OUR STORY

Welcome to the Rocket

The Rocket is a staple landmark in Jacksonville Alabama. 
A locally and regionally renowned BBQ establishment known for their Burgers and BBQ.

Gary Marbut’s family started The Rocket in Jacksonville, Alabama in 1958. The Rocket initially operated as a drive-in like Sonic today. This Mom-and-Pop barbecue-and-burger joint has a loyal following and old-timers fondly view the restaurant as something straight out of “Happy Days.” Besides barbeque sandwiches and salads, The Rocket also serves other all-American food such as chicken fingers, French fries, cheeseburgers, and onion rings. The Rocket is a throw-back to times gone by where the staff calls most customers by their first name and delivers excellent food with even better customer service. The barbeque joint has been a staple to the people of Calhoun County since 1958. The Marbut family is now serving the fourth generation of the same families that have traded with them for years.

What Our Customers Say

The Rocket

4.5Out of 5 stars

Overall rating out of 1,074 Google reviews

Michelle Hawkins
2 days ago

Completely unacceptable! We ordered 2 plates, got them after about 15 minutes, which was fine. Except, we ordered the loaded bbq fries with NO extra sauce, told the cashier 3 times no sauce when ordering. They were covered with extra sauce on top. 25 minutes later I go to the counter to ask where her plate is and they had forgotten to remake it! No apologies, just an, I don’t know what happened. Terrible service. Love to eat here, but will not be back for that type of service.

Joey Burn
3 days ago

James T
5 days ago

Great Bbq

Amy Medford
a week ago

It is a small town BBQ and burger joint. There are no veggies unless it is fried. The catfish was delicious. Overall it was a good dinner.

Dana Meeker
a week ago

Lauryn Howell
2 weeks ago

Dezaray Dean
2 weeks ago

While my relatives and I really wnjoy coming to Rocket every now and again for some delicious barbecue, today we had to wait for nearly an hour for our food when we were told it would only take 30 minutes.Then the manager I think said they had "100 tickets in the back" in exaggeration which was really not a nice thing to say especially to a senior citizen. But all in all we eventually got our food and went home to enjoy it. All is forgiven thank you!

Dianne CUNNINGHAM
3 weeks ago

Best hamburgers. Terrible potato salad and BBQ sandwich. Tea good Very disappointed in BBQ. My first time to try BBQ. NEVER again

Lee Shaw
a month ago

Always great food. Took a little while to get our food. Atmosphere is the same it has been for 20+ years but still clean

Misty Grizzard
4 months ago

I've been going to The Rocket for many years and never had a bad experience! The food is ALWAYS amazing and there have been some amazing people working there throughout the years. If you haven't been, it is a must try!

Curtis McGhee Jr.
8 months ago

The Rocket is a local favorite for me. When I was younger, my family would purchase some type of meal or snack when we would come visit my grandmother in Jacksonville. The Rocket was relatively on the restaurant list from time to time. The food has always been good here.

Michael Clark
a month ago

I 0rdered the whole menu as a big back then ate the whole menu in a under 10 minutes

Chuck Ellis
4 months ago

Heard a lot of good things about it, so I broke down & tried it. I was not disappointed! It was awesome. I'll be back.

Karen Griffith
2 years ago

30 minute detour off our main drive home from Gwinnett County, Georgia was worth it. BBQ, fries, corn nuggets were all delicious, as well as the bottomless tea. We could not finish our meals; the servings were very plentiful. Owners, Patsy and Gary(?) were great hosts, too. All of the young ladies at the counter were very pleasant and friendly, which makes the visit even better. Service was excellent.

Scott Wagoner
4 months ago

I've been eating here my entire life. My family really enjoys the burgers and BBQ. Great homemade sauce, same as it's always been. You can't go wrong with the Rocket!

David Ford
3 months ago

The Rocket is the best home owned and operated restaurant around. Always good food, and the best sweet tea in the county. There is a reason it's always crowded.

Steven B
6 years ago

Excellent BBQ! 29 years ago my mom ate it once a week when she was pregnant. I just had it for the first time out of the womb. I'm hearing the sound of her belly as the food takes me on a subconscious thrill ride back to pre-birth. I have come full circle and realize why I love all BBQ so much. This is the place that started it all for me. Such great food.

bill williamson
6 months ago

The Rocket is a multi generational experience . My family has enjoyed the good food,good atmosphere of The Rocket since 1960. Best to call in advance for your food. There is real world time and, there is The Rocket time on a busy night. The twin bbq basket can feed 2 adults.