Invented in Philadelphia in 1874, ice cream soda continues to be a hit with people of all ages. Although ice cream was common before then, the concept of the soda fountain ran by bow-tied professionals —known as soda jerks— took both ice cream and soda to a completely new level. When Prohibition ended and the popular tap was introduced, many places traded in their fountains for taps. Luckily, there were still a few who decided to keep the tradition alive and today, there are many new and old soda fountains in Philadelphia. Here are some of the best you should visit next time you’re in the area.
The Franklin Fountain
Located at 116 Market Street, The Franklin Fountain is one of the most popular soda fountains in not only Philadelphia, but also the entire United States. The Berley Brothers opened the place in 2004 in hopes of bringing a delicious taste of the past back to the area. They have 25 different soda flavors to choose from along with all your favorite ice cream and some new ones you’ll want to try. Along with the widely loved flavors like vanilla bean, mint chocolate chip, and chocolate, they also have unique concoctions like green tea and teaberry gum. Visitors come from near and far to enjoy their delicious ice cream sodas, sundaes, and more. The Franklin Fountain prides itself on being authentic to provide you an experience unlike any other.
Twitter: @FranklinFtn
Nifty Fifty’s
If you’re looking for a soda shop with an extraordinary variety of soda flavors, Nifty Fifty’s is the place for you. With more than 100 handcrafted flavors, Nifty Fifty’s claims to be the largest soda fountain in the entire world. Just a handful of the tasty and unique flavors on their list include apple cheesecake, blue raspberry bubblegum, crème de menthe, coffee, strawberry pina colada, toasted marshmallow, sun-hi, and much more. If you’re more of a traditional soda drinker, they also have all the sodas you know and love like Dr.Pepper, Root Beer, and Coca-Cola. All you have to do is choose the soda flavor of your choice and your favorite ice cream and it will be mixed to perfection, complete with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Nifty Fifty’s is located at 2491 Grant Avenue.
Twitter: @NiftyFiftys50
Joe’s Steak + Soda Shop
Joe’s Steak + Soda Shop is located at 1 W Girard Ave and is the perfect choice for both food and classic ice cream sodas. Opened in 1949 as Chink’s Steaks, Joe’s Steak + Soda Shop has continued to grow in popularity over the years. Along with serving the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia, they also serve a huge variety of ice cream sodas for great prices. They serve all your favorite classic sodas along with many specialty flavors including vanilla soda, chocolate soda, strawberry soda, orange soda, grape soda, and more. You can choose any flavor or combination of soda flavors to mix with your favorite ice cream for a truly refreshing snack or dessert.
Twitter: @joessteaks
[tweetthis]When You Are In #Philadelphia, Make Time To Stop At These #Soda Shops For Some Sweet Treats! Yummy[/tweetthis]
The Pop Shop
Although not located directly in Philadelphia, The Pop Shop is in Camden County, New Jersey just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. Once you’ve enjoyed the three spectacular soda fountains in Philadelphia, this should definitely be the next stop on your list. With a fun selection of ice cream treats and fountain flavors, The Pop Shop has everything you need for satisfying that sweet tooth. Some of their most popular ice cream sodas include the Cherry Coke Float, Maui Matty, Aloha Allie, Creamsicle, and Strawberry Blonde. You can also choose your own soda, syrup, and ice cream for a unique taste. One thing that really makes The Pop Shop stand out is the option to create your own soda fountain pop. With this, you choose the base soda and flavor and it’ll be mixed to perfection the old-fashioned way. The opportunities are endless, so be sure to bring an empty stomach and huge appetite because you’ll want to try them all.
Twitter: @popshopusa
Unfortunately, your stomach can only handle so much delicious soda, so be sure to plan a few days in Philadelphia to give you time to visit all of the soda fountains while you’re there. Although it might seem repetitive, each shop is so unique and carries a huge array of different flavors, so it’ll be a completely new experience each time. Whether you’re new to town or here for a visit, here are some other fun things to do while you’re in Philadelphia.