Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
After a busy Saturday morning running errands, Miss Nancy and Marshall Jim decided to mosey on over at high noon to a new local saloon for a shot of “Red Eye and Vittles.” This new watering hole is Niko’s Pointers Saloon in Marengo. It’s easy to find, just look for the nice rack of antlers on the shingle over the door.
As you walk in, you’re taken back to the “Long Branch Saloon” of Gunsmoke fame. Critters of every variety adorn the walls and Country Western music is playing in the background. The bar area has six high-top tables adjacent to what seems like a never ending bar and the dining area has six standard tables. The entire saloon is done in a wooden décor. The tables are glossy, the walls are cedar planked, and the ceiling is also wood with rustic beams. All that’s missing from this western era is sawdust on the floor and cowboys playing poker.
Now for the grub…. We started off with a classic western appetizer of Homemade Reuben Eggs Rolls (3) for $9.99. These are wantons rolled with shredded corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese and fried golden brown with a side of Thousand Island Dressing. They were delicious, huge, and could have been a meal in itself but that would make for a very short article, so we had to sacrifice our diet for our loyal readers.
Niko’s Pointers Saloon
106 S. State Street
Marengo 60152
(815)568-7955
pointerssaloon.com
Directions: Take Harmony/Marengo Road West to Rte. 20, Turn Right. Go to South State Street, Turn Right.
Approximate Travel Time: 21 minutes
Jim ordered the Pig Shack ($12.99), which was sliced smoked ham, slow roasted pulled pork, smoked bacon, and creamy coleslaw piled high on a toasted pretzel bun with barbeque mayonnaise. Instead of fries, he decided to have onion rings for a $1.99 upcharge. I’m a big fan of pulled pork, and it was delish.
Nancy had the Mac Attack ($11.99), which was a 10 oz. Black Angus Beef burger topped with their homemade mac and cheese, bacon, cheddar cheese and served on a pretzel bun. I had to try her sandwich since it contained all of my favorite food groups. It was awesome!!!
All our sandwiches came with fries, pickle, and coleslaw. Nancy had her fries double-dipped since she likes them crunchy and they were great.
The sandwiches are “Ponderosa” sized, and you don’t know where to start on them. Trust us, you’ll need two to three napkins per sandwich and the waitress even brought us wet naps after looking at the mac and cheese adorning the front of Nancy’s sweatshirt. I will be getting a couple of lunches from the leftovers. Check out their western/hunting themed cocktails. Not a drinker? It doesn’t matter, they are just fun to read. Even the bartender promotes this hunting theme with antlers on her T-Shirt and the words “Nice Rack” written below. Young cowpokes get a cardboard crown in the shape of antlers. I looked over at Nancy and saw her pouting because she didn’t get one.
FYI: The Saloon opened its doors on October 27 just like they were “shooting” for. It’s handicap accessible. Reservations are accepted, and if you go on a Saturday night, strongly suggested.
The whole “Kit and Caboodle” cost $44.90, pardner!
Jim’s take: I was in “hog heaven.” That sandwich was absolutely delicious, but I could only muster up enough of an appetite to eat half. Nancy tried to rustle some of my onion rings, but I wrangled her in.
Nancy’s take: If you love westerns, don’t pass this up. It’s a fun place with great food and the service was impeccable. I’m going back just to try more appetizers; they all sounded yummy. And I’ll probably get some onion rings, and I won’t be sharing them with Jim!
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
