Soda lovers, rejoice!
We’ve found you a happy place in Los Angeles.
Galco’s Old World Grocery in Highland Park has over 750 different types of sodas from all over the globe.
Craving something fruity from Australia? They’ve got it.
Thirsty for an alcoholic soda from Germany? No problem. They even stock 75 different types of root beer.
Wandering through the store, you pass through a rainbow of sodas in every color imaginable, almost all of them in glass bottles.
Are you a soda aficionado who wants to really up your game? Try these soda-specific glasses.
With so many choices, it’s easy to get caught up trying new things, but owner John Nese says a lot of his store’s business comes from people who want to rediscover their childhood favorites.
Luckily, Galco’s specializes in sourcing sodas from local independent bottlers all over the country. So if you grew up in Detroit and you’re jonesing for a Faygo Red Pop, they’ve got you covered. Same goes for Chicagoans like myself who just want a good old Green River.
I was feeling adventurous, so I tried a Mr. Q. Cumber — and I have to say it totally surprised me. I never would have imagined that a cucumber soda would taste so refreshing and crisp.
What: Galco’s Old World Grocery
Why go: For more varieties of soda than you could possibly imagine, sourced from independent bottlers all over the world.
Where: Galco’s is located at 5702 York Blvd. in Los Angeles’ Highland Park neighborhood.
When: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also order their merchandise online.
Fun fact: Galco’s has a “soda creation station” where you can create your own soda flavor. You can set the carbonation level, pick out your flavors, and cap and label your own bottle.