5 more old-fashioned soda shops in Alabama you’ll reminisce about

Gilchrist Shop Scaled 1 Food, Soda Shops
Gilchrist in Mountain Brook is such an obvious choice. (The Bama Buzz)

There’s just something so loveable about an old-fashioned soda shop. The aesthetics harken back to a “simpler” time—before social media took over our lives and the ideal date was sipping on one side of a strawberry milkshake.

Evidently, you guys feel the same way—our last piece about soda shops is over 12k reads, and we thought it was time to add a few more to the list.

Keep reading for five more soda shops across Alabama that will have you daydreaming about malts and floats.

Pop the Top Soda Shop in Talladega

If you’re in the mood for a soda shop that’ll have you humming the Grease soundtrack by the end of your milkshake, look no further than Pop the Top Soda Shop in Talladega. This charming shop is sure to win over your heart – and stomach.

  • What to order: Double overdose – two scoops of ice cream, two cookies, caramel and chocolate sauce
  • Where: 704 Battle St E, Talladega, AL 35160
  • Hours: Mon-Sat, 11AM-9PM | Sun, 1-9PM
  • More info

Gilchrist in Mountain Brook

Gilchrist Food, Soda Shops
Right by the Bham Zoo, too! (The Bama Buzz)

You have many options for old-fashioned soda fountains in Birmingham, but Gilchrist stands out. They’ve been in business for nearly 100 years, every year more delicious than the last.

  • What to order: A strawberry milkshake
  • Where: 2805 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
  • Hours: Mon-Sat, 8AM-4:30PM | Closed Sun.
  • More info

Cole’s Ice Cream and Coffee in Monroeville

Cole’s Ice Cream and Coffee might be a newer business, but its large, inventive menu and Southern hospitality have cemented a place in the heart of Monroe County residents. With offerings ranging from the classic banana split to their spin on blended coffee, there’s something for the whole family at Cole’s.

  • What to order: Can’t go wrong with a banana split!
  • Where: 36 E Claiborne St, Monroeville, AL 36460
  • Hours: Mon-Fri, 7AM-6PM (closes at 11AM on Wednesdays) | Sat, 8AM-2:30PM | Closed Sun.
  • More info

Three George’s Candy Shop in Mobile

Many folks who have lived in—or even visited—Mobile have stopped by this candy shop at least once. They’ve been making homemade pralines and hand-spinning milkshakes since 1917. Their chocolate is some of the best in the state, too.

  • What to order: A chocolate milkshake
  • Where: 226 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602
  • Hours: Mon + Thurs, 10AM-5:30PM | Tues + Weds, 10AM-5PM | Fri, 10AM-6PM | Sat, 9AM-5PM | Sun, 12-4PM
  • More info

Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor in Hazel Green

You’ve heard of the Golden Girls, now get ready for the Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor. Nestled in North Alabama’s scenic mountains, this ice cream parlor has everything you want in the vintage soda shop experience—even the arcade games. The 36 different flavors of ice cream and customizable sundaes and milkshakes make it a must-stop.

  • What to order: A custom sundae with any topping you want
  • Where: 12835 U.S. HWY 231/431 N Suite E, Hazel Green, AL 35750
  • Hours: Sun-Mon + Thurs, 11AM-7:30PM | Fri + Sat, 11AM-8:30PM | Weds, 11AM-3:30PM | Closed Tues.
  • More info

Did we miss any old-fashioned soda shops? Let us know on InstagramFacebook or LinkedIn! Subscribe to our newsletter, too, we’ll bring more like this to your inbox.

Liv George
Liv George

A Georgia native soaking up the sun on the Gulf Coast. Lover of Mardi Gras, beach days, and historical sites.

Articles: 375