TOP LOCAL FAVORITES OF CULLMAN
Cullman is filled with so many amazing, local-non-chain restaurants. Sadly, I notice that many don’t realize what/where those hidden gems are. After taking a poll from local community members, these were the top most voted local favorites!
*These are not in any specific order or ranking.*
1. 412 Public House
412 Public House is definitely one of the most popular choices around Cullman. Located Downtown, this place is a very convenient location to meet at for lunch or dinner! The atmosphere feels very personal and the staff/owners are SO friendly. When visitor’s are coming from out of town, this is always my number one recommendation.
The 412 Public House group states: “Our focus is bringing a unique dining experience to Cullman, AL through high-quality ingredients, handcrafted cocktails, and an atmosphere made for memories.”
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Chicken Wonton Nachos.
- Ahi Tuna Salad.
- Crab Cakes.
Address: 412 2nd Avenue SE Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 2pm
- Tuesday – Saturday 4pm – 9pm
2. Dreher's Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
Dreher’s Cocktail Bar & Restaurant can oftentimes be compared with 412 Public House. Like 412, Dreher’s is located in the Downtown area with similar food and beverage styles. Dreher’s also has a personal atmosphere to it with a very accommodating staff team! My favorite feature to Dreher’s is the outdoor, fenced-in patio located in the back of the restaurant. This patio area is perfect for nice weather and cocktails with friends!
The Dreher’s Cocktail Bar and Restaurant group states: “Dreher’s Cocktail Bar & Restaurant is Cullman’s premier destination for upscale bar food and craft cocktails. With menu items for all, live music, and special events Dreher’s is the perfect location to celebrate or to enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner.”
Most Popular Menu Items:
- The Triple Dip Pretzel.
- Smash Burger.
- French Toast – Brunch.
- Twisted Blackberry – Cocktail.
- Lavender Bee’s Knees – Cocktail.
Address: 216 1st Avenue Southeast Cullman, AL 35057
Hours:
- Wednesday – Thursday 4pm – 10pm
- Friday – 4pm – 11pm
- Saturday – 10:30am – 11pm
- Sunday – 10:30am – 4pm
3. Busy Bee Cafe
Busy Bee Cafe is the oldest restaurant located and founded in Cullman County. Busy Bee began in 1919, making it over 100 years old. Busy Bee Cafe is a special place to Cullman due to its longevity and history. Busy Bee is a fan favorite for breakfast and lunch.
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Breakfast Platter
- Cheeseburger
- Fried Bologna Sandwich
Address: 101 5th St SE Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Monday – Saturday 6am – 3pm
4. Valley Tavern & Grille
Valley Tavern & Grille is a newer restaurant of Cullman located in the same building as the Cullman Bowling Center. Valley Tavern is a laid-back, rustic-feel atmosphere with their bar made of reclaims from the bowling lanes before their remodel. The Tavern also has Karaoke Night every Tuesday at 7pm!
The Valley Tavern & Grille group states: “We make everything well, and we strive to have no customer leave unhappy. We are family owned and operated and customer satisfaction is our number one goal, as well as having a great time!“
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Philly Cheesesteak
- Hawaiian Chicken
Address: 1710 Tallyho St. Cullman, Al 35055
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday 11am – 11pm
- Friday – Saturday 11am – 12am
- Sunday 11am – 10pm
5. Carlton's Italian Restaurant & Catering
Carlton’s Italian Restaurant is one of Cullman’s longest running local eateries. Starting in the 70’s Mr. Carlton opened up serving spaghetti, lasagna, sandwiches and thin crust, heavily topped pizzas. The beauty of Carlton’s is definitely found in it’s old-Italian-historic atmosphere. Located in the downtown area with large braces from the original train depot of Cullman, this spot is filled with history and character.
The Carlton’s group states: “We enjoy meeting new people and strive to ensure your experience with us is exceptional. We have various returning customers and new visitors. Dr. Blaylock and his family thank you for your support and patronage. We look forward to seeing you in the future.”
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Baked Spaghetti
- Lasagna with Garlic Bread
- Carlton’s White Pizza
Address: 208 3rd Avenue SE Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday 11am – 8pm
- Friday – Saturday 11am – 9pmla
6. Augusta's Sports Grill
Augusta’s Sports Grill, located near Heritage Park, is popular for their American bar food style. This sports grill features TVs to catch games from wherever you are seated. The atmosphere feels very similar to a local version of Buffalo Wild Wings.
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Pork Chops
- Coconut Shrimp
- Hawaiian Chicken
Address: 609 Graham St SW, Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Thursday: 4pm – 9pm
- Friday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm
- Sunday: Closed
7. El Mezcal Mexican Grill
El Mezcal Mexican Grill is one of Cullman’s newest restaurants opening in 2021. This place is considered to be authentic Mexican food, located on the South end of town in the same shopping center as Hibbetts.
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Pork Carnitas
- Pollo El Mezcal
- Burrito El Mezcal
Address: 1629 Town Square S W, Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Monday – Sunday 11am – 9pm
8. Margarona's Cantina
Margarona’s Cantina, known for being Cullman’s Best Margarita, is a local favorite! The location is extremely convenient as it is on HWY 31 near Downtown. This restaurant is family-friendly and perfect for eating with a big group.
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Rice Deluxe
- Grilled Chicken Nachos
Address: 311 2nd Ave NW, Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday 11am – 9pm
- Friday – Saturday 11am – 10pm
9. All Steak Restaurant
All Steak Restaurant, which was originally founded in Tennessee in 1934, has been a Cullman favorite for years as it has been relocated here since 1938. All Steak is one of the finer-dining eateries of the area, perfect for business luncheons/dinners, or meeting with friends and family. All Steak is especially popular for their amazing homemade orange rolls that just so happened to revert back to the original recipe recently!
The All Steak group states: “Throughout the years, our sign, our service, and our food have remained the same. People travel from near and far to enjoy our prime ribs, seafood, and other staples, but it’s our signature orange rolls that keep them coming back! We’d like to thank our local farmers, fishermen, and purveyors: Evans Meats | Greg Abrams | Harvest Farms | Kress Farms | Le Fish | McEwen & Sons | Terra Preta Farms.”
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Red Snapper
- Pork Chops
- Grilled Chicken Pasta
Address: 323 3rd Ave SE, Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday 4pm – 9pm
- Friday – Saturday 11am – 10 pm
10. Johnny's Bar-B-Q
Johnny’s Bar-B-Q, which is also a longtime local restaurant of the area, is one of the best Bar-B-Q places in town! The atmosphere of Johnny’s is family-friendly and fast-served.
The Johnny’s BBQ group states: “We’ve been around since 1949 and family owned since 1963, so we’ve learned a lot about how to make the best barbecue, chicken, catfish and more. And our service is fast, friendly, and second to none!”
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Stuffed Potato
- Fish Plate
Address: 1401 4th Street SW Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 8pm
11. The Downtown Grill
The Downtown Grill , sadly is under construction at the moment, but it subject to open back up soon. Updates for when they will reopen can be found on the link included above. Once they are open for business again, you can find this located right in the heart of the Downtown Area.
The Downtown Grill group states: “Great wings! Great burgers! Great food and people! Come see us and enjoy fresh cooked to order meals! And now we’re welcoming breakfast on Saturday mornings!!“
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Traditional Wings
- The Hangover Burger
Address: 108 4th St SW, Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Tuesday – Wednesday 10am – 3pm
- Thursday – Friday 10am – 9pm
- Saturday 6am – 9pm
12. Brandin' Iron
Brandin’ Iron, with two locations – the first one being in West Point and the second one being in Fairview – is great for eating and not making the drive into town. Brandin’ Iron started its first location in West Point in 2006 just near the local school, and they expanded their business to Fairview in 2014, also nearby the local school. Brandin’ Iron is a very popular place to eat at before school sporting events as well as great for Sunday lunch!
The Brandin’ Iron group states: “We love our business and our customers. Through the years we have served celebrities such as Lucas Black, Shannon Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, and Hank Williams Jr. We have to say thanks for all the lives we have had a privilege to be a part of through Brandin Iron. And looking back as a kid that cut his teeth on a cafe table. I’m looking forward to the next bite out of life or a thick-cut steak.”
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Chuckwagon Cheeseburger
- Delmonico Steak
- Brian’s Fries
Address: West Point: 87 County Road 1242 Cullman, AL 35057. Fairview: 430 Welcome Road Cullman, AL 35058.
Hours:
- Tuesday – Sunday 11am – 9pm
13. The Sunflour Bakery & Eatery LLC
The Sunflour Bakery & Eatery, within close distance to Smith Lake Park is wonderful for breakfast! The Sunflour Bakery sharing the area with The Mustard Seed Nursery is perfect for a Saturday morning breakfast followed after with some plant shopping!
The Sunflour Bakery group states: “Our Mission is to serve Cullman the highest quality food we can. We will never sacrifice quality for quantity, and never waiver from giving the highest quality taste and service we can produce. We will offer great food in a family atmosphere. A good clean environment to come visit, shop and enjoy delicate treats and hearty meals. Our customers are the most important part of our business and will always be treated as so.”
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Cinnamon + Orange + Sweet Rolls
- Patty Melt
- Breakfast Burrito
Address: 326 County Road 222 Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday 6am – 2pm
- Saturday 7am – 11pm
14. Ninja Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse
Ninja Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse, is one of Cullman’s best hibachi style restaurants. With chefs who cook your food right in front of you, your group is sure to be entertained.
The Ninja group states: “You will find something there you’ll love and would come back for more. We provide an orginal experience at the Hibachi grills, manned by professional chefs to give your family and friends a day they will not soon forget.”
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Chicken + Steak Hibachi
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Volcano Sushi Roll
Address: 1702 2nd Ave SW, Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday Lunch: 11am – 3pm
- Dinner: 4:30pm – 10pm
- Friday: Lunch: 11am – 3pm
- Dinner: 4pm – 11pm
- Sat: 12 noon – 11pm
- Sun: 11am – 10pm
15. Rumors Deli
Rumors Deli has been apart of Cullman for over 20 years. They began their business in the old Downtown Historic District in July of 2000. Rumors is wonderful for breakfast or lunch with a quick bite to eat!
The Rumors Deli group states: “Now open in it’s new location, Rumors Deli is ready to serve you. Join the morning rush or swing by later for lunch – your new local awaits.”
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Blabbermouth
- Mouth of the South
Address: 601 4th Street SW, Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Monday – Friday 10am – 3pm
Saturday 10am – 3pm
16. Graves General Store and Diner
Graves General Store and Diner is a family-owned diner which serves for breakfast and lunch. Graves started out serving this wonderful home-style cooked food at the Marathon service station and became a total hit! In the recent years, they ventured off and opened their own restaurant.
With menu variety that keeps your taste buds satisfied, if you are looking to eat something that makes you feel nostalgic or you have been missing your grandmother’s chocolate gravy, Graves is sure to fix you up!
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Chocolate Gravy
- Meat and 3 Sides Plate
- Homemade Goodies
Address: 11055 Al Highway 157, Cullman, AL 35057
Hours:
- Monday – Friday 5:30am – 2pm
17. Taqueria Las Cebollitas
Taqueria Las Cebollitas is known to be Cullman’s favorite authentic Mexican food restaurant – similar to El MezCal. Tucked away off of HWY 157, Taqueria has been serving Cullman for years.
Oftentimes, people are disappointed thinking we do not have a homemade, authentic Mexican restaurant, but I strongly encourage you all to check out Taqueria next time you get a craving!
Most Popular Menu Items:
- Street Tacos
- Margaritas
- Homemade Soup
Address: 1310 2nd Ave NW, Cullman, AL 35055
Hours:
- Wednesday – Sunday 11:30am – 9pm
