Back in the good ole days, date night or a friendly outing often included bellying up to the bar of soda fountain counter at popular drug stores, complete with a classic ice cream soda glass, a tall and gleaming stainless steel cup with remaining cold goodness and multiple straws. What could be better? Boozy milkshakes.
Since almost everything's improved by adding alcohol, these fountain creations have gone from classically wholesome to spiked sweets, worth every calorie and maybe even a potential hangover. That's why we wrangled the best places throughout the Mile High City and a little outside of the metro area too so you can get rowdy with your milkshakes on a night off.
Note: The places highlighted here are listed in alphabetical order. If we skipped your favorite shake, please share your intel with us in the comments below or by sending us a message via the tipline.
A walk down the 16th Street Mall can work up a heck of an appetite. Step off the mall and into the Pavilions where 5280 Burger Bar serves up simple, but really, really good burgers. And with homemade 5280 Ice Cream to cap off the meal, you won't want to mix the Shaketini's that come in a variety of flavors, from the caramel affogato to the Pina Colada, the nilla nilla, and more.
This buzzing chain serves up imaginative burgers with gourmet toppings, hand-cut fries and other delicious sides. If you're still hungry, don't miss the shakes, any of which you can request be spiked. As far as the menu staples go, try the Mud Slide, Orange Creamsicle or Irish Cream. And don't forget to ask about the monthly shake specials.
Shakes are hand-crafted before your very eyes at Crave, with only the finest of ingredients from cheesecake to brownies and bacon, of course. The Siberian or Bananas Foster are favorites and are available at all locations.
In this perfectly preserved space of the historic Union Station, the ice cream shop – designed to look old fashioned – is located in the former barbershop adjacent to the Grand Hall. On the list of boozy shakes try the 1881 with butterscotch and bourbon, the burning clocktower, with chocolate, orange and tequila, the dignitary with coconut, almond, fudge and rum, and the mizpah, with strawberry and vodka. Or, if you're feeling original, mix any of the 16 ice cream flavors on hand with bourbon, tequila, rum or vodka.
From its modest Platt Park roots, Park Burger has grown into a phenomenal casual hangout with multiple locations that dish out boozy shakes. The Irish Cream Shake and the Mudslide Shake are both for visitors 21 and up.
At this popular adult play place with a stepped up menu, the adult milkshakes are not to be missed. The three on the creations on the menu include the Malted Maple Royal, with maple whiskey, malted milk, vanilla soft serve, nutmeg and candied bacon; The Milk-Xologist #2, with branch meant liqueur, vanilla soft serve and whipped cream; and the B.B. Alexander, with infused brandy, salted caramel, banana, vanilla soft serve, and topped with whipped cream.
Return the classics and comforts of yesteryear at the two Denver locations of Steuben's. Their boozy milkshakes fit the menu filled with old school American regional cuisine, and range from the grasshopper to the double double with Jim Beam, vanilla syrup, malt and vanilla soft serve.
Restaurateur Troy Guard named this neighborhood burger joint after his English Bulldog. Belly up to the bar and enjoy a high-quality burger, some traditional, some more creative, and one of the boom boom shakes – two of which have childhood nostalgia mixed in with Cap'n Crunch berries and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
If you find yourself in Colorado Springs, try out Play at The Broadmoor. The menu is designed to be whimsical and fun, with retro Americana flavors – from burgers and hot dogs – to global cuisine – try the shish kabobs and sushi. On the beverage side of the menu, don't miss the Premium Shakes for those who are 21 years and old. There's the perfect batter ice cream with vanilla rum and sprinkles, or the S'mores shake with Frangelico, whiskey, chocolate ice cream, graham cracker and marshmallow fluff, worth every calorie.
There are always seasonal shakes at this burger spot next to Union Station. This fall, the Butter Pecan Shake is available in a kid-friendly NA version or with a generous measure of Dancing Pine Spiced Rum for a boozy kick. Expect housemade warm-spiced vanilla ice cream laced with ribbons of sweet butter pecan syrup and topped with Hopdoddy’s own candied pecans to achieve a perfect crunchy/smooth texture. Topped with whipped cream, this shake is a tipsy treasure.
A walk down the 16th Street Mall can work up a heck of an appetite. Step off the mall and into the Pavilions where 5280 Burger Bar serves up simple, but really, really good burgers. And with homemade 5280 Ice Cream to cap off the meal, you won't want to mix the Shaketini's that come in a variety of flavors, from the caramel affogato to the Pina Colada, the nilla nilla, and more.
This buzzing chain serves up imaginative burgers with gourmet toppings, hand-cut fries and other delicious sides. If you're still hungry, don't miss the shakes, any of which you can request be spiked. As far as the menu staples go, try the Mud Slide, Orange Creamsicle or Irish Cream. And don't forget to ask about the monthly shake specials.
Shakes are hand-crafted before your very eyes at Crave, with only the finest of ingredients from cheesecake to brownies and bacon, of course. The Siberian or Bananas Foster are favorites and are available at all locations.
In this perfectly preserved space of the historic Union Station, the ice cream shop – designed to look old fashioned – is located in the former barbershop adjacent to the Grand Hall. On the list of boozy shakes try the 1881 with butterscotch and bourbon, the burning clocktower, with chocolate, orange and tequila, the dignitary with coconut, almond, fudge and rum, and the mizpah, with strawberry and vodka. Or, if you're feeling original, mix any of the 16 ice cream flavors on hand with bourbon, tequila, rum or vodka.
From its modest Platt Park roots, Park Burger has grown into a phenomenal casual hangout with multiple locations that dish out boozy shakes. The Irish Cream Shake and the Mudslide Shake are both for visitors 21 and up.
At this popular adult play place with a stepped up menu, the adult milkshakes are not to be missed. The three on the creations on the menu include the Malted Maple Royal, with maple whiskey, malted milk, vanilla soft serve, nutmeg and candied bacon; The Milk-Xologist #2, with branch meant liqueur, vanilla soft serve and whipped cream; and the B.B. Alexander, with infused brandy, salted caramel, banana, vanilla soft serve, and topped with whipped cream.
Return the classics and comforts of yesteryear at the two Denver locations of Steuben's. Their boozy milkshakes fit the menu filled with old school American regional cuisine, and range from the grasshopper to the double double with Jim Beam, vanilla syrup, malt and vanilla soft serve.
Restaurateur Troy Guard named this neighborhood burger joint after his English Bulldog. Belly up to the bar and enjoy a high-quality burger, some traditional, some more creative, and one of the boom boom shakes – two of which have childhood nostalgia mixed in with Cap'n Crunch berries and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
If you find yourself in Colorado Springs, try out Play at The Broadmoor. The menu is designed to be whimsical and fun, with retro Americana flavors – from burgers and hot dogs – to global cuisine – try the shish kabobs and sushi. On the beverage side of the menu, don't miss the Premium Shakes for those who are 21 years and old. There's the perfect batter ice cream with vanilla rum and sprinkles, or the S'mores shake with Frangelico, whiskey, chocolate ice cream, graham cracker and marshmallow fluff, worth every calorie.
There are always seasonal shakes at this burger spot next to Union Station. This fall, the Butter Pecan Shake is available in a kid-friendly NA version or with a generous measure of Dancing Pine Spiced Rum for a boozy kick. Expect housemade warm-spiced vanilla ice cream laced with ribbons of sweet butter pecan syrup and topped with Hopdoddy’s own candied pecans to achieve a perfect crunchy/smooth texture. Topped with whipped cream, this shake is a tipsy treasure.
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