Soul of 78: Chicago meets Jasper at JJ’s Cafe
Words and Images by Erin Shockey
Cafe owners Jeff and Joann Blackwell always dreamed of traveling in their own food truck once they retired. On February 1, 2019, their dream became a reality when they opened JJ’s Cafe on 20th Street, bringing authentic Chicago cuisine to Jasper.
The cafe’s lunch menu features a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers, and hot dogs. For lunch, guests can pick a sandwich, two sides (pasta salad, chips, fruit, cupcake, brownie or cookie) and a drink for only $7.50.
As temperatures drop in Walker County, JJ’s is offering delicious sandwich and soup combinations on their menu. No matter the time of year, I love to order my two favorites off their menu: JJ’s Chicago Dog & gyro.
JJ’s Chicago Dog is about as real as it gets. Seriously, we mean it. This hotdog is 100% all Vienna beef.
“This is a special kind of hotdog because you can’t buy it in a store anywhere; it’s shipped straight from Chicago,” Joann says.
The rich Vienna beef is topped with all of the Chicago hotdog classics: crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, sweet relish, onion, mustard, pickle, celery salt, and of course, the non-negotiable sport pepper. This Chicago delicacy is tucked in an authentic poppyseed bun and packs enough flavor to take you all the way to the Windy City—for only $3.50.
Jeff and Joann are currently working on arranging shipments of condiments in from Chicago to give their dishes an even more authentic taste.
Gyros are always a go-to in my book, especially a JJ’s gyro. JJ’s wraps generous portions of tender, seasoned lamb inside a warm flatbread—topped with lettuce, tomatoes, crunchy onions, and homemade tzatziki sauce. I’m willing to bet this will be some of the best tzatziki sauce you’ve ever had.
I paired this entree with two sides: pasta salad and fruit. The pasta salad is lightly dressed with Italian dressing and pairs perfectly with a light medley of pineapple, strawberries and grapes. JJ’s lemonade was a refreshing accompaniment to this meal.
JJ’s offers a variety of delicious desserts from Michelle’s Bakery. Guests can choose from cookies, brownies, cupcakes and more. JJ’s is now taking orders for their chocolate chip cheesecakes this holiday season along with their Christmas goodie boxes and sausage balls. You should also feel the freedom to enjoy a cup of coffee with your dessert.
By this time, you’ve earned it. 78
Like JJ’s on Facebook to stay up-to-date on giveaways and other cafe updates. Their hours are 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. They are located downtown at 320 20th Street West in Jasper, AL.