It was the last day of 2021. Cavin and I had left Memphis that morning and were traveling to Georgia to spend a couple of days with our older son John Robert and daughter Christian. It was a beautiful day for traveling, and we even took a short detour that morning through Blue Mountain, Mississippi to see the college my mother attended many years ago. We have heard her stories of riding a bus all night from Brewton, Alabama to arrive in Blue Mountain just in time for her 8 am class. She also loves to tell us about reading for a blind professor and the terrible roommate she had her freshman year followed by the great roommate and lifelong friend she had for the next three years. But those stories are for another day…
As we were driving, Cavin and I began discussing what we wanted for lunch. We were both craving a cheeseburger, but we didn’t just want any ole fast-food burger joint. It was close to lunchtime, but we were not passing anything that was catching our eye! Surely Birmingham would have something to satisfy us on this last day of a year filled with some unexpected challenges. What did I do, but started googling like crazy and found a place called “Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint”. With a name like that, it just had to be good! It was almost 2 in the afternoon when we pulled into the back parking lot at Jack Brown’s restaurant. Nothing fancy about this place, but there were plenty of cars in the parking lot – even for a late lunch – which was a sure sign that we would not be disappointed. Don’t get me wrong…. We love nice things, but a “hole in the wall” will do just fine if they have great food!
The place was buzzing with burger connoisseurs, but there was a table available without a wait. The music was loud and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. We glanced around the restaurant and noticed a very interesting decor hanging from the chandelier right over my head – and I’m not talking about the Christmas garland!
We quickly looked over the menu, but we already knew we wanted a basic cheeseburger and fries. According to the website, their burgers are made with 100% American Wagyu Beef sourced from a family-owned and operated business in Boise Idaho. Their goal is to give their customers a rich and flavorful farm-to-table experience. Next time, I go…. and yes…. there will be a next time…. I’m going to venture out and try a specialty burger. A couple of the choices are The Cowboy Burger topped with BBQ sauce, applewood smoked bacon and American cheese or the Shocker Burger topped with fresh jalapeños, fresh habaneros, house-made shocker sauce, and 2 slices of Pepper Jack cheese. If you like peanut butter, they even have their Elvis Burger topped with peanut butter, mayo, applewood smoked bacon, and American cheese
After devouring our juicy, delicious cheeseburgers and hot fries with their special sauce, we were pretty full. Then our server just had to ask if we would like to try their deep-fried Oreos for dessert. How do you turn that down? Of course, we said yes and were in for a true treat. She quickly came back with our fried, hot Oreos and this has made a lasting impression on us. My suggestion: Go for the burgers and fries, but stay for the deep-fried Oreos. It will be a decision you won’t regret!
All in all SAMPLING THE SOUTH in Birmingham, Alabama was a huge success. Now, on to Duluth, Georgia!