Apartment Dining: The Soda Pop Shoppe
Written by Grace Baines
Walking in the door I’m greeted with a cheerful “Welcome to the Soda Pop Shoppe!” and the laughter of the patrons. The interior is a funky mix of 1960’s meets art student. Old music videos play on a screen in the corner and chalkboards boast an impressive diner menu. The other diners seemed to all know one another as conversation melded between tables and over the counter. It gave the whole restaurant an old, small town feel. It made me instantly feel at ease and welcome into this little slice of historic Savannah.
The menu holds all of the usual suspects from a burger joint: hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches and an impressive array of fountain drinks. They also have a small ice cream counter for frozen sweets. Known for their creative burgers and hot dogs the shop boasts of many fans from far and wide. Good reviews are hung on the walls between art pop movement photos. I personally have been on a bit of tuna salad kick lately and tucked into a truly tasty sandwich. Other patrons enjoyed the daily special burger.
“Everyday we have a special burger with different cheeses, and fixings,” explains Willie Chavez, the boss behind the counter. “We make it anyway you want, like it would be at home.”
Overall my favorite part about the diner was the environment. The staff was exceedingly funny and friendly, making me feel very welcome and I could tell this was one of those places where all the patrons knew the staff and each other by name. Everyone was having a good time, laughing, and enjoying good food. A few of the other patrons struck up a conversation with me and gave me an inside look at the friendly style of the shop.
The location makes it a prime place for locals, tourists and students located on Bull Street directly across from the CVS pharmacy. This location makes it perfect for a quick bite between classes or an on-the-go order if sticking around isn’t an option. The service was fast and friendly and they will happily wrap anything you don’t finish to go. The price is appealing to students as well, with very few dishes above five dollars for a sizable serving of food.
The Soda Pop Shoppe is going to become a favorite in the warmer months, as a club sandwich and scoop of ice cream will become more and more appealing. But for now, knowing there’s somewhere to grab a quick bite in a friendly setting is more than enough for me. Next time you’re on Broughton Street looking for a good lunch spot, give them a try!
