In the heart of Memphis’ South Main Historic Arts District stands a dining testament for the ages. The Arcade Restaurant, Memphis’ oldest cafe, offers visitors a glimpse of the city’s essence against the backdrop of trolley whistles.
This iconic eatery at the corner of South Main and Patterson has been a dining staple here since 1919. That’s when Greek immigrant Speros Zepatos established the first one-story wood building to house his diner. Less than a decade later, Zepatos tore down the original structure and built the eye-catching Greek revival-style building that still stands today.
After 100 years, the Zepatos family, now in its 4th generation, continues to run the renowned restaurant. While much has changed over the years, great care has gone into preserving the restaurant’s old-style charm.
Offering breakfast served all day, The Arcade has expertly held onto its roots while providing modern dishes that showcase classic diner favorites.
Additionally, the restaurant’s central location on South Main provides prime access to Memphis's most celebrated attractions, including the National Civil Rights Museum and the Blues Hall of Fame Museum. Visitors will find it a convenient stop while exploring nearby landmarks or after a stroll down the legendary Beale Street.
Vibe
The restaurant’s exterior still reflects the Greek revival-style envisioned by the founding Zepatos when he rebuilt the diner in 1925. Its brightly colored neon sign invites visitors to step into the warm, nostalgic surroundings. The restaurant’s sleek exterior and bright signage complement its South Main Historic Arts District surroundings, making it a standout attraction.
Inside, the decor echoes a retro diner vibe. This has been true since second-generation Harry Zepatos took the restaurant to a hip new level in the 1950’s. The checkerboard floors, cozy booths, and mid-century accents create an authentic throwback atmosphere.
The Arcade Restaurant is listed as a historic landmark in its own right, attracting photographers, writers, and movie producers to its booths. Furthermore, the Memphis Film Commission erected a second historical marker outside the restaurant that honors “Modern Movie Making in Memphis.”
The restaurant offers several seating options, perfect for solo adventurers to large gatherings. Counter stools offer a glimpse into the bustling kitchen, while spacious booths provide comfortable spaces for families and groups. There is also an assortment of tables to choose from, including a handful of patio-style umbrella-covered tables set outdoors.
The Arcade Restaurant: Menu & Drinks
The menu is an eclectic presentation of classic American diner dishes with a modern twist. The down-home selection of breakfast dishes showcases favorites from omelettes to fluffy pancakes, including their innovative sweet potato pancakes.
The Travel Channel picked Eggs Redneck as its favorite, with sausage, chicken or bacon served with fluffy biscuits soaked in gravy and topped with eggs and hash browns. Another fan favorite is the French Toast, made the Arcade way, fried and dipped in powdered sugar. Oh my! In addition, there are plenty of extras to accompany any dish.
Though The Arcade serves breakfast all day, it also offers several lunch options, including salads and burgers, sandwiches, and a wide range of pizzas. Moreover, dinner specials are available Thursdays through Saturdays.
The extensive drink offerings at The Arcade do not disappoint. Creamy milkshakes come diner-style in classic chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, though be sure to try their cotton candy shake.
In 2019, the restaurant expanded to include a full liquor and espresso bars. The restaurant’s beverage selection is particularly noteworthy, delighting diners with mimosas and morning spirits to spiked shakes, wine, and cocktail refreshers.
Let The Arcade's 1920s architecture and retro glowing neon signs transport you to the past. Here, your taste buds will savor the present at this popular Memphis destination.
