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12 Best Soda Shops in the US That Prove Soda is the New Coffee
Soda is no longer just a sidekick to burgers and fries. In many parts of the country, particularly across the Midwest and the South, soda shops are emerging as destinations of their own. What started as small local businesses has turned into a full-on trend, with creative “dirty sodas” made with flavor shots, creams, and syrups pulling in crowds every day. For some, it’s nostalgia in a cup. For others, it’s a fun alternative to coffee culture with just as much room for customization.
From vintage soda fountains on the East Coast to modern drive-through spots in Utah, these shops prove that soda is back in style. Each one reflects its community, whether through quirky menus, family-friendly vibes, or inventive flavors that go beyond the basics. Here’s a look at some of the best soda shops across the country that locals rave about and visitors should seek out.
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Coco’s Sodas + Sweets – Vienna, VA
Coco’s is a colorful local gem bringing the dirty soda craze to Northern Virginia. The menu offers playful mixes like the Nag’s Head, a Dr. Pepper with coconut cream and lime, and the Tstreet, a root beer blended with roasted marshmallow and vanilla. The shop is bright, welcoming, and complete with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it an easy stop whether on a hot summer afternoon or a casual evening.
Strawssoda – Batesville, AR
Strawssoda is all about small-town charm paired with big flavor. This Batesville favorite keeps prices low and menus packed with options, from fruity blends to classic soda flavors with a twist. Staff members are known for their patience and kindness, making the experience as enjoyable as the drinks themselves. Locals love how affordable it is, making it an easy go-to for families, students, or anyone craving something sweet.
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Busy Bean – Pocahontas, AR
Busy Bean combines the feel of a coffee shop with the playfulness of a soda stop, making it a community favorite in Pocahontas. Known for its excellent service and quirky menu, it serves everything from sticky bun coffee to creative soda-based drinks. Customers appreciate the friendly baristas, affordable prices, and cozy atmosphere. With its mix of sweet pastries, energy drinks, and fun soda creations, Busy Bean is a perfect stop for both locals and visitors passing through.
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Southwest Soda Pop Shop – Washington, DC
Tucked along the lively DC Wharf, this family-run soda shop is a charming throwback. The setting is outdoors with plenty of shaded seating, making it a relaxed stop while strolling the waterfront. Locals especially appreciate the friendly service and sense of community here, with young staff making the place feel fresh and full of energy. It’s a simple but satisfying spot that captures the joy of a classic soda stand.
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Rocket Gourmet Wraps & Sodas – Billings, MT
Rocket has been serving craft sodas and hearty wraps in Billings for more than 20 years, making it a beloved institution. The highlight is their homemade root beer, which is so good that the growler sells it. Pair it with one of their gourmet wraps, like the Ginger wrap, for a filling and flavorful meal. The décor is quirky and fun, the service is friendly, and the menu caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians.
Soda Retreat – Salem, UT
Soda Retreat is a Utah favorite where soda culture has taken root more than almost anywhere else. Drinks here come in endless combinations, with crowd-pleasers like the Taledega. Families love the wide menu that includes cookies, energy drinks, and ice cream, making it a one-stop shop for treats. The atmosphere is bright and cheerful, and the staff is known for being courteous and fast.
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Simply Soda – Harrisville, UT
Simply Soda may fly under the radar compared to bigger chains like Swig, but locals argue it’s just as good, if not better. The Harrisville shop offers a wide selection of sodas, energy drinks, and even protein shakes for a healthier spin. The menu is diverse and creative, and the service is consistently warm and quick. Affordable prices and a welcoming atmosphere make it a hidden gem worth seeking out in Northern Utah.
The Drip Coffee and Soda Pop Shop – Eden, UT
The Drip is a cozy spot in Eden that brings together soda and coffee lovers under one roof. The staff is famously friendly, often remembering regular orders, and the menu offers both sweet soda creations and comforting coffee drinks. Mexican hot chocolate and specialty sodas are standouts, but customers also love the welcoming, laid-back environment.
Crema Coffee & Soda – Salt Lake City, UT
Crema has become a go-to in Salt Lake City for those who want both coffee and soda in one place. The shop serves creative pre-set combinations along with customizable options, making it easy to build the perfect drink. Customers rave about the consistent service, quick turnaround, and tasty food options like breakfast croissants and pastries. The vibe is relaxed and cozy, ideal for a mid-day stop or casual hangout.
Sodalicious – Provo, UT
Sodalicious is a household name in Provo, famous for its playful menus and endless customization. Drinks come in every flavor combination imaginable, with clever names that keep regulars entertained. Prices are affordable, service is fast, and the cookies are almost as popular as the sodas. Hidden in a small storefront, the shop still pulls in steady crowds who come for both nostalgia and novelty.
The Franklin Fountain – Philadelphia, PA
Franklin Fountain is a trip back in time. Staff dressed in vintage clothing serve ice cream sundaes, floats, and sodas in a shop decorated with old-fashioned flair. It’s small, but the experience is big on charm. Root beer floats, homemade ice cream, and traditional Coke served soda fountain–style make it a destination for both tourists and locals. It’s more than just a soda shop — it’s a living piece of history in Philadelphia.
Lexington Candy Shop – New York, NY
Opened in 1925, Lexington Candy Shop is a true New York classic. This soda fountain and diner serves traditional Coke the old-fashioned way, along with classic American eats like burgers and club sandwiches. The vintage stools, retro décor, and nostalgic vibe make it a special stop in Manhattan. While prices reflect its Midtown location, the experience of sipping a Coke float in such a historic setting is worth it.
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