Welcome to Local Joe’s – Rainbow City
Where it all began.

Our original spot sits just off Highway 411 in a humble little wooden building that’s been part of the community since the 1940s. Originally a Pure Oil gas station — complete with a barber shop — it later became a small grocery and produce stand in the 1970s. Today, we’re proud to call it home to the very first Local Joe’s, where Southern cooking, smoked meats, and sweet memories are always on the menu.

What started as a local gathering place has grown into one of the area’s most beloved BBQ joints — and a quaint country store where you can stock up on scratch-made sauces, jams, snacks, and more.

But folks don’t just come for the small-batch jelly — they come for the ’cue. Our six meats (turkey, chicken, ribs, pork butt, ham, and house-made sausage) are slow-smoked onsite daily, filling the air with that unmistakable aroma that seems to drift straight into town. While pork may be the most popular choice in Alabama-style BBQ, don’t sleep on the poultry — our smoked turkey has quickly become a fan favorite!

When you’re done eating, take a little Local Joe’s home with you. We’ve got whole smoked hams, turkey and chicken breasts, pork butts, slabs of ribs, and all the extras — from boiled peanuts and house-made pork skins to pimento cheese and Starla’s famous strawberry cake (Jodie swears it’s the best around).

Need food for a crowd? We cater events all across North Alabama and would love to bring the flavor to your next gathering.

No matter how far Local Joe’s has grown, our heart is — and always will be — right here in Etowah County.