Eat Jackson’s Best Cheap Eats: Meals that get you real bang for your buck without skimping on quality – or sacrificing our love of locally owned and operated restaurants! Great deals to be had at lunch and dinner all around Jackson, MS. We’re saying a lunch bill totaling $10 or less or a dinner bill for $15 or less qualifies as a “Cheap Eat.” The word “totaling” means tax and tip are included!
Cheap Eats #2: Dinner at Cool Al’s
Cool Al’s, a burger joint that’s been around for yeeeears, albeit not always by this name— the old name was Stamps Superburgers—boasts an award-winning burger at a mighty fine price.
Located very close to Bill’s Greek Tavern on McWillie Drive, Cool Al’s is a simple older restaurant bursting with heavenly smells. It’s a counter service burger joint; grab your number and find a seat in the large dining room. It took seven or eight minutes for our hot-off-the-griddle burgers to be delivered with a smile by a friendly server.
Al’s Classic Burger
My burger, the Al’s Classic, didn’t look like just a whole lot, but I know by now to never judge a book like this by the cover. My companion ordered the Chili Cheese Burger, which provided a bit more eye candy. He ordered a side of fries that we agreed to share.
My beef patty was seasoned with lemon pepper and a few other secret additions. The bread, although fairly standard, was fresh as could be with inward-facing sides toasted by a quick visit to the griddle. Yeah, this was one crazy good cooked-to-order burger.
The fresh-cut, never-frozen fries, which we ordered with seasoned salt, were a notch above any regular fries around town. One order is adequate for two to share.
Chili Cheese Burger & Fries
My small burger, a fountain drink, and tax totaled $7.47. I left $2 on the tip line, taking my grand total up to $9.47. My companion’s ticket was a little heftier, but still very reasonable. The large Chili Cheese Burger was $7.60, his tea was $1.50, and the fries were $1.95 so his total, with tax, was $11.82. He left a tip taking his grand total up to $14. Both of us were in and out for less than $25, and we’d gotten plenty to eat!
We ate at Cool Al’s in the evening, and their prices are the same all day. So whether you dine for lunch or dinner, Cool Al’s burger joint is definitely a Best Cheap Eats in our book with no extra charges for ordering after 5 p.m.!
Cool Del Sauce
FOOD: The food here wins awards, and rightfully so. The burger patty must be experienced to be understood! If your order doesn’t come with it, be sure to request a side of Cool Del Sauce. This stuff will take your fries and your burger to a place only otherwise described as bliss.
SERVICE: The woman who took our order wasn’t the friendliest – all business and very efficient. The guy who actually brought out our food was great and fun to talk to!
ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere at Cool Al’s is nothing over the top. It’s simple and perfect for exercising your jaws on a nice, juicy burger. You’ll leave with far fonder memories of the food than the décor.
Cool Al’s is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., making burger enjoyment feasible at almost any time of the day!
Cool Al’s
Jackson
4654 Mcwillie Dr
Jackson, MS 39206
(601) 713-3020
Price: $
Never been here. Will have to try!
I’ve been dying to try a burger from here
Cool Al’s has hands down the best burgers in the Jackson area. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out!
Oooooh now I want one! My son and I were just talking today how when he gets back to Jackson he wants a good burger from Cool Al’s!
Looks wonderful! Will have to try soon!
I love this place!! It’s always a treat!
I love Cool Al’s! Can’t wait to go back there–the perfect local burger joint, in my opinion. Great friendly staff, too.
This has been on our “try” list for forever and now it has been bumped up to the top!
The veggie burgers and onion rings are amazing. It’s always a treat for me to eat there.
Love Cool Al’s! The turkey burger is fantastic. Healthy option and just as satisfying!
I’ve been saying it since I’ve moved to Jackson and had one and it is still true. Best place to have a burger in the metro area and one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Plus the homemade sweet potato fries or homemade regular fries (both also come in chip form) are to die for, and come with your choice of a variety of seasonings (lemon pepper, cajun, sweet, etc.).
The small is 5 oz I think, the medium is 1/2 lb., and I love their burgers so much I go with the large 1 lb. burger. I’m not into vegetarian options when lookin for a burger, but they are known for a couple of pretty good veggie burgers as well. They also have milkshakes for those with a sweet tooth I think.
For a great burger and fries, you can’t beat Cool Al’s. Eating in isn’t a bad option, but I like to call mine in, and get it to go, and enjoy it on the porch, deck, or a balcony somewhere.
I love a good burger. Will definitely have to try Cool Al’s!
I love that place!
I love Cool Al’s. I hadn’t been there in quite a while but took my girlfriend recently and we both really enjoyed it! Your MORE than enough food and everything is generously priced as well. You are right about only needing to split an order of fries, and the many ways you can customize your burger is the best part. I can’t wait to go back again soon and try an entirely different option from last time.
Cool Al’s has some of the best burgers in Jackson. They offer some interesting burger ingredients. For most people, the crumb catcher (smallest size burger) is larger than most burgers elsewhere and will fill you up, especially if you order fries to go with it. The sweet potato fries and regular fries are tops.
This article is making me extremely hungry!
Love their chili!
Sounds delish! Must try it soon!
Love their sweet potato tater tots
wanna eat here with the whole family
I’ve had their burgers before and they are DELICIOUS! I haven’t been in a while though; I’ll have to try the chili cheeseburger!
A Millsaps student’s favorite burger joint!
This article is making me hungry!
I have been wanting to try this place!! Hubby and I are planning on going there this weekend, I hear it is FANTASTIC!!!
Maybe it’s the 8 1/2 months of pregnancy talking but MAN that looks good!
I love Cool Al’s. You leave there hungry it is your own fault. Try their burger sampler. That way you can try 3 of their awesome burgers and decide which one you like the best.
Best burger in town.
I have not been there either. Sounds yummy! Ready to go tonight! Thanks so much!
Cool Al’s is wonderful!! It’s a great place for a burger and those yummy sweet potato fries!!
Has to be one of the top 10 burgers in the metro area!
These burgers look wonderful. Wish I had one for lunch today.
Chili dogs are wonderful there probably because the chili is so good.
i’m going there tonight. always delicious! and best veggie burger options!
I have always wanted to try to the Vegetarian Burger that they make, but it is always out when I get there… one day!
I will have to go here to eat this weekend!
Haven’t tried it yet, but heard Al makes the best veggie burger in town.