Arcade Restaurant

If there existed a hundred-year time-lapse recording of the corner at South Main Street and G.E. Patterson, it would be a dizzying whirlwind of activity over the last century. But at the heart of that recording, one thing would remain unmoved: Arcade Restaurant. Established in 1919 by Greek immigrant Speros Zepatos, Arcade Restaurant has endured the roller-coaster ride of downtown Memphis to join the ranks of the city's most-noble landmarks.

Movies and TV shows have been filmed here; photographers have snapped countless pictures here; and at one time, Elvis himself was a regular. The King, of course, famously enjoyed Arcade Restaurant's fried peanut butter 'n banana sandwiches, named by Yahoo! Food as one of the "50 Sandwiches You Should Eat Before You Die", which are still on the menu alongside hearty sandwiches and thin-crust pizzas. But for many, Arcade's breakfasts are too good to pass up. Guests can start their day with stacks of pancakes, French toast, and country fried steak with biscuits and gravy. The restaurant sports a classic American cafe layout as the ideal framework for these comfort foods. It's also surrounded by vintage charm thanks to neighboring buildings, which still have plenty of authenticity despite being refurbished or receiving Botox injections.