Bar & grills

The Nickel Plate

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

18 W Fort St, Farmington, IL 61531, United States
4.5
85 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled in the heart of Farmington, Illinois, The Nickel Plate stands out as a vibrant and welcoming bar & grill that perfectly blends casual charm with a spirited local vibe. Located at 18 W Fort St, this establishment has quickly become a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors seeking friendly faces, tasty drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere.

What makes The Nickel Plate truly special is its inviting ambiance, which balances the nostalgia of a classic corner bar with fresh, contemporary updates under new ownership. Customers frequently praise the warmth and professionalism of the staff, describing everyone from bartenders to the owner as exceptionally friendly and attentive. This ensures that every visit feels like a warm welcome home.

Despite its unpretentious setting, the bar boasts a surprisingly well-rounded menu of drinks, including standout favorites like the Moscow Mule — a delight that caught one patron completely by surprise. There's an evident pride in the quality of their offerings, paired with reasonable prices that make it easy to linger over a few rounds. For those looking to unwind with friends, the polished pool table is another highlight, providing the perfect opportunity to engage in friendly competition while sipping on your beverage of choice.

Hygiene and upkeep are clearly priorities here, with multiple reviews applauding the cleanliness of the kitchen, bar area, and restrooms — an often overlooked but vital aspect that enhances overall comfort. The Nickel Plate’s combination of spotless surroundings, excellent service, and enjoyable entertainment options like pool lays the groundwork for a memorable social experience.

Whether you're stopping by for a quick drink after work, catching up with friends over casual bites and brews, or simply looking for a dependable spot to relax in Farmington, The Nickel Plate offers a vibe that's both laid-back and lively. With continuous improvements rolling out under fresh ownership, it’s clear this local gem is poised to remain a top choice for community camaraderie and good times.

For anyone craving a genuine corner bar experience enriched by welcoming staff, tasty cocktails, and a friendly atmosphere, The Nickel Plate is a destination not to miss.

Contact: +1 309-245-5402

Location: 18 W Fort St, Farmington, IL 61531, United States

03 Notes from regulars

85 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.5
Based on 85 verified notes
5 65
4 12
3 6
2 1
1 3
All Pool Table Slots Beer Bartender Hangout Fun Time Updates Atmosphere People Food
Kathy Burgess.
4 month ago
Great service and they have great food reasonable prices. Very clean kitchen and bar area and bathrooms. All the employees and owner are very friendly.
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Sarah Carrington.
4 month ago
Stopped by for a quick drink after work, and it’s a great vibe. Appreciate the quick service and casual, friendly atmosphere.
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Heather North coast nacho.
5 month ago
Had a great Moscow mule today whitch I didn't expect from a corner bar. Barmaid was nice and the pool table is a good one.
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Josh Guy.
5 month ago
Grabbed drinks here in the afternoon, wasn't very busy and had fun playing pool. Prices for drinks was good, and seems like a good place to hangout with friends.
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Jaelyn Anderson.
5 month ago
Under new ownership! Great bartenders and a fun time! Lots of new updates and more to come!
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Jessica Malott.
5 month ago
I hear there's this amazing guy that owns this bar! Maybe I'm a little biased! Cold drinks, great bartenders, and ask around good time!!!
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Kouri Fox.
6 month ago
Great friendly local bar. The Nickel Plate is a clean establishment with multiple TV’s to watch a variety of sporting events, gambling and a pool table. The new owners have done a great job with all the upgrades along with making it a welcoming environment for everyone!
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Matthew Percefull.
6 month ago
Great place to stop in and spend an evening. Good bartenders and a great atmosphere
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday (today) 02:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 02:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 02:00 PM - 01:00 AM
Friday 02:00 PM - 01:00 AM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 01:00 AM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Finding the door

18 W Fort St, Farmington, IL 61531, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Dine-in
  • No Delivery
Highlights
  • Bar games
  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Live music
  • Live performances
  • Sports
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Dancing
  • Food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Hard liquor
Dining options
  • Seating
  • No Table service
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
Crowd
  • Groups
Planning
  • No Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
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