The Arcade Restaurant

The Arcade Restaurant is a restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, serving Southern-style meals with a historic legacy. Located at 540 S Main St, it has been a fixture in the city since 1919, offering breakfast all day, daily lunch specials, and dinner options on weekends. Known for its signature Elvis-inspired Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich, the restaurant features classic Southern fare such as meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, and Southern BBQ chicken omelets. It also provides a full bar, coffee menu, and desserts, with a history of hosting private events in its front and back rooms, as well as outdoor patio seating. The establishment is situated in the historic South Main Arts District and operates seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. It holds a 4.20 rating based on customer reviews.

The Arcade Restaurant traces its roots to 1919, when Speros Zepatos, an immigrant from Cephalonia, Greece, opened a small diner at the corner of South Main Street and G.E. Patterson. In 1925, he replaced the original wood structure with a Greek revival-style building, complete with retail storefronts that gave the restaurant its name. The 1950s brought a distinctive diner aesthetic, including iconic boomerang-shaped tables, neon signage, and original storefronts that have endured for decades. The restaurant thrived during Memphis’ downtown heyday in the 1960s, when the intersection saw constant foot traffic from train passengers, soldiers, and local residents. Though the area declined in later decades, the restaurant has remained a continuous presence.

The Arcade Restaurant sits on South Main Street, just a short walk from Memphis Central Station, the Modern Movie Making in Memphis monument, and the Memphis Farmers Market. It is also within a quarter-mile of Fire Station #2 and the Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton, placing it in a vibrant, historically rich corridor of the city.

A long-standing institution in Memphis, The Arcade Restaurant is recognized for its enduring presence, authentic Southern cuisine, and deep roots in the community. Its consistent operation since 1919 and dedication to classic diner fare have earned it a trusted reputation among locals and visitors alike.