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Busy Bee Café: A Cullman Classic

A Cullman dining institution since 1919, serving up Southern comfort food and the iconic slugburger in a classic diner setting.

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A Cullman landmark since 1919, the Busy Bee Café serves Southern comfort food and is famous for its slugburgers in a welcoming, historic diner atmosphere. It's a taste of culinary history and a glimpse into the resourcefulness of Southern cooks.

A brief summary to Busy Bee Café

Local tips

  • Try the famous slugburger, a regional specialty unique to North Alabama.
  • Arrive early for lunch, as the café can get crowded during peak hours.
  • Check out the daily specials for a taste of home-style Southern cooking.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Busy Bee Café is located at 101 5th St SE in downtown Cullman. If you are already in the downtown area, walking is a convenient option. From the Cullman County Museum, head east on 2nd Ave SE, then turn right onto 5th St SE. The Busy Bee will be on your left. Walking within downtown Cullman is free.

  • Public Transport

    Cullman Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) provides public transportation in Cullman County. To use CARTS, you must call 24 hours in advance to schedule a ride. Contact CARTS at 256-734-1246 for scheduling and fare information. Fares vary based on distance, with discounts available for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Same-day rides are available for an additional $2 charge, schedule permitting.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Cullman. From a location like Wallace State Community College, request a ride to 101 5th St SE, Cullman. The fare will vary based on demand and distance, but expect to pay around $10-$15 for a short trip within Cullman.

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Discover more about Busy Bee Café

The Busy Bee Café has been a cornerstone of Cullman, Alabama, since 1919, serving up Southern comfort and classic diner fare. Founded by Milton Ford, the café's name originated from a beehive discovered in a nearby oak tree. The café started on Highway 278 and moved to its current location on 5th Street SE in 1962, solidifying its place in the heart of Cullman. The Busy Bee is known for its signature dish: the 'slugburger'. This unique creation, born out of necessity during the Great Depression, consists of ground meat mixed with breadcrumbs, shaped into patties, and fried to crispy perfection. Served simply with ketchup, mustard, and diced onions, the slugburger provides a taste of culinary history. The Spears family has been an integral part of the Busy Bee's story since 1967. In April 2011, an EF4 tornado devastated downtown Cullman, leveling much of the area, including the Busy Bee Café. Kitty Spears, who was inside the restaurant when the tornado hit, was determined to rebuild. Exactly one year after the tornado, the Busy Bee Café reopened its doors. Today, the Busy Bee is owned and operated by Kitty Spears' son, Kyle, and her daughter and son-in-law.

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