Jukeboxes. Poodle skirts. Hamburgers and malted milkshakes. You might think of old-fashioned soda fountains as a thing of the past, but they’re still kicking in certain parts of the United States. Across the corners of the United States, these soda fountains are vibrant examples of classic Americana. They continue to serve up classic hamburgers and malted milkshakes, offering a sip of nostalgia that transports patrons to the spirited 1950s.

Here are just a few travel destinations where you can pop in for a cool, refreshing drink like your very own Happy Days.

The Franklin Fountain — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

[Above image “Franklin Fountain” by Ray on Flickr – licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]

Have you ever been served a hot fudge sundae by a waiter wearing a bow tie? While it used to be a common sight, it’s a fast-disappearing experience that you should enjoy while you can. The Franklin Fountain is where you can find it! A vintage ice cream parlor in Philly, the Franklin Fountain delights in the charming trappings of generations past, especially in terms of menu items. You can order everything from cones and cups to fizzes and phosphates. If you’re feeling courageous, you can also try Mt. Vesuvius, the famous sky-high sundae in which brownies serve as boulders and fudge acts as lava. So book a family trip down to Philly and enjoy a delicious treat.

Eddie’s Sweet Shop — Queens, New York City

[Above image “Eddie’s Sweet Shop” by Joe Shlabotnik on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]

Located in the Forest Hills section of Queens, Eddie’s Sweet Shop is exactly what you’d expect from such a colorful and historical neighborhood. The shop dates back to 1909 and boasts a selection of entirely homemade ice creams. You can also enjoy shakes, sundaes, malts, and local classics like New York egg cream. At first glance, the store may seem a bit ramshackle. Its seats have been worn down by countless guests, and its rusty metal signage still bears the original Coca-Cola branding from its heyday. But once you get a taste of its goodies, you’ll see why it’s a mainstay in NYC.

The Pickwick — Greenville, South Carolina

The Pickwick is a pharmacy, not an ice cream parlor per se, which was the norm back in the day when pharmacies sold fountain drinks alongside their medicines. This particular establishment dates back to 1947, and not much has changed since then. It’s run by the same family, and it still boasts the same steel-and-marble fountain, countertop, and swivel chairs. It even offers the same menu right down to the root beer floats! You’ll feel like you stepped back in time as soon as you take a seat.

Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum — Columbus, Indiana

[Above image “Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor” by Jeff Hart on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]

Zaharakos is a place of history. The museum offers a compellingly mismatched collection of vintage throwbacks. These include an organ from 1908, a pillared mahogany bar from 1911, and an onyx soda fountain purchased from the 1904 World’s Fair. Menu items at the countertop include shakes, malts, floats, brownie sundaes, and ice cream sodas with your choice of syrups and toppings. When you’re done crunching the last bit of your waffle cone, you can explore the various artifacts and historic rooms on display, including a Victorian-era crystal parlor. Just make sure that when you go, you call Zaharakos “The Greeks,” which is its local nickname. It was founded by a Greek family at the turn of the century.

St. Francis Soda Fountain — San Francisco, California

The St. Francis Fountain is considered the oldest ice cream parlor in San Francisco. Founded in 1918, it was sold by its original owners in 2000. But the buyers loved the store’s history so much that they actually restored a lot of its older, more worn-down features. Today, despite advancements on the menu, the place still looks and feels like a confectionery from the past. Its crown jewel, of course, is its soda fountain. But a close second is its vintage candy counter offering old-school sweets. If you’ve ever wanted to pop the same bubblegum that your grandpa did, this is the place to try it out!

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Docs Just Off 66 — Girard, Illinois

With red-and-white striped awnings outside of a charmingly vintage shopfront, Docs Just Off 66 is one of the highlights of Route 66. It’ll be the perfect pit stop during a long, hungry road trip! You can partake in everyday lunch items such as burgers and salads as well as a wide range of old-school desserts, many of them made at the soda fountain. Treats include malts, milkshakes, banana splits, ice sodas, scoops of ice cream, and slices of pie. You can also try bottles of “Route 66 soda,” which in addition to being a delicious treat also makes for an iconic selfie.

FAQs:

Q: What are the operating hours for these soda fountains?
A: Operating hours vary by location. It’s recommended to check the official websites or call ahead for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.

Q: Do these establishments offer any vegan or dairy-free options?
A: Some soda fountains may offer vegan or dairy-free alternatives. Contact the individual shops to inquire about their current menu options to accommodate dietary preferences.

Q: Are group reservations accepted at these ice cream parlors?
A: Group reservations policies differ. While some may accommodate larger parties with advance notice, others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the parlor directly to arrange or inquire about group visits.

Q: Is there parking available near these soda fountains?
A: Parking availability varies by location. Some have their own parking spaces, while others rely on nearby public parking. It’s advisable to research parking options prior to your trip.

Q: Can I purchase gift cards for any of these soda fountain shops?
A: Many soda fountains offer gift cards. Check their official websites or reach out directly to purchase a gift card for a nostalgic treat for someone special.

Q: Are the soda fountains accessible for those with mobility issues?
A: Accessibility can differ among these historic locations. Contact the individual establishments to ensure they can accommodate your accessibility needs.

Q: Do any of these soda fountains host private events?
A: Some of these establishments might offer space for private events like birthday parties or social gatherings. Inquire directly with the soda fountain for availability, booking details, and custom options.

Are there any cool, old-fashioned soda fountains that we left off the list? Tell us in the comments below!