Fish Tales Big and Small: You'll Get Hooked in Cherokee County
Southern Flavor, Lakeside Charm, and Unforgettable Bites Around Weiss Lake
Article by Kelly Caldwell
In Cherokee County, the stories are just as rich as the waters of Weiss Lake — and whether you’re casting a line or picking up a fork, you’re bound to get hooked on something good.
Sure, Weiss Lake is the headliner — 30,000 acres of fishing, paddling, and postcard-worthy views. But venture just a little off the beaten path, and you’ll find tales worth telling at every turn. Like a chef who guards a secret pie recipe, a lakeside bar serving cocktails in pineapples, or collard greens so legendary they deserve their own spotlight.
Thanks to the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, we hit the road — and the water — in search of flavors, stories, and small-town charm that keep this corner of Alabama buzzing. What we found? A community full of heart, hospitality, and food that goes way beyond what you’d expect in a county anchored by a lake.
This is where fish tales turn into foodie adventures. And trust us — you’ll want to taste every one of them.
Drinks, Docks, and Pineapple Perfection in Leesburg
Decks & Docks
This is your sign to slow down and soak it all in — with the lake in front of you, sunshine on your shoulders, and the Miami Vice Pineapple in your hand.
Decks & Docks in Leesburg is a total vibe. Set right on the water, it’s the kind of place where the food is crave-worthy, the drinks are extra, and the atmosphere is always set to chill. Locals swear by the wings (and with good reason), but let’s talk about what we had — the pineapple chicken. Grilled just right, topped with a juicy pineapple ring and melted cheese, then paired with seasoned smashed potatoes… it’s a sweet-and-savory dream come true.
And the real MVP? That would be the Miami Vice Pineapple — a frozen piña colada and strawberry daiquiri swirl, served inside an actual pineapple. It’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy, and it tastes like vacation in a glass — or, well, a fruit.
Whether you’re arriving by boat or just in the mood to kick back lakeside, Decks & Docks is the go-to hangout when good food, strong drinks, and unbeatable views are all non-negotiables.
More Than a Sports Bar
The Gridiron
You walk in expecting a burger and a ballgame — and sure, you’ll get both — but The Gridiron in Centre delivers a whole lot more. This place is where Southern comfort meets game day energy, where the menu runs deep, and the flavors hit harder than a Friday night kickoff.
Yes, the burgers are a big deal — thick, juicy, and stacked with fresh toppings on a golden, griddled bun that barely holds it all in. But don’t stop there. From crispy, golden fried catfish with greens and mac & cheese, to a trio of wings tossed in house-made sauces (peppery dry rub, creamy garlic parm, and that classic buffalo heat), this menu plays to win.
And then there’s the curveball: glazed salmon over rice and veggies — plated pretty enough for date night but hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest appetite. Or the brisket sandwich, served with a drizzle of sauce and a side of green beans and potato salad that tastes like Sunday at grandma’s.
Whether you’re there for a family meal, to catch the game, or just craving something real, The Gridiron isn’t just another local joint. It’s a place where comfort food, casual vibes, and Southern hospitality all show up — and show out.
A Centerpiece in Centre
Pop's Smorgasbord
Tucked inside the Pic N Sav Shopping Center on West Main Street in Centre, Alabama, Pop’s Smorgasbord has quickly become a local favorite — and it’s easy to see (and taste) why. Owned by Brad and Borsha Hunter, this family-run spot delivers big on hospitality, hearty comfort food, and a sense of community that’s as rich as the smoked meatloaf.
At Pop’s, the menu is always changing, but the Southern staples never miss. From melt-in-your-mouth brisket and fried pork loin to shrimp and grits and stuffed peppers, every dish feels like it came from grandma’s kitchen — if grandma had a Prime Rib Night and a Steak Night featuring filet mignon. Fridays bring a seafood feast with all-you-can-eat catfish and fried shrimp that locals line up for.
And don’t even think about skipping dessert. Pop’s cinnamon raisin bread pudding and strawberry bliss cake are legendary, but the best part? Chef Brad is known for whipping up something special for regulars — just because.
The vibe is friendly, unpretentious, and often filled with music — karaoke nights, birthday celebrations, and a whole lot of laughter. Whether you're a local or just passing through Cherokee County, Pop’s Smorgasbord is one of those places that feels like home the moment you walk through the door.
You've Arrived
Easy Street
Easy Street isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an experience with flavor, flair, and a little mystery tucked into every corner.
Chef Jimmy runs the kitchen like an artist in his studio. Specials are crafted on a whim, which means no two visits are the same — and you never quite know what surprise might land on your plate (only that it'll be good). He’s the creative force behind the unforgettable pie trio — mini desserts so perfect they feel like a secret… because, well, they are. Only one other person in the building even knows how to make them.
The regular menu holds its own too. From bang bang shrimp and savory stir-fry to a full bar that knows how to mix fun and flavor — like The Pain Killer, a tropical cocktail served in a mini bucket from their Bucket List Menu — every bite and sip feels like a celebration.
Top it off with a visit to the merch wall to grab a tee or hat, and you've got yourself more than a meal — you've got a moment. A memory. A reason to come back.
Because at Easy Street? You haven’t just arrived — you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
A Downtown Pub with a Lake Story
F.C. Weiss Pub and Eatery
Right in the middle of downtown Centre sits F.C. Weiss Pub — a cozy, welcoming spot that feels like a local hangout and a hometown love letter to Weiss Lake, all rolled into one.
The name? It’s a nod to the owners’ favorite Florida watering hole and the iconic Weiss Dam just down the road — and that vibe of blending old memories with new ones carries through everything here.
The menu hits that perfect mix of comfort and creativity. You’ll find big flavor in the Powerhouse Reuben — stacked high with corned beef, sauerkraut, melty Swiss, and a punch of Thousand Island, all on toasted pumpernickel rye. The Mediterranean wrap keeps it light and fresh, and if you’re there for a snack, the soft pretzels with warm Belgian ale beer cheese are the move. (Seriously — get the cheese.)
It’s not just about the food though. With 16 craft beers on tap, a full bar, and events like trivia and karaoke, F.C. Weiss brings people together — the way only a great neighborhood pub can. Whether you’re winding down after a day on the lake or just looking for a place where everybody feels like a regular, this one fits the bill.
Side Note
Let's talk about the collard greens (with a splash of Bourbon)
You’ll come to The Gridiron for the burger. You’ll stay for the wings. But what you’ll be talking about long after the meal is the collard greens — sweet, spicy, and kissed with a splash of bourbon.
These aren’t just greens. These are the greens. Cooked down until tender, layered with just the right amount of heat, and finished with a little bourbon that brings out the sweetness and adds a depth you don’t expect from a side dish. It’s comfort food with a curveball — and it works.
They’re the perfect companion to catfish and mac, yes, but honestly? They could headline the plate on their own. The kind of side that makes you pause mid-bite, close your eyes, and say, “Now that’s what I’m talking about.”
The Gridiron may be known for burgers and big plates, but make no mistake — these collard greens are the sleeper hit, the soulful standout, the side that steals the show.
Every Good Fish Tale Deserves a Great Ending
From dockside drinks and secret desserts to powerhouse sandwiches and pineapples filled with frozen cocktails, Cherokee County knows how to serve up more than just a meal — it offers a story with every bite.
This journey, made possible by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, gave us a front-row seat to the flavors, faces, and local favorites that make this place special. It’s not just about where to eat — it’s about who’s in the kitchen, who’s behind the bar, and the little surprises waiting at every table and on every menu.
Whether you're reeling in dinner on Weiss Lake, grabbing lunch with a view, or chasing down your next unforgettable bite, you’ll find something here that hooks you — and keeps you coming back for more.
So go ahead. Make your own fish tale. Cherokee County is ready when you are.
