Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint is a funky dive bar located on the market square in downtown Roanoke, and served some of the best burgers I have ever eaten. Be prepared for a bit of a wait since the inside is a little small, with just a few high-top tables and some bar seating—but trust me, it’s well worth it! The food comes out fast, so depending on how much the table is drinking, the wait seems to go pretty quick. The décor is quite interesting, with hubcaps for the bases of the tables, and old gasoline cans for the lights.
Cobra Kai
These burgers are unique, out-of-the-box creations, all made from 100% American Wagyu Beef from a family-owned business in Boise, Idaho. The burgers are thin like smash burgers with a little crispness around the edges, but juicy and flavorful. Don’t expect to come and be served a typical cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato. I don’t even think these are an option here! I had to try the Cobra Kai; I mean who puts cream cheese on a burger?! This thing was amazing!! It is topped with a cream cheese, pickled jalapenos and jalapeno jelly. It has a little heat with the pickled jalapenos, but the sweetness from the jelly and creamy, smooth cream cheese just rounds it all out. It is a one-of-a-kind burger you definitely need to try!
Greg Brady
The next burger I tried was the Greg Brady. This one was good, but not as flavorful as the Cobra Kai. The Greg Brady is topped with house-made mac and cheese, American cheese, and Martin’s BBQ potato chips. It was definitely cheesy and the chips gave it a little crunch, but this one probably isn’t a re-order for me. The buns on these burgers are grilled, yet they are steamed, soft, and hold up very well with the toppings. As far as extras, I had the regular french fries and the sweet potato fries. Both are crinkly, well-seasoned, cripsy, and delicious. They come served with the Jack Brown’s Sauce, but I wasn’t a huge fan of this. I just drenched my fries in ketchup. There are daily burger specials; however, you can only order them on that specific day, which was a bummer because I would have loved to try a few of them!
As far as drinks, there are several beer options on draft, as well as rotating bottles and cans, and of course regular domestic beers. You will notice in the décor several pictures of patrons with a number written on the bottom of the photo. These are people who have drunk at least 100 different beers and have become a “Notcher”. As a Notcher, you will receive a shirt, along with your picture on the wall, and access to exclusive Notch Club events and tasting trips. I cannot say that the beer would keep me coming back to become a “Saint” (achieving 1,000 beers), but the burgers definitely will!
For another Roanoke restaurant review, click here!
-Tennessee Taster
