Explore a nostalgic journey through 13 hidden soda fountains across the U.S. that still serve authentic malt shakes. These spots are cherished for their dedication to tradition, using real malted milk powder and vintage appliances. Each fountain offers a unique glimpse into mid-20th-century soda shop culture, where craftsmanship and community spirit thrive.
1. Crown Candy Kitchen – St. Louis, MO
Operating since 1913, Crown Candy Kitchen is a St. Louis landmark known for its handmade malts. The vintage decor and 1930s Coca-Cola memorabilia transport visitors to a bygone era. Crown Candy’s malts are crafted using traditional techniques and malted milk powder, ensuring an authentic taste. Each visit offers a time capsule experience, complete with nostalgic charm. Patrons enjoy not only the malts but also the welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of simpler times. The commitment to preserving soda fountain heritage makes it a must-visit destination for those craving a touch of nostalgia and a taste of history.
2. Aglamesis Brothers – Cincinnati, OH
Family-run since 1908, Aglamesis Brothers offers a unique soda fountain experience in Cincinnati. The marble counters and Tiffany lamps harken back to a grander era, making each visit a visual delight. Known for creamy chocolate malts made from homemade ice cream, it’s a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. The pale-pink interior reflects its enduring heritage, capturing the essence of early 20th-century elegance. This spot is more than a soda fountain; it’s a treasure trove of history and flavor, where traditional malt shakes and exquisite decor come together.
3. Brooklyn Farmacy – Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn Farmacy, a restored 1920s apothecary, brings a slice of history to modern Brooklyn. Despite opening in 2010, it feels authentically vintage with its retro atmosphere and classic offerings. Known for egg creams and rich malted shakes, Brooklyn Farmacy is a nostalgic delight. The ambiance blends old-world charm with contemporary flair, making it a unique spot in the city. Each shake is crafted with care, echoing the precision of earlier times. It’s a place where history and modernity coexist, offering a welcoming haven for those seeking a taste of the past.
4. Lexington Candy Shop – NYC
Established in 1925, Lexington Candy Shop in NYC is a beacon of retro bliss. Known for using a Hamilton Beach mixer from the 1940s, it creates thick malts and ice cream sodas that capture the essence of yesteryears. The shop’s classic egg cream is a must-try, offering smooth and fizzy delight. Stepping inside feels like entering a time machine, where every detail reflects dedication to tradition. The shop remains a beloved institution, drawing patrons with its blend of history and flavor. Each visit is a celebration of the soda fountain’s enduring appeal.
5. Doc’s Just Off 66 – Girard, IL
Housed in a historic drugstore built in 1884, Doc’s Just Off 66 in Girard offers a genuine slice of Americana. The original soda-fountain fixtures add authenticity to every sip of Green River sodas, floats, and malt shakes. It’s a gateway to the past, capturing the essence of a bygone era. The establishment’s dedication to preserving soda fountain heritage is evident in every detail, from decor to menu offerings. A visit to Doc’s is a journey through time, where patrons can enjoy classic treats in a setting that honors tradition and community spirit.
6. Pickwick Pharmacy & Soda Fountain – Greenville, SC
Pickwick Pharmacy & Soda Fountain in Greenville offers a step back to the 1950s with its chrome-clad countertops and classic menu. Family-run, it serves ice cream sodas, banana splits, and flavored malt shakes that delight both young and old. The ambiance is akin to stepping into a vintage photograph, where each detail evokes nostalgia. It’s more than a soda fountain; it’s a family legacy, preserving the charm and flavor of mid-century America. The commitment to tradition and quality makes it a cherished destination for those seeking a taste of the past.
7. Elliston Place Soda Shop – Nashville, TN
Established in 1939, Elliston Place Soda Shop in Nashville is a beloved institution on the National Register of Historic Places. Known for butterscotch malts and banana puddings, it offers a true retro experience. Wall jukeboxes at each booth complete the nostalgic setting, inviting patrons to linger and enjoy. The shop’s dedication to preserving soda fountain culture is clear in every detail, from its classic offerings to its inviting atmosphere. It’s a place where history, community, and flavor blend seamlessly, making each visit a celebration of tradition.
8. Zaharakos – Columbus, IN
Founded in 1900, Zaharakos in Columbus is a tribute to old-world charm and craftsmanship. The white-onyx fountain counter and stained-glass decor evoke a timeless ambiance that enchants visitors. Known for malted shakes, flavored sodas, and sundaes, Zaharakos offers a comprehensive soda fountain experience. The establishment serves as a living museum, preserving the soda fountain tradition through its authentic offerings and decor. Each shake is a journey back in time, inviting patrons to savor flavors that have stood the test of time. Zaharakos remains a cherished landmark for soda fountain aficionados.
9. The Soda Fountain of Venice – Venice, FL
Founded in 1926, The Soda Fountain of Venice is a testament to enduring charm. Restored in the ’90s, it preserves the character of its original design with memorabilia and retro decor. Known for ice cream sodas, egg creams, and chocolate malts, it offers a taste of history in every sip. The ambiance is a blend of past and present, inviting patrons to experience the best of both worlds. This establishment is more than just a soda fountain; it’s a beloved piece of local heritage, where tradition is celebrated through flavor and atmosphere.
10. Wilton Candy Kitchen – Wilton, IA
Wilton Candy Kitchen, operating since 1860, stands as one of the oldest continuously operating soda fountains. Famous for handmade malts and cream sodas, it offers a glimpse into the past. A small museum showcases its long history, adding depth to the experience. Each visit feels like a journey back in time, where traditional soda fountain culture thrives. The commitment to preserving its heritage and flavor makes it a unique destination. Patrons are drawn to its blend of history, craftsmanship, and community spirit, ensuring its place in soda fountain lore.
11. Lagomarcino’s – Davenport, IA
Family-run since 1908, Lagomarcino’s in Davenport combines candy shop charm with soda fountain nostalgia. Known for hand-crafted malt shakes, homemade chocolate, and sundaes, it offers a sweet escape. The small-town setting adds to its allure, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy. Each shake is a testament to craftsmanship, made with precision and care. The establishment’s rich history and dedication to quality create a welcoming atmosphere, where tradition and flavor blend seamlessly. It’s a cherished spot for those seeking both sweetness and nostalgia in a charming setting.
12. The Corner Sundry – Indianola, IA
Operating for over 70 years, The Corner Sundry in Indianola offers a soda fountain experience steeped in community spirit. Known for its fountain malts, the store has become a social hub, where patrons gather to enjoy classic treats. The ambiance reflects its long history, with decor and offerings that capture the essence of a bygone era. Each visit is an opportunity to connect with the past and savor tradition. The establishment’s dedication to quality and community makes it a beloved institution, where memories are made and cherished.
13. The Brown Bear Cafe – Silverton, CO
Set in the historic mining town of Silverton, The Brown Bear Cafe offers a rustic soda fountain experience. Known for thick, hand-spun malts, it’s a perfect retreat after exploring the mountains. The café’s old-style service and ambiance transport visitors to a simpler time, where craftsmanship and flavor reign supreme. Each shake is made with care, reflecting a commitment to tradition and quality. The setting’s natural beauty adds to the charm, making it a unique destination. It’s a place where history and flavor blend, inviting patrons to savor the essence of the past.
