If you’re on the hunt for charming diners in South Carolina, you won’t have to search long. Nestled in Laurens County is a quaint town with a population of around 500, home to a unique eatery that pays homage to “The Andy Griffith Show.” While it may not be the authentic Mayberry, stepping into the Mayberry Diner in Cross Hill, S.C., brings a taste of nostalgia.
Positioned along SC-72 and just a short drive—approximately 20 miles—from the Clinton exit of Interstate 26, Cross Hill may be small, but the Mayberry Diner makes it a worthwhile stop on your travels. It’s only 218 miles to Mt. Airy, North Carolina—the childhood home of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the beloved show—but this diner offers a delightful trip back in time right in South Carolina.
The diner brims with memorabilia from Andy Griffith’s fictional hometown, and its menu features dishes named after beloved characters and iconic locations from the series.
Breakfast lovers can indulge in a variety of options, including Opie’s Breakfast Sandwiches, Thelma Lou’s Country Breakfast (prepared just to your liking), and Barney’s Biscuits, served with your choice of meat and gravy. Plus, there are Andy’s favorites, like fluffy pancakes or classic French toast.
For lunch and dinner, savor country-style meals reminiscent of those portrayed in the classic series. Here, you can relish a hand-patted hamburger on a fresh bun, a hamburger steak drenched in gravy, Calabash chicken, crispy fried flounder or shrimp, and even a unique starter: Mayberry’s Original Buffalo Livers.
At the Mayberry Diner in Cross Hill, you are sure to experience the same warmth and friendliness that one would expect from the fictional Mayberry—without needing to step into a TV screen for a nostalgia trip. (And if you prefer, you can always get your meal to-go and enjoy it while watching your favorite rerun!)
For those looking for a trip down memory lane with a serving of 1960s television charm, make sure you visit this roadside gem in Cross Hill. To enhance your experience, consider picking up an Andy Griffith shirt to enjoy on your visit.
I personally visited the diner with my family during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when many restaurants were navigating the challenges of indoor dining restrictions. We ate outside at one of their outdoor tables, a choice that limited our ability to appreciate the diner’s vintage decor, but the overall experience remained enjoyable. We loved the food and would eagerly return someday to explore the inside as well!
Recent images online suggest that the Mayberry Diner has expanded its dining area, enhancing the experience for guests.
The Mayberry Diner operates seven days a week, with hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (closed on Sundays).
If you enjoy uncovering delightful little diners while traveling the scenic backroads of South Carolina, be sure to discover more incredible restaurants in 10 other charming small towns!