable hopping in the car with their loved ones and exploring sights that are off the beaten path. Some of those sights may even be in your own backyard! For plenty of regional travel ideas, check-in every Wednesday for a Downstate Illinois Road Trip Roundup on themed topics showcasing several destinations across the southern portion of the state. This week we spotlight sink our teeth into some of the best BRUNCH spots in southern Illinois!

Effingham

“On weekends, we brunch!” Locally owned and operated, Niemerg’s Steakhouse is the perfect family-friendly place to eat any time of the day, but breakfast/brunch is our favorite. Their delicious breakfast hot bar satisfies all your morning cravings. Niemerg’s opens at 6:00 a.m., seven days a week -- for all those early risers. If you are not an early riser, be sure to stop by for brunch! The breakfast menu ranges from waffles and toast, to bacon and eggs, fruit, hash browns and more. After your meal, make sure you purchase a homemade pie from the bakery to bring home… it’s worth the calories - trust us! We always recommend you start your day at Niemerg’s Steakhouse! Firefly Grill just brought back their incredibly popular Sunday brunch menu and it’s a “must-eat” here in Effingham. Chef Niall has outdone himself once again with an incredible brunch menu, including: sweet dutch baby pancakes, moroccan avocado toast, house-made biscuits and gravy and more. Not only does Firefly serve the best brunch dishes around but you have the option to pair them with some amazing cocktails. Firefly Grill is so passionate about all of their ingredients and you can literally taste it in every bite. Come brunch with them this Sunday! If you’re looking for more of a coffee shop style breakfast, Joe Sippers Café is the place for you! Customers can enjoy hand-brewed coffee or tea while savoring homemade baked goods and sandwiches that were created with only the highest quality ingredients, including local honey and free-range eggs, all-natural deli meats and lofty portions of nutritious produce. Breakfast is served all day long and they have some unique options you’ll definitely want to try. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite breakfast drink, whether that’s a hand-crafted cup of coffee or one of their signature drinks… you know they have you covered! Whether you’re looking for an upscale experience, a family-friendly brunch, or a quick and easy on-the-go coffee café, Effingham has you covered! 

Downstate Illinois

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what’s even better than a delicious breakfast? A delicious breakfast AND lunch! Downstate Illinois has a variety of brunch places to satisfy both your breakfast and lunch cravings. In Olney, Ophelia’s Cup has you covered with a vast menu for both breakfast and lunch items. You can indulge in eggs, omelets, breakfast burritos, and more for breakfast or skip to lunch and taste some sandwiches, wraps, and salads! The Fillin’ Station in Toledo will treat you to breakfast classics like biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, and pancakes. They also serve mouth-watering lunches such as burgers and sandwiches. Bonnie Cafe in Nashville is sure to blow you away with their breakfast buffet, complete with eggs, bacon, pancakes, and other delicious brunch options. Their lunch will certainly impress you as well with items like pasta, chicken sandwiches, and fish! Their menu is constantly revolving, so you never know what delicious meal you’ll be treated to at Bonnie Cafe. Columbia’s Cafe on the Abbey has a wide variety of breakfast meals that are sure to impress, but the highlight is undeniably their “Dillon” ger, complete with a layer of American fries topped with biscuits and gravy underneath two eggs and bacon. Their lunch will not disappoint either with menu items like salads, soups, paninis, and even Chicago-style beef. Whether you’re looking for an early-morning breakfast or a mid-afternoon meal, ILINOISouth has you covered with these delicious brunch spots!

Southernmost Illinois

The Iron Whisk is the  ‘go to’  brunch bistro in the quiet Village of Cobden, in the heart of The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, this little gem is a destination for locals, travelers and foodies alike.   Their breakfast and brunch fare takes the most important meal of the day to next level.  They put an innovative touch on classic offerings and strive to push beyond the mundane dining experiences.  Try an eggceptional sandwich like a train wreck or a wake’n’ bacon.  The strawberry habanero jelly is a MUST try!! Their Bloody Mary is more of an event than a simple libation. They begin by smoking their own tomatoes, seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices.  When in season, the freshest local tomatoes are used. Then marry the house-made mix with vodka and a loaded skewer that is fit for the hungriest brunch goer.  Open 8AM to 2PM Thurs-Sun.

Visitsi

It’s been said that “Brunch is just breakfast without an alarm.” While we totally agree with that, there is more to a brunch than just the food. It’s also the atmosphere that food is served in. Check out some of these unique brunch spots in Williamson County for the perfect late morning meal. Walker’s Bluff Tasting Room has a variety of items on their Sunday Brunch menu ranging from Steak and Eggs to a breakfast burger. Go “down the rabbit hole” to the wine cave for another unique experience. Crown Brew Coffee Co. offers an artistic aesthetic, premium craft coffee and a brunch that is Instagram worthy. Choose from a selection of avocado toasts or one of the lovely pastries available on their menu. Want a little history with your brunch? The Vault Café on the Square in Marion is the place for you. Located in a 100+ year old building you can eat your meal right in the original bank vault. Choose from “The Bankroll”, “The Money”, or “The Stack of Hash” for a unique play on this building’s history. Take the time to relax, skip the alarm and enjoy brunch at one of our many local eateries. It’s been said that “Brunch is just breakfast without an alarm.” While we totally agree with that, there is more to a brunch than just the food. It’s also the atmosphere that food is served in. Check out some of these unique brunch spots in Williamson County for the perfect late morning meal. Walker’s Bluff Tasting Room has a variety of items on their Sunday Brunch menu ranging from Steak and Eggs to a breakfast burger. Go “down the rabbit hole” to the wine cave for another unique experience. Crown Brew Coffee Co. offers an artistic aesthetic, premium craft coffee and a brunch that is Instagram worthy. Choose from a selection of avocado toasts or one of the lovely pastries available on their menu. Want a little history with your brunch? The Vault Café on the Square in Marion is the place for you. Located in a 100+ year old building you can eat your meal right in the original bank vault. Choose from “The Bankroll”, “The Money”, or “The Stack of Hash” for a unique play on this building’s history. Take the time to relax, skip the alarm and enjoy brunch at one of our many local eateries.