Puckett’s has come to us!

We’d tried to find our way to Puckett’s Restaurant the last couple of times we went to Nashville. In both cases we ran out of time and drove home saying “next time.” That ‘next time’ happened for us this week, but we didn’t have to drive to Tennessee. Here’s big news for Cullman County. Puckett’s has come to us! The Tennessee-based company already has six locations across the Volunteer state. Now they’ve set up shop in good ole Alabama.

We knew about where the new Cullman Puckett’s was located. As we approached the intersection of Highway

157 and I-65 we kept our eyes peeled. Rose, who has an intuition for finding good eateries, spotted it. There was easy parking and a pleasant environment surrounding the place. Greeted right away, as we were led to our table I admired the ambience and took a double-take. Were we in Nashville? We just as well could have been. We were seated next to a small stage that, we were told, provides live entertainment on weekends. Our server, Liberty, took great care of us.

I admit that I’d had a starter recommended to me before we went. We were hungry and we put in our order for Bubba’s Bones right away. This was a nice plate of baby back ribs with

Good Eats

Puckett’s own glazy sauce. It turned out to be a perfect start to a splendid dinner. Of course, we shared. The ribs were meaty, tender and delicious. Tip: get a few extra napkins.

At some point another starter showed up on the table. It was a plate of smoked andouille with cheese, pickles and crackers. We turned it into a Tennessee charcuterie. We both refused to admit ordering the second ‘starter’ but I think it was Rose. I’m sure glad she did.

Be sure and look at the awardwinning Tennessee Favorites portion of the menu. Steaks, fried chicken, catfish, pulled pork and more made my mouth water. We moved on to the ‘Sandwiches’ section and each of us found a true love. I decided on a burger and took advantage of Puckett’s “Make It Your Own” opportunity. I added a fried egg and bacon. Other options included pimento, slaw, jalapenos, mushrooms, a variety of cheeses and others. I ordered mine cooked medium and I found it to be perfect.

Rose took a different route. She ordered the legendary Music City Hot Chicken Sandwich. We always share so I got to give it a try. Battered and fried Nashville style, I found it to be tender and juicy with just the right touch of spicy flavoring. I don’t recall ever eating a chicken sandwich on Texas Toast so this was intriguing. It was an outstanding dish.

There’s an impressive list of sides available. We ordered the Skillet Mac n’ Cheese and it was great. Tip: Don’t ignore the dessert section of the menu. We shared Jan’s Chocolate Cobbler and I had to force myself to stop eating.

Speaking of sides, if you roll in for lunch, between 11 and 3, you can cop a meat & 1, meat & 2, meat & 3 or a vegetable plate.

Don’t forget, my friends. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and Puckett’s is dishing breakfast skillets, omelets, platters, biscuits and pancakes from 7 - 11 a.m. daily. Shhh… If you have the notion, ask about their Mimosa’s and Bloody Marys.

Now, let’s talk about the entertainment. Can’t make it to Music City? You don’t have to. She’s come to you!

Since October 2022, a Nashville atmosphere of fun, good food, good music and libations has been thriving in Cullman. For one, happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 3 – 6. Music on weekends run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Puckett’s offers a fine selection of craft beers, popular domestics, cocktails and wine. The bar provides a varied selection of whiskey, bourbons and even moonshine.

Operating hours: Breakfast 7 – 11; lunch specials 11 – 3; Puckett’s is open Sun.-Thurs. until 9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. ‘til 10 p.m.

According to Assistant General Manager Nick Butterfly, the weekend shows have attracted good business. His recommendation, come early to get a table. Puckett’s does accept reservations.