Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Arcade Restaurant
★3.2(991 reviews)$$Restaurant
🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger kids enjoy spotting vintage decor and ordering classic diner favorites like pancakes and milkshakes, while older children and teens appreciate the Elvis history and old-school jukebox vibe.
About
Step back in time at Memphis's oldest cafe, a 1950s-style diner that's been serving hungry families since 1919. Kids will love the retro atmosphere and fun Elvis connection,this was The King's favorite breakfast spot,while parents appreciate the generous portions and classic American comfort food that won't break the bank.
Highlights
- ✓Elvis Presley's favorite booth and menu items, perfect for a mini history lesson
- ✓Classic diner breakfast with enormous pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and crispy bacon
- ✓Authentic 1950s atmosphere with vintage decor and retro charm
- ✓Milkshakes and old-fashioned sodas that kids absolutely love
- ✓Prime location on Main Street near the trolley line and other Memphis attractions
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to avoid long wait times, as this historic diner is popular with tourists and locals alike
- 2.Request a booth for easier seating with little ones, and ask your server about the Elvis connection,many have fun stories to share
- 3.The pizza is surprisingly good and a kid-pleaser, even though it's known for breakfast,don't overlook lunch options
- 4.Parking can be tricky downtown; look for the public parking garage on G.E. Patterson Avenue, just a short walk away
- 5.Bring cash for the vintage jukebox,kids love picking out oldies songs while waiting for food
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (7-9 AM) or early afternoons (1-2 PM) offer shorter waits and a more relaxed atmosphere. Weekend brunch hours (9 AM-1 PM) are busiest with tourists visiting Beale Street.
What to Know
This is a cash-and-card-friendly diner with moderate prices (most entrees $8-15). Street parking is limited, so plan to use nearby public garages. The restaurant is historic, so accessibility may be limited.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Summer months bring more tourists, so expect longer waits. A great warm-up or cool-down spot during hot Memphis summers or after holiday activities downtown.
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