Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar: An Opelika Tradition

Since 1952, Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar has been an Opelika institution, serving up delicious hot dogs and ice cream from its original location on Pepperell Parkway. This family-owned and operated walk-up restaurant has become a cherished part of the community, drawing crowds of all ages with its simple yet satisfying menu. Mrs. Story's is particularly famous for its footlong chili dogs, which have even been recognized by the Alabama Tourism Department as one of the "100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die". These messy and magnificent creations feature a boiled footlong hot dog in a steamed bun, topped with homemade chili, mustard, and ketchup. Optional toppings like cheese, slaw, onions, and pickles allow customers to customize their dogs to their liking. In addition to hot dogs, Mrs. Story's is also renowned for its creamy milkshakes, which were voted "Alabama's Best Milkshake" in a 2016 contest. Made with whole milk, real fruit, and ice cream on an old-timey milkshake machine, these shakes come in a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla and chocolate to more unique options like pineapple, cherry, and orange. While the business briefly closed in 2021 due to staffing shortages, it thankfully reopened to the delight of Opelika and Auburn residents. Today, Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar continues to be run by the Story family, who are committed to preserving the legacy of this beloved local landmark.