The Arcade Restaurant
1 / 5

The Arcade Restaurant

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Memphis' oldest restaurant since 1919, offering a 1950s diner experience with Elvis favorites and classic comfort food.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
The Arcade Restaurant

The Arcade Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Memphis' oldest restaurant since 1919, offering a 1950s diner experience with Elvis favorites and classic comfort food.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Sit in Elvis' booth, savor his favorites, and step back in time at this iconic Memphis diner!"

TIP

Arrive Early for Elvis' Booth

To snag Elvis' favorite booth, arrive early, especially on weekends. It's a coveted spot!

Save Room for Sweet Treats

Don't miss out on signature dishes like the sweet potato pancakes and French toast. They're worth it!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 3PM

Cuisine

American Diner

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(901) 526-5757

Address

540 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dine Like The King

Dine Like The King

Experience a slice of rock 'n' roll history by sitting in Elvis Presley's favorite booth. A must for any Elvis fan!

TikTokThe Top Things To Do And See In Memphis, TennesseeThe best bars and restaurants in Memphis, Tennessee+7
Nostalgic 1950s Diner Charm

Nostalgic 1950s Diner Charm

Step back in time with classic neon signs and retro decor, offering a unique and charming atmosphere.

TikTokIconic Memphis Landmarks & Historic Places to VisitThe best bars and restaurants in Memphis, Tennessee+2
Unique & Comforting Menu

Unique & Comforting Menu

Savor creative Elvis-inspired sandwiches alongside beloved comfort food classics like fluffy pancakes.

20 Breakfast & Weekend Brunch Spots in Memphis, TN That Are CoolWhere to Eat Breakfast In MemphisStep back in time with this tour through historic Memphis+4
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍 Arcade Restaurant, Memphis #memphis #memphistn #memphistennessee #visitmemphis #memphistravel #arcaderestaurant #graceland #gracelandmemphis #elvispresley #king #elvistheking #memphislife #memphisdowntown #tennessee #tennesseecheck #memphischeck #visittennessee #evasionsusa #travelusa #usatravel #visittheusa #visitusa
@evasionsusa
3.8K likes • 52K views

Arrive Early for Elvis' Booth

To snag Elvis' favorite booth, arrive early, especially on weekends. It's a coveted spot!

Save Room for Sweet Treats

Don't miss out on signature dishes like the sweet potato pancakes and French toast. They're worth it!

The restaurant has a dedicated Elvis booth and other Elvis memorabilia. #memphis #memphistiktok #elvis #retro #fyp
@earth_2_wooten
753 likes • 24.5K views
✨ Eat like Elvis — at his favorite diner in Memphis! 🎸🍔 Welcome to Arcade Restaurant, one of the most iconic spots in Memphis, Tennessee — and a true pilgrimage site for every Elvis Presley fan. 💙 This vintage 1950s diner isn’t just famous for its neon signs and retro booths… it’s legendary because Elvis himself used to eat here. Yes, The King of Rock’n’Roll had his very own table — and it’s still...
@jotravelworld
85 likes • 659 views

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

To avoid long waits, consider visiting during weekday mornings or off-peak hours.

You can also request the Elvis booth if they aren’t slammed! #arcaderestaurantmemphis #arcaderestaurantmemphis #elvispresleyfan #elvispresleymovie #memphisrestaurants #memphisrestaurant #thingstodoinmemphis #memphistravel #memphistn #memphisfood #memphisfoods
@periodicadventures
74 likes • 6.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Arrive Early for Elvis' Booth

To snag Elvis' favorite booth, arrive early, especially on weekends. It's a coveted spot!

Save Room for Sweet Treats

Don't miss out on signature dishes like the sweet potato pancakes and French toast. They're worth it!

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

To avoid long waits, consider visiting during weekday mornings or off-peak hours.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Arcade Restaurant is lauded for its historical charm and unique menu items, especially those inspired by Elvis. Diners praise the nostalgic 1950s atmosphere and friendly service. While many dishes are considered delicious, some find certain popular items like the peanut butter and banana sandwich to be just okay, and portion sizes are generally good.

"I LOVE this place. No wonder Elvis ate here. Very unique menu items here. I had the Memphis thang sandwich, it was delicious especially with the crispy fries that were cooked to perfection and very hot. Also had the Greek avocado toast. Everything was delicious."

Mitch Stewart

"Save up your calories for the week for these breakfast staples that have been elevated to the next level!

Located in the heart of downtown, stepping into Arcade Cafe feels like a nostalgic journey back to the 1950s. The charming diner atmosphere sets the stage for a delightful breakfast experience.

One standout dish that captured my taste buds was the French toast. The perfectly cooked slices were a delightful blend and crispy and sweet, making it worth the early morning venture. Each bite was a burst of warm, comforting flavors that left me craving for more.

Another highlight on the menu was the sweet potato pancakes. The unique twist on this classic breakfast item added a delightful sweetness that lingered long after the last bite. The aftertaste was truly unforgettable, making these pancakes a must-try for anyone visiting Arcade Cafe.

Overall, I highly recommend starting your day with breakfast at Arcade Cafe. The delicious food, cozy ambiance, and friendly service create a welcoming environment that will leave you satisfied and eager to return. It's a culinary experience that you won't soon forget."

J.J. Gorena II

"I arrived at 9am but ordered lunch food. Sat at counter. Wasn’t crowded or noisy on a Tuesday morning. Lexi was my server, and she was outstanding. The whole staff seemed very nice and professional. I had deluxe grilled cheese sandwich and chili. Chili was average, but I was disappointed in sandwich. I could barely see the cheese and couldn’t really taste it. Although food was just ok, I gave them 5 stars because service was excellent."

Tam Vo

What People Like

Nostalgic 1950s diner ambiance
Unique Elvis-inspired menu items
Friendly and efficient service

What People Dislike

Peanut butter & banana sandwich not living up to hype
Occasional disappointment with specific dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, The Arcade Restaurant has a famous 'Elvis booth' at the back where he used to dine. Arrive early to try and secure this coveted seat!

TikTokThe Top Things To Do And See In Memphis, TennesseeThe best bars and restaurants in Memphis, Tennessee+5

Diners highly recommend the sweet potato pancakes, French toast, and the Elvis-inspired fried peanut butter and banana sandwich.

20 Breakfast & Weekend Brunch Spots in Memphis, TN That Are CoolWhere to Eat Breakfast In MemphisStep back in time with this tour through historic Memphis+3

The restaurant features a classic 1950s diner atmosphere with neon signs and retro decor, offering a nostalgic experience.

TikTokIconic Memphis Landmarks & Historic Places to VisitThe best bars and restaurants in Memphis, Tennessee+1

Yes, The Arcade Restaurant offers alcoholic beverages, including mimosas and bloody marys, perfect for brunch.

Google Review

Absolutely! It's celebrated for its hearty Southern breakfast offerings and classic diner fare.

TikTokGoogle Review+3

It can get busy, especially during peak times. Consider visiting on a weekday morning or during off-peak hours to avoid long waits.

TikTok

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Elvis fans should head to the Elvis booth at the back of this retro restaurant, which was apparently his favorite. If you want to sit in this highly coveted seat, then be sure to get there early, but even if you don’t get it, you can still enjoy the restaurant’s sweet potato pancakes and other Southern breakfast goodies.

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South Main Arts District Stepping into The Arcade Restaurant feels like stepping back into Memphis’ glory days when Elvis reigned supreme. This 1950s-style diner actually dates back to 1919, making it Memphis’ oldest continuously operating restaurant. The space at South Main and G.E.

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Established in 1919, The Arcade Restaurant is one of Memphis' oldest restaurants, with 1950s diner-style décor, historical photos lining the walls, and a classic menu to match. The old-school eatery serves a hearty breakfast with a side of old-fashioned charm and traditional dishes with a Southern twist such as country-fried steak with fries, biscuits, and sausage covered with country gravy served with eggs and hash browns, stuffed or plain French toast, fluffy pancakes dripping with maple syrup and topped with berries and cream, country ham with eggs, hash browns, grits and gravy, and sweet potato pancakes. 540 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, Phone: 901-526-5757, ( website link)

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This neon-lit corner family-run restaurant has been serving hungry hordes since 1919 and claims the title of Memphis’ oldest cafe. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to take a seat in “Elvis’ booth” – the table at the back of the 50s diner-style restaurant that became a favourite haunt of a young Elvis Presley as his career began. The Arcade’s distinct look makes it a popular filming location, with scenes from movies including Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line, The Firm, and 21 Grams all shot here.

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The Arcade Restaurant is Memphis’ oldest diner and a popular spot for Elvis fans who want to dine where the King often ate. There’s even a special “Elvis booth” for folks who want to sit where Elvis sat; The Arcade is a popular filming location for movies made in Memphis, too. The South Main eatery has your classic diner fare all day and night, every day - including some seriously satisfying sweet potato pancakes - as well as a full bar offering boozy milkshakes and coffee drinks.

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Why We Love It: The Arcade is the city's oldest restaurant, founded in 1919 by Speros Zepatos after he immigrated from Cephalonia, Greece, to Memphis. In the 1950s, his son Harry Zepatos took over The Arcade and transformed it into the '50s-style diner it is today. Third-generation owners Harry and Karan Zepatos ran the day-to-day operations of The Arcade for several years before turning over the business about two years ago to their son Jeff and his wife, Kelcie.

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While you're at it, stop and grab a bite to eat at the oldest restaurant in Memphis: the Arcade Restaurant. It opened in 1919, moved to its current building in the 1920s, and completed the classic renovations you’ll experience today in the 1950s. They serve a killer Southern breakfast, an awesome burger, a classic catfish sandwich, and, of course, Elvis Presley's favorite: a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich (served with or without bacon).

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Step inside Memphis' oldest cafe, Arcade Restaurant, and slide into the booth Elvis Presley would frequent. Order up a coffee and settle in for a delicious meal you won't soon forget. Order Travel Channel's favorite Eggs Redneck - sausage, chicken or bacon with biscuits soaked in gravy with eggs and hash browns or Arcade Restaurant's famous French Toast with two eggs, hash browns or grits and bacon or sausage on the side.

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But it can be a hit or miss. The peanut butter and banana on toast is said to be Elvis’s favorite sandwich when he ate at the Arcade Restaurant. If you’re expecting the sandwich to be anything more than a slice of bread with peanut butter and sliced bananas, you’ll be disappointed. The sandwich is pricey for what it is and you won’t even get a whole banana (I got 4-5 slices of banana).

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The oldest restaurant in Memphis, Arcade has been a local staple since the ’50s. This iconic joint offers diner-style breakfast, sandwiches, sides, and, of course, milkshakes. But you’ll find more than just milkshakes for the kiddos — head over to Arcade for one of their spiked shakes in flavors like salted caramel, Almond Joy, chocoholic, strawboozy, apple pie, and mint chocolate.

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Step into Memphis history at The Arcade Restaurant, the city’s oldest café, serving up classic Southern comfort food since 1919. Many tourists overlook this nostalgic gem, but locals know it’s a must-visit. The retro-style interior takes you back in time, and the menu features legendary dishes like sweet potato pancakes and scrambled eggs—a perfect way to start your day in Memphis.

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Slip in through the side door of the Arcade Restaurant, just like Elvis used to do to avoid the hordes of girls wanting his autograph. I sat at his favourite booth and enjoyed spoonfuls of nostalgia plus those crazy fried peanut butter'n'banana sandwiches. They taste pretty good if you add some bacon for an extra $US1.50 ($2.30).

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Its colorful neon signs are a vintage throwback to the diner era of the 1950s, and they flash like a beacon to hungry travelers in downtown Memphis. The retro look continues inside of the restaurant. Old-fashioned photos and posters line the walls; plush seats will make you think of ponytails and poodle skirts.

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540 S Main StMemphis, TN 38103(901) 526-5757 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. The Arcade Restaurant is a bustling American diner in the heart of the downtown district.

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