In the bustling, kaleidoscopic landscape of New York City, there’s a burgeoning subculture devoted to the fizzy allure of soda. Nestled amidst street carts and upscale eateries, soda shops and artisanal soda makers capture the imagination with their effervescent concoctions. Here are ten sodalicious venues spread across various neighborhoods, each offering more than just a refreshing sip – they’re experiences unto themselves.
1. Brooklyn Soda Works
Address: 601 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Contact: (718) 965-0990
Website: www.brooklynsodaworks.com
In the heart of Park Slope, Brooklyn Soda Works enthralls aficionados with a seasonal selection of artisanal sodas crafted from farm-fresh ingredients. Vivid and unpretentious, these effervescent beverages are a far cry from the mass-produced giants of the beverage industry. The floral notes within their lavender soda or the tart tang of ginger-lime can evoke memories of warm summer days, all while championing local farms.
2. Sweet Science
Address: 236 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022
Contact: (212) 888-1111
Website: www.sweetscience.com
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Sweet Science melds the nostalgia of childhood with a sophisticated twist. This establishment’s unique chemical concoctions explore flavors not typically found in soda, like basil and cucumber. Each sip seems to tell a story, an alchemical journey evoking the great expectations of urban life. Their whimsical approach turns carbonation into art.
3. Popbar
Address: 5 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 400-1500
Website: www.pop-bar.com
At Popbar, located in Greenwich Village, the concept of soda transcends the ordinary. Here, fizzy soda merges with hand-crafted gelato pops, providing a tantalizing treat for both the tongue and the eye. The gelato pops, infused with exotic flavors such as espresso and mango, create a multi-layered sensory experience that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light.
4. Fizzy Lifting Drinks
Address: 341 E 1st St, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (646) 679-0596
Website: www.fizzyliftingdrinks.com
With an homage to the whimsical world of Willie Wonka, Fizzy Lifting Drinks whisks guests away with colorfully cased bottles of soda. Their imaginative combinations like honey elderflower or vanilla bean cream aren’t just beverages; they spark creativity. This Lower East Side gem captivates soda enthusiasts eager to relive childhood dreams while engaged in a quest for gourmet creations.
5. Brooklyn Craft Soda
Address: 226 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Contact: (718) 389-6400
Website: www.brooklyncraftsoda.com
Located in the pulse of Williamsburg, Brooklyn Craft Soda embodies a true philosophy of craftsmanship. Each soda is a celebration of quality ingredients, often celebrating local fruit. The intriguing experimentations with flavors like hibiscus and rhubarb induce a delightful sense of adventure, creating a connection between taste and the surrounding community.
6. Liquor Lab
Address: 122 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Contact: (212) 226-5069
Website: www.liquorlabs.com
While often celebrated for its mixology classes, Liquor Lab’s unique blending of craft sodas into cocktails exudes a nonlinear take on beverage enjoyment. Situated in the flower district of Manhattan, their inventive soda pairings with artisanal spirits elevate simple refreshment into a curated experience. Each drink is a lesson in the alchemy of flavors.
7. Sarah’s Sodas
Address: 143 N 10th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Contact: (347) 762-9199
Website: www.sarahssodas.com
Set against the backdrop of the bustling Williamsburg neighborhood, Sarah’s Sodas surprises with its welcoming atmosphere. Here, the focus is on family-inspired recipes that have been passed down through generations. The careful balance of sweetness and carbonation recalls nostalgia while pushing the boundaries of flavor, creating connections to both past and future.
8. Wunderbar Soda
Address: 204 E 4th St, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (646) 601-9375
Website: www.wunderbarsoda.com
At Wunderbar Soda, the eclectic East Village vibe reflects in the playful drink offerings. Featuring unique combos like cherry-lavender and classic root beer, the inviting store bursts forth with energy. You feel part of a jovial and witty experiment, one where each sip revels in the delight of discovery.
9. Craft Sodas by Grace
Address: 1457 S 1st St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Contact: (718) 384-8599
Website: www.craftbygrace.com
Moving to the eclectic landscape of Bushwick, Craft Sodas by Grace embodies ingenuity. This family-run shop places emphasis on organic, ethically sourced ingredients, ensuring each carbonated drink provides a guilt-free quench. Known for robust flavors like ginger brew and sweet tangerine, Grace’s sodas challenge perceptions, bridging the gap between artisan craftsmanship and everyday indulgence.
10. Ginger House
Address: 243 E 116th St, New York, NY 10029
Contact: (212) 749-0881
Website: www.gingerhouse.com
Last, but certainly not least, is The Ginger House in East Harlem, specializing in delectable ginger-infused sodas. Situated in a neighborhood rich with cultural diversity, this shop is more than a beverage stop; it’s a gathering place where people from all walks of life come to celebrate flavors that evoke passion. The earthy warmth of its sodas intrigues the senses, offering a poignant taste of home for the community.
In conclusion, the plethora of innovative soda shops scattered throughout the vibrant neighborhoods of New York City provides an enriching and flavorful landscape for enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. From artisanal creations using local produce to revolutionary blends that tickle the taste buds, these venues showcase a deeper appreciation for the craft of soda-making. Upon each visit, patrons are invited to experience something beyond refreshment—an opportunity to engage with the essence of community through spirited flavor exploration.
