Stepping into The Dari-Ace is like taking a delightful trip back in time to 1960. Located right off the interstate in Erwin, Tennessee, this quintessential mom-and-pop diner is celebrated for its vintage masterpiece aesthetic, cozy atmosphere, and classic American comfort food. Featuring a small, intimate U-shaped counter inside, retro novelty decor, and a bustling walk-up and drive-thru service, it has become a beloved neighborhood fixture for locals, travelers, and hikers exploring the nearby Appalachian Trail or Rocky Fork State Park. Whether you are stopping by for a hearty breakfast or an indulgent milkshake, this local landmark delivers a nostalgic taste of yesteryear with warm, friendly southern hospitality.
Casual, Cozy, Historic, Quiet, Good for solo dining, Tourist-friendly
Highlights
Great coffee, Great dessert, Great tea selection
Good For Kids
Kids’ menu, Good for children
Parking
Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking
Payment Methods
Credit cards, Debit cards
Why Visit? Key Highlights
Iconic Retro Ambiance: Established in 1960, the diner preserves its classic 50s and 60s style layout with a 12-seat U-shaped counter and a charming display of nostalgia-inducing novelty plates.
Legendary Milkshakes & Desserts: Famous for offering a robust selection of rich, creamy handmade milkshakes, thick malt variations, classic banana splits, and indulgent hot fudge cakes.
Made-to-Order Diner Classics: Fan favorites include exceptionally juicy cheeseburgers, fresh hamburger steak dinners, seasoned fried pickles, and uniquely satisfying golden cheddar O’s.
Welcoming Southern Hospitality: Run by a warm and attentive team known for making newcomers, regulars, and thru-hikers alike feel right at home.
The Dari-Ace Menu
Breakfast
Item Name
Description
Jelly Biscuit
Classic biscuit served with sweet jelly
Country Ham Biscuit
Savory country ham nestled inside a fresh biscuit
Tenderloin Biscuit
Hearty tenderloin served in a warm biscuit
Egg Biscuit
Simple and satisfying egg breakfast biscuit
Sausage Biscuit
Savory breakfast sausage patty in a warm biscuit
Toast & Jelly
Perfectly toasted bread paired with sweet jelly
Chicken Biscuit
Crispy golden chicken inside a fresh breakfast biscuit
Bacon Biscuit
Crispy bacon strips served in a warm biscuit
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
Fluffy egg, melted cheese, and crispy bacon in a biscuit
Pancakes
Soft, fluffy golden breakfast pancakes
Biscuit & Gravy
Freshly baked southern biscuit smothered in rich gravy
Two Biscuits & Gravy
A double portion of biscuits topped with savory gravy
Bacon, 1 Egg, Toast
One egg cooked to order with bacon and crispy toast
Bacon, 2 Eggs, Toast
Two eggs cooked to order with bacon and crispy toast
Tenderloin, 1 Egg, Toast
Savory tenderloin paired with one egg and toast
Tenderloin, 2 Eggs, Toast
Savory tenderloin paired with two eggs and toast
Sausage, 1 Egg, Toast
Sausage patty served alongside one egg and toast
Sausage, 2 Eggs, Toast
Sausage patty served alongside two eggs and toast
Bacon & Egg Sandwich
Classic breakfast sandwich loaded with bacon and egg
Hashbrowns
Golden, crispy shredded breakfast potatoes
Order of Bacon
A perfectly cooked side portion of crispy bacon
Sandwiches
Item Name
Description
Hamburger
Classic grilled beef patty served on a soft bun
Cheeseburger
Juicy grilled burger topped with melted cheese
Bacon Cheeseburger
Classic cheeseburger layered with savory, crispy bacon
Double Hamburger
Two grilled beef patties stacked on a fresh bun
Double Cheeseburger
Two juicy beef patties topped with melted cheese slices
Double Bacon Cheeseburger
Two grilled patties with melted cheese and crispy bacon
Hamburger Steak
Classic seasoned beef steak patty grilled to order
Philly Steak
Thinly sliced steak grilled with traditional toppings
