MacAlpine’s Soda Fountain

Phoenix, United States

4.2

Closed now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 602-262-5545
Address:
2303 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ, 85006
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.5 miEncanto / Central Blvd
0.8 miN Central Ave & McDowell Rd
0.8 miThomas / Central Ave
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
Yes
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Good For
Lunch
Parking
Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Casual
Noise Level
Average
Alcohol
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Wi-Fi
No
Has TV
No
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
No
By Appointment Only
No

Today

Today 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Phoenix) 21:54 Saturday, 31 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Step back in time at MacAlpine’s! Enjoy a homemade lunch or dinner and decadent ice cream creations seven days a week. Our menu included salads, sandwiches and burgers plus 99 flavors of soda. My favorite lunch would be our Sloppy Joes or Vegetarian Sloppy Sues and in the evening, our Meatloaf Dinner. My favorite dessert is the Velvet Elvis Ice Cream Soda… Red Velvet Soda and Vanilla Ice Cream-​even better than red velvet cake. Afterwards, you can shop til you drop in ourAntique and Retro Store andVintage Clothing Boutique. See why Rachel Ray named MacAlpine’s as «The» Place to Shop in Phoenix. We have tried to create a fun, unique experience and we hope you love MacAlpine’s as much as we do!

History

Established in 1929.

Birch’s 7th Street Pharmacy opened over 80 years ago at this location with a soda fountain inside. Mr. MacAlpine took over in 1938. If the walls could talk, they could tell a rich history of times gone by. Throughout the years, MacAlpine’s customers have been a Who’s Who of Arizona… Barry Goldwater, Frank Lloyd Wright, Wayne Newton to name a few… along with the young kids that saved a nickel from their paper route or babysitting job to get their favorite flavor of ice cream. And the high school sweethearts that had their first date at MacAlpine’s. They split a malted which would of set them back a whole dime!

When the pharmacist and his wife retired in 1991, MacAlpines became a restaurant. My family bought MacAlpine’s in 2001 to save it from being pieced out on EBay. In our effort to «keep MacAlpines going», we opened an Antique and Retro Store next door six years ago. Our latest endeavor is our Vintage Clothing Boutique.

Meet the Business Owner

Monica H.

Business Owner

My name is Monica Heizenrader. I have owned and operated MacAlpine’s for the last ten years. I grew up in the Midwest-​Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The old fashioned feel of MacAlpine’s is what I found so endearing. History is my passion. The first time I walked through the door at MacAlpine’s, I felt like I had stepped into 1929.

MacAlpine’s is a family owned business. Not many locally owned-​Mom and Pop businesses around anymore. My kids grew up working behind this counter. The stories I could tell! It is because of my darling daughters that we offer a pickle soda. I think it tastes as terrible as it sounds. I may not serve you a pickle soda, but I hope you have a fun experience at MacAlpine’s! Monica Heizenradermacalpinesphx@​gmail.​com

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20 reviews of MacAlpine’s Soda Fountain

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Place rating: 4
Phoenix, AZ
MacAlpine’s has such a great old school diner feel, it’s like a nostalgic blast from the past in the heart of Phoenix. The ice cream is BOMB. I got a salad and my friend got a sandwich and they were just fine, nothing special but not horrible. Service again was fine, not great but not horrible. I would come back here for a dessert though, any day!
Place rating: 5
Mesa, AZ
Such a cute store and restaurant. The food is beyond fabulous. Amazing sodas and ice cream too. :) We love this place.
Place rating: 5
Phoenix, AZ
One of the most charming and unique spots in town! Its only real competitor might be 5 & Diner, but the beauty of MacAlpine’s is that it is a genuine, original soda fountain, operating for over 70 years. This place is the real deal, and we’re so happy it is still here in Phoenix after all these years.
You can’t beat the selection and quality of ice cream sodas, malts, floats, sundaes — even the unusual egg creams and phosphates! You’ve gotta try one once, just for the experience. The food is quite good — our favorite menu item is the hot pastrami on rye, which comes with a pickle and a side of potato chips or some very good coleslaw. This pastrami is one of my favorite versions of the sandwich in town, I prefer it even over Miracle Mile Deli and Chompie’s, which are both excellent.
The adjoining antique shops are small but cool and always have interesting new goodies and vintage clothing.
Place rating: 3
Phoenix, AZ
I think its safe to say, you come to this place for the vibe, and experience, not the food. I’ve been coming here on and off for a few years, and it basically is the same experience each time. The food is just okay, the service is just okay… the pricing is average and so are the desserts (at least from what ive had). It truly is the history of the place, and its darling decorations that keep me coming back. Unfortunately, that has nothing to do with my appetite, and since I cant just go in there to hang out and escape 2016, I have to order something.
You could spend hours looking at all of the items they have, in the front shop and the vintage clothing part… its just so neat to take a step back, and forget that your right off 7th st in the middle of rush hour. Do I think its worth experiencing? Yes. Do I crave their food? No. Honestly, I only come here when they do a groupon. Because unfortunately there are many many places nearby that have way better food, and service. They just cant offer the inside this place does. Its worth stopping in, but not sure its a place I could ever be a regular out, unless the up’d the menu.
Place rating: 1
Phoenix, AZ
I have no picture to add because the waitress didn’t let us stay. As we walked in, the young girl gave me nothing but the stank eye. Because I was holding a bag of Chick fil-​a. I *do* understand that we shouldn’t have outside food, however, I explained to her that the 4 y/​o won’t eat anything but chicken nuggets. In my defense, I tried calling MacAlpine’s prior to arriving to ask if they had chicken nuggets but no one picks up the phone. And the menu isn’t online.
Nonetheless, I believe In supporting local business and the other 2 children (and me) were ready for dinner. I had talked this place up to the kids prior to entering but She rudely said we weren’t allowed inside with the food. It’s hard to be with children and some times some of us need a little slack. I won’t be back there as the food is mediocre and the ice cream is eh. Thanks for nothing Mac. (In disclosure, had the waitress not been so rude I wouldn’t have written this review. Service matters.)
Place rating: 4
Phoenix, AZ
Fun vintage shopping and soda shop atmosphere. Sandwiches, burgers, salads, pies, soda pop, ice cream. Plenty of options that will leave you satisfied and not like you ate poor quality diner food. Try the Malibu chicken sandwich with the spring mix or potato salad if your really hungry and not worried about calories. Try a vanilla coke if you want a good sugar buzz!
Place rating: 4
Scottsdale, AZ
Authentic early 20th-​century soda fountain, authentically friendly staff, seriously yummy sandwiches and the best soda I’ve ever had! From the street, I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I’m glad that I finally ventured on in… There’s a little clutter amidst the antiques and nicknacks but don’t let that deter you (it’s all kind of fun to peruse after you’ve indulged in a sundae), it’s a tasty if not sentimental experience, they’ll be sure to make you feel welcome, and you’ll be glad that you stopped in (and they have lots and lots and lots of ICE CREAM in there, which is all you really need to know).
Place rating: 4
Phoenix, AZ
Great diner food, ahhh-​mazing potato salad, too many sodas to count — Italian, French, egg crème, phosphates, ice cream, sundaes YUMMMMMM
Place rating: 5
Phoenix, AZ
Had a James Dean soda ice cream and that’s my next favorite desert that I have ever tried!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Finding MacAlpine’s is fairly simple as it’s located on the corner of 7th and E. Oak. There’s a small parking lot on the side of the building off of Oak st. When you first walk in you might think to yourself, «Whoa, this place serves food?» And yes, my friend they certainly do. Once you get passed the trinkets and other items you’ll find an original old fashioned soda bar, several booths, and dining tables. The décor is a cluttered arrangement of vintage 1920’s and 30’s memorabilia.
The staff was very friendly and helpful with answering my questions about the many creative ice cream soda creations available. They use hand scooped ice cream and flavored sodas created the same way it was in the late 1920’s. I have to admit it made for one of the, if not the best, ice cream sodas I’ve ever had. Yes, it was really that good.
For my menu choice I opted for the chef’s special that day which happened to be a meatloaf sandwich. Served on toasted wheat bread, with fresh tomato, lettuce and a slight bit of mayo. The meatloaf itself was packed full of flavor. Although a little softer in texture than I usually prefer, I couldn’t stop eating until my plate was clean. Even though I ordered a side of coleslaw and got potato salad instead. I was truly not disappointed. The potato salad was to die for. I wish I could order more and have it shipped home.
If you’ve made it this far in my review, give yourself a treat and head to MacAlpines. There’s a 10 lb sundae called ‘The Legend’ waiting for your challenge.
Place rating: 5
Garfield Heights, OH
If your in Phoenix you have to come here. Incredible atmosphere and killer food. So many flavored of shakes, sodas and freezes it baffles the mind. Real home made burgers and good cole slaw that’s not to sweet or too tart.
But seriously back to the shakes and freezes. I had a Chocolate Root Beer shake with my burger and after dinner a black cherry freeze. Both great!
The crew here was wonderful. Very friendly and it felt like I was a regular on my first visit
There is also a complete antique shop to look over. I am coming back anytime I am in Phoenix.
Place rating: 5
Phoenix, AZ
The best, ice Cream Shop with
historical Stories and Hauntings, Place of entertainers, singers, movie stars, and The Best Ice cream and Ice Cream Sodas and. Hidden past and future Stire. Mimic and staff are amazing, buy the Calendar!
Place rating: 5
Scottsdale, AZ
MacAlpine’s, established in 1929, is a Phoenix treasure. It was still an operating pharmacy and soda fountain as recently as 1991, at which time the pharmacy side of the business surrendered to new era competition. Fortunately, the soda fountain remains.
I’m awarding five stars, partly out of annoyance with snarky one and two star reviewers unaware of the spot’s historical significance, but mainly out of love for MacAlpine’s ice cream concoctions. Moreover, how can you not award five stars to the establishment where Wayne Newton was discovered in 1962? Note to the one and two star reviewers: Wayne Newton is an American singer and entertainer who is best known for his 1963 hit song Danke Schoen and more recently as a surgically enhanced Las Vegas headliner.
I must confess that I’m not a huge fan of the food at MacAlpine’s. How often do you read that in a five star review? Let me clarify. The menu is fine, but why would you want to risk eating a Sloppy Joe and not leaving room for a sundae? Another note for prospective one and two star reviewers: The ice cream at MacAlpine’s is not hand crafted. It’s basic ice cream, served in a manner consistent with the tradition of a soda fountain. Just as it should be. If you want Sweet Republic or Churn like flavors, go to those establishments and please don’t write a negative review for MacAlpine’s.
MacAlpine’s is amazingly kid friendly. Also friendly for anyone else who still has a little bit of kid within. There are roughly 100 flavors of soda from which to choose. One hundred!!! Want a sundae instead? How about Bears at the Beach, a Carousel or Dirt & Worms? They also have a variety of sundaes that cater more to adult tastes (if you must). Or instruct the waitress construct the customized treat of your dreams. The location on Seventh Street is an ideal stopping place before or after a downtown trip to the Science Center, a Dbacks game… Note to one and two star reviewers: Sure, there is a lot of dusty and worn old stuff on the premises. Just remember, you too will one day be old and worn if you’re lucky enough to make it over 80 years (and it wouldn’t be polite to point it out to you). I suggest you travel back in time and embrace MacAlpine’s quirky nature. Be sure to budget a little extra time to enjoy the antique/​vintage/​retro store located on the premises as well.
Place rating: 4
Phoenix, AZ
Oh, I’m sure you’ve visited a handful soda shops and diners that are strategically spruced up to give the illusion that they’re retro. Well, with Macalpine’s, there’s no illusion. It’s legitimate. I mean, the place has been in business since 1929, which is quite a testament in a modern-​obsessed city like Phoenix. In fact, I’m not sure much has been done to the place in terms of renovations, as the business itself both looks and smells its age.
I’ll be honest, the food here isn’t really anything to write home about. The toasted cheese (my personal favorite) and the generously gigantic club sandwich are good, but I can’t say much about their burgers and dogs. If I only cared about food, my rating would be lower. But we don’t come here for the food — we come here for the sweets! More specifically, the drinks.
You can request an egg cream or a phosphate. Do you kiddies know what those are? They’ll be happy to explain them to you, if not. But the delicious ice cream sodas are the reason for our repeat visits. There are many combinations worth trying, most notably the Velvet Elvis, Bozo, German Chocolate, Hubba Bubba, or even your own sugary concoction. There’s also a variety of sundaes all made using Thrifty ice cream, but we’ve never quite made it that far.
In addition to the actual restaurant, there’s also a thrift store that sells various used items. I’ve never bought anything, but always like looking around. An archaic dentist chair, cigarette machine, and old school irons. I consider the place an homage to a time when home appliances weren’t all made out of plastic. There’s also a room entirely dedicated to clothing, which I often imagine is where kids take their grandparents’ wardrobes after they die.
Service is always good, prices are fair, and you’re unlikely to find another place quite like this in Phoenix. I recommend trying it out!
Place rating: 5
Phoenix, AZ
I have been coming to MacAlpine’s for about 10 years, maybe more. I go with my girlfriends for a fun lunch, I go with my husband and we take out of town guests here. The antiques are great, the people are great and the food is so comforting.
This most recent visit my friend and I ordered a Reuben and Sloppy Joe and each had half of the other’s sandwich. It’s all so good we couldn’t decide! I also had a praline soda. That decision took me forever because they have so many fun flavors to choose from.
My sandwich was perfect — and I am from New York. I know Reubens! The Sloppy Joe was tasty and just a little sweet. I love everything they make.
The servers are always sweet and polite. We really enjoy that they wear all 50’s style outfits and keep this fun, throwback atmosphere in the place.
Place rating: 5
Roseville, CA
I took my kids here for icecream and had the best time ever! I ended up buying some really cool jewelry and the kids loved the food and wandering around looking at antiques. Our server was actually the owners daughter. She was very nice and friendly and helped direct us a little around town.
I highly recommend everyone stop by and enjoy!
Place rating: 2
Laveen, AZ
Love the place-​food was okay.
I had a great visit here. The place has a lot of unique antique items. Worth the visit if you love old items. They even serve the old pops. The thi g about it is I was thinking the food would be as good as the atmosphere. Well no. The food was okay food but not something that I would say I am thinking of getting any anytime soon.
The server was nice but took sometime for us to be served.
Would not comeback. I was really looking forward about this place.
Place rating: 5
Phoenix, AZ
Well, I was originally going to give this place 3 or 4 stars but I decided to give it 5 because of the «luck» it brought me.
So I’ve passed this place many times on the way home from work and I’ve always wanted to go in. I did not realize it was a little soda shop attached to an antique store. The waitress told me to sit wherever. There was the typical soda fountain style counter and then also a medium-​sized area with dining tables including booths.
The menu consist of a bunch of sandwiches and some other simple things. I asked my waitress what is the most popular and she said the Reuben. So thats what i got! It came out promptly with potato salad and a pickle on the side. It was SO good. I finished up my meal and instead of the waitress giving me a check she said «so apparently an old friend from high school already paid for your meal so you can go whenever you want.» It was so bizarre. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before! Especially not in Phoenix because I went to school in Long Island, NY.
Anyway, what a strange afternoon. Luck? Pay it forward? Someone just being generous? Someone mistaken me for someone else? I guess I will never know.
Place rating: 4
Phoenix, AZ
Well I was grumpy and frustrated when I got here… I wasn’t even planning on coming here. I drove past it, as I’ve done a million times before, then came back when I realized my original lunch destination is closed on Mondays. As I was driving to my second lunch destination, I drove past this place again and decided to stop in. And I am so glad I did. I love the ambience. I had to do a double look around when I first walked in… «What year am I in?» I ordered some water while I read through the menu. She brought me a cup without a straw… At first I was upset but then I noticed the old school straw container on the table. I giggled. I really giggled. Within minutes, my spirits were lifted.
Then I saw the menu. Ice cream. Soda fountain drinks. Soda with ice cream. My inner child was jumping with joy. I got squirmy. I couldn’t decide what I wanted. I want it all! I want it all NOW mommy! Oh wait, mom’s in CA… And I’m 37 years old… But I still want it all!
I ordered a bacon cheeseburger and old fashioned strawberry shake. The burger was pretty good. But I sat on the bench, swaying side to side, dancing in my seat to the oldies playing on the speakers, while sipping on my strawberry milkshake. I’m in love with this place. And it has such a rich history. I’m going to tell everyone I know about this place. I can’t wait to bring my 7 year old Godson here.
Place rating: 4
Sacramento, CA
I had an uncontrollable urge for an old fashioned soda so Unilocaled «soda fountain drinks» in the area. MacAlpine’s popped up with some good reviews. From the outside we would never have walked inside!
This antediluvian restaurant/​coffee shoppe is really pushing the limit on dirty vs nostalgic. The wait staff were dressed in mismatched outfits, grungy socks and shoes. The shelves in the restaurant itself are packed full of ageless classic memorabilia. It was fun to sit and let your eyes wonder over everything ~ almost overwhelming. We’re talking «out of control packed»!
Walking in we really did not know if we were in the right place because you don’t walk directly into the restaurant. There are technically three rooms that cross in the center room which is the restaurant. Each of the side rooms are small and hold antiques, clothing, furniture pictures and misc. items.
Our waitress was friendly and service was OK. I had an old fashion soda with lime syrup, vanilla ice cream and a shot of phosphate. It was refreshing. The hubster had a tuna melt and a root beer shake. There is plenty on the menu to please any palate.