Sunday, November 14, 2010

Memphis Food: Arcade Restaurant

Friday marked the start of both the men's and women's hoops seasons at the University of Memphis as the teams played a back-to-back double header at FedExForum at 5 and 8 p.m., respectively.

For our office, the start of the season means it's time for some good 'ole Gus's Fried Chicken. So, as per usual, we took off from work early and headed downtown to savor some of the world famous chicken. Unfortunately, when we arrived at 1:30, the place was still absolutely packed.

Both of my bosses had to get back to the Forum in a timely manner, so we had to make a change of plans--something none of us were happy about. Yet, it turned out to be a great thing, as we went to the Arcade Restaurant, a Memphis relic that I had somehow never had the pleasure of trying. 

The Arcade is absolutely phenomenal. It's a very cool atmosphere, and is the oldest cafe in Memphis, dating back to 1919. Speros Zepatos founded the restaurant after emigrating from Greece and built the Arcade building in a traditional Greek style in the same location the cafe sits today.

The cafe was transformed into the hip and trendy restaurant that can still be seen today to attract visitors at one of the most popular Memphis intersection in the 1960's. According to reports, the intersection stayed so busy due to the train station and multitude of area shops that policeman had to direct traffic 24 hours a day. 

The Arcade became a pop culture icon, showing up in nearly every major feature film that was shot in the Bluff City. Scenes from Mystery Train, Great Balls of Fire, The Client, The Firm, 21 Grams, Elizabethtown, Walk the Line, and My Blueberry Nights, just to name a few, have all been filmed in the restaurant.

Business declined as the railroad fell as a popular form of travel and as people began the suburban craze, moving as far away from the city as possible. The downtown area started undergoing a revitalization in the 1980's that still continues today, but the Arcade has nonetheless been a constant throughout all the economic uncertainties the area has had to endure.

Today, the restaurant carries an eclectic menu with down home hearty breakfast food to good ole fashioned country fried stake. Featured on two different shows on the Travel Channel, the arcade also boast world famous sweet potato pancakes that will make you salivate.

So, take some time one weekend afternoon and explore the historic South Main district and top it all off with a delicious meal at the Arcade.



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