Skip to main content

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. 1.Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to avoid long wait times, as this historic diner is popular with tourists and locals alike
  2. 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. 3.The pizza is surprisingly good and a kid-pleaser, even though it's known for breakfast,don't overlook lunch options
  4. 4.Parking can be tricky downtown; look for the public parking garage on G.E. Patterson Avenue, just a short walk away
  5. 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.

More Activities Near Memphis

Restaurant

Huey's Downtown

3.9$$

Huey's Downtown has been a Memphis family favorite since 1984, serving up delicious burgers in a fun, casual atmosphere where kids are not just welcomed but celebrated. The restaurant's famous toothpick-in-the-ceiling tradition and colorful graffiti-covered walls turn a simple meal into an interactive experience that keeps children entertained throughout their visit.

Restaurant

Memphis Pizza Cafe

3.7$

Memphis Pizza Cafe has been serving up crowd-pleasing pies to Memphis families since 1993, making it a tried-and-true spot for dining with kids. The casual atmosphere welcomes families with little ones, and the menu offers customizable gourmet pizzas that even picky eaters can enjoy, plus kid-favorite calzones and sandwiches that satisfy hungry appetites without breaking the bank.

Restaurant

Belly Acres - Regalia

3.7$$

Belly Acres at Regalia brings the fun of customization to family dining with a build-your-own burger concept that lets kids become chefs for the night. The vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and farm-fresh ingredients make this Overton Square spot a hit with families who want quality food without the stuffiness, where picky eaters can craft their perfect burger exactly how they like it.

Park

Sea Isle Park

Free

Sea Isle Park is a hidden gem in East Memphis that offers families a peaceful playground experience without the typical crowds. With equipment suitable for toddlers through tweens and plenty of open space for biking and running around, it's the perfect neighborhood spot for an active morning or relaxed afternoon outdoors.