Reviewed by: Michael Seale
7 of Huntsvilleโs oldest eateries still going strong
Reading time: 6 minutes

Huntsvilleโs full of historyโincluding our food scene.
We love exploring all the newest eateries around town, but there are some long-time favorites that never fail us.
All seven of these spots are over 50 years oldโwhether at their original location or a new one. So, not only can you enjoy some delicious eats at these spots, but you can also experience some Huntsville history while youโre at it.
1. Stanlieoโs Sub Villa

Stanlieoโs opened on Jordan Lane on May 1, 1971, when Glenn Watson introduced Boston-style subs to Huntsville. Over 50 years later, itโs still family-owned and operated.
Their extensive menu includes many different subs (including vegetarian options), all for $6 or $7 dollars. But, the most famous is the Kitchen Sink sub, loaded with Genoa and cotta salami, ham, turkey, roast beef, Capacolla, pepperoni, Swiss, American and provolone cheeses.
The Kitchen Sink and all the other subs have been made the same way for decadesโhot or cold and topped with tomatoes, onions, dill pickles, salt, pepper, oregano and oil.
- Location: 605 Jordan Ln NW, Huntsville, AL 35816
- Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-7PM, Saturday 10AM-6PM, Sunday 11AM-4PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Big Spring Cafe

This list would be far from complete without the oldest restaurant in Huntsville, Big Spring Cafe.
Itโs the home of the greasy burger, which made its debut over a century ago in 1922. Big Spring Cafe originally opened its doors on Jefferson Street in downtown Huntsville before moving around a few times. In 2017, they landed at their current location.
On one side of Governors Drive, you have Stovehouse, one of the newest and hottest places to visit in Huntsville. But, on the other side of the street, youโve got the oldest restaurant in Huntsville. Itโs a remarkable juncture of the new and the old in Huntsville.
Big Spring Cafe serves up classic breakfast plates, hot dogs, lunch plates and, of course, greasy burgers.
- Location: 3507 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
- Hours: Monday-Friday 6AM-3PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Gibsonโs BBQ

When I was a little girl, going to Gibsonโs was a special treat that usually happened on the weekends. Iโd fill up on the delicious pancakes, feeling right at home in the cozy atmosphere.
But Gibsonโs history goes back much farther than my childhood. They opened in 1956 as a family-owned restaurant, and theyโve kept it in the family for four generations. Throughout the years, theyโve received countless accolades for their mouthwatering barbecue. And, of course, their famous white sauce was a staple both at the restaurant and in many Huntsville fridges.
Unfortunately, last year, Gibsonโs caught fire, leaving the kitchen in shambles. They remain closed, but have previously stated that they plan to reopen. Hereโs to hoping Gibsonโs returns soon.
- Location: 3319 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Hours: Temporarily closed
- Website | Facebook
4. Olโ Heidelberg

Huntsville has plenty of German food options, but Olโ Heidelberg is the oldest and most famous of them all.
Its sister restaurant, Bavaria Delicatessen, opened in 1963. Nine years later, in 1972, Olโ Heidelberg opened. Today, the latter is the surviving restaurant that continues to serve up authentic German cuisine in Huntsville.
On the menu, youโll find bratwurst, schnitzel, spatzle and plenty of potato dishes to satisfy the heartiest of appetites.
- Location: 6125 University Dr, Huntsville, AL 35806
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10:30AM-8PM, Friday-Saturday 10:30AM-9PM, Sunday 10:30-8PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Big Edโs Pizza

Big Edโs opened in 1961, when โBig Edโ Neusel started firing up pizza ovens in Huntsville. Steve Denton, a young employe who started working at the pizza joint two years later, took over the business in 1969. Today, Dentonโs three children keep serving Huntsville some of the best local pizza around.
At Big Edโs, they make everything from scratchโfrom the dough to the sauceโthen cook them in the same ovens that they used in the โ60s.
If my grandfather was in charge of ordering pizza when I was little, it was going to be Big Edโsโperiod. Since then, theyโve moved locations to a retro-looking building on Pratt Avenue thatโs perfect for their brand.
- Location: 255 Pratt Ave NE, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 5-10PM, Thursday 11AM-10PM, Friday-Saturday 11AM-11PM, Sunday 11AM-10PM, closed Monday
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Peggy Ann Bakery

In 1953, Peggy Ann Bakery opened its doors, letting Huntsville into its little shop full of delicious scents and fresh-baked goods. 70 years later, they still satisfy Huntsvilleโs sweet tooth.
Henry and Nancy Erskine founded the bakery, then called Erskine Baking Company, in downtown Huntsville. Later, they moved to their current location that sits on Regal Drive with Parkway Place Mall towering over it.
They use the same cupcake recipe today as they did in the โ50sโand itโs a well-kept secret.
But they bake up many more confections than cupcakes. Their petit fours are a renowned local favorite with their delicate texture, sweetness and cute designs. I remember the first time I tried oneโit blew my little mind.
- Location: 831 Regal Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday 7AM-5:30PM, Saturday 7AM-2PM, closed Sunday-Monday
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Krispy Kreme
Now, I know that Krispy Kreme is far from being a local eatery. But, thereโs a story at our North Memorial Parkway location here in Huntsville. It opened in 1968, which means theyโve been serving โHot Doughnuts Nowโ for over 50 years.
The very first employee there was Cora Barber, who continued to work there for over 45 years until she retired in 2014. Ms. Barber just passed away last month, but her commitment to serving Huntsville donuts and coffee will continue to serve as an inspiration.
- Location: 1218 N Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 6AM-10PM, Friday-Saturday 6AM-11PM
- Website
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