Growing up in Philadelphia, I didn’t have a shortage of great food around me. My beloved city is known for so many signature dishes, from cheesesteak to roast pork sandwich. But in my humble opinion, we are home to one of the most underrated milkshakes in the entire state.
Nifty Fifty’s was the place we all flocked to growing up. The ’50s-style diner was a genuinely unique gem in Northeast Philly. Not only did it have a fun theme, with retro decor and jukeboxes at every table, but the food was (and remains) some of the highest-quality and freshest in the city. They also have a large flavored soda bar that lets you customize your Coke with flavored syrups you won’t necessarily find on shelves.
But above all, the standout menu item is their insanely delicious milkshakes.
What Makes Nifty Fifty’s Milkshakes So Special
My best friend and I had a little tradition every time we went—we always ordered an Oreo milkshake and then picked a second flavor to try. Nifty Fifty’s does not skimp on sizes, so we’d ask for two extra glasses and divide them equally. There are over 100 flavors to choose from, ranging from classic black-and-whites to more adventurous options like green apple and blueberry cheesecake, so there was always something new to try.
The shakes are all hand-spun, with fresh ingredients added to give them a rich, textured variety—many of them rooted in hometown favorites. There are even flavors inspired by Tastykake treats, including Butterscotch Krimpet and Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes, along with seasonal specials Philly locals know and love.
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But don’t just take my word for it. The diner, which has been open since 1987, is a 10-time “Best of Philly” winner—not just for its milkshakes, but for its fresh food, too. Online buzz from platforms like Instagram and TikTok shows an unbridled passion for its sweet treats and classic comfort food offerings.
The diner also offers a bountiful breakfast, complete with fresh-squeezed orange juice and made-to-order dishes. By lunchtime, it shifts into classic greasy-spoon fare, with hand-cut fries and timeless burger options the whole family will love.
“Top tier. I love the burgers and cheese fries,” wrote one longtime customer in the comments of a popular review. “The nuggets are good too, but they have the best milkshakes…”
“Love Nifty’s, they never disappoint on the shakes,” wrote another.
“The staff here is super nice too! Great food and great service—I love going there,” added another.
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Currently, there are eight locations in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs, along with two in New Jersey and one in Delaware. While the business is open to franchise opportunities, it hasn’t compromised on its scratch-made ’50s standards or its extremely affordable prices.
These days, I’m living in central New Jersey and recently made the just-over-20-minute drive to treat my son to his first Nifty Fifty’s experience. From the ’50s-style paper hats they give you to the massive portions, it was absolutely worth the trip—and I know I’ll be going back as long as they’re open.
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.