The Tennessee Restaurant With Memphis Roots That Date Back Over 100 Years
The city of Memphis, Tennessee is a national gem in its own right. It’s the city where well-known music was and continues to be made, where architectural gems are tucked away throughout the city and dreamers come to play their instruments down on Beale Street. In the historic district, however, you’ll find the oldest restaurant in the city tucked away in an unassuming space. The Arcade Restaurant is a family-owned and operated eatery that’s a must-visit if you’re ever in town, and its history is just as charming as its interior design.
The Arcade Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, and was founded by Speros Zapatos in 1919. Hailing originally from Greece, Zapatos managed to create a diner that has carried on for generations.
One step inside and you'll feel as if you've gone back in time. The restaurant was originally a small wood-framed building where meals were cooked on potbelly stoves. The restaurant moved into the Greek Revival-inspired building in 1925, and it took on a 50's style edge in 1955.
You can visit the Arcade from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day of the week in the Historic South Main Arts District in Memphis. You can choose to pick up your meal or enjoy it delivered, but we'd recommend that you eat inside if possible.
The breakfast menu includes everything from classic egg platters to sweet potato pancakes, and you can even choose to create your own omelet! Lunchtime options include salads, pizza, and sandwiches.
Every meal at the Arcades is enjoyed with a side of local history. The oldest restaurant in Memphis is truly a gem, and it's one spot you don't want to skip.
Have you ever been to the Arcade? Do you think you’ll be visiting? You can learn more about it either on its official website or Facebook page.
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
