The Charlotte 500, Lap 12: The Soda Shop, Davidson

The Soda Shop in Davidson is, I suppose, a step back in time, but I can't say for sure not having been around back in the days of soda shops and Wally and the Beav. In my mind, though, this is the type of place the Cleaver clan went for a treat on Saturday night.

The menu consists of nothing more complex than burgers and sandwiches. My patty melt was excellent, and so were the sweet potato fries (more like chips actually). Although the food was good, you really go to The Soda Shop for dessert - malts, phosphates, flavored cokes, shakes, black cows, or just a scoop or two of ice cream, made by DeLuxe Ice Cream just up the road in Mooresville. My blueberry shake was very good, but Tiff's black and white (vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup) was one of the best shakes I've ever had. On another visit I had a strawberry coke that was perfectly, deliciously blended.

The Soda Shop is at the edge of the Davidson College campus on Main Street, a Main Street which also seems to be right out of 1950s television. Photos of Davidson College Wildcats athletes take up most of the wall space, with a few vintage ice cream ads thrown in for good measure. Musically, The Soda Shop is also right on top of things. The soundtrack of our dinner included Bill Haley, The Chiffons, and, of course, Elvis, who even looks down on diners from behind the counter.

A visit to The Soda Shop, followed by a stroll up and down the block, is highly recommended.