You’re walking down the street, and you see a neon sign flickering with a vibe that screams 1950s cool, but the smell wafting out of the door is decidedly modern, greasy in the best way, and vaguely sweet. That’s the entry point for most people discovering the All Shook Up Tavern menu for the first time. It isn't just a list of food. Honestly, it’s a bit of a local legend that manages to balance high-concept Elvis nostalgia with the kind of "I need a burger at midnight" reality that most themed joints totally miss.
Most people expect a tourist trap. They walk in thinking they’re going to get a dry patty and a lukewarm milkshake while "Jailhouse Rock" plays on loop.
But they’re wrong.
The menu works because it leans into the excess of the King without being a caricature. It’s heavy. It’s indulgent. It’s the kind of food that makes you want to take a nap immediately after, but you'll be smiling the whole time you’re slipping into that food coma.
What’s Actually on the All Shook Up Tavern Menu?
If you aren't ordering the Peanut Butter and Banana burger, why are you even here? Seriously. It sounds like a dare from a middle schooler, but once that savory beef hits the creamy peanut butter and the caramelization of the bananas, something weird happens to your brain. It makes sense. The salt from the bacon (and there is a lot of bacon) cuts through the richness.
It’s the flagship item for a reason.
Beyond the Elvis-inspired stunts, the menu branches out into classic American tavern fare but with a "more is more" philosophy. You’ve got the Blue Suede Sliders, which usually feature a blueberry compote that sounds terrifying but tastes like a sophisticated BBQ sauce. Then there’s the "Hunka Hunka" platter—a mountain of fries smothered in gravy, cheese curds, and pulled pork. It’s basically poutine that went to finishing school in Memphis.
The Sandwich Situation
Let's talk about the bread. People overlook the bread. At All Shook Up, they use a thick-cut brioche for almost everything. It’s buttery. It’s toasted to the point of being structural, which is necessary because the toppings are aggressive.
The Fried Bologna sandwich is a sleeper hit. Most people see "bologna" and keep scrolling, but this isn't the Oscar Mayer stuff from your lunchbox. It’s thick-cut, scored, and seared until the edges are crispy and curled. Toss on some spicy mustard and pickles, and you have a sandwich that rivals any fancy steakhouse burger.
The Drinks Are Half the Draw
You can’t have a tavern with "Shook Up" in the name and not have a serious beverage program. The milkshakes are the obvious stars. They’re thick—like, "break your straw" thick. The "Graceland Special" shake combines vanilla bean ice cream with peanut butter, banana, and a garnish of actual crisp bacon.
If you're over the age of 21, the "Spiked Shakes" are where things get interesting.
- The Bourbon Banana: A heavy pour of Kentucky bourbon mixed into a banana cream base.
- The Velvet King: Raspberry liqueur, chocolate shavings, and vodka.
- The Midnight Memphis: Cold brew coffee, Kahlua, and vanilla cream.
The bar also stocks a surprising amount of local craft beer. It’s a nice pivot from the sugary intensity of the food. If you’re eating a burger covered in peanut butter, a crisp, bitter IPA is actually the perfect palate cleanser. Most regulars know to skip the fountain soda and go straight for a local draught or one of the bottled sodas that come in real glass bottles.
Why the Vibe Actually Matters
The physical menu itself is usually printed on something that looks like an old record sleeve or a tabloid from 1956. It’s tactile. It sets the stage. But the reason this place ranks so high in word-of-mouth recommendations isn't just the kitsch. It’s the consistency.
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In the restaurant world, "themed" usually translates to "mediocre."
All Shook Up avoids this by focusing on high-quality ingredients. They aren't using frozen patties. The bacon isn't paper-thin. When you order the "Love Me Tender" chicken strips, you’re getting actual breast meat that’s been hand-breaded and fried to order. It takes longer. You might wait twenty minutes for your food on a Friday night, but that’s because they aren't just microwaving a bag of pre-cooked strips in the back.
Don't Skip the Sides
Honestly, the sides could be their own meal. The "Tupelo Tots" are seasoned with a proprietary dry rub that has a hint of cinnamon and cayenne. It’s confusing at first. Then you realize you’ve eaten the whole basket.
There’s also a coleslaw that isn't just mayo and cabbage. It has a vinegar snap to it that provides a much-needed break from the heavier fats on the plate. Most people ignore the greens at a place like this, but the "Hound Dog Salad"—which is basically a loaded wedge salad with extra blue cheese—is surprisingly fresh.
Navigating the Crowd and the Cost
Look, it isn't the cheapest meal in town. You’re paying for the experience and the portion sizes. A meal for two, including drinks and a shared appetizer, is probably going to run you $60 to $80 depending on how hard you go on the spiked shakes.
The weekends are a zoo. If you want to actually enjoy the All Shook Up Tavern menu without shouting over a crowd, go on a Tuesday around 3:00 PM. It’s quiet. The light hits the chrome accents just right. You can sit at the bar, talk to the bartender about which bourbon pairs best with fried pickles, and actually taste the nuances in the food.
One thing most people get wrong: they think this is a place for kids. It’s kid-friendly, sure, but it’s really a tavern. The lighting is dim, the music is soulful, and the bar is the heart of the room. It’s for people who love the idea of the 50s but want the culinary standards of the 2020s.
The Secret Menu Myths
There’s always talk about a "secret menu" at All Shook Up. Most of it is nonsense. People claim you can order a "Gold Suit Burger" wrapped in edible gold leaf. You can’t. Don't ask; it’s embarrassing for everyone involved.
However, there is a grain of truth to the customizations. The kitchen is usually pretty cool about "Elvis-ifying" anything. Want peanut butter on your hot dog? They’ll do it. Want to add a fried egg to your grilled cheese? No problem. The real "secret" is just knowing that the kitchen treats the menu as a suggestion rather than a rulebook.
Why It Works for Different Diets
Surprisingly, they’ve adapted. You’d think a place based on the diet of a man who loved fried squirrel would be a nightmare for vegetarians. It’s not. They offer a solid plant-based patty that can be subbed into any of the signature builds. The "Vegan King" isn't quite the same as the original, but with the right toppings, it hits the spot.
Gluten-free buns are available too, though they struggle a bit with the structural integrity of the heavier burgers. If you’re going GF, maybe stick to the loaded tots or the salads just to be safe.
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Final Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning to tackle the All Shook Up Tavern menu, go in with a plan. Don't try to eat a light lunch before. You need the stomach real estate.
Start with the Fried Pickles. They use spears, not chips, which is a controversial choice but the right one here because it maintains the crunch-to-juice ratio. Order one signature burger—the PB&B is the rite of passage—and share a side of the Tupelo Tots.
Check the chalkboard near the entrance for daily specials. Often, they’ll test out new recipes there that never make the permanent menu. Last month, they had a "Nashville Hot Elvis" that combined hot chicken with honey and banana slices. It was chaotic. It was delicious.
The best way to experience it is to lean into the weirdness. Don't judge the flavor combinations until you’ve had at least three bites. The first bite is a shock. The second is a realization. By the third, you’re wondering why you don’t put peanut butter on all your burgers.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Hours: They often close for private events on Monday nights, so always call ahead or check their social media.
- Park Smart: The tavern is usually in a high-traffic area with limited street parking; look for a garage a block away to save yourself the headache.
- The Shake Strategy: If you’re full, get the milkshake to go. They travel surprisingly well, and you’ll want it an hour later when the "meat sweat" phase passes.
- Skip the Peak: Avoid the 7:00 PM Saturday rush unless you enjoy standing in a cramped lobby for forty minutes.
- Ask for Extra Napkins: You will need them. More than you think. The brioche is good, but it’s no match for melting peanut butter and burger juice.