Southern Living features nearby 157-year-old diner in list of most beloved Southern diners

IMG 1169 1 edited scaled — Have you been to Payne’s before? (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

If you love retro, ‘Grease’ vibes + a sweet treat, you need to check out Payne’s Sandwich Shop + Soda Fountain. This beloved spot sits just an hour from Huntsville, located in the heart of Scottsboro. Payne’s is one of Alabama’s last remaining soda fountains + has been a classic hangout spot for 157 years!

Recently, this small town delight was featured in Southern Living’s list of the 14 most beloved diners in the south. We think Payne’s absolutely lives up to this; take it from a repeat customer’s experience:

“I have grown up going to Payne’s since I was a little kid + always loved coming for their banana splits + retro decor. It’s a great spot for sandwiches + desserts that all generations of my family love. Walking into Payne’s feels like stepping back in time to a 50s diner!”

Hville Blast Senior Content Producer + Payne’s fan, Elizabeth Hobbs

Payne’s = one of the most beloved Southern diners

We recommend the banana split! 🍌🍨 (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

Not much has changed since Payne’s opened in 1869. The diner got its start as a drugstore + was known for being the first soda fountain in the area to serve Coca-Cola. To this day, you can still find the same soda fountain favs like milkshakes, floats + ice cream specialties written on a chalkboard wall.

Plus, you could easily make a day trip out of your visit by browsing Unclaimed Baggage, Parks & 35 Vintage Clothier + other popular shops located just a few minutes away.

This new accolade is huge as Payne’s is one of the two Alabama diners mentioned in this list + it’s not the first time Southern Living has recognized this hidden gem. Click here for the scoop on Payne’s history + another time Southern Living name-dropped this spot!