Tennessee is known for its good country cookin', and everybody knows that it's the mom-and-pop spots that have been open forever that do it best. There's one spot in Columbia that's been operating since the 1940s, and they know how to cook up some mean comfort food. Even though they're not on Main Street any more, they still have that same old down-home feel, and they still serve it up just as well as they did when they first opened in the golden age of gas station diners.
Stan’s Restaurant, Country Store and Antique Center first opened in 1947 as a gas station and cafe that offered country cooking, an old-fashioned soda bar, and curb service 24 hours a day.
Today, Stan's is still going strong, offering pretty much all of the same delicious food and goods that they did back in the day.
Stan, who owned and operated the stop with his wife, did everything he could to cater to the community. From offering bunks for traveling truckers to being the community hub for all socializing, Stan's has always been the spot to be.
Stan's cafe moved locations from Main Street Spring Hill to a spot right off the newly constructed interchange of I-65 and Highway 99 in Columbia in 1971. That spot is still the home of Stan's today.
But today, Stan's is much more than just the original cafe. Now, it's also a full-blown country store.
But as far as the food goes, Stan's can't be beat when it comes to good old fashioned Southern cookin'.
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Stan's has everything you could ever want. Country ham sandwiches, sirloin steak and biscuits, and breakfast all day. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
Doesn't this just look like the best comfort food you've ever seen? We certainly think so.
You definitely need to visit Stan's to check out this history and definitely the food. They're still open 24/7 in their Columbia location. Find it at 1555 Bear Creek Pike.
Continue to explore our great state with a visit to this neat village outside of Nashville - it's truly a step back in time.
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