Sample a selection of sodas in this informal tasting at Galco’s Soda Pop Stop in Los Angeles’ historic Highland Park – walk down the aisles of this old-time “grocery store” and you’ll be surprised and amazed at the flavor depth of more than 500 kinds of classic, small-batch, exotic sodas!
Sodas from all over the world can be found at Galco’s – brewed from Brazil to Jamaica, from Germany to Australia – as well as traditional brands that use original recipes with cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup/corn sugar. Sodaphiles can find flavors as diverse as cucumber, coconut and rose petals as well as traditional colas, ginger beers and sarsaparillas that are brewed by hard-to-find smaller bottlers.
After a visit to Galco’s and meeting owner John Nese, you will never look at a mass-produced and mass-marketed soda the same way again!
In addition, try out the revolutionary, do-it-yourself Galco’s Soda Creation Station where there are literally a million possible soda combinations. A first for the soda pop market, the Creation Station invites soda lovers to choose a mixture of flavors from 80 syrups, add carbonation strength, mix and then cap and label a 12 oz. bottle. The new area is perfect for families, birthday party goers, sodaphiles and creative culinary DIYers.
Galco’s is devoted to the art of soda pop and supporting the small businesses behind each bubbly drink, Galco’s features sodas along with old-tyme candies, craft beers, spirits, ciders, and its famed “Blockbuster” deli sandwich.
Beginning in 1897 as an Italian grocery store, Galco’s changed “flavors” when son John F. Nese took helm of his father’s store in the early 1990s and lined the shelves sodas from small businesses. With a mission to support small soda makers, Galco’s motto is “Freedom of Choice” which mirrors Nese’s determination that customers have the right to choose from more than just a handful of mass-produced, big-business selections.
Galco’s Soda Pop Stop is located at 5702 York Boulevard, LA CA 90042.
To learn more visit www.sodapopstop.com or www.galcos.com.
Photos copyright Martha Benedict.
