“Have you heard about the cannibal restaurant? Dinner costs an arm and a leg”

The expression to cost “an arm and a leg” means something very expensive. A popular cannibal joke is:
 
“Have you heard about the cannibal restaurant? Dinner costs an arm and a leg.”
 
The joke has been cited in print since at least 1996, when it was included with other cannibal jokes.
 
 
Google Groups: rec.humor
CANNIBAL
Nancy Carson
10/23/96
-When do cannibals leave the table?  When everyone’s eaten. -What is a cannibal’s favorite type of TV show?  A celebrity roast. -Where do cannibals shop for fine furniture?  Eatin’ Allen’s. -What did the cannibal give his wife for Valentine’s Day?  A box of farmer’s fannies. -What do cannibals eat for dessert?  Chocolate covered aunts. -What do cannibals make out of politicians?  Bologna sandwiches. -What did the cannibal get when he was late for dinner?  The cold shoulder. -What is a cannibal’s favorite game?  Swallow the leader. -Have you heard about the cannibal restaurant?  Dinner costs an arm and a leg.
   
Google Groups: rec.food.cooking
Cannibal Cousine 😊
PENMART10
9/20/97
(...)
Have you heard about the cannibal restaurant?
Dinner costs an arm and a leg.
 
Google Books
Dr. Speedy’s Jokes and Riddles
By Higino Gonzalez
Lincoln, NE: iUniverse.com, Inc.
2000
Pg. 87:
Q: Have you heard about the expensive cannibal restaurant?
A: Dinner costs an arm and a leg.
   
Google Groups: alt.humor.puns
Puns of the Weak: 4-28-00
Stan Kegel
4/29/00
(...)
Have you heard about the cannibal restaurant? Dinner costs an arm and a leg. (PANews)
 
Google Groups: alt.humor.puns
“Puns of the Weak” 05/17/02
Stan Kegel
5/17/02
(...)
Have you heard about the cannibal restaurant?
Dinner costs an arm and a leg. (Ladyhawke)
   
Twitter
Nubbs
‏@Nubbjuggler
@TheTwoMikes How much is a steak in that cannibal restaurant MG? An arm & leg? Ba dump tish
9:31 PM - 18 May 2015