Springfield has two new fast food restaurants coming, Chick-fil-A and Whataburger, but their old-style joint called Dixie Maid with plump burgers and crunchy home fries is still a favorite after 70 years. It is the oldest café in the town.
“Back in the day I used to go into places like this,” said one reviewer. “…I absolutely miss those days…It was everything I wanted: Smokey, amazing food, and a bunch of people standing around … having a good time. The only thing they need is a jukebox and it’d be perfect.”
“So glad I found this place. “…[N]othing makes me feel more at home than a good ol’ diner with greasy good food…Place just feels like home to me. Best bacon cheeseburger I have ever had. And the home fries! I could order those by themselves they were so good. Down home sweet tea, haven’t had tea that sweet and good since I been back home to Virginia.”
It is a good-old throwback hole-in-the-wall diner with orders cooked to order and friendly Flo-type waitresses who chat with customers like they were old friends. They have the best personalities and make the experience. There are usually several pick-up trucks in the parking lot. But it is tiny, with only six booths.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, they offer an old school menu with lots of eggs and bacon and biscuits. They have omelets, pancakes, biscuit sandwiches, and breakfasts plates. Two favorites are the Country Ham Breakfast and the Pork Chop Breakfast. The breakfast for two includes four scrambled eggs, four sausage patties, four strips of bacon, four pancakes or four pieces or French toast, and two helpings of biscuits and gravy. After all, what is a Southern country breakfast without biscuits and gravy.
They are known for their burgers, which are beloved by just about everyone who tastes them. While there are 16 different types of burgers, customer favorites include the cheese burger, bacon cheese burger, the patty melt, and the stuffed cheeseburger. Hamburgers are the old fashioned, thick hand-made kind just like they used to make before fast food. The bacon burger is so big, it’s hard to get your mouth around it.
Sandwiches are on the menu, too. Old style bologna is at the top of the list, and chili is there, too. It can be put on burgers, hot dogs, tot or fries.
Dinner plates include the hamburger steak plate, pork chop dinner plate, country fried steak plate, and chicken dinner plate. Plates include grilled onions, choice of potatoes, grilled bread and a side salad. Daily Specials can be found on the chalkboard. Save room for one of their desserts, like the Fried Oreo Sunday.
“Chanin and Buzz do it right,” said a reviewer. “Great real food made up the right way by a super friendly staff and [it] won’t break your wallet. Always great conversation to go with a good meal…Springfield’s oldest cafe has reached nearly 70 years for good reason. Home style food at reasonable prices. Definitely will be back soon.”
“Best throwback diner in Middle Tennessee,” said another diner. “My favorite breakfast in Springfield, and hands down the best hangover burger, ever.”
Dixie Maid is located at 412 Memorial Boulevard in Springfield. They are open from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is an over 21 restaurant dine-in due to the smoking still allowed in the dining room.
