The next time you’re in lower Manhattan in need of a sugar fix, stop by the Soda Shop. Stock up on the candy of your youth (at adult prices), like Lemon Heads and candy cigarettes, but have some comfort food first to appease Mom’s admonishing voice in your head.
My friend, who’s always up for a new place with a reasonably priced burger, ordered her usual ($7.95), and I got the crab cakes ($11.95). The service was leisurely, to put it mildly. While we waited, I checked out the charming surroundings—shelves stocked with assorted old timey tchotchkes, like cans of Moxie soda and Hires Birch Beer.
The burger came with American cheese, rather than the cheddar that had been requested, but it still got the thumbs up. My crab cakes were large, moist and meaty, with a generous salad and lots of avocado—a surefire way to win me over.
For dessert, we decided to take a hint from the prominent Ice Cream sign: my friend went with a sundae ($4.75), and I had a more modest bowl with only hot fudge ($3.50). The mint chocolate chip was excellent with enormous chocolate chunks. Lucky for me, and anyone else who doesn’t suffer from diabetes, Soda Shop’s got plenty of egg creams, shakes and cones (plus the occasional sandwich) to go around come summertime.
The Soda Shop, 125 Chambers St. (betw. W. B’way & Church St.), 212-571-1100
