Top 10: Mayberry Cafe Insider Tips
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The Mayberry Cafe, located on the historic Hendricks County Courthouse Square in Danville, Indiana, has remained one of the most iconic and unique features in Hendricks County for decades.
It attracts visitors from all over the world as it pays homage to the fictional Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show, and serves up amazing home-cooked comfort food.
Brad and Christine Born owned the restaurant beginning in 1989, when it was the Main Street Cafe; three years later, Brad transformed it into the Mayberry Cafe, embracing his love of the television show.
In August 2025, Matt and Kami Hamilton bought the destination restaurant. They have no plans to change the restaurant's vibe and established menu, but Kami has already made a few noticeable changes.
1. What's New
Kami Hamilton always dreamed of owning a coffee shop/bakery, so when the opportunity to own the iconic Mayberry Cafe arose, she couldn't turn it down. Since August 2025, Kami and her husband, Matt, have owned the Mayberry Cafe, and they are staying true to preserving its essence and character.
Their new additions include an espresso bar and a baked-goods display. Another noticeable change is bringing back breakfast on the weekends, with plans to expand to weekdays in the future.
2. The Iconic Squad Car
Make sure to check out the replica of Andy Griffith's iconic Ford Galaxie squad car outside the Mayberry Cafe. I always loved seeing it decorated for Christmas.
Mayberry Cafe's squad car is also a popular photo op for visitors. The restaurant has a patio section with outdoor seating that gives great views of the squad car.
3. Warm and Cozy Aesthetic
I absolutely love the vibe and decor of the Mayberry Cafe. It is purposely designed to make you feel at home, with warm lighting, wallpaper, beadboard paneling and plenty of cozy accents, all curated to provide guests with a sense of comfort.
I also really love that there are multiple TVs throughout the restaurant playing The Andy Griffith Show. It's a great touch and program to have on in the background or to have as a topic of discussion while enjoying your visit to the Mayberry Cafe.
4. Family Friendly
What's great about Mayberry Cafe is its appeal across many generations. There is something about The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry Cafe that connects with us all.
For adults, it could bring them back to a simpler time or connect them with a time they always wanted to experience. But for kids, it's about earning that special token by cleaning their plates for free ice cream or a fun toy behind the front counter.
5. Comfort Food
I love comfort foods like meatloaf and fried chicken with mashed potatoes. Until I can figure out how to cook those meals without it tasting bad, I will gladly visit the Mayberry Cafe for food that I always loved growing up.
I also love a good pun, and I love how the menu references the show with the entree names. Their signature lunch and dinner menu items include pasta, sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken, meatloaf, fish, country fried steak, wraps and quesadillas and so much more.
6. Delectable Desserts
Don't skip dessert at the Mayberry Cafe! You can indulge in the unique Ernest T's Mountain Dew Mug Cake, a vanilla mug cake with a shot of Mountain Dew or enjoy more traditional desserts.
There are so many great new additions to the dessert menu, including cheesecakes, and the baked-goods case up front includes a rotation of cookies, dessert bars and danishes. But you can also never go wrong with a classic slice of pie or cobbler paired with ice cream, a milkshake or root beer float.
7. Specials
I love a good special, especially now when everything feels so expensive, and going out to eat may feel like a luxury.
Some great Mayberry Cafe specials include Wednesday's Homemade Pasta night that features a rotation of pasta specials, Sunday's three-piece fried chicken with 2 sides for $15.99 and a gallon jug of Huckleberry Lemonade for $8.99.
8. Plenty of Nostalgia & Merch
It is a common misconception that the Mayberry Cafe is for older people because of the theming of The Andy Griffith Show, which aired in the 1960s. But you don't have to know a thing about the show to appreciate the feeling you get at the Mayberry Cafe. It is a welcoming place that embodies the essence of the fictional Mayberry, a community that is described as a picture-perfect small town.
Want to take a piece of Mayberry home with you? Mayberry Cafe sells themed merchandise, including T-shirts, bumper stickers, keychains, hats, coffee cups and some goodies, including chocolate sheriff star treats and old-fashioned candy from the candy jars behind the counter. You even shop their merchandise online.
9. Group Friendly
The Mayberry Cafe can accommodate large group gatherings, with seating for up to 150 guests. Not only are there larger tables in the main dining area, but the upstairs features many square and rectangular tables that can be combined for bigger parties.
The upstairs dining area can be accessed by both stairs and an elevator. To make a dining reservation or to learn how to reserve tables for a shower, birthday, reunion or an event gathering, visit their website.
10. Carry-Out and Catering Available
As a busy wife and mom, there are definitely days where life gets in the way and I don't have time to prepare a delicious home-cooked meal, and I truly appreciate Mayberry Cafe for having their full menu available for takeout. My go-to is the takeout deal of $29.99 for their 8-piece fried chicken (which includes two breasts, three thighs and three legs), two large sides and four biscuits.
Having a large gathering or event and need a great catering option? Mayberry Cafe boasts a great catering menu, featuring some of their popular entrees, sides and desserts perfect for any occasion.
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