Milkshakes now appear on 5 percent of menus nationwide, according to trend- spotting Chicago research firm Food Genius. At many better burger chains, hip diners and full-service restaurants, these soda fountain treats have evolved into a canvas of creativity. Operators are attracting patrons by crafting one-of-a-kind concoctions, some with flavors that go way beyond vanilla, chocolate and even salted caramel. Customers are ordering milkshakes as snacks, desserts or beverages to complement a meal—all of which boost the check. For a few dollars more, places with a liquor license are spiking the shakes with booze.
SquareBurger
Philadelphia
The Cake Shake: Butterscotch krimpet, caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream; $5
Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream
Indianapolis
The Bear Claw Shake: Chocolate ice cream, caramel sauce and chocolate covered cashews; $5.55
Flip Burger
Atlanta
Burnt Marshmallow Milkshake with chocolate hazelnut cream; $5
BLT Burger
Las Vegas
The Lunch Box: Vanilla ice cream, peanut butter, grape jelly; $7
Ted’s Bulletin
Washington, D.C.
Apple Pie Milkshake; $6.49
Lunchbox Laboratory
Seattle
The Drunken Elvis: Vanilla ice cream, graham crackers, peanut butter, bananas, vanilla vodka, banana rum and Irish cream liqueur; $10
Holstein's in the Cosmopolitan Hotel
Las Vegas
Frozen Grasshopper Shake: Chocolate, peppermint, crème de menthe and chocolate vodka; $11
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
Greenwood Village, Colo.-based
Irish Beer Shake; $6.49
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