DINING

Eat like the King: Elvis-inspired peanut butter and banana dishes to try in Memphis

Jennifer Chandler
Memphis Commercial Appeal

No doubt about it, Elvis put the delicious combination of peanut butter and banana on the culinary map. He was all shook up by a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Here are five Memphis restaurants that have taken this iconic combo to the next level, creating dishes that are fit for a King.

The Arcade's Fried Peanut Butter & Banana sandwich in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, July 30, 2020.

The Arcade: Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

Back in January, the Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich at The Arcade (540 S. Main, 901-526-5757) was included on Food Network’s list of best sandwiches in America.

“One of the best versions in the area is served at The Arcade in the King’s home base of Memphis, Tennessee," the article states. 

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The Arcade's version of this iconic sandwich is made on thick-cut Texas toast and griddled in butter until browned and slightly crispy. If you want to take it over the top, have them add bacon to your sandwich.

Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant: Crispy Crème Banana Foster Sundae

Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant (4381 Elvis Presley Blvd., 901-332-4199) may just be the most popular eatery in town for Elvis fans. Located down the street from Graceland, Marlowe’s has been serving Memphians and Elvis fans since 1974. In fact, Elvis even ate here.

They have several Elvis-inspired dishes on the menu, but it’s the Crispy Crème Banana Foster Sundae we can’t resist. It’s Marlowe’s version of his famous sandwich served as a dessert. A doughnut is topped with vanilla ice cream, creamy peanut butter sauce and sautéed bananas. A dollop of whipped cream adds the finishing touch.

Sweet Noshings popcorn with a signature chocolate, peanut butter and banana flavor in Memphis, Tenn., on Friday, August 7, 2020.

Sweet Noshings: Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Banana Popcorn and Ice Cream

For a limited time, Sweet Noshings (2113 Madison Ave., 901-288-4753) is making Elvis-inspired popcorn and ice cream.

Sweet Noshings handmade ice cream with a signature chocolate, peanut butter and banana flavor in Memphis, Tenn., on Friday, August 7, 2020.

This Overton Square sweets shop is making both popcorn and handmade ice cream in a signature chocolate, peanut butter and banana flavor. These combos won’t be available for long, so make plans to stop by this week.

“Elvis Dippers” – a fried dessert with fried Nutter Butter and bananas – photographed Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, at Memphis Mojo Cafe in Bartlett.

Memphis Mojo Café: Elvis Dippers

Memphis Mojo Café (7124 U.S.  64, suite 101, 901-207-6041) is known for its Memphis-themed menu, so it’s no surprise there is an Elvis-inspired treat.

This Bartlett restaurant offers “Elvis Dippers” on its dessert menu. Nutter Butter cookies and sliced banana are dipped in a maple waffle batter and deep fried. They are served with whipped cream on the side for dipping.

Elvis pancakes at Automatic Slim’s on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020, in downtown Memphis.

Automatic Slim’s: Elvis Pancakes

Automatic Slim’s (83 S. Second, 901-525-7948) serves “Elvis Pancakes.” This Elvis-inspired brunch dish features a stack of banana pancakes topped with a peanut butter sauce and sliced bananas.

You can’t help falling in love with these pancakes that are served only at Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.