Fairview Cafe

4.7 ( 168 reviews )
Checking... 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM See Hours
$1–10
365 Carter St, Fairview, IL 61432, United States
+1 309-778-2288
Fairview Cafe, located at 365 Carter St, Fairview, IL, is a nostalgic gem of classic American dining that evokes the comforting memories of home-cooked meals. Customers rave about the slow-simmered roast beef, described by Lisa McCluskey as "fall off the fork" tender, alongside an extensive Sunday buffet featuring fried chicken and homemade chicken and noodles served over buttery mashed potatoes. The highlight of any visit is undoubtedly the flaky, delicious pies that remind many of their grandmothers' baking, with flavors ranging from peach to chocolate cream. Paul Ladner captures the essence of this small-town cafe, allowing diners to step back into a welcoming, simpler time. Regulars like Duane Anderson note not only the generous portions but also the affordability, making it a wonderful value. The ambiance has been thoughtfully updated to a charming country style, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. Weekly specials, particularly the catfish on Fridays, have earned praise from patrons like Anne Judas, solidifying Fairview Cafe as a must-visit destination for hearty, traditional, and delicious meals. For anyone in the Fairview area seeking comfort food with a touch of home, Fairview Cafe is a delightful choice.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers kerbside pickup
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Serves great coffee
    • Serves great dessert
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Has all you can eat
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
    • Has table service
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Cash only
    • Accepts cheques
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot

Reviews For Fairview Cafe

Lisa McCluskey
May 26,2025
If you have a hankering for grandma’s slow simmered, fall off the fork, melt in your mouth roast beef, look no further than the Fairview Cafe. I was fortunate to eat there two days in a row, and it was all that everyone raved it would be. The Sunday buffet packs a flavorful punch with a cold bar, chicken and noodles, fried chicken, roast beef, mashed taters, green beans and baked beans. To top it off, enjoy one of their homemade pies. The crust of the pie is just like my grandma used to make, flaky and crunchy at the same time. Choose from blackberry, peach, coconut cream, chocolate cream, strawberry rhubarb, and custard. It’s the hardest decision you’ll make today. Great staff. Close handicapped parking. The interior was renovated during COVID to make it country cute. Our bill for the Sunday buffet for three with pie and coffee, was 65.40 with 20% tip.
Paul Ladner
Apr 28,2025
Small town cafe. Classic icon of a once booming town. Take a trip back in time to the heart of every small town that still has its heart intact.
Linda M
Apr 9,2025
I love the food. I love catfish fillets. They're chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes is very good.
Duane Anderson
Apr 8,2025
Awesome food from the kitchen and price is below elsewhere
Anne Judas
Mar 28,2025
Great catfish filets on Fridays. I finally tried the Sunday buffet, and it was quite good. The fried chicken was tasty, as was the roast beef. Pie crust is as good as it gets. Very traditional breakfasts. A must try if you're in the area. Daily specials available.
Darrick Burkhead
Feb 26,2025
One of the best Hometown locally owned family restaurants in Fulton County. Get out there and support your locally owned businesses!
Elizabeth Taylor
Feb 18,2025
Awesome! Great food (maid rite & curly fries)! My dessert (pine apple upside down cake) was fantastic. The atmosphere was enlightening, I loved listening to all the farmers. I loved this little cafe. Home cooking at it's finest!
kari haneghan
Feb 12,2025
Not all small town cafes are created equal. Fairview Cafe trumped them all! Service was great, and this was right at lunch time, first day of shotgun season. But service was still wonderful. Food was piping hot and just delicious! Extremely well priced, too. I love about 30 minutes from this town, but I will definitely go back.

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