It's almost summer, folks. That means it's time for some summer love, which for me (until Zac Efron calls me back... he's just been busy, right?) means milkshakes. I always used to say that I don't believe in The One, but then the creamy, dreamy goodness of a milkshake turned my life upside down in a way Zac's baby blue eyes never could.
I bet you want a milkshake right about now, right? Well, in order to help everyone's pursuit of true love, I've ranked the best places to get a milkshake in Charlottesville below. While I do have favorites, I'd like to preface this list by saying that any milkshake from anywhere will leave you more lovestruck than a Nicholas Sparks couple on some beach in North Carolina.
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7. Five Guys
Five Guys is an easy choice if you've just failed an exam and need to drown your sorrows in liquid happiness. Five Guys has a better selection of flavors than some, but their fruit flavors could be improved and it lacks the charm of a local place. Their shakes have a good consistency, but don't feel quite as decadent as I'd like. Still, I can't think of a better way to spend leftover plus dollars than on a shake and fries.
Best shake: Chocolate Salted Caramel
6. Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's lets customers make a milkshake with any flavor(s) they choose. This can yield magical desserts, but it's also overwhelming to have so many choices. B&J makes a quality milkshake with a good balance between thickness and drinkability, but they're an ice cream shop first. I miss the uniqueness that a national chain cannot provide. Still, their inventive ice cream serves as a tasty base to a wonderful milkshake if you feel a little too healthy after grabbing Panera at Barracks.
Best shake: Your favorite flavor of ice cream (they have SO many options)!
5. Coldstone Creamery
I have never understood why more UVA students don't go to Coldstone when they have an ice cream craving. You can put any flavor base and mix-ins you want into a milkshake. I don't find this as overwhelming as all of B&J's flavors because I can pick exactly what I want to add and nothing more. That said, their simple strawberry milkshake is my favorite. While the shake might be a touch too thick, something about seeing them scoop real strawberries in with the smooth ice cream and nothing else enhances the wholesome deliciousness.
Best shake: Strawberry.
4. Cookout
Cookout is probably the most popular place to grab a milkshake in Charlottesville, and with good reason: they make big portions with lots of options for probably the lowest cost on this list. Their flavor mixing options are without equal, although the shakes feel too thick for me. I feel like I'm eating two pints of ice cream, not sipping on a drink made with milk in addition to ice cream. That said, Cookout ranks high on this list because it's a place where friends gather and make great memories. Also, hush puppies.
Best shake: Mint Chocolate Chip
Close second: Heath Toffee
3. Chick-fil-A
I know Chick-fil-A might seem a little high on this list, especially compared to Cookout, and it would be if it weren't for the peach milkshake. I know some might find this flavor weird, but peaches are my favorite fruit, so I am quite biased. All their other flavors are good, but the peach milkshake has a thick, rich vanilla flavor with peaches big enough to see but just small enough to slurp up through your straw. Order it with your chicken nuggets for a southerner's heaven.
Best shake: Peach. Obviously.
2. Boylan Heights
While many students think of Boylan as a bar first, their food is actually great! They have some inventive shake flavors, like red velvet and Nutella, in addition to the classics, providing the perfect compromise between too many and too few options. Their s'mores milkshake is incredible. Plus, it's topped with toasted marshmallows! Come on. Also, Boylan's college-themed sports bar vibe gives it the best environment of any of the establishments on this list. So next time you head to Boylan to watch the Hoos, do yourself a favor and order a milkshake instead of a beer. You won't regret it.
Best shake: S'mores
1. Zinburger
Zinburger really had no competition on this list. In addition to having delicious food (try their zucchini fries if you're feeling "healthy"), they have the best milkshakes in town. As if serving up the tallest and prettiest milkshakes of the bunch wasn't enough, Zinburger's milkshake options include fancy flavors like the Bars of Zin (chocolate ice cream, Kit Kat and Nutella) and Creme Brûlée, plus classics like Cookies and Creme and Double Chocolate with top quality ingredients (think Ghirardelli chocolate and Madagascar vanilla bean).
They also have fun seasonal flavors! I have tried most shakes on the menu and loved them all way too much. They're the perfect consistency (a spoon is optional, but not needed), they come with house-made whipped cream (a nice dollop, but not too much) and each flavor contains a blend of different ingredients and textures to form a dessert in its own right. If you only get one milkshake during your time in Charlottesville (although if you do only get one, I'll judge you a lot), get it from Zinburger.
Best shake: TIE: Chocolate Mint or Salted Caramel (ask your server to make it with chocolate ice cream)
I'm sure I've missed some great places on this list, so feel free to comment your favorite spots so I can try them!
