If you’re looking for old-fashioned diners in South Carolina, you won’t have to look very far. Over in Laurens County, South Carolina, there’s a tiny town (population: about 500) with a restaurant dedicated to all things pertaining to “The Andy Griffith Show.” And while this town may actually not be the real Mayberry, it sure feels like it when you visit the Mayberry Diner in Cross Hill, S.C.

Located on SC-72 and a mere 20 miles from the Clinton exit of Interstate 26, Cross Hill is a blip on the map — but the nostalgic reminders of yesteryear found at the Mayberry Diner are worthy of a small detour the next time you're in the area.
Google / Maps
It's exactly 218 miles to Mt. Airy, the North Carolina town where Andy Griffith spent his childhood and then used as a model for the hit TV series.
Google Local/Ed O'Dwyer
But fortunately, we don't have to drive all that way for a throwback to the simpler times and friendly folks of Mayberry, USA.
The restaurant features many reminders of Andy Griffith's home town, and the Mayberry Diner menu even offers items dedicated to the main characters and places in the show.
Margie Blalock/Google
Mark Moody/Google Reviews
Tasty breakfast options include an array of Opie's Breakfast Sandwiches, Thelma Lou's Country Breakfast (made just how you like it), and Barney's Biscuits — topped with your choice of meat and gravy. And then, of course, there are Andy's favorites: pancakes or French toast.
Google Local/Ed O'Dwyer

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For lunch and dinner, treat yourself to a country meal you'd find in Mayberry. Take your time and savor meals you'd see on the old show: from a hand-patted hamburger served on a fresh roll to a hamburger steak smothered in gravy, plus, Calabash chicken, fried flounder or shrimp, and a personal favorite: Mayberry's Original Buffalo Livers for a starter.
Melissa Calvert/Google
Enjoy the same hospitality and friendly experience at this Mayberry Diner in Cross Hill, S.C. that you'd expect to find at the real (yet fictional) Mayberry Diner or even over at the Bluebird Diner (yep, also fictional) in Mayberry... without having to transport yourself into your TV set for a rerun.
Google Local/Ed O'Dwyer
(Or... get it to go, and then eat it while watching a rerun!)
For a dose of TV nostalgia from everyone's favorite 1960s series, "The Andy Griffith Show," head to this roadside eatery in Cross Hill! If you really want to go all out, grab an Andy Griffith shirt to wear when you go.
Google Local/Gery Hoban
AnneMarie/OIYS
I've actually been there with my family back during the time of the 2020 pandemic and following when many restaurants closed indoor dining rooms. During this time, the diner offered a few tables outdoors, which is where we ate our meal. Because of this, we unfortunately were unable to enjoy the nostalgic decor inside, but it was still a nice experience to see the diner and eat there. We'd definitely love to go back when we can to see the inside, too! We enjoyed the food we ordered.
David McNamara/Google Reviews
Recent Mayberry Diner photos online show what appears to be an expansion of the dining room.

The Mayberry Diner in Cross Hill is open seven days a week. The hours are Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (closed on Sunday).

Love discovering great little diners while traveling the back roads of South Carolina?  Explore 10 more small towns with amazing restaurants!

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Mayberry Diner In Cross Hill, S.C. & Related Info

AnneMarie | April 05, 2024

What are the most classic dishes in South Carolina?

The most classic dishes in South Carolina include:

  • Hoppin’ Johns. This is a dish made with rice and black-eyed peas that is traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day.
  • Southern Fried Chicken. In South Carolina, this can be made savory or spicy with an egg batter that is to die for.
  • Pimento Cheese. This is cheese mixed with mayonnaise, cream cheese, and pimentos and is found all over the state.
  • South Carolina Barbecue. There are different regions, some with a sweet yellow mustard sauce and some with a spicy vinegar and pepper sauce.

 

Learn more about the most classic dishes in South Carolina. 

What are the best candy shops in South Carolina?

The best candy shops in South Carolina include:

  • Petit Philippe. This is a combination of a wine bar and chocolatier where you can get some of the most scrumptious wines and chocolates in the state.
  • Candy Girl Confections. Located in Myers Park, this candy shop has elegant displays of sweet confections ranging from old-fashioned favorites to yummy chocolates and gummies.
  • barCHOCOLATE. This little shop makes small-batch, artisan chocolates using local and fresh ingredients with no extracts or flavorings.
  • RocketFizz. This is the place to go to get your fix of candy and soda and it has a vast selection of both.

 

Find out more about the best candy shops in South Carolina. 

What are the most iconic foods in South Carolina?

The most iconic foods in South Carolina include:

  • Boiled Peanuts. While this is a popular treat all over the South, it is most certainly a staple in South Carolina.
  • Shrimp and Grits. Pick some shrimp out of a low county boil and throw them on some hot buttered grits and you’ll have this amazing dish.
  • Okra. People in South Carolina love their okra and serve it up in a multitude of ways: steamed, fried, boiled, you name it.
  • Frogmore Stew. This is synonymous with the low country boil where shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes are boiled with a mixture of spices and eaten by hand right off the table.

 

Discover more about the most iconic foods in South Carolina. 

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