It might be “Fall” ya’ll, but Summer is still sweltering on here in Hotlanta. Keep your cool by treating the tots (and yourself!) to one of the city’s most mouthwatering milkshakes. From classic chocolate to gourmet salted caramel versions, read on for the shake down on Atlanta’s must-have milkshakes.
Morelli’s
It doesn’t get much better than Morelli’s. Over 200 ice cream flavors are available to choose from, each homemade with fresh, gourmet ingredients. Children enjoy tried and true faves such as chocolate and vanilla, while their Salted Caramel has elevated the shop to a whole new level. More adventurous tots might try an exotic shake, such as their Indian Kulfi flavor.
Details: 749 Moreland Ave., 404-622-0210; 4515 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, 770-454-2207; 1220 Caroline St., 404-584-2500; www.morellisicecream.com
Googie Burger
Googie Burger doesn’t have the extensive milkshake flavor selection of some other shake places, but the quality of their shakes more than makes up for it. Located by the fountain in the park, Googie Burger is a great family-friendly option to cool you to the core with a milkshake. Everything is made from scratch, and their recipes use organic ingredients. Order up a PB & J shake for the kids, or go traditional with their Peach milkshake. Order up a burger and fries while you’re at it, then sit back and enjoy the sunshine in the park!
Details: 190 Marietta St. (in Centennial Park), 404-223-4664, www.googieburger.com
Zesto Atlanta
Zesto Atlanta has been a staple in Atlanta for as long as most people can remember. Although they serve food items in addition to ice cream and milkshakes, their ice cream options are what continue to make Zesto’s famous. They make their milkshakes the old fashioned way, ensuring a thick and creamy shake that’s sure to please. The retro-style dining room is a throw-back to a simpler time, and sure to impress even hard to please kids. Try a Wild Cherry milkshake, or go traditional with a Strawberry shake.
Details: 544 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-607-1118, www.zestoatlanta.com
Yeah! Burger
Everyone can find something at Yeah! from gluten free and other allergen free food options (no to mention a bar). Their menu is also clearly labeled, putting parents of allergic children at ease. Milkshakes are created with High Road Craft all natural soft-serve ice cream that is produced in Atlanta from local, hormone free milk, cage-free eggs, and organic sugar. Your kids will appreciate slurping their way through Cookies and Cream to Peanut Butter Cup. While they’re busy with their shakes, try an adult friendly flavor like the French Roast Mocha.
Details: 1168 Howell Mill Rd., 404-496-4393; 1017 North Highland Ave., 404-437-7845; www.yeahburger.com
Farm Burger
Farm Burger is hailed for its quality burgers sourced from local farms that only raise grass fed beef. But Farm Burger also offers a range of awesome sides and beverages complementing those incredible burgers perfectly, including a variety of inventive milkshake flavors you don’t see on the menu at McDonald’s. Get a Banana Pudding milkshake with graham crackers, the Lemon Pie milkshake with house whipped cream, or the Chocolate Cherry Malt.
Details: 3365 Piedmont Rd., 404-816-0603; 410 W Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-378-5077; 4514 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, 770-454-220; www.farmburger.net
Flip Burger Boutique
Flip Burger Boutique may be a bit on the fancy side for most kids, but their milkshakes are divine. Flip Burger Boutique is the brainchild of Richard Blais, winner of Bravo’s Season 8 of “Top Chef All-Stars.” In addition to gourmet burgers and sides, the milkshakes are just as inventive and made with care. Kids will love the Krispy Kreme, Cap’N Crunch, or the Nutella and Burnt Marshmallow, which is like a s’more in a cup you could drink down like water. Adults should enjoy the Key Lime, or go out on a limb and order a Foie Fras shake.
Details: 1587 Howell Mill Rd., 404-352-3547; 3655 Roswell Rd., 404-549-3298; www.flipburgerboutique.com
OK Café
OK Café is an Atlanta staple, serving more customers than any other full serve eatery in Georgia. Traditional and malted milkshakes are practically a celebrity in Atlanta, and are referred to as a Milkshake and a Half for their extra-large size and thickness. They’ve got a fun, satisfying and totally addictive flavour and texture making it difficult to stay away from.
Details: 1284 West Paces Ferry Rd., 404-233-2888, www.okcafe.com
Rita’s Ice
Rita’s Ice offers a unique twist on the milkshake by making their shakes with their Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard. They serve them up thick and topped off with whipped cream and a cherry on top, just like a respectable old-fashioned milkshake should look. Forget the traditional chocolate and vanilla, instead savor Rita’s Fruity Pebbles and Vanilla, Oreo Cookies N’ Cream, Heath and Vanilla, or Peanut Butter flavors.
Details: 931 Monroe Dr., 404-817-6617; 3530 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, 770-986-9335; www.ritasfranchises.com
Steak ’N Shake
Steak ’N Shake has been around for the last 80 years, but it still makes our list despite its national chain status. It’s created an impressive array of milkshake options in that time, and might even have the most extensive milkshake menu in the Atlanta area. It also boasts a special kids’ menu, with kid-sized milkshakes at a reduced price. Classic Milkshakes come in flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry. Side by Side Shakes offer a choice of combining any two individual flavors, with one flavor down one side of the glass and a second flavor down the other.
Details: Click here to find a location nearest you. www.steaknshake.com
Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand
Despite the name suggesting that Delia’s serves nothing but sausage, it’s actually one of the best places to get a milkshake in Atlanta. Everything on the menu is hand-crafted and locally sourced. Delia’s only makes one type of shake, the Cake Shake, but they do it so well it doesn’t need any company. The Cake Shake is created with 2% milk, inverted sugar, and Madagascar vanilla. Please try this at home. Customers choose from chocolate chip, red velvet, or the flavor of the day cupcake that gets blended directly into the shake.
Details: 489 Moreland Ave. SE, 404-474-9651, www.thesausagestand.com
Who do you think serves the best shake in town? Tell us in the comments section below!
—Susan Finch
Photos courtesy of Walt Jabsco on Creative Commons via Flickr, Andy N., Tracy E., Janene H., Mary E. via Yelp, Rita’s Ice, Steak n’ Shake and Delia’s Chicken Sausage via Facebook
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