Check out the milkshakes at these Victoria eateries
Say the word “milkshake” and it conjures images of drive-in restaurants and poodle skirts, a classic bite of Americana (or Canadiana) right up there with burgers and fries. But you don't need a time machine to indulge in this frosty favourite; there are plenty of places today right here in Victoria. From reliable vanilla to wacky jalapeno with a shot of alcohol, here's a look at who’s shaking things up.
The Soda Shoppe
801 Government Street, Victoria BC V8W 1W8This Victoria favourite has the lineups to prove it, but at least you have a lovely view of the parliament building across the street while you wait. Enjoy an authentic old-fashioned milkshake made with locally made Island Farms hard ice cream, milk, syrup and a glorious crown of whipped cream. Choose from tempting flavours like Vanilla Bean, Double Chocolate Extreme, Caramel Cloud, Strawberry Dream and Old Fashioned Root Beer. For an extra dollar you can add malt powder to transform your milkshake into a malted, or bananas to turn it into a "chimp."
John's Place Restaurant
723 Pandora Ave, Victoria BC V8W 1N9With the tag line "Real Food at Real Prices," John's Place has been satisfying Victoria diners for decades. Specializing in classic comfort foods done right, popular menu items include Mile High Apple Pie, Belgian Waffles and Eggs Benedict. And what self-respecting classic diner wouldn't tempt guests with a selection of rich and creamy milkshakes? Vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, espresso and butterscotch milkshakes complete the John's Place dining experience. For those who'd rather float than shake, they’ll transform any soft drink into an ice cream float as well.
Big Wheel Burger
341 Cook St, Victoria BC V8V 3X8Retro in its homage to the classic burger joint, but modern in its focus on sustainability, Big Wheel Burger is a big hit with locals and tourists alike. The food here is created with high-quality local and free-range ingredients and served by a warm and friendly staff. A combination of real milk and ice cream makes for sweet and delicious shakes with unexpected, but delicious, flavours such as pomegranate, Cap'n Crunch and Fruit Loop.
Pluto's
1150 Cook St, Victoria BC V8V 3Z9Looking for an out-of-this-world, old school diner experience? Then you're looking for Pluto's. Built in a former gas station, this long-running restaurant has a fun, retro vibe. In warmer weather, hang out on the spacious patio and enjoy a frosty milkshake. Choose from the classic chocolate, vanilla and strawberry or the more adventurous espresso, maple bacon and jalapeno. For an additional $0.75 you can add an extra flavour and for another $3 you can throw in a shot of liquor!
Marble Slab Creamery
1150 Douglas St, Victoria BC V8W 3M9Indulge in a custom milkshake creation at the only Victoria location of this popular chain. With more than 50 flavours of ice cream to choose from and 20 optional mix-in toppings, the possibilities are endless. Fancy a pina colada and Snickers shake? Go for it. Or maybe a red velvet, banana and gummy bears shake? Of course, straight-up vanilla is always a safe bet as well.
Beacon Drive In Ltd
126 Douglas St, Victoria BC V8V 2N9Opened in 1958, this iconic Victoria restaurant has proudly resisted change to continue delivering new generations fresh, quality classics like breakfasts, burgers and shakes. Choose from a variety of 12 milkshake flavours, including chocolate, strawberry, banana, root beer, licorice and crème de menthe in small or regular size. Hungry? You can add a milkshake to any combo meal for an additional $2.50/$3.
Interactivity Board Game Cafe
723 Yates St, Victoria BC V8W 1L6Board games and milkshakes may sound like strange bedfellows, but they're the perfect match at this popular cafe. In addition to the hundreds of games available to play in-store or purchase, this cafe also makes its own ice cream, fresh daily, to create some of the city's most beloved milkshakes. You can go for the classics or try something new, a London Fog, Chai, or Salted Caramel, perhaps? Shakes are $5 each and it’s $5 to stay and play board games as long as you like ... that's a lot of value for just $10.
Mr Tubb's Ice Cream Parlor & Family Fun Zone
3454 Tillicum Rd, Victoria BC V8Z 4H3Forty-eight flavours of ice cream with a side of nostalgia await at this fun local favourite. Treat the kids, or yourself, to a cone or shake while you play the vintage arcade games on-site. Tokens can be exchanged for fun little prizes, but the real winners are the guests who indulge in the rich and creamy milkshakes. Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, it's difficult not to have a great time at Mr. Tubbs.
