I visted on April 5, 2019 with Cindi Walcott. We were on our way to the Heard Museum for the
Members’ Opening Reception and Preview of Color
Riot! How Color Changed Navajo Textiles. We were a little early because we didn't want to get caught in the rush hour traffic. We decided to go visit the MacAlpine's Soda Fountain.
History:
Imagine
Arizona back in 1929 – there was nothing but dusty roads and buildings were few
and far between. One of these buildings
was Birch’s 7th Street Pharmacy, where people could grab a drink
while waiting for their prescriptions.
In the 1930s a new owner came along and changed the name to Zimmerman’s,
before Fred MacAlpine showed up and took over in 1938. The diner will celebrate
its 90th birthday this year.
The
building once housed a grocery store and dress shop before becoming the famed
soda fountain it still is today.
Frequent customers from back in the day are familiar names like Barry
Goldwater and Frank Lloyd Wright.
The
wall of MacAlpine’s are a blast from the past, with memorabilia from the Rexall
pharmacy and soda fountain, historical photos and Coke signs. The servers are decked out in poodle skirts
and bowling shirts, and serving up favorites such as the clubhouse or
meatloaf. The pie case shows flavors
like cherry and naughty pecan – the pies are handmade; a few are the work of an
Amish woman who comes down from Indiana by train once a month to test out new
ideas.
There’s
also a vintage second-hand shop in the building selling antiques, clothing and
jewelry.
I
would say the history and the uniqueness are what drives the popularity of MacAlpine’s.
People come from all over to check out our shop and feel transported
back in time, “ said owner Monica Heizenrader.
When
it comes to food, MacAlpine’s has lunch covered and a variety of shakes, malts
and sundaes but the piece de resistance is 99 flavors of sodas plus 40 kinds of
ice cream sodas, each with its own clever name, like the Brady Bunch or the
Ruby Slipper.
We
ordered a root beer float for each of us.
It was served in this tall shake glass and a silver creamer on the side…it took us a while to figure out what the creamer was and what was in it. I had never been served that with a root beer float...it was extra root beer. I just loved that touch. Once we drank down the root beer we could add more to the
ice cream. Of course it was close to $14 for the two of
them. Yikes! But it was worth it for the visit...and to see everything in this historical Phoenix building.
MacAlpine’s
Soda Fountain
2303
N. 7th Street
Phoenix,
Arizona 85006
(602)
262-5545
