Craving a thick malt that tastes like childhood and history in a glass. You are in luck, because a handful of old-school soda fountains across America still whip up frothy floats, phosphates, and sundaes with the same rituals used generations ago.
Step through these doors and you will find marble counters, clinking mixers, and syrup pumps that tell their own stories. Let this list guide your next sweet road trip, one fizzy sip at a time.
Crown Candy Kitchen — St. Louis, Missouri
Walk into Crown Candy Kitchen and the first thing you notice is the clink of metal cups against an old mixer. The malts come towering, thick enough to hold a spoon straight, poured into chilled glasses with the extra on the side.
There is friendliness in the air, the kind that makes you linger for one more float.
This St. Louis landmark dates to 1913, and it wears that history proudly. Brass fixtures and retro signage frame a counter where syrups are still measured with care.
You can watch a classic chocolate phosphate take shape, then taste bright bubbles dancing with cocoa.
Order a banana split and you will see craftsmanship in every scoop. The whipped cream is hand piped, the cherries glossy, the nuts freshly crushed.
You get the sense that recipes have been guarded like family heirlooms.
If you love malts, ask for double malt powder and savor the deep, toasty finish. Pair it with a grilled sandwich, then finish with a root beer float that fizzes over the rim.
You will leave a little sugared, a little nostalgic, and very happy.
Aglamesis Bro’s Ice Cream & Chocolates — Cincinnati, Ohio
Aglamesis Bro’s feels like stepping into a postcard from 1908. The marble counters gleam, and the mosaic floor invites careful glances while you wait for a malt.
Order chocolate or strawberry, and watch the mixer whirl until the drink turns satiny and cold.
Here, everything leans artisanal. Syrups taste true, ice cream is dense yet delicate, and the soda jerk suggests pairings the way a sommelier might.
A cherry phosphate slips between tart and sweet in charming balance.
There is also the chocolate case, which tempts with creams, caramels, and seasonal specialties. Grab a small box to nibble alongside a hot fudge sundae.
The fudge is rich, poured warm, and finishes with a whisper of vanilla.
Take a seat at the counter if you can. You will hear local stories, learn about flavors you never considered, and maybe try a coffee malt that pairs beautifully with their dark chocolate.
When you walk out, the doorbell jingles and you carry a little piece of Cincinnati sweetness into the afternoon.
Zaharakos — Columbus, Indiana
Zaharakos is part museum, part living soda fountain, and entirely magical. You enter beneath stained glass to an onyx fountain with brass taps that glint like jewelry.
The staff draws sodas with precision, letting the sparkle unfold slowly.
Order a Green River float and watch neon lime meet vanilla ice cream in a light cascade. Malts arrive thick and balanced, not overly sweet, with malt powder lending that nostalgic cereal warmth.
Every sip feels measured and purposeful.
Beyond the counter sits a mechanical music organ that sets a jaunty mood. Kids press close to the glass, adults smile, and conversation hums as sundaes crown tables.
The lighting makes the marble look storybook bright.
If you are unsure where to start, try the Gom Cheese Sandwich with a chocolate soda. Then chase it with a classic hot fudge sundae, whipped cream piled high.
You will likely plan a return before you finish the last spoonful.
The Franklin Fountain — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Franklin Fountain leans hard into history and makes it feel fresh. You will spot bow ties, suspenders, and a marble counter lined with glassware that begs to be filled.
Order a phosphate and taste crisp bubbles carrying bright citrus or chocolate.
Ice cream is handmade with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The Mount Vesuvius sundae erupts with brownie pieces and hot fudge, while the vanilla malt sings with perfect balance.
Egg creams glide creamy and surprisingly light.
Expect a line, especially on warm nights. It moves, and the show of mixers churning keeps you entertained.
Antique fixtures and handwritten placards pull the whole scene together.
Grab a seat outside to sip a root beer float as the city drifts by. If you like adventure, try black cherry phosphate with a butter pecan scoop.
You will taste care in every step, from syrup stir to final flourish.
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain — Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn Farmacy rescued a 1920s pharmacy and turned it into a neighborhood beacon. Sunlight falls across vintage shelves and a long counter where egg creams are whisked to a glossy fizz.
You can almost hear the city slow down as the first sip lands.
Malts are extra creamy here, blended with precision and served cold enough to fog the glass. The menu riffs on classics, adding seasonal syrups and playful sundaes.
Still, the fundamentals never waver.
Grab a seat by the window if you want to watch the block breathe. The energy is cozy, with families, first dates, and solo treat seekers mingling in easy harmony.
Staff move with a practiced rhythm that makes everything feel effortless.
Try the vanilla egg cream, then follow with a chocolate malt topped with fresh whipped cream. Pair with a grilled cheese or a pie slice if you need something savory.
You will leave smiling, a little stickier, and a lot happier.
Elliston Place Soda Shop — Nashville, Tennessee
Elliston Place Soda Shop looks like a postcard from midcentury Nashville. Red stools line the counter, mixers hum, and milkshake tins sweat with cold.
It is the sort of place where you order a malt and get conversation with it.
Floats arrive tall and fizzy, crowned with generous scoops that soften into sweet swirls. The menu pairs diner comfort with soda fountain tradition, so you can follow a patty melt with a chocolate malt.
It is indulgent in the best way.
The staff tell stories of regulars and famous guests, and it fits the room. Neon glows against chrome, a soundtrack of old hits spills from the speakers, and the pace encourages lingering.
It feels like home within minutes.
Do not miss a strawberry milkshake blended extra thick or an ice cream soda with vanilla syrup. Ask for whipped cream and a cherry, because why not.
You will leave ready to plan your next visit.
Chugwater Soda Fountain — Chugwater, Wyoming
Chugwater Soda Fountain carries the charm of the wide Wyoming sky right into your glass. The original cabinetry and weathered counter feel comforting, like a favorite book.
Locals swap stories while mixers spin malts thick enough to count as lunch.
Order a huckleberry shake if you see it, or go classic with chocolate malt. Floats here pop with crisp soda and creamy scoops that soften into ribbons.
It is simple, honest, and deeply satisfying.
This is a true small-town hangout. You will likely be asked where you are from, then pointed toward the best pie slice.
The welcome feels genuine in a way that makes the treat taste better.
Take a moment to look at the old photos on the wall. They tell a story of persistence and joy that matches the drinks.
Leave with a sticky smile and a promise to come back on your next drive.
Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain — South Pasadena, California
Fair Oaks Pharmacy brings Route 66 romance to South Pasadena. A glossy marble bar, chrome stools, and glass jars set the scene for phosphates, floats, and malts.
You feel the years in the best possible way.
The soda jerks mix drinks with steady hands, measuring syrups and carbonation for perfect balance. A chocolate phosphate is light, cocoa rich, and refreshing.
Malts come cold, dense, and satisfyingly old-school.
Big sundaes are the showstopper. Fudge flows warm, caramel smells buttery, and nuts crunch bright over creamy scoops.
You will want to share, but you might not.
Take your time and watch the neighborhood stroll by the windows. When you leave, it will be with a sugar glow and perhaps a bag of candies.
The memory lingers like the last sweet sip.
Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain — Corinth, Mississippi
Borroum’s Drug Store is Mississippi history poured into a glass. Tin ceilings, wooden shelves, and a real working counter create a living time capsule.
You step up, place an order, and become part of the story.
The malts are rich and deeply satisfying, with just the right hit of malt powder. A root beer float arrives tall and lively, bubbling around a scoop of vanilla.
The spoons are long and the smiles are easy.
Locals will nudge you toward house favorites, and you should listen. There is comfort in the pace here, like an unhurried afternoon on a porch.
The staff treat everyone like a neighbor.
Take a look at the old photos and clippings on the walls as you sip. Then wander the aisles and grab a small candy bag for the road.
You will leave feeling like you discovered a secret worth sharing.
Lexington Candy Shop — New York, New York
Lexington Candy Shop serves New York nostalgia without pretense. The corner windows spill light over a Formica counter and classic mixers.
It feels like a city tradition you are lucky to join.
Egg creams are a must, whisked to a creamy head with no ice cream involved. Malteds land cold and velvety, poured with that extra tin on the side.
Sweetness stays balanced, never cloying.
You will hear stories of film shoots and neighborhood regulars, which only adds flavor. A tuna melt or grilled cheese pairs perfectly with a chocolate malt.
Then treat yourself to a sundae for dessert because restraint has no place here.
Arrive early if you want a window seat and time to linger. Order an old-fashioned Coke with crushed ice for a refreshing start.
You will step back out onto Lexington Avenue feeling lighter and a little sweeter.
The Soda Fountain of Venice — Venice, Florida
The Soda Fountain of Venice feels like Florida sunshine in a glass. Pastel walls and art deco touches frame a marble counter where classic drinks sparkle.
It is breezy, bright, and wonderfully unfussy.
Order a Coke float and watch the fizz climb over creamy scoops. Malts come thick with a nostalgic malt powder kick.
A lime phosphate offers crisp refreshment that suits a warm day.
Service is friendly and patient, and you will likely get a story with your straw. Locals mix with beachgoers, everyone united by a sweet craving.
The room fills with the easy hum of good afternoons.
Take your drink to a sunny table and let time slow. Then grab a to-go pint for later because tomorrow will want a treat too.
You will leave with sand on your shoes and sugar on your lips.
The Corner Sundry — Indianola, Iowa
The Corner Sundry is a snapshot of small-town Iowa comfort. Big windows brighten a tidy counter where malts spin to a luxurious thickness.
Candy jars wink from the shelves like friendly conspirators.
Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are staples, and specials rotate with the seasons. Floats arrive in chilled glasses that keep the fizz lively.
You will find the sweetness measured and satisfying.
Families gather here after games, and conversations stretch past dessert. There is patience in the service and pride in the details.
It feels like a community living room with better treats.
Try a butterscotch malt or a cherry phosphate if you want a classic with a twist. Then pocket a few candies for later because future you will be grateful.
Leaving is the hardest part, so make plans to return soon.
Princess Sweet Shop — Iowa Falls, Iowa
Princess Sweet Shop carries Art Deco elegance into the present. Chrome lines, geometric tiles, and a gleaming counter set the mood for classic treats.
Order a malt and watch the tin frost as the mixer hums.
The chocolate soda balances cocoa and sparkle, a little playful and a lot refreshing. Floats tower in chilled glasses and soften into creamy waves.
Every detail feels intentionally preserved.
Locals swap memories about first dates and birthday sundaes. Staff guide newcomers with genuine warmth, pointing out house favorites.
You will want to try more than one flavor, and you should.
Finish with a caramel sundae sprinkled with nuts, or take home a box of sweets. Then step outside into Iowa light, sugared and content.
The past feels closer here, and you carry it out with every sip.
Eddie’s Sweet Shop — Queens, New York
Eddie’s Sweet Shop looks exactly right for its age and somehow brand new. Dark wood booths, glass jars, and an antique register create instant mood.
The whipped cream is made by hand and it shows.
Order a malted and watch it arrive with classic restraint and perfect chill. Egg creams are frothy and lively, a New York specialty done right.
Sundaes come with a confident pour of hot fudge and a cherry that gleams.
It is cozy without being cramped, and the neighborhood vibe makes lingering easy. You can overhear regulars greeting staff by name, and you will feel part of it quickly.
The service is straightforward and kind.
Try coffee chip with a chocolate soda, or vanilla with butterscotch. You will leave slightly dazed by happiness and sugar.
The sidewalk outside feels brighter after you step back into it.
Brent’s Drugs Soda Fountain — Savannah, Georgia
Brent’s Drugs Soda Fountain brings a midcentury drugstore vibe to Savannah sweetness. Pastel walls and tidy stools frame a counter where syrups gleam in glass.
The first sip of a malt here is cool, velvety, and deeply nostalgic.
Floats fizz happily, whether you go root beer, orange, or cola. Ice cream is scooped generously, with whipped cream that is sturdy and light.
You can taste the balance in every pour.
There is always conversation, a gentle pace, and a sense that dessert is an event. Locals point out favorites, from hot fudge sundaes to cherry phosphates.
You will find it easy to settle in.
Try a chocolate malt with extra malt powder and a side of fries for salty contrast. Then finish with a caramel sundae if you still have room.
You will leave already planning who to bring next time.
La King’s Confectionery — Galveston, Texas
La King’s Confectionery pairs a bustling candy show with a classic soda fountain. You might catch a taffy pull, then slide into a seat for a frosty malt.
The whole place buzzes with Gulf Coast cheer.
Sundaes are epic, draped in hot fudge or caramel and crowned with fresh whipped cream. A root beer float tastes like summer, even in winter.
The sodas sparkle with lively carbonation and clean flavors.
Kids go wide-eyed at the candy cases, and adults do too. Staff move briskly but keep things friendly, guiding you toward house specialties.
It is festive and nostalgic at once.
Order a double chocolate malt and take your time with it. Then wander the boardwalk with a bag of candies for later.
You will leave sweetly satisfied, breeze in your hair and sugar on your mind.
Shady Glen Restaurant & Ice Cream — Manchester, Connecticut
Shady Glen blends luncheonette comfort with old-school soda fountain charm. Green booths line a bright room where mixers whirl and trays clink.
The menu spans burgers, sundaes, malts, and classic sodas.
Order a vanilla malt and watch the pour come cool and steady. The texture is rich, never heavy, and the sweetness lands just right.
A hot fudge sundae brings warm chocolate, cold ice cream, and perfect contrast.
Service is brisk but welcoming, and the room hums with families and regulars. Sunlight slides across chrome accents and keeps the space cheerful.
It is easy to settle in for longer than planned.
Pair a cheeseburger with a chocolate shake, then finish with a cherry phosphate. You will leave feeling both comforted and a little celebratory.
It is the kind of spot you recommend without hesitation.
Spinning J Soda Fountain — Chicago, Illinois
Spinning J is where pie meets soda fountain nostalgia in perfect balance. The marble counter, salvaged from the 1920s, anchors the room with character.
House-made syrups turn simple drinks into small celebrations.
Order a malt and you will taste clean, focused flavors. Floats pair beautifully with seasonal pies, each slice flaky and generous.
The fizz of a house soda lifts every bite.
Staff explain the menu with friendly care, suggesting combinations you will remember. A cherry soda with vanilla ice cream can feel exactly right.
The room glows warm and welcoming.
Do not skip the custard pie if you see it. Then grab a to-go soda for a sweet walk through the neighborhood.
You will leave feeling like you discovered a secret corner of Chicago.
Bassetts Ice Cream & Soda Fountain — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bassetts traces its roots to the 19th century, and that heritage tastes every bit as good as it sounds. The counter bustles, flavors shine from the case, and mixers spin malts cold and creamy.
It is pure Philadelphia energy with a sweet edge.
Order a black and white shake or a classic vanilla malt. Floats bubble cheerfully, and the ice cream holds its shape in the fizz just long enough.
You can sip slowly and enjoy the market buzz.
There is always a crowd, but the line moves and the staff stay upbeat. The tile floor and bright lights make everything feel like a celebration.
It is easy to get caught up in the rhythm.
Grab a cone for the walk or linger with a hot fudge sundae. Then take home a pint because future cravings are guaranteed.
You will leave satisfied and planning another lap around the market.
Highland Park Soda Fountain — Dallas, Texas
Highland Park Soda Fountain brings classic Dallas hospitality to every thick malt and fizzy float. Slide in for a hand-dipped vanilla scoop, then watch the jerk build your drink with deliberate steps.
The steel cup stays alongside your glass, because seconds are tradition here.
Cola floats, phosphates, and black-and-white shakes headline, with chocolate syrup that tastes like old recipes. The counter chatter makes strangers feel like regulars.
Photos along the wall trace decades of birthdays and first dates.
It is all about ratios, temperature, and feel. The hiss of seltzer, the clink of long spoons, the satisfying scoop.
You slow down without trying. It feels right.
Ask for extra malt if you love that nutty, toasty depth. Pair a float with a grilled cheese for the perfect sweet-salty rhythm.
Dallas changes fast, but this counter keeps the heartbeat steady and bright.