Jacksonville, Alabama is located on Highway 21 in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northeast Calhoun County. The metropolitan area lies between the cities of Anniston to the South and Piedmont to the North. The city is home to Jacksonville State University and as a consequence has a varied demographic makeup and is home to people from across the United States and internationally. As a town with a diverse population, it is inevitable that numerous restaurants call the city home and offer the citizens of the city many different choices when it comes to local cuisine.
Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack is a full service restaurant and bar located at 8464 Alabama Highway 204 in Jacksonville. The restaurant is recognized as one of the best places to eat in Jacksonville, due in part to the fact that the eatery smokes their own meats and use a unique dry rub and barbecue sauce that is crafted in-house. Cooter Brown’s ribs were giving the distinction of being listed a one of the 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die by the Alabama Board of Tourism. They have been the winner of the Taste of Calhoun County award multiple times and their ribs were voted Best Ribs by the Anniston Star. The cozy public house atmosphere of the restaurant gives the establishment an ambiance that can’t be found in most run-of-the-mill eateries.
Located at 1508 Pelham Road South, The Rocket is a barbecue and burger restaurant that never fails to please. The eatery has been a staple in the region for decades and owes much of their success to the fact that they smoke their chicken, beef, and pork in house. Their burgers are hand patted and robust, their baked beans are worth writing home about, and some testimonials claim that the Cole slaw is better than mom makes. Add to that a unique barbecue salad that a giant would be hard pressed to finish in one sitting, and it is no surprise that the eatery has a solid and loyal customer base with the citizens of the city and the folks that live in the surrounding areas.
The quality of a restaurant can often be determined by their success or failure. Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack and The Rocket have both been in business for many years, due to their award winning dishes, accommodating service, and unique atmospheres. Through their hard work, signature menu items, and attention to detail, these two eateries have firmly established themselves as two of the best places to eat in Jacksonville, Alabama. If you are in the area and have a hankering for quality food that you can’t find just anywhere, chances are that Cooter Brown’s and The Rocket can provide you what you’re looking for. Enjoy!
