Spots on Smith: Brother's

You know you’ve made it to one the most eastern corners of Smith Lake when you see a red building just up the hill from the Smith Lake Marina gas dock. Originally available to rent, over the years it served as a “private” club. Patrons remember the days when they could grab the mic and belt out a few of their favorite tunes with their friends. Last spring Will Dowdy morphed the crimson icon into an unbelievable restaurant, Brother's on Smith Lake.

You can find Dowdy at Brother’s on Smith Lake seven days a week, tending the bar, manning the kitchen, clearing tables or visiting with patrons.  Born and raised in Cullman, Dowdy and his wife, Page are no strangers to the emerald green waters of Smith Lake or running a small business.  Dowdy has his restaurant while Page owns Happy Tails Groom & Board in Cullman {hello pup needs at the lake}. Together these savvy business owners have two daughters ages 7 and 9 who are the center of their world.

When opening Brother’s on Smith Lake, Dowdy made several calculated decisions that have provided the establishment more defined character than any location I’ve visited on Smith Lake.  If you have followed my blog for a while you know I love checking out everything on the lake . The garage door styled windows are fully functional and attached to the ceiling.  They connect the inside bar to an outdoor wraparound porch and it is perfection!  Page and her mother, Kim Strickland, carefully curated every piece of the restaurant.  This red building oozes with lake character from local art by Scott Brown {also available for purchase} to the hanging driftwood and from the collection of vintage skis right down to the nautical hooks in the bathroom.  Whether you prefer to sing "Baby Shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo" or Living on a Prayer, Brother's on Smith Lake offers the perfect ambiance for guests of all ages.

Outside you’ll find hanging flower boxes with freshly tended flowers, an array of flags and a thoughtfully placed children’s area which was a must according to the women in Dowdy's life.

The decor and charm are impressive, but the menu trumps all. Brother’s on Smith Lake is committed to quality and serves Fresh Gulf Seafood. The low country shrimp boil is one the of most popular dishes and comes ready to eat on an aluminum try. Their mouth-watering-never-had-anything-like-it cheese sticks are also a must!  The seasoned crab legs, fish tacos and the smoked tuna dip are guaranteed crowd pleasers. Dowdy’s personal favorite and go-to is the bayou burger. A full bar with a bushwhacker machine churning constantly makes this T-H-E top place to visit during the hot summer days. Whether you come by boat, jet ski, car,

canoe or 4-wheeler there is ample parking complete with a golf cart shuttle service to the top of the hill upon arrival. Every Thursday - Saturday live music begins at 6:00 pm on their in-door stage.

The Dowdy husband wife duo know first how hard work and customer service make big dreams become a reality.  Two determined individuals, two incredible small businesses committed to providing service to one amazing community.  Dowdy and Paige adamantly agree they couldn’t do anything without their team or their customers and for that — they thank you!

Father’s Day weekend marked the 1-year anniversary for Brother’s on Smith Lake.  Be sure you stop by Brother’s on Smith Lake or like them on Facebook for updates on some fun things they have up their sleeve to celebrate summer!

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PS: I typically frequent the “west side” of Smith Lake.  I made what some would call the “voyage” over ~ so if you are reading this and you are also a “West-Sider” — add Brother’s on Smith Lake to your Summer To-Do list — you’ll be glad you did! sh

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