A Spot Only the Locals Go :: Check Out Old Town Slidell’s Soda Shop
It’s not often there’s a “Worth the Drive: Slidell” post, but hear me out: Old Town Slidell’s Soda Shop.
I’ve lived in the good ole “Dirty Dell” (only we get to call it that) since I was in kindergarten, and many of my happy childhood memories involve the “Soda Shop.” I remember playing the pinball machines over and over again, counting tickets, just so I could go the register and trade them for a pack of candy cigarettes and a jawbreaker!
But of course, my favorite part was/is the homemade ice cream. There are some constants in rotation, but every time I go there’s a new flavor to try! Today I went and sampled their purple “Flower Power” — a honey lavender ice cream that I must say was delicious. All three of my daughters literally screech in excitement whenever they peer through the glass and see a bright pink tub staring back at them; a sure sign that the in-demand “Unicorn Poop” flavor is back.
Not in the mood for ice cream? No problem — how about a milkshake? A malt? Ice cream soda? A snowball? Pretzels, cotton candy, popcorn? They’ve got all of that — and whatever freshly made baked goods are in the window that day (cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, Rice Krispies, etc.). They also serve real food if that’s what you’re looking for: po-boys, burgers, chicken and waffles, fries, and more.
Now that I’ve enticed you with the menu, let’s talk about the atmosphere. It’s an entirely retro diner — checkered floors, vintage toys, collectible/one of a kind ice cream scoops hang from the tin ceiling, records decorate the walls above the old, red leather booths. The music usually involves some sort of 1950s-1960s top hits, but if you’re in the mood for something else, grab a few quarters and pick a different tune from the jukebox!
After you’re done eating in the retro booths/stools and admiring the décor, trade your cash for quarters and get to playing in the arcade. Pinball machines are the most popular, but you’ll also find racing cars, moving horses, the claw machine, and fishing games, among others.
Afterwards, go out the back door of the arcade which leads you to a screened in porch with a few more games. If you exit the porch, you’ll find yourself in a quiet little garden area filled with giant oak trees, stringed lights, water fountains, and a small gazebo perfect for outdoor snacking and visiting.
Hidden behind the giant oak tree and gazebo is a little lending library filled with books to be traded out — free to anyone. I say “hidden” for two reasons: one, you really can’t see it unless you walk through the patio/garden and look for it and two, it’s not a small little box that says “library.” It’s actually quite large because it’s a …. TARDIS.
Yes, you read that correctly. And with it’s doors shut, you’d have no idea that you can actually open it and find books inside! This is definitely my daughters’ favorite part of our visit to the Soda Shop – picking out a book! Today we came home with a book all about dinosaurs, one about autumn/fall, and a third about a spider’s diary (so cute!). Next time we go (we go often), we’ll be sure to bring three books of our own or return the ones we took to the TARDIS.
And if you still need some more adventure, on the other side of the Soda Shop is a mini golf course! Currently only $8.00 a person, you can pay and get your clubs at the Soda Shop register and then play to your heart’s content. It’s a bit a hot out there right now, but come fall, it’s going to be a regular activity for us!
So if you’re looking for a quick day trip with the kids and you’re tired of the same old, same old, then pack them up in the car and make the thirty-five minute drive from New Orleans to the Old Town Slidell Soda Shop. You could easily spend two to three hours there alone! Plus, you’re in the heart of Slidell, where most of our local boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and bars are located–and you don’t need to drive around to explore them. Most of us locals walk from our surrounding neighborhoods to Old Town, or park in one spot for the day and meander the beautiful streets. Please don’t be shy — we’d love to have you!
