The Western Steakhouse and Lounge, on the north side of Madison just west of Cleveland was one of the King’s favorite spots. He went after closing and favored the 16 oz. ribeye. It has been closed for a few years now, but I ate there into the 1990s, and always would show 1st-time diners with me the “Elvis booth” which the place maintained in the corner. The restaurant was old, dark, and funky, and remodeling or repairing were not part of the place’s vocabulary. The waitresses had been there forever. The steaks were good and very hot. They got the steak platters super hot over an open flame and would bring out the steaks on them where they would sprinkle a little Worchestershire and add a pat of butter (actually margarine). The two would sizzle loudly. The owners tried to sell it but were unsuccessful. Too bad. Another of Elvis’ favorites was the original Coletta’s on South Parkway. I don’t know if he ordered the BBQ pizza or not, but they could tell you for sure what he ate and if he came after hours. It is Memphis’ oldest restaurant and is still in the same family-give them a call.

The Food TV special Sherman recalls is “BBQ with Bobby Flay.” He did indeed visit Coletta’s for a BBQ pizza that Elvis used to order there. They gave him a lesson to learn how it was made & then he got to taste it. He also visited some other local BBQ places, & seemed amazed that Central BBQ actually revealed the ingredients & quantities that go into their spice rub.

I’ve heard that Elvis ate a whole lot, practically every day, at the Arcade downtown. Maybe you can call up those folks and see what they know? Also, I’ve heard the same things about Leonard’s and the Gridiron. I know there are a lot more restaurants, but none are coming to mind at the moment.
If the Travel Channel’s interested in anything other than eateries, Elvis used to frequently rent out the old Memphian cinema, which is now one of the theaters in Midtown (I think Playhouse on the Square).