Top Spots For Milkshakes
Whether they're whipped up at old school soda fountains or mixed inside modern eateries, the milkshakes at these Philly hot spots bring all the boys -- and girls! -- to the yard. - Chelsea Karnash
Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop
6030 Torresdale Ave
www.joessteaks.com
New name, same quality. Joe's Steaks offers more than just the Philly staple. This old-school soda fountain serves all the classic shakes, as well as a slew of rotating specials. In fact, they've added a Cinnamon Toast Crunch milkshake just in time for summer 2014. The cereal-lover's dream includes caramel, vanilla ice cream, milk and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Plus, head over on a Monday and you'll get $1 off your shake.
Shake Shack
2000 Sansom St
www.shakeshack.com
Brave the lines and secure a shake from this NYC-transplant; they're that good. Regular shake flavors include chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, caramel, black and white and peanut butter, but if you're really in the mood for a calorie bomb, try a Concrete. These revved up shakes include mix-ins like La Colombe coffee beans, cannolis from Termini Bros. and Philly soft pretzels.
PYT
1050 N Hancock St
www.pytphilly.com
Alcoholic milkshakes, anyone? At PYT, you can get your childhood fave adult-style. Flavors include the amazing Birthday Cake Shake (vanilla ice cream, Pinnacle Cake Vodka, rainbow sprinkles and real birthday cake blended and topped with whipped cream, a whole birthday cupcake and a candle!) and the gut-busting Peanut Butter Bacon Shake, which is pretty self-explanatory. And if you're not feeling the drunken twist, you can always get yours without the booze.
Squareburger
200 N 6th St
www.historicphiladelphia.org/squareburger
Two words: Cake Shake. Get the famous Philly special made with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets, caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream during the warm weather months, then enjoy it surrounded by greenery in beautiful Franklin Square. Afterwards, partake in a round of putt putt – you'll need to work off all those calories somehow!
Frankford Hall
1210 Frankford Ave
www.frankfordhall.com
Frankford Hall has everything from obscure beers and authentic German fare to Jenga and ping pong. Now, they've also got milkshakes. Looking for a boozy treat? Try the Jack 'n S'mores shake or the Honey Graham. And if you've brought the kids along (really, people do!), you can order theirs without alcohol – you know, to avoid going to jail and all.
Nifty Fifty's
Multiple locations
www.niftyfiftys.com
Everyone reverts back to childhood during a trip to Nifty Fifty's. This stuck-in-time (in a good way!) soda shop has five locations throughout Philly and the 'burbs, and they all serve up the same classic, inexpensive and delicious food that keeps generations of visitors returning. In fact, Nifty Fifty's could really be referred to as the Mecca of Milkshakes, as their shake menu is so long it requires its own PDF. Classic Blue Ribbon milkshakes include all the well-known favorites, while the list of exotic shakes spans the gamut from Egg Nog and French Toast to Thin Mint and Almond Joy.