Damn right it’s better than yours
No doubt you’ve seen the signs: the construction in the Baltimore Room, the Twitter updates, the unmistakable purple posters scattered around Stamp Student Union with a cow and the hashtag “MooChainz.” It’s almost time for the Dairy to reopen.
Though many students are excited to try the unique ice cream flavors the Dairy promises, there is fierce competition brewing in the world of iced treats.
When the Dairy opens its doors to the hungry masses, it will no doubt have to put its best flavors forward to compete with other College Park milkshakes. But what area restaurant has the best milkshakes?
Of course, you are the ultimate winner, because you can’t go wrong with a shake. Still, these establishments are all in the running for the best milkshake in College Park:
Chick-Fil-A
Every day, I see students on the campus carrying around that familiar red and white Styrofoam cup. And it’s hard to blame them: Chick-fil-A’s milkshakes are perhaps the purest example of what a milkshake should be. They are the perfect texture: thick but not so thick you strain your cheeks trying to drink it. They’re sweet without being too rich, and who can resist the fluffy whipped cream and cherry on top? It’s the perfect all-American shake at a price that won’t break the bank.
Of course, some students have sworn off Chick-fil-A after the company’s stance on same-sex marriage became public. There are other delicious shakes in College Park for those who don’t want to sacrifice their morals for taste, and with the Dairy opening soon, it seems like Chick-fil-A won’t be milkshake king of the Stamp food court much longer.
Cold Stone Creamery
It’s perhaps the best-known ice cream chain in College Park, or at least the ritziest. Located by Domino’s, Chipotle and Noodles, it’s hard to walk by the store and resist the decadent treats in the window.
Though the chain is best known for its hand-tossed servings of ice cream, Cold Stone also has milkshakes for those who would rather slurp than spoon their ice cream. In terms of quality, the milkshakes are a cut above the rest. Using the rich Cold Stone ice cream, the shakes are remarkably thick and sweet. The Oh Fudge! milkshake is Cold Stone’s answer to traditional chocolate and tastes fancier and richer than your average chocolate shake.
However, the price matches the quality at Cold Stone. While the Route 1 location is offering student discounts and a milkshake happy hour on weekdays until 5 p.m., a typical “Like It” (small) shake at Cold Stone goes for $5. If that’s a bit too pricey, you can always opt for a $3 shake during happy hour. Happy hour or not, a Cold Stone shake is an unbeatable way to treat yourself — if you can afford it.
Bobby’s Burger Palace
Nothing screams “burger place” like a burger, fries and a shake. It’s the oldest combination in the book. But Bobby’s Burger Palace isn’t content to be just a typical burger joint. Besides its selections of gourmet burgers, shoestring fries and delectable sauces, its shakes are not to be ignored.
From the exquisite dark chocolate shake to the black and white shake, Bobby’s refuses to settle for the routine choice between chocolate, strawberry or vanilla. You can even add a dollop of homemade whipped cream or have your milkshake malted, and those 21 and older can order a spiked milkshake for a few dollars more.
But this luxury comes at a price. A basic milkshake at Bobby’s is $5 for a relatively small drink. Though it’s rich and filling, it’s hard not to feel a bit disappointed given the cost. But that’s what you can expect from Bobby’s: gourmet shakes at a gourmet price.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
It might come as a surprise that sandwich chain Potbelly also carries milkshakes. The milkshakes are easy to overlook: The Route 1 shop only carries a handful of flavors, including vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and Oreo.
But in this simplicity, Potbelly excels. Its shakes are light and tasty compared to some of College Park’s richer shake offerings. Though the shakes are small, they’re well priced — a shake from Potbelly is only about $3 and is the perfect portion that satisfies without being too filling.
The best thing about shakes from Potbelly has to be the little cookies they put on the straw. It’s a small touch, but it makes the shake that much sweeter.
