Written By: Felecia Causey
Photos: Felecia Causey
It has been incredibly cold lately, and with my knee giving me trouble, I honestly haven’t felt like going anywhere. The combination of freezing temperatures and soreness in my knee has kept me indoors more than usual. But on this day, I finally decided to get out of the house. The weather felt nice, the sun was shining, and something in me said it was a good day to explore.
I took a short drive to Cecil, Alabama, to try The Market at John E. Hall. I had seen a mix of reviews online—some great, some not so great—but I’ve always believed the best way to know the truth about a place is to experience it for yourself.
I arrived just before 11 A.M. The parking situation was a bit confusing, and there didn’t seem to be many designated spots, so I’d recommend avoiding peak times if you visit. Walking inside felt like stepping into a country movie. The restaurant had a rustic charm—mounted animal heads, TVs on the walls, dollar bills with handwritten notes pinned everywhere, a full bar, wooden tables and chairs, and concrete floors. It had that familiar, lived‑in feel of a local favorite.
To place your order, you walk to a small wooden window at the back. Rebecca took my order, and she was incredibly patient and helpful. Since it was my first time, I wasn’t sure what to try, and she explained the menu without rushing me.
I ordered the cheeseburger with fries and a drink, the two‑piece catfish (which ended up being nuggets) with fries and okra, and the kids’ two‑piece chicken tenders with fries. I had read several complaints about long wait times, but my experience was surprisingly quick. I ordered at 11:04 and received my food at 11:18. For everything being cooked to order, that’s impressive. Rebecca even brought the food out to me and let me know they were out of catfish filets, so I received nuggets instead.
Before leaving, I took a few photos of the outdoor area, which looks like a spot where they host live music. If you’re interested in events, their Facebook page is probably the best place to keep up.
Everything was still hot when I made it home, and presentation‑wise, everything looked great. The cheeseburger ($12.99) was a standout. I loved that all the toppings and condiments were packaged separately—nothing ruins a burger faster than a soggy bun. The patty was thick, flavorful, and smelled amazing. The lettuce, tomatoes, and onions were fresh, not wilted or soggy like you sometimes get elsewhere. Being able to build my own burger was a huge plus, and it’s definitely something I would order again. The fries were unseasoned but cooked perfectly—hot, crunchy, and exactly how I like them.
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The kids’ chicken tenders ($7.00) were golden brown, crunchy on the outside, and moist inside. The fries were consistent with the adult meal. My only critique is that the seasoning seemed to be mostly in the batter rather than the chicken itself, but they were still enjoyable and came with dipping sauce.
The fish nuggets ($12.99), which were supposed to be catfish filets, were fresh and plentiful. I’m pretty sure they use the same batter as the chicken, because the fish looked a lot like chicken tenders. I wasn’t upset about it, though. While I prefer filets, they gave me a generous amount of nuggets. I do wish the fish had stayed in the fryer a couple of minutes longer to get that extra crispy exterior. The okra, however, was amazing. As I’ve mentioned in several other food reviews, a lot of people cannot cook okra well. Thumbs up to them—I loved it. I’m a tough critic when it comes to okra because it’s one of my favorite things to eat.
So, would I go back? Absolutely—especially for the burger. After telling my kids how good it was, they’re already asking to try it themselves. My total was about $35.60 including tax. Considering the portions and the fact that a meal included a drink, I think the pricing was fair, especially when many food truck meals start at $15 without drinks.
As for customer service, despite some negative reviews I’d seen, my experience was positive. Rebecca was kind, patient, and helpful. Rudeness is one thing that will keep me from returning to a place, but thankfully, that wasn’t an issue here.
If you’re up for a short drive, it’s worth checking out. And if you do go, I’d love to hear about your experience.
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