Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Photos by Ryan McGill, Al Blanton, and courtesy of Cole’s BBQ

 Whether you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go meal or somewhere to sit down to eat with coworkers, family, or friends, the Walker County area is full of options to make the most of your lunch break. 

 If you want to add some variety to your lunchtime rotation, 78 Magazine is here to help! Try adding these lunch spots to your mix.

Rigsby and Rush (R&R) - 301 Walston Bridge Road, Jasper

 Kelly Rigsby and Peggy Rush (of Five Loaves Bakery fame) opened the doors to R&R Bakery, Cafe and Market in May 2021 as a supplement to the downtown Jasper location of Five Loaves. R&R serves a dynamic menu of breakfast, lunch, and baked goods Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Dine in or schedule a pickup order by calling (205) 265-3515.

 78 Recommends

●      The Southwest Bowl - black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, roasted red peppers, fresh jalapenos, feta cheese, and spicy ranch atop your choice of rice or quinoa. Add chicken or mahi for an extra touch of deliciousness!

●      Ham, Apple, Gouda and Fig Sandwich - savory seared Granny Smith apples and gouda cheese paired with ham, creole mustard, and a delectable fig spread on sourdough.

Sweet Beans Cafe - 31930 1st Ave NW, Carbon Hill

Carbon Hill welcomed Sweet Beans into the community earlier this year. As the name would lead you to believe, Sweet Beans serves specialty coffees and traditional coffee-shop fare like pastries and desserts, but they also have a lunch menu chock-full of mouthwatering sandwiches, salads, and sides to appeal to any lunchtime craving. Sweet Beans is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

 78 Recommends

●      The Fruity Chicken Salad Croissant - traditional chicken salad spruced up with grapes, pineapples, and pecans on a large house-made croissant.

●      The Billy Bacon Burger - ½ pound of beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard, ketchup, American cheese, and bacon.

Cole’s BBQ - 570 State Street, Sumiton

In March 2021, husband-and-wife duo Charles and Kelly Cole brought Cole’s BBQ to their home community in Sumiton with the intention of making everyone who walked through the doors feel like they were at a family barbecue. Southern traditions of food and fellowship are strong and evident at Cole’s BBQ Wednesdays through Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

78 Recommends

●      Pulled Pork and Smoked Chicken - classics to the world of barbeque served plated or as sandwiches, with traditional sauce or white sauce.

●      BBQ Egg Rolls – this snack is an interesting collision of two types of cuisine. Dip them in your choice of white sauce, Cole’s Original Sauce, or ranch, and there’s no stopping the smile that will spread across your face.

JJ’s Cafe - 320 20th St W, Jasper

A taste of the Windy City meets Jasper at JJ’s Cafe. The cafe’s lunch menu features a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers, and hot dogs, most of which are inspired by the historically delicious eats of Chicago, Illinois. Satisfy your traveler’s appetite from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

78 Recommends

●      The Chicago Dog - Just like you’d get at Wrigley Field, a Vienna Beef hot dog topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sweet relish, onion, mustard, pickle, celery salt, sport pepper, all in a poppy seed bun.

●      Michelle’s Chicken Salad - this chicken salad doesn’t have any Chicago roots, but it is a recipe near and dear to the heart of many Jasper residents. You can get the fruity flavors of Michelle Hallmark’s (of Michelle’s Bakery) signature recipe every day at JJ’s!

Poe Family Food Truck and Restaurant - 33080 AL-69, Jasper

Fred Poe has been serving Walker County with his unique take on festival food out of his food truck for a few years. Recently, he announced the opening of a brick-and-mortar location on Highway 69. During the week, you can grab lunch at the food truck (find out the day’s location by following Fred on Facebook), and on the weekends. Visit the new location for lunch starting at 11:00 a.m.

78 Recommends

●      Steak Philly - pieces of steak seasoned to perfection, combined with cheese, caramelized peppers, and onions, all on a hoagie roll.

●      Fried Broccoli - yep, you read that right! Seasoned and battered broccoli florets, deep fried and served with ranch dipping sauce makes eating your vegetables a much more appealing feat!  78