At The Walker Leader, we’re all about finding common ground and building connections, whether through our work or our shared love for good food. That’s why when we noticed a recurring theme in our Venmo transactions – a constant exchange of $15 for lunch – we decided to turn it into something special for our team and share that with our community.
Introducing Leader Lunches.
Once a month, we set aside time to gather as a team and explore the culinary delights our local community has to offer. We (attempt to) stick to a budget-friendly limit of $15 per person, and then share our experiences and recommendations with you so that you can gather your friends and have a get-together of your own!
February’s Leader Lunch took us to Milo’s. Milo’s was founded in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1946 and now has 20 locations across the state. We’re big fans of the Jasper store because of its convenient location, speedy service, and friendly staff. It’s the perfect spot for a quick, delicious meal.
Let’s dig in!
Ryan: The Mexi Burger with a side of Mexi Fries, Splenda tea, and apple pie is my go-to when making my pilgrimage to Milo’s. If you are not afraid of a bit of heat and wearing a little of what you eat, this is the meal for you. The Mexi Burger is loaded with jalapeños, grilled onions, and enough queso to fill a kiddie pool. That sounds like a fiesta, and your taste buds will agree. Accompanying this burger is typically regular fries, but I recommend elevating it with an upgrade to Mexi Fries. This keeps the party going with fries topped with bacon, jalapeños and queso. If it gets too spicy, don’t worry; Milo’s will cool you off with their famous tea. To complete this meal (or any meal at Milo’s), I like to bring home a fried apple pie—a pastry of true delight with a crispy, powdered sugar-covered crust enveloping a warm cinnamon apple filling. Yeah, you will need a siesta after this.
Al: Flavorful! That was my first thought when sinking my teeth into the Crispy Chicken Deluxe at Milo’s restaurant in Jasper. Let’s face it, y’all: when you order a chicken sandwich, you want plump, juicy chicken that seems to bounce with the bun—just as advertised—not a dry, flat presentation where you feel like you have to chug a gallon of sweet tea just to whet your palate. And the “CCD,” as I will now call it, checked all the boxes. Without question, this sandwich can stand toe-to-toe with other sandwiches of its kind! AB gives it two sauce-covered thumbs up!
Justin: As my friends and family know, I love placing orders through mobile apps when possible. Milo’s recently updated their app and revamped the loyalty program to make it a worthwhile endeavor to set it up. I used the app to order a Double Thick Burger combo, Mega Dr. Pepper, and a large fry for just under $20. The food was great, and it came to the table quickly!
The Chicken Tenders Crew – Several of us swiftly violated our own rule of no one ordering the same thing because we’re all big fans of Milo’s chicken tenders. Can you really blame us?! Here are our takes on the 3-piece chicken tenders meal.
Jenny Lynn: Let’s start with the stars of the show: the chicken tenders. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside – Milo’s has some of the best fast-food chicken. And those fries? They’re the perfect companion, not too crunchy, not too soft, and seasoned just right. I dipped the tenders and fries in Double-O dipping sauce – a delicious combination of Milo’s signature sauce and ranch. It’s a game-changer, folks. And no trip to Milo’s is complete without a cup of their famous tea. I mix the sweet and unsweet (southerners, clutch your pearls!) because, to me, it’s the perfect amount of sweetness and always so refreshing!
Thomas: Even though Milo’s is known as a burger establishment, I went with the chicken tenders and fries. The tenders had a nice crunchy outside and a juicy inside, which means they would be good with or without sauce, but I added a little ketchup. Those famous crinkle-cut fries with Milo’s seasoning really put the whole meal over the top. I burned my mouth, but that was my fault for not wanting to wait to enjoy those delicious tenders!
Linley: People who don’t eat chicken at Milo’s are making a mistake. The chicken tenders with that straight-from-heaven honey mustard dipping sauce are not to be missed, and the fries are also perfection—no further comment.
Anna: Milo’s chicken tenders are among the best fast-food chicken tenders I have ever had. They were served hot and fresh alongside deliciously seasoned fries and two containers of my go-to dipping sauce, ranch. The breading was crispy and flavorful, and paired with the fries (also dipped in ranch, obviously), the meal’s flavors complemented each other nicely. Although Milo’s sweet tea is a delicious classic, I washed it down with a “crispy” Dr. Pepper. Overall, this meal was 10/10.
Lauren: Milo’s chicken tenders are delicious! The chicken has a great flavor and pairs so well with Milo’s signature Double-O sauce. The sweet tea is also some of the best in the business. Overall, a fantastic lunch choice!