Ten years ago, Katie Fine opened what would become a Cullman favorite: Karma’s Coffee House. This year, she and her husband, Jacob, opened a new venture, which is well on its way to joining Karma’s as a local staple: Jubilee Coffee and Wine Bar, located below the new Flying Fifty Hotel.
“Jubilee started after we were approached about opening a second location for Karma’s,” Fine said. “We love Cullman and wanted to bring something new to the community — still rooted in comfort, but with an elevated menu and an emphasis on pairing food with wine and cocktails.”
Food is at the heart of Jubilee, Fine explained. “Our small plates and shareables are meant to complement drinks and give people a reason to stay, dine and explore. Personally, I’ve always been curious about wine but often felt intimidated by committing to a full glass or bottle. That’s why we added wine dispensers — you can taste wines from all over the world, one ounce at a time, in a way that’s approachable and fun, especially when paired with our dishes.”
She said the response to Jubilee over the past several months has been wonderful.
“We already have a loyal group of regulars and steady excitement around our wine dinners and wine club,” said Fine. “But one of the things we love most is how the space is being used. Because we stay closed to the public in the mornings until 11, Jubilee has become a go-to spot for private gatherings like club meetings, networking breakfasts and community groups.
“In the evenings, we’ve hosted everything from corporate team-building activities to cocktail socials, and we’re getting ready for our first murder mystery dinner in October. Brunch has also been a popular way for guests to discover us, and from there many return for lunch, dinner and private events. Whether people come for dinner, small bites or just to unwind after a long day, Jubilee has grown into both a dining destination and a gathering place.”
Jubilee’s location is also something special. The Flying Fifty is a special boutique hotel that embraces the history of the area.
“The location is below The Flying Fifty Hotel, which is a gem of its own,” she said. “We have many guests who come to dine with us during their stay. Plus, being located less than 2 miles from the interstate brings in a lot of travelers.”
While Karma’s is cozy, comfy and a great place to set up, get work done or do some reading, Jubilee is a bit “fancier.”
“I always say Jubilee is Karma’s ‘bougie sister,’” laughed Fine. “When I opened Karma’s, I filled it with thrift store finds, but this time we hired a local architectural and interior designer (Katie Kirkwood) who partnered with us to bring the magical vision to life, collaborating with local craftsmen like Zane Barnett, Nate Barzgate, Jesse Greening and Chris Haney.”
For those looking for something special for the holidays, Jubilee is the place to be.
“We’re especially excited about the upcoming holiday season since we opened just after the holidays last year! This fall, we’re featuring seasonal favorites like our Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini, which has already become a guest favorite. For those who prefer something non-alcoholic, the Apple Orchard Mocktail and Pumpkin Spice Latte bring all the cozy fall flavors without the spirits,” Fine said.
“The holidays are also a special time for gatherings, and Jubilee is the perfect backdrop. We’ll be booking full restaurant buyouts, along with private events on Sundays and Mondays, and we’ve already reserved the space for family Christmas celebrations. It’s the best feeling in the world to know people choose Jubilee to celebrate their most meaningful moments. For us, it’s about more than just food and drinks — we want to be the place where Cullman comes together!”
Fine gave her recommendations for Jubilee’s most favorite dishes and drinks.
“Our Meatballs Jubilee and Beef Empanadas with House-Made Chimichurri are hands-down the tapas everyone comes back for. When it comes to pizza, the Chicken and Chorizo is our dark horse — it sounds unexpected, but it’s shockingly the one people rave about most,” she said. “Brunch has its own stars: the Chorizo Hash (hearty, spicy and perfect with a mimosa) and our Frittatas, which are light but packed with flavor. On the drink side, the Onyx Crown and Sovereign 75 steal the spotlight at night, while the Salted Butterscotch Latte has quickly become the drink nobody wants to share.”
Jubilee Coffee and Wine Bar is located at 515 Fourth St. SW, Suite 101, in Cullman. Find it online at jubileecoffeeandwine.com and at Jubilee Kitchen + Bar on social media.