We're not sure what it is about this town and His Highness, but Baltimore has much love for The King of Rock and Roll. Elvis Presley isn't so much commemorated as celebrated in several venues around town. Avoid the hike to Graceland, and head to these local spots, instead.
Elvis Restaurant
As far as we know, Elvis Restaurant in Federal Hill has absolutely nothing to do with Elvis Presley. Its burritos, however, are king-sized, and available at prices us common folk can afford.
If you've never noticed anything particularly rockabilly about the much-loved hipster hang Golden West, take a closer look at the menu. The Elvis and Lisa Marie pancakes would do the Presleys proud. Thick buttermilk pancakes are filled with crumbled bacon, then topped with sauteed bananas, honey and peanut butter. (For one pancake, order the Lisa Marie. For a heart attack, order the Elvis.)
If worn out undies of the rich and famous (and most likely deceased) is your bag, Hard Rock's got you covered. And from movie jackets to Grammy nomination notifications to black belts, Hard Rock's got Elvis covered, too.
Elvis greets guests of Happy Day Diner from the roof, where a sculpture of The King appears frozen mid-shimmy. The '50s-style diner does well to encourage nostalgic daydreaming for most folks. If you're like us, though, those are years you don't remember, so it might help to bring a parent or grandparent. (Or a reliable mobile device with Wikipedia access.)
Cafe Hon
All hail The King upon entry to Hon Cafe, where quirky decorations (such as the two-story-tall flamingo on the building's facade) and unusual gift items might outshine the Elvis statue standing just inside the restaurant. No doubt, though, the hons at Hon love their "hunk, a hunk of burnin' love."
Though Lithuanian Hall isn't open all the time, or even a regular hang for Elvis fans, the large space makes up for its Presley dearth with an annual influx of thousands-upon-thousands of shimmering sequins. Night of 100 Elvises likely plays host to way more than 100 Elvis-clad fans, many of whom perform throughout the evening. Expect Elvis-style fare, too, as part of the Southern buffet. If ever there were an Elvis event worth howlin' over, this is the one.
Nacho Mama's
One of Nacho Mama's house rules is to report any Elvis sightings to your server. (You probably don't need to mention the armless Elvis statue in front of the restaurant, though. The staff is well aware of him and his countless wardrobe changes.) What's more, Mama's Web site features a page of "Elvisology," which contains pics of the restaurant's Elvis collection, as well as some of the staff's favorite Elvis links.
