9 legendary restaurants Elvis Presley loved during his lifetime

Elvis’s food legacy

When it came to food, Elvis Presley had a true Southern appetite, as he adored hearty, comforting dishes rooted in Memphis tradition. His go-to restaurants weren’t glamorous, but rather authentic, family-run spots with rich flavors and warm hospitality.

From pizzas dripping with barbecue sauce to platters of ribs, Elvis’s dining choices reflected both indulgence and nostalgia. These restaurants became part of his story and many still carry the King’s legacy through food, history, and unforgettable charm.

Coletta’s Restaurant

Opened in 1923, Coletta’s holds the title of Memphis’s oldest restaurant. Though not a fan of barbecue in general, Elvis made an exception for Coletta’s legendary barbecue pizza.

The rich, smoky toppings layered over chewy crust won him over every time. Today, Coletta’s remains open, serving guests in the same dining rooms Elvis once visited. Fans can admire memorabilia while enjoying the same pizza that stole the King’s heart.

The Arcade Restaurant

Step inside the Arcade, Memphis’s oldest café, founded in 1919. Elvis claimed a favorite corner booth here, where he indulged in his famous peanut butter and banana sandwiches, often fried until golden.

The retro, 1950s décor makes visitors feel like they’ve traveled back in time. The Arcade is still open today, bustling with tourists and locals. It remains one of the city’s most photographed eateries, offering a true taste of Elvis’s everyday dining habits.

Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous

Tucked in a downtown Memphis alley, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous became famous for its dry-rubbed ribs, spiced and slow-cooked to perfection. While Elvis never ate inside, he adored the ribs so much that he often had them delivered to Graceland, and even flown to Las Vegas.

Today, Rendezvous continues to draw crowds with its smoky aroma and flavorful meats. For Elvis fans, tasting these ribs is like experiencing a dish that traveled alongside the King himself.

Marlowe’s Ribs and Restaurant

Located just a mile from Graceland, Marlowe’s offered Elvis a welcoming place to enjoy Memphis barbecue and Italian-American classics. Known for its cozy atmosphere, Marlowe’s became a favorite hangout for Elvis and his entourage, who appreciated its family feel as much as the food.

Today, the restaurant is still open, drawing Presley fans eager to sample the same slow-cooked ribs and hearty platters that kept Elvis returning again and again. It’s Memphis comfort dining.

Westy’s Barbecue

Though not directly tied to Elvis, Westy’s in Memphis serves comforting Southern dishes and remains part of the city’s casual food scene.

Locals loved it for the casual atmosphere and reliably delicious barbecue. While Westy’s has since closed, memories of Elvis’s visits keep its story alive. Some of its recipes still circulate locally, a reminder of a simpler time.

The Mallory Café

Before stardom, Elvis enjoyed simple Southern fare from small Memphis diners, many of which no longer exist but are remembered by locals for their warmth and hospitality.

Sadly, the café closed decades ago, and its building was replaced by a parking lot. Still, for those who remember, Mallory Café remains tied to Elvis’s early Memphis memories and humble beginnings.

The Coffee Cup Café

Near Elvis’s birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi, the Coffee Cup Café served the kind of meals that shaped his childhood tastes—fluffy biscuits, grits, and thick slices of country ham. It was a place where Elvis could enjoy Southern breakfasts that reminded him of home.

Amazingly, the café still operates today, serving hungry travelers and devoted fans. Stopping here offers a nostalgic journey back to Elvis’s youth, with the same comfort food he once enjoyed.

Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue

On tour, Elvis often sought out regional barbecue, especially in the South and Midwest. Known for its rich, smoky meats, tangy sauces, and tender brisket, it offered the kind of slow-cooked barbecue Elvis loved.

Today, Oklahoma Joe’s continues to thrive, attracting BBQ devotees from all over. For Elvis fans retracing his steps, it’s a chance to savor flavors that once fueled the King between concerts and long stretches on the road.

Dyer’s Burgers

Elvis never outgrew his love of simple, hearty meals, and Dyer’s Burgers in Memphis delivered exactly that. Famous for their juicy, flavorful patties cooked in decades-old grease, Dyer’s offered a nostalgic, indulgent burger that Elvis couldn’t resist.

The historic spot still stands today, feeding both locals and tourists. Sitting down to one of their burgers is a way to experience a taste of Memphis history, and one of the King’s favorite guilty pleasures.

Memphis Pizza Café

While Elvis was known to love pizza, the Memphis Pizza Café opened after his passing in 1977. Today, it serves pizzas that honor the same Southern flavors he adored.

Today, the café remains open and bustling, still serving the same style of pies that Elvis enjoyed. For fans, it’s an easygoing stop that combines Memphis charm with a slice of Presley history.

Favorite meals of Elvis at these places

Elvis’s dining habits reveal a man who craved comfort foods above all. His favorites included dry-rubbed ribs from Rendezvous and Marlowe’s, dripping barbecue pizza from Coletta’s, and fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches at the Arcade.

He also loved hearty Southern breakfasts at the Coffee Cup Café. These indulgent meals, heavy with flavor and nostalgia, reflected his roots and the simple pleasures he cherished, even when fame could have taken him elsewhere.

How these restaurants preserve Elvis’s legacy

Many of these restaurants proudly honor their history with Elvis. At the Arcade, his favorite booth is a shrine for fans, while Coletta’s walls are lined with Elvis memorabilia. Some menus feature items named in his honor, ensuring his tastes live on.

By preserving recipes, décor, and atmosphere, these eateries offer more than just food—they deliver a living connection to the King’s everyday life and the flavors that shaped his personal story.

Visiting today – what to expect?

Step inside these restaurants today, and you’ll find more than just great food, you’ll feel the echoes of Elvis’s presence. Many maintain their original charm, with vintage décor and menus nearly unchanged from the days Elvis visited.

Some spots, like the Arcade, are bustling tourist attractions, while others remain cozy local favorites. For fans, dining here is part culinary experience, part pilgrimage, offering both nostalgia and a delicious taste of Memphis history. Also check out grocery prices from your birth year will blow your mind.

Are they still there?

Here’s a quick look at the status of these iconic spots. Coletta’s, the Arcade, Rendezvous, Marlowe’s, Coffee Cup Café, Oklahoma Joe’s, Dyer’s, and Memphis Pizza Café are still serving fans today.

Sadly, Westy’s Barbecue and The Mallory Café have closed, but they live on in local memories. Also check out 15 must-try gas station eats in Louisiana for a foodie road trip.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.