"Century of Flavor: Uncovering One of Memphis' Oldest Restaurants and My Top 3 Picks"

Visitors and locals in Memphis who focus solely on new trendy restaurants will miss the city’s culinary lardmarks like the Arcade, an important piece of the city’s culture.

   Established in 1919 by Speros Zepatos, a Greek immigrant from Cephalonia, The Arcade holds the prestigious title of being Memphis' oldest restaurant. Originally located at the intersection of South Main Street and G.E. Patterson, the diner occupied a modest one-story wooden structure where meals were prepared using potbelly stoves, adding a rustic charm to its early days.

Speros” son, Harry Zepatos, took the Arcade to a new level in the 1950’s. Today, the boomerang tabletop designs, weathered by the countless coffee cups, plates, and elbows that have graced them, alongside the striking neon signs and original storefronts, still remain, offering the timeless charm of a fifties diner.

“I’ve been working here since a kid,” explained Harry. “And the amazing thing about South Main is seeing it evolve over the years. My grandfather chose this location because we’re in the middle three train stations the biggest one being across the street,

Back in the bustling days of downtown Memphis in the mid-1960s, the intersection thrived as one of the city's busiest spots, teeming with train passengers, soldiers, and locals around the clock, overseen by vigilant policemen managing the constant flow of traffic.

However, the late 1960s and 1970s brought a downturn with the decline of the railroad, the departure of downtown businesses, and the tragic assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., leaving the area deserted and neglected. Amidst this decline, the resilient Arcade Restaurant endured, now marked as a historic landmark outside its doors. 

As downtown Memphis experienced a revival in the late 1980s, the Arcade remained a steadfast presence in the rejuvenated neighborhood, retaining its old-time charm amidst refurbished buildings and new attractions like the South Main Farmer’s Market and the National Civil Rights Museum.  

Situated in the historic district, the Arcade Restaurant offers a nostalgic journey through time, attracting attention from photographers, artists, writers, and filmmakers worldwide. Scenes from Mystery Train, Great Balls of Fire, The Client, The Firm, 21 Grams, Elizabeth-town, Walk the Line, and My Blueberry Nights, just to name a few, have all been filmed in the restaurant. The Food Network and The Travel Channel also have done specials on the Arcade’s southern breakfast.

Many of the celebrities from the movies filmed at the Arcade have eaten the same dishes customers eat today. At one time, even Elvis was a regular. His favorite meal was the griddle-fried peanut butter-and-banana sandwich. There is still an Elvis booth where the King used to sit, near the rear exit, so he could easily escape if fans got too crazy.  

The popularity of the restaurant’ssweet potato pancakes and the iconic Elvis booth has firmly established the Arcade in the minds of many visitors..

“We’re big Elvis fans,” said Debbi Wright, a visitor from Texas. “To be able to sit here is like experiencing a part of him as a person of everyday life. He was a very famous person but ordinary like us.” 

Offering ample servings of Southern-style breakfast fare such as country fried steak with eggs, breakfast casserole, and biscuits and gravy, the Arcade is renowned for its morning offerings. At lunchtime, patrons can opt for a "blue plate meal" featuring a choice of meat and two sides, along with salads and sandwiches. Additionally, their pizzas are a standout, boasting fresh ingredients, delectable toppings, and a crispy crust.

Three Top Picks:

1. Sweet Potato Pancakes:

• Made from a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, the batter is infused with roasted sweet potatoes, lending a velvety texture and a subtle sweetness that sets them apart. Each pancake is griddled to perfection, achieving a delicate crispiness on the edges while maintaining a fluffy interior. Served with a dollop of creamy butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, every bite is a nostalgic journey through the flavors of the South.

2. Create Your Own Omelette:

• Crafted with farm-fresh eggs cracked to order, each omelette is a work of art, meticulously folded to encase a vibrant medley of locally sourced vegetables bursting with color and flavor. Whether you prefer the robust crunch of bell peppers, the earthy sweetness of caramelized onions, or the peppery bite of fresh herbs, the customizable options cater to every palate. Paired with golden hash browns lovingly seasoned with a hint of paprika and garlic, it’s a breakfast experience that leaves a lasting impression.

3. Elvis’s Favorite, The Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich:

• Step into the shoes of the King himself with this iconic sandwich that transcends generations. Each slice of bread is toasted to golden perfection, providing a crispy contrast to the creamy richness of the peanut butter. Layered with slices of ripe banana, every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors—a symphony of nostalgia and indulgence. As you savor the timeless combination, you can’t help but imagine Elvis himself seated in the iconic booth, savoring this beloved creation that has stood the test of time.