OPINION – Soft drink lovers take their soda-sipping very seriously.
Whether you drink it on the daily, or save it it for special occasions – it’s no secret that some bubbles rise above the rest.
While I encourage you to drink plenty of water, I have to admit certain foods just taste better with soda. However, since not all coke or Pepsi products taste the same, I hit the town with the ultimate taste test determined to discover the best soda spots St. George has to offer. From fast-food to buffets, here’s my round-up of the top 10 places (in no particular order).
1. Swig
Styrofoam cup? Check. Fresh limes? Check. Pebbled ice? Check. Make it dirty (add coconut flavor)? Check.
Need I say more? This obvious choice has all the bells and whistles for cola connoisseurs. Although every customer is encouraged to have fun with the flavors, I usually stick to my drink of choice – a Diet Coke with a hint of lime.
When I want to mix it up, I order the wild (Mountain Dew with mango puree), the bloody wild (Mountain Dew with strawberry + mango), or the raspberry dream (Dr. Pepper with raspberry puree + coconut cream).
2. McDonald’s
Trust me. I’m a big fan of supporting everything local. But in order to be fair, I have to be honest.
McDonald’s has a good thing going when it comes to their soft drinks. You can get any size for $1, and 9.9 times out of 10 I drive away 100 percent satisfied with the taste.
It’s not just personal preference here – McDonald’s is known for paying close attention to their beverage systems. It’s a combination of proper filtration, perfect temperatures, and prechilled syrup and water that allow their product to always achieve a gold standard.
They even go as far as having a slightly wider straw, so all your tastebuds get rewarded. Well done, Mickey D’s.
3. Tom’s Deli
I’m a regular at this lunch spot, and it’s not just because of their fresh subs and to-die-for potato salad.
Typically, I’m a water-with-a-lemon-girl at lunchtime, but Tom’s Deli has irresistible fountain drinks. Their pebbled ice is unlike any other, and somehow achieves a frosted-mug taste in a paper cup.
It’s the little things that make a big difference.
4. Chuck-A-Rama
This all-you-can-eat buffet happens to serve over 40 soft drinks, and includes both Coke and Pepsi products in the lineup. •everyone cheers• They are also one of the few places that serves the Utah native nonalcoholic Apple Beer on tap.
But it’s not just their wide selection of soda (and amazing scones) that add them to the list. Among other things, cleanliness is a huge factor when it comes to taste, and Chuck-A-Rama performs routine maintenance daily on every soda machine.
In other words, I’d go back for seconds if I were you.
5. Taco Bell
This is partially because McDonald’s only serves Coke, so I didn’t want to leave out my Pepsi people. But it’s mainly because Taco Bell is the only place you can order Baja Blast (tropical lime Mountain Dew). It’s life changing!
Taco Bell currently offers a “happier hour” featuring $1 medium drinks and freezes from 2-5 pm every day. (Limited time only.)
I don’t always drink Pepsi products, but when I do – it’s usually Baja Blast.
6. Slurps Up
If you’re looking for a hip place with free wifi, hit up slurps up. (Just be sure you have the “cool” surfer lingo down first.)
You’ll be ordering things like the gnarly dp, cowabunga, and rip tide. Don’t stress, they will translate!
They too, offer both Coke and Pepsi products. And styrofoam cups. And pebbled ice. Which is totally radical, dude.
Side note: Their real Italian gelato is the same gelato that is served at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. So you should probably/definitely order a scoop or two while you’re there!
7. Cafe Rio
I have two words for you: Vanilla Coke. Enough said.
8. Fabulous Freddy’s
Fabulous Flavors. Fabulous Prices.
Serving both Coke and Pepsi, you can delight in a 32 oz styrofoam cup of sunshine for only $1. Be sure to top it off with a freshly-cut lemon or lime!
9. Sonic
With 1,392,085 fountain drink and slush combinations, Sonic is always a refreshing option.
I like to do things differently here and order either the cherry limeade or their exclusive Ocean Water. Take your best friend during happy hour (2-4 pm) and enjoy two drinks for the price of one.
10. Judd’s General Store
Did you even question whether or not this historical store would make the list?
Of course not. Because old-fashioned soda served in a chilled glass bottle always deserves to be recognized!
Especially when you can pair it with the most famous breadsticks in town, also making Judd’s a lovely lunch destination.
Cheers!
Resources
- Swig | Website
- McDonald’s | Website
- Tom’s Deli | Facebook
- Chuck-A-Rama | Website
- Taco Bell | Website
- Slurps Up | Facebook
- Cafe Rio | Website
- Fabulous Freddy’s | Website
- Sonic | Website
Ali Hill is an opinion columnist. The opinions stated in this article are her own, are not influenced through any advertising agreements with St. George News, and are not representative of St. George News.
Do you know of a business that deserves to be on the “A-List?” E-mail your suggestions to [email protected]
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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.
Now that’s a great article. You are talking my language. I have to tell you that McDonalds is my favorite. The best Diet Coke in St George. This is followed by Fabulous Freddies. Both places give a high quality drink, for a buck. It don’t get any better than that. I don’t like a lot of ice. It dilutes the caffeine.
The fountain drink addiction is way out of hand. Everybody is overweight and has diabetes. Not to mention teeth are rotting out of some folks heads. Go ahead wait in line for 30 min until you get a soda. Some of you people if dehydrated would die of thirst before you even got fluid in you. Here is an idea…DRINK SOME WATER!
Here’s a better idea shut up nobody cares what you think… you must be related to twin the twit
Zonker, you’re in a bad mood today. What’s up?
zzzzzz… You are somebody who waits for soda and you cared. so please get angry. It only feeds the beast. GO FALCONS!
WHEW! I’m scrolling down the list, saying quietly to myself that if Judd’s is not on the list, then I’m filing a formal complaint with management… 😀 You nailed it. Pop is not on my everyday drink list, but these places are tops when you really want a good soda. Nice job.
My #1 is Splash at Fabulous Freddy’s on Bluff because I can get cinnamon Coke.
I think the city should have free soda squirting out of the splash pads to match the skittles raining from the skies around the carousel
KOOLAID. careful I’m sure that whiner Josh cry baby Dalton has a problem with skittles too. I guess he still lives in his mother’s basement
Nope, the reality is I just rolled over to your mother this morning and she made me breakfast. She told me to let you know the new expansion pack for World of Warcraft just came out. so you can leave your best friends couch to go pick it up. don’t forget to stop at Swig on your way. NANA NANA BOO BOO …. GO FALCONS!
Ed. ellipsis.
LOL
why not beer?
hahahahaha, thanks for the laugh! I needed that today!
Wooooooohoooooo going to go get me a soda…… hey Josh make 7 up yours. LOL
I drink Coke. Out of a can. Without a straw. LIKE A MAN!
I want to be the reporter that gets assigned to do a story about the best places to get a beer in St. George……that’s if you like 3.2 beer. I’ll still take the assignment. 🙂
Joyce, you have my contact info. 🙂
You Forgot Dutchmans/Cravings in Santa Clara! We have both coke and pepsi products, tons of flavored syrups, pebble ice, styrofoam cups and awesome people. You can also get the famous pink sugar cookie to go with your soda!
They also have a beer cooler in Dutchmans now!!! Its the coldest in town!
That stuff should be mixed behind a Zion Curtain.
What’s with the “dirty”? Adding MORE sweetness to a drink (often diet) makes no sense.
This is best places in St. George, not Santa Clara!
The difference between a good Mormon and a bad Mormon is the temperature of their caffeine.
LOL
What the favorite flavor of Koolaid around here?
I believe it’s cherry, the color of the blood of Christ.
Who the heck calls it “soda pop” anyway?
Rubes and backwater hicks?
(Oh, yeah, it is St. George. Never mind.)
I suggest anyone who patronizes Swig to go look at the filthy conditions inside of the store. How the health department hasn’t shut them down yet, (Emphasize yet) is beyond me. If you don’t believe me take a look for yourself. YUCK.
You forgot Rocket Fizz!!!! We have over 360 flavors of old fashioned AND new sodas in our store!!!
Where is Rocket Fizz?
Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop is in the Promenade at Red Cliffs, 245 Red Cliffs Drive, Suite 6, St. George, UT 84790
My wife likes Swig. not sure why, over priced and the sugar cookie gets thrown away every time. McDonalds $1 large diet coke is the best value and flavor for my money. throw in a small fry and life is good. For Diet Mtn Dew in cups the size of my head is Maverick.