Step into the blue suede shoes of Elvis Presley and take a delicious journey through the diners, delis, and barbecue joints that stole the King’s heart—and appetite. From Memphis to Palm Springs, these 10 beloved spots served up everything from peanut butter and banana sandwiches to mile-high pastrami and smoky ribs. Whether you’re a lifelong Elvis fan or just a lover of retro eats, these legendary establishments offer more than just a meal—they serve a slice of American music and food history. So loosen your belt and get ready to eat like rock ’n’ roll royalty—Elvis style, of course.
1. Krystal (Various Southern Locations)
Few fast-food joints can claim a rock legend among their regulars, but Krystal was Elvis’s burger fix. Unlike the glitzy venues he frequented elsewhere, this humble chain captured his heart with simplicity: square sliders topped with mustard, onions, and pickles. Known for ordering dozens at a time—once even buying 100 to share with fans—Elvis helped cement Krystal’s place in Southern food lore. The chain still thrives today, serving up its signature sliders and chili cheese fries to devoted followers. For those wanting a taste of the King’s on-the-go cravings, Krystal remains a flavorful piece of Elvis’s everyday life.
2. Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant (Memphis, TN)
Just a short hop from Graceland, Marlowe’s became a reliable stop for Elvis and continues to welcome fans today with pink limos and plenty of flair. The menu leans heavily into Southern comfort food: smoky ribs, juicy burgers, and peach cobbler served with a scoop of nostalgia. Memorabilia fills the space, and Elvis tributes play on a loop, making the experience feel more like a themed museum with mouthwatering food. Whether you’re ordering the “Elvis Burger” or something from the smoker, Marlowe’s captures both the flavor and the fun that defined Elvis’s Memphis dining adventures.
3. Arcade Restaurant (Memphis, TN)
Tucked in the heart of downtown Memphis, the Arcade Restaurant holds the distinction of being the city’s oldest café—and one of Elvis’s go-to hangouts. The King had a favorite booth here, now a shrine for fans eager to sit where he once did.
This classic diner still plates up retro Southern staples like country ham, sweet potato pancakes, and the iconic fried peanut butter and banana sandwich. With its neon signs and vintage booths, the Arcade offers more than a meal—it’s a preserved piece of Memphis history, where the ambiance echoes with rock ’n’ roll nostalgia.
4. Las Casuelas (Palm Springs, CA)
Palm Springs offered Elvis a desert escape, and Las Casuelas provided the flavor to match. This colorful, family-owned Mexican restaurant was a frequent stop for the King, who loved their hearty ranchero beans and iced tea.
With festive tilework, a lively patio, and sizzling plates of fajitas and enchiladas, the atmosphere remains just as vibrant as in Elvis’s day. Generations later, Las Casuelas still honors its legacy of bold flavors and warm hospitality. A stop here transports visitors not just to Southern California, but to the era when Elvis made this spot a delicious part of his California hideaway.
5. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous (Memphis, TN)
Beneath a downtown alley in Memphis lies Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, where Elvis found some of the best ribs in the city—maybe even the world. Famous for its dry-rubbed technique and tangy vinegar-based sauce, this barbecue joint was so beloved by Elvis that he often had its goods delivered straight to Graceland.
Walking down the staircase into the bustling basement dining room feels like entering a smoky shrine to Memphis flavor. The menu is unapologetically carnivorous, and the staff still treats every visitor like a regular. For fans of Elvis and barbecue alike, this spot hits all the right notes.
6. Coletta’s Restaurant (Memphis, TN)
While Memphis is famous for barbecue, Coletta’s earned a special place in Elvis Presley’s heart for pioneering the barbecue pizza. This cozy Italian restaurant welcomed the King for quiet meals away from the spotlight. He adored their signature pie, a smoky pulled pork creation loaded with cheese, which is still served in the memorabilia-filled “Elvis Room.” Family-run and more than a century old, Coletta’s feels like a time capsule of both Memphis cuisine and music royalty. Locals still come for the hearty portions, but fans know they’re walking into one of Elvis’s most beloved comfort food sanctuaries.
7. Sherman’s Deli & Bakery (Palm Springs, CA)
In a town known for its celebrity retreats, Sherman’s Deli stood out as a go-to spot for Elvis’s East Coast cravings. This New York-style deli served the King his favorite: a thick, juicy hot pastrami sandwich stacked sky-high between slices of fresh rye.
Known for generous portions and classic deli fare, Sherman’s has remained a staple in Palm Springs since 1953. With black-and-white photos lining the walls and desserts the size of your head, it’s easy to imagine Elvis enjoying a meal here between film shoots and sun-soaked afternoons. The spirit of the era lingers in every bite.
8. Golden Steer Steakhouse (Las Vegas, NV)
When Elvis hit the Las Vegas Strip, the Golden Steer Steakhouse was his place to dine in style. Tucked just off the glitz and neon, this old-school steakhouse offered privacy and prime rib, both of which the King appreciated. His favorite booth is preserved and available by request, offering a velvet-lined window into classic Vegas charm. With its leather banquettes, tuxedoed waiters, and table-side Caesar salad service, the Golden Steer is the very definition of timeless. It’s a steakhouse that refuses to change—because it never needed to—and every bite echoes the decadence of Elvis’s golden years.
9. Johnnie’s Drive-In (Tupelo, MS)
Back in his hometown of Tupelo, Elvis Presley often rolled up to Johnnie’s Drive-In for a classic American meal. This vintage burger joint, complete with carhop service and diner booths, is where a young Elvis developed his love for cheeseburgers and RC Cola.
Visitors today can sit in the very booth he once used, now permanently marked in his honor. The menu hasn’t strayed far from its roots, still offering juicy burgers, crispy onion rings, and thick milkshakes. Johnnie’s is more than a nostalgic pit stop—it’s a living relic of where the boy who’d be King first dined.
10. Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge (Las Vegas, NV)
Las Vegas glows a little brighter at the Peppermill, a retro neon dream where Elvis once lounged amid velvet booths and fire-lit cocktails. Known for massive plates of hearty American classics—think omelets the size of hubcaps and steak sandwiches piled high—it’s no wonder the King made this a regular stop. The atmosphere is all ambiance, from purple lights to mirrored walls, offering a vibe untouched by time. Still popular with night owls and nostalgia lovers, the Peppermill is where indulgence meets icon status. It’s the kind of place where you can imagine Elvis ordering one of everything—just because.
Leave a comment