Share and Follow
Some friends of mine believe certain foods taste better when enjoyed inside a car (of course, as the passenger, because driving while eating a Big Mac is not advisable). Among the top contenders for the best drive-thru indulgences, milkshakes stand tall as a favored choice—but which ones deserve both your money and calories? The finest milkshakes are crafted from high-quality ingredients, with real ice cream or soft serve being the key component. Here are seven fast-food restaurants that craft scrumptious shakes using genuine ice cream.
In-N-Out
In-N-Out offers chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry shakes, all made with authentic ice cream. There’s also the option to try the Neopolitan shake, which combines all three flavors in a single cup. According to one Reddit user, “The Neopolitan milkshake is undoubtedly the most delightful purchase you can make for $3.17. With great milkshakes comes great appetite… I’ve put on ~5 pounds since I started enjoying them again about two weeks ago lol.”
Potbelly Sandwich Works
Potbelly’s shakes are crafted with delicious real ice cream. “Omg yesss their shakes are SO good 😍 I used to grab one every time I visited, definitely a craving now!” one Redditor revealed. Another commented, “Best sandwich chain in that category. Their cookies, bacon quality, soup, and milkshakes surpass Jersey Mikes and Penn Station.”
Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets shakes are made with real ice cream, and available in a variety of flavors from the classic chocolate/strawberry/vanilla to Oreo Cookies & Cream. “Been a long time but I think I enjoyed the milkshake more than anything else,” one fan said. The chain also has a vegan shake made with cashew-based ice cream.
Sonic Drive-In
The Sonic Strawberry Shake is made with creamy vanilla soft serve, real strawberries, whipped topping and a cherry. The Oreo Peanut Butter Master Shake is also a big fan-favorite menu item with milkshake-lovers.
Steak ‘n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake‘s “irresistible” shakes are made with real ice cream topped with whipped cream and a cherry. “I love their burgers, fries and shakes. Good food at a good price when you compare them to other fast food,” one Redditor said.
Smashburger
Smashburger‘s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Shake is made with Häagen-Dazs ice cream and cookie dough pieces. Fans can also choose from a variety of other flavors like banana, chocolate, and cookies and cream, all of which are made with the fan favorite Häagen-Dazs ice cream. The chain says every single milkshake is handspun (and clearly delicious).
Bruster’s
Bruster’s uses real ice cream in every single shake on the menu. “At Bruster’s we stand behind the handcrafted magic of drinkable desserts like a classic Bruster’s shake. Our milkshakes are made with the same skill and care you’d find at your favorite diner. You’ll notice the difference with your first sip,” the company says.
