There's nothing more Americana than the sweet, frosty treat that is the milkshake. Flavor profiles are endless when it comes to the famous companion to the burger and fries. Whether your tastes tend to lean to the simpler side with the subtle flavor of a plain vanilla milkshake, or you like to take your palate to the next level with innovative frozen creations and creative toppings, you're in luck. We have rounded up a list of the 12 very best milkshakes in Washington (in no particular order) to entice your taste buds and fulfill your ice cream dreams!
1. Shake Shake Shake - Tacoma
Located in the heart of Tacoma's Stadium District, Shake Shake Shake, with its horseshoe milkshake bar and retro décor, is a modern take on the old-school diners of the past. They serve all the classic milkshake flavors, but their signature shakes with decadent flavors of Almond Roca, Banana Brulé, and Cold-Brew Coffee, will really have your mouth watering.
2. Huff N Puff - Randle
There's no mistaking the bright primary colors of the Huff N Puff but it's the classic diner fare that keeps folks coming back again and again. For more than 40 years, Huff N Puff has been serving delicious burgers, fries, and tasty shakes to the people of Randle. You'll have plenty of choices with more than 20 regular milkshake flavors and seasonal options.
3. Lefty's Burger Shack - University Place
Reminiscent of burger shacks on the California coast, Lefty's Burger Shack has a cool surfer vibe and amazing milkshakes. For a flavor explosion, try a peanut butter milkshake paired with their famous fried pickle chips.
4. Nutty's Junk Yard Grill - Arlington
With flavors like Oreo Cookie, Orange Creamsicle, and Chocolate Davinci, you can't go wrong. Nutty's Junk Yard Grill is a nostalgic diner with a vintage service station theme and creamy, old-fashioned shakes.
5. The Big Apple Diner - Bremerton
The Big Apple Diner is a classic 50s-style eatery with more than 20 flavors of hand-dipped shakes. Choose from the menu or mix and match for your own signature milkshake.
6. Cougar Country Drive-In - Pullman
Family-owned and managed, The Cougar Country Drive-In has been serving classic diner fare and frosty milkshakes to locals and WSU alumni for nearly 50 years. In addition to their tasty shakes, Cougar County serves a frozen Cyclone in a yummy variety of flavors.
7. Big Bubba's Burgers - Allyn
This roadside, locally-owned diner has been serving the people of Allyn since 1966. Known for its iconic red and yellow sign, and luscious shakes, Big Bubba's is one drive-in you don't want to miss.
8. Mary Lou's Milk Bottle - Spokane
If Mary Lou's unique milk bottle building isn't enough to draw you in, the deliciously decadent shakes will. Where else can you get a River City Sludge milkshake served inside a landmark building shaped like a giant bottle of milk?
9. Miner's Drive-In - Yakima
Miner's Drive-In has been slinging old-fashioned American comfort food since 1948. Miner's is a popular eatery but their specialty milkshake flavors like Chocolate Caramel Latte, Pina Colada, and Banana Cream Pie are definitely worth the wait.
10. Shug's Soda Fountain - Seattle
Do you like your milkshakes a little boozy? Nestled in the heart of Seattle's historic Pike Place Market, you'll find the sweetest little soda fountain around. In addition to classic milkshakes, Shug's Soda Fountain features a line of boozy grown-up shakes and delicious ice cream cocktails.
11. Owl Soda Fountain & Gifts - Wenatchee
A Wenatchee landmark since 1926, you'll feel like you just stepped into the past when you walk through the doors of Owl's Soda Fountain & Gifts. There's nothing like sitting on a classic diner bar stool and ordering an old-fashioned milkshake served in a decorative glass (with extra milkshake in the metal blender cup). At Owl, you can indulge in classic and malted shakes, as well as ice cream sundaes and floats to your heart's desire.
12. Pick Quick Burgers - Fife
If you've ever driven through Fife, you've likely seen Pick Quick Burgers. This classic drive-in has been an area landmark since 1949. USA Today named Pick Quick one of the 51 Best Burger Joints In The Country and The Best In Washington State. We can't deny that their burgers are great, but their creamy shakes are exceptional. Pick Quick also has locations in Auburn and Sodo.
If you're in the mood for a milkshake, you can't go wrong with any of the ones listed. Can you think of any we missed? Let us know in the comments.
If you like classic fare in a vintage setting, check out one of Washington's oldest restaurants.
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