Cullman is home to so many great places to eat, each filled with flavor, personality and stories worth sharing. Some establishments are new, bringing fresh ideas and experiences to the table, while others have served generations and become part of our community’s history. Together, they reflect the people who make dining locally feel personal.
In this culinary tour, we visit four distinctive destinations—from a lively downtown sports bar and a longtime barbecue landmark to relaxed lakeside dining and a mission-minded coffee shop. Each offers its own atmosphere, menu and reason to gather around the table.
HANK’S SPORTS BAR & RUMORS DELI
Hank’s Sports Bar & Rumors Deli is a family-operated business led by the Coombs family, who took ownership of Rumors Deli in 2021. Rumors first opened in July 2000, and Hank’s later expanded the familiar deli into an energetic sports-bar experience.
The team takes pride in treating its employees like family and creating a welcoming place where guests can enjoy satisfying food, drinks, sports and entertainment.
Hank’s and Rumors share their downtown home at 601 Fourth Street SW in Cullman.
DON’T MISS: The Philly cheesesteak earns enthusiastic praise from visitors, while the smash burger has developed a following of its own.
Guests can look forward to new booths and tables, several additions to the menu and an upcoming rebrand. The family has also discussed expanding when the right opportunity arrives.
JOHNNY’S BAR-B-Q
Owners Gary and Josh Wiggins represent the second and third generations of their family at Johnny’s Bar-B-Q. Founded by Johnny Graves in 1949, the restaurant was purchased by Troy Wiggins in 1963 and passed to Gary in 1976. Josh joined the business after graduating from Samford University in 2006.
Johnny’s is one of Cullman’s oldest remaining restaurants and is known for its friendly, local atmosphere, quick drive-through service and barbecue sauce made from the same recipe used since the beginning.
Johnny’s has operated at 1401 Fourth Street SW since October 1976 and celebrates 50 years at that location in 2026.
DON’T MISS: More than 1,100 generously stuffed potatoes are sold during an average week. Guests also return for barbecue plates, smoked chicken and turkey, St. Louis-style ribs and catfish.
Smoked wings return on weekends during football season, with flavors including Kickin’ Bourbon, Sweet Chili, Hot, Barbecue and Mango Habanero.
DRIFTERS ON THE LAKE
Jason and Tanya Veres created Drifters on the Lake from a lifetime of memories made on Smith Lake. The name recalls quiet evenings spent drifting with their children after long days on the water and watching the sunset together.
Drifters pairs affordable, family-friendly dining with lakeside views, warm service and seasonal entertainment. The owners want guests to feel at home from the moment they walk through the door—and to leave eager to return.
Located at 173 County Road 312 in Cullman, Drifters welcomes guests arriving by road or water at Smith Lake Marina & Resort.
DON’T MISS: Begin with gator bites, follow them with the Amish pork chop and save room for Shelby’s homemade bread pudding. Fresh margaritas made with the restaurant’s own sour mix complete the experience.
Seasonal live music fills Friday and Saturday nights. During football season, televisions carry the games, while Monday-night SINGO combines bingo with recognizable songs, lively competition and cash prizes.
BIG BOOM COFFEE COMPANY
Locally owned and operated by Cathie and Jimmy Hodges, Big Boom Coffee Company opened in March 2026. Cathie’s restaurant experience and love of coffee come together in a place built around home-cooked food served quickly and paired with locally roasted coffee.
Big Boom was named the Cullman Times Best Coffee Shop for 2026, an honor the Hodges credit to community support. Profits also support Just Go Global Missions and its work locally and around the world.
Big Boom is located at 181 Alabama Highway 69 South, Suite B, in Dodge City, near Exit 299 and beside Dollar General.
DON’T MISS: Customer cravings change daily, from burritos and flaky pastries to breakfast bowls, but the staff agrees that anything served on a biscuit is a winner. If the ingredients are available, the kitchen will gladly personalize an order. The popular Breakfast BLT began as one regular customer’s special request.
DoorDash service is planned, along with new drinks and dishes inspired by the customers who have become an important part of the Big Boom family.
“Some establishments are new, bringing fresh ideas to the table, while others have served generations and become part of the history and character of our community.”