I have lived in sweet home Alabama my entire life. Jacksonville, Alabama-- to be exact. I am what you would call a "local" and I am super proud to be one. Because I have lived in Jacksonville for eighteen years, I have established a well-versed palate for the restaurants that we have to offer. I feel it is my duty to share with the incoming students some of my favorite restaurants here in our small town!

1. Jefferson's

Jefferson's. Home of some of the best wings, fried pickles, and hamburgers. This is the place you need to go if you're craving some great all-American food. I personally enjoy the BBQ wings (which are on sale on Wednesday's and Sunday's.) and my little sister always orders the mini corn dogs. The whole place is covered floor to ceiling with decorated dollar bills. If you can find a place to put yours, you can leave your mark here too!

2. Struts

I promise you that Struts has the best bacon cheddar fries in Jacksonville. Struts is also known for their burgers and wings, which I can attest are mouth watering (wings are honestly my favorite food, can you tell?). Struts, just like Jefferson's, is known for their all-American food. I can't think of a better place to watch football games on Saturday's or enjoy wings right before JSU plays a home game. Did I mention it is in walking distance of Burgess-Snow?

3. Yamato

Yamato is Jacksonville's hub if you are craving Japanese food. They serve everything from hibachi chicken to sushi here. When I was in high school my friends and I would often come here to eat before a school dance. Or we would just go because we needed some fried rice, either way, the food is amazing. The Yum Yum sauce can and should be put on everything you get from here. It is so good.

4. Loco Mex

Pictured above is the inside of Loco Mex, home of Taco Tuesday. That's right. Dollar tacos. All day. On Tuesday. You'll probably have to park at Pizza Hut because everyone in Jacksonville will likely be there. Loco Mex also offers all types of Mexican cuisine, and I am quite fond of their cheese dip. On most weekends, they offer live entertainment, which is always fun to go enjoy with your friends.

5. Baja

Baja is another restaurant that offers Mexican food in Jacksonville, but it is not as close as Loco is to the university. Baja is located near Walmart, and is well worth the extra five minutes you have to travel to get there. Baja is a typical Mexican restaurant, with a little added flair. They offer everything from fajitas to taco salad. And their cheese dip? AMAZING. I like to mix mine with a little of their salsa and send my taste buds to heaven.

6. Cooter Brown's

My Dad used to LOVE eating at Cooter Brown's. He would get so giddy over their ribs and I was right there with him. The ribs here are amazing. Pair them with some of the potato salad, and you have yourself an amazing meal. Cooter Brown's also offers hamburgers, chicken fingers, and many other things that remind me of having a summer barbecue. Cooter Brown's is always so packed they actually just constructed a new overflow parking lot!

7. Cecil's

Ever since I was a little girl, I remember my Mom taking me to Cecil's to get ice cream, and I am so glad she did. The ice cream from here is the best ice cream, in my opinion, in Jacksonville. It is so rich and creamy. And the banana split? Out of this world! Cecil's also serves milkshake and amazing hamburgers. No matter what you get from here you will not be disappointed. I can't think of a time when my Mom asked if I wanted Cecil's and I said no-- it is just that good. The people of Jacksonville are so blessed to have this establishment in their life.

I am so happy that I got to share some of my favorite restaurants in the town that I call home. Although there are many other places to eat in Jacksonville, these are my favorites. I have tried so many different things from all of these places, and I could go on and on about each one of them. From how Cecil's makes your ice cream overflow from the bowl, or how the people from Yamato are always so friendly, Jacksonville has some truly delectable places to eat. A local's advice to eating in Jacksonville? Don't be afraid to try new things-- some of the best food comes from places you might not have even heard of.