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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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!