Owner of Beloved Alabama Meat-and-Three, Joe Barger, Passes Away at 75

Joe Barger, a treasured figure in Northport, Alabama, has passed away at 75. As the owner of City Cafe, a beloved meat-and-three eatery, Barger was known for his dedication to his community and his commitment to Southern culinary tradition.

After operating City Cafe for five decades, Barger became an enduring part of Northport’s local culture.

Barger had been under hospice care for weeks before his passing, with the news shared through a heartfelt post on the restaurant’s Facebook page. City Cafe employees confirmed his death, leaving many longtime patrons and friends grieving.

Barger’s connection with City Cafe dates back to his high school days when he worked as a server under the restaurant’s previous owners. Reflecting on his early days, he once recalled, “And I ate here before I ever worked here.”

Founded in 1931, City Cafe became a local institution known for its hearty Southern sides, from green beans to cobbler. Southern Living even ranked City Cafe as one of Alabama’s top 10 meat-and-three spots in 2023, highlighting its impressive variety and down-home charm.

Beyond his role as a restaurateur, Barger developed close connections with the community. One Facebook user shared a heartfelt message for him and his family: “Prayers for Mr. Joe and his family, and for all of those who love them and know them.”

Another patron praised the Bargers, saying, “It truly speaks to what wonderful people they are, when you have so many people with such fond memories.”

Though arrangements for Barger’s funeral remain pending, his legacy lives on in the memories of the countless patrons and employees who cherished him and the welcoming atmosphere he created at City Cafe.

Want to explore the impact of family-owned restaurants on local culture? Check out our homepage for stories that celebrate culinary traditions.