Neighborhood Guide
Old Town
About Old Town
Old Town is one of Huntsville's historic districts, sitting just north of downtown. It is a mix of Victorian, Colonial, and Bungalow homes on mostly flat, shady streets with good sidewalks, which makes it one of the easier neighborhoods in the city for a neighborhood walk.
What Makes It Different
The most recognizable building in the district is the former East Clinton School, now home to Providence Classical School. Local tourism officials call it one of Huntsville's best examples of Art Deco architecture. The rest of the district is residential, with a mix of restored older homes and more modest cottages, and the appeal is exactly that: quiet streets a few minutes from restaurants, coffee, and the square.
Eating and Drinking Nearby
Old Town does not have a big commercial strip of its own, but you are close to plenty. Head south into downtown for Canadian Bakin and Turbo Coffee, or east toward Five Points for Big Ed's Pizza. Craft beer fans are a short drive from Mad Malts and Green Bus Brewing.
Who Lives Here
Old Town appeals to people who want an older home and a walkable street without paying for the biggest historic mansions. It is close to downtown and the arts district, so it works well for people who like to bike or walk for weeknight dinners. As with any historic district, ask about exterior guidelines before you buy or renovate.
Local Businesses
View allDallas Mill Deli
Nancy Finnegan, MUA
Mason Dixon Bakery
Gilded Moth Tattoo
Gilded Moth Tattoo is a tattoo and professional piercing studio at Lincoln Mill on Meridian Street N in Huntsville. Its website describes a group of resident artists, each with their own style, and a separate piercer. According to the site, tattoo appointments can be requested through its website or by messaging the studio on Instagram, and custom designs are made from a client's ideas and reference images. Its FAQ says walk-in availability varies by artist and day, and that appointments are recommended. The website also offers a gallery, artist portfolios and separate FAQ pages for tattoos and piercings.
Skyy'Blu Hair Studio
Focus Sound & Entertainment
The Battery Store Inc
L'Etoile Patisserie
L'Etoile Patisserie is a French bakery and cafe on Meridian Street North in Huntsville. It specializes in breads and pastries. The business began as a home bakery during the pandemic. According to local news coverage from WAFF, the owners baked from their house and took orders through a website from May 2020 to May 2021, then opened the storefront in 2021. The shop sits next door to Holtz Leather. The owners describe the bakery's purpose as strengthening the community through relationships while offering distinctive baked goods and attentive service.
Russell Radiator Service
Mike's Wrecker Service
Dory's Barbershop
Retro Lines
Mobile Mechanic Huntsville AL
Haven Huntsville
Mad Malts Brewing
Mad Malts Brewing is a brewery and taproom at 109 Maple Avenue NW in northwest downtown Huntsville. Its website says it has been brewing since 2012. The taproom pours the brewery's own beers, and the site has a page for the current lineup on tap. There is a beer garden and several named indoor spaces, including Center Stage, The Loft, The Zone and The Cave. Growlers, merchandise and kegs to go are also listed. The brewery says its beer is distributed through Turner Beverage across North Alabama. Mad Malts hosts live music, and an events calendar on its website shows what is coming up.
Big Ed's Pizza
Big Ed's Pizza is a pizzeria on Pratt Avenue in downtown Huntsville. According to its website, the original Big Ed's opened in 1961, and the restaurant has been in the Huntsville area for more than 50 years. The site says it is still family run. The site says the sauce and dough are made from scratch and the pizzas and calzones are hand tossed. It also says the shop still bakes in the original seasoned gas ovens from the 1960s. The site lists a menu, beers, beignets and online ordering.
Pearl Skin Aesthetics
Four Swords Tattoo
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Upcoming Events
All eventsOld Town FAQ
Common questions about Old Town in Huntsville.
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