Big Al's Soda Fountain
Contact Information
Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: 252-473-5570
Website: www.themefifty.com
Hours of Operation
Lunch - Dinner: 11:00am - 9:00pm
Open: 7 Days a Week
Meals served: Lunch, Dinner
"The Past Is Back...Have Some Fun!"
Sandra Dee, Leader of the Pack, Good Golly Miss Molly, and Casino Dog……..sound familiar? Blast from the past? These are all meals that you can order at Big Al’s Soda Fountain and Grill located in Manteo NC! Music is playing on the juke box, disco ball shining on the dance floor, black and white checkered floor, and red leather booths, experience the fifties all over again at Big Al’s Soda Fountain and Grill.
Amenities
- Credit Cards: Visa, MC, Disc, Amex
- Attire: Casual
- Handicap Accessible: Ramp, Restrooms, Entrance
- On Site Parking: Yes
- Serve Safe Certification: Yes
- Green Initiative: Yes
- Table Side Service: Yes
- Take Out: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Kids Entertainment: Yes
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Lounge/Bar: Lunch Counter
- Live Entertainment: Karaoke
- Gift Certificates: Available at Register
- Samples: Sample
History
The family modeled the restaurant after the show Happy Days! Happy Days was a show that aired on ABC in 1974 depicting an idealized vision of life in the mid 1950s to 1960s. As soon as you walk in the door you are welcomed by warm smiling faces. Many of the staff have been working at Big Al’s ever since they were old enough to have a job. Big Al’s Soda Fountain and Grill also has its own Big Al’s Baseball Team. All along the walls as you walk to your table you will see baseball trophies, chili contest awards, family pictures and coke memorabilia. Big Al’s offers a truly family friendly atmosphere so bring your family to meet the Big Al’s family. Big Al’s Soda Fountain and Grill is open 7 days a week from 11am to 9 pm from March to November.
Chef Biography

Owner Biography

Big Al’s Soda Fountain and Grill is a family owned restaurant. The restaurant is currently run by sisters Diana Croswait, Vanessa Foreman and Ada Hadley. They took over after their mother, Miss Emma, past away. Their mother was very much involved in the Outer Banks Community, helping others in times of need. She was called the “Angel of the Outer Banks”. Miss Emma was particularly well known for her homemade chicken and rice soup. If you were not feeling well she would be on your front door step in no time with a hot bowl of soup that would warm you from the inside out. Stop by their Al-E-Opps gift shop and you will find soup bowls with her well known chicken and rice recipe on it.
Specialties & Additional Menu Options
- Menu Seafood:
Local Seafood
- Beverage Specials:
Try one of our Homemade Milkshakes!
- Course Specialties:
Try our Blackbean Nachos for an appetizer or start your meal with our famous Surf & Turf. Finish dinner with a great dessert from Big Al's - Banana Split!