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.





Favorite Restaurants


Preston McClellan
Posted: August 11, 2010

Memphis may have shortcomings in certain areas, but food is certainly not one of them. There are an unbelievable array of magnificent restaurants scattered throughout the city, from upscale places to hole-in-the-walls. 

Whether you're looking for the world famous ribs from Charles Vergos' Rendezvous, or an unreal sno-cone from Jerry's, the Bluff City has it all. 


Below is a list of some of my personal favorite restaurants in Memphis.


This place will always remain high on my list. Located in the liberal, artistic epicenter of midtown (Cooper Young), Young Ave. has become somewhat of a cultural icon amongst midtowners.  I grew up about two blocks from this place and used to walk across the street after class in elementary school to get some of the Memphis-famous Deli french fries before heading home for the afternoon. 

Aside from the fantastic french fries, Young Ave. has a great array of sandwiches, burgers, and even pizzas to go along with a nice worldwide selection of beer. 


Huey's is a solid, always consistent source for high quality food along with a great atmosphere. Known for the Huey Burger and live music on Sunday nights, Huey's has become a household restaurant name in Memphis. 

It has a few locations around town, with the original one sitting on Madison near McLean in Midtown. 


Growing up, I loved going to the midtown location of Memphis Pizza Cafe and sitting on the back patio. Located in Overton Square, it's a great location. While the square certainly isn't what it once was, Memphis Pizza Cafe is still the spot in midtown and city-wide to get a delectable thin crust pie. 


Probably the least known member of the list thus far, Little Italy is a walk-in pizzeria in Midtown. It's located on Union right before the traffic light at Kimbrough and right next to Midtown Tobacco. 

Little Italy is family owned and operated and has fantastic italian food, including stromboli, chicken parmesan and classic italian desserts like cannoli. The food is made right in front of you, and it feels like a real italian restaurant stuck in the middle of Memphis. 


Though Jerry's is by no means a restaurant, it certainly belongs on this list. This place has, hands down, the best sno cone I've ever had. I was introduced to it while attending high school at White Station, and have loved it ever since. 

These are real sno cones, folks. Not the lame Hawaiian shaved ice ones that have no flavor. And, make your sno cone a supreme and Jerry's will add frozen yogurt to your cone. Words simply cannot describe how good Jerry's is. They also have a lot of really good, quick-serve, grill type food. Check it out, I promise it will not disappoint.
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