5 old-fashioned soda shops in Alabama to get your nostalgia fix

Something about summertime makes me feel nostalgic. Maybe it’s thinking back fondly on the memories of summer break—riding my bike around the neighborhood, coming home when the streetlights turn on and visiting a soda shop for a refreshing float after a hot day.

Since I’ve been reminiscing on those memories, I put together a list of five old-fashioned soda shops in Alabama for you to get that nostalgic fix, too.

1. Trowbridge’s Ice Cream Bar in Florence

After doing business for over a century, the folks at Trowbridge’s know a thing or two about making heavenly ice cream—like the iconic orange-pineapple flavor that put the shop on the map back in 1918.

• What to order: Orange pineapple ice cream, of course!
• Where: 316 N Court St, Florence, AL 35630
• Hours: Mon-Sat, 9AM–5:30PM | Closed Sun.
• Facebook 

2. Payne’s Sandwich Shop & Soda Fountain in Scottsboro

Open since 1869, this soda shop is like a time machine into the days of hand-spun milkshakes, all-chrome diners and fluffy red booth seats. Seniors can still enjoy 5-cent ice cream scoops on Thursdays, that’s how old-school they are!

• What to order: A strawberry malt
• Where: 101 E Laurel St, Scottsboro, AL 35768
• Hours: Tues-Sat, 11AM-4PM | Closes at 3 on Thurs. | Closed Sun. + Mon.
• More info

3. Huggin’ Molly’s in Abbeville

Named after a ghost that gives haunting hugs to schoolchildren out after dark, Abbeville’s Huggin’ Molly’s is anything but scary. Locals and tourists alike flock to the classic soda shop for its fantastic burgers and homemade milkshakes.

• What to order: Golly Molly (Ice Cream Brownie)
• Where: 129 Kirkland St, Abbeville, AL 36310
• Hours: Mon-Fri, 11AM-2PM | Thurs-Sat, 5-8PM | Closed Sun.
• More info

4. Cammie’s Old Dutch in Mobile + Fairhope

The place to get ice cream in Mobile is Cammie’s Old Dutch, and once you try it—you’ll know why. All ice cream is homemade, in-house with some extra love in the recipe.

• What to order: Salted caramel ice cream on a waffle cone (my go-to!)
• Where: 2511 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36607 | 4380 Halls Mill Rd, Mobile, AL 36693 | 9501 Co Rd 24, Fairhope, AL 36532
• Hours: Tues-Sat, 12-9PM | Sun, 1-9PM | Hours at other locations may vary
• More info

5. Stacey’s Olde Tyme Soda Fountain in Foley

Break up the long haul to the beach with a stop in Foley at Stacey’s Olde Tyme Soda Fountain. This soda shop is full of old-fashioned charm, yummy ice cream and refreshing floats.

• What to order: Banana split
• Where: 121 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535
• Hours: Tues-Fri, 11AM-6PM | Sat, 10AM-5PM | Closed Sun. + Mon.
• More info

Craving ice cream now? Check out 7 of our favorite ice cream shops in the state.

Did we miss any old-fashioned soda shops? Let us know on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn! Subscribe to our newsletter for more like this in your inbox.