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The time-travel milkshake: Nifty Fifty's
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The time-travel milkshake: Nifty Fifty's
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Nifty Fifty's, a five-outlet, family-run chain that opened its doors in 1987, harkens to the era before giant corporate conglomerates took over the American fast-food market.
The flat, old-school burgers are ground and shaped in their own on-premises butcher shop. French fries are hand-cut; glasses of orange and grapefruit juice, as well as lemonade, are squeezed to order.� The generous milkshakes are made from homemade ice cream and served to you in a frosty mixing tin, but they are not health food. Wholesome is a better word to describe both eats and atmosphere.
Families with multiple children, giggling teenagers working out their new licenses and cops breaking for lunch populate Nifty's Delaware County location, in Folsom, just off I-95. I grew up around the way, begging my mom to take me for a milkshake when I earned a quality report card.� We revisited our old favorites the other day � a Royal burger topped with an onion ring for her, chicken nuggets rolled in super-spicy "Pistol's Pete's" cayenne-heavy blend for me � and were pleased to find nothing changed.
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The milkshakes, just as they were 20 years ago, are dreamy. Choose from the standard menu of shakes (Choc-Cherry, Strawberry, Double Bubble, Coconut) or the amped-up exotics (Peanut Chew, Fluffernutter Cheesecake, Mint Oreo Chocolate Chip, et al);� the results are thick enough to stand up a spoon. New York egg creams, ice cream sodas and floats (from the World's Largest Soda Fountain, boasting more than 100 flavors), coffee-cup sundaes and pie a la mode round out the sweet selection.
Though tempted by the array of candy-enhanced shakes, I had to stick with my old standard: Black & White with fresh bananas, which still tastes like home. Adding authenticity to the retro vibe were the old-fashioned prices ... lunch for two, including a burger, nuggets, fries, two iced teas and two milkshakes, was $23.
Nifty Fifty's, five locations in PA and NJ, visit NiftyFiftys.com for more information and full menus.
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