I've loved the Santa Monica Pier, especially Playland forever and ever. My husband said that maybe, just maybe, if I'm on my deathbed, he will go with me and let me play the games that cost between
$3 and $5 a pop so that I might win one of those hideous stuffed animals. Sorry I'm not sorry, but I still get a thrill out of winning that crap and beating a 5 year-old or two at the water shooting game. Anyway, my mom and I finished a late lunch at The Lobster
today, and my mom, unlike some people I know, voluntarily walked to the pier with me. I didn't play any games, but you can bet I cheered on those kids who came in first! We took a little stroll into the carousel, which is another one of my lame obsessions.
Because The Lobster does not do it for me in the dessert department, I suggested that we have something sweet while we watched the carousel go round and round. My mom said that maybe I should just ride on it if I was that crazy about it, but
I opted for an ice cream sundae from Soda Jerk instead. This is a really unique old style soda fountain offering ice cream, floats, splits, freezes, and shakes. And no, you don't have to be a "jerk" to work there, for all of you wiseacres. In the "olden
days" guys who made sodas in "malt" shops pulled down a lever on the soda machine and it made a "jerking" action, hence the name. Owner Kevin Mc Cafferty followed his grandfather's footsteps when he opened this place in 2010 and buisness has been booming ever
since. Soda Jerk features Fosselman's ice cream which is handmade, delicious, and rich. Try one of the fabulous Santa Monica Pier Sundaes like the Toboggan Carousel ($5.75) with one scoop of stellar vanilla topped with hot fudge and one scoop of chocolate
topped with caramel. For little ones the Munchkin ($2.95) is perfect. It's one kid's scoop of your favorite flavor, one topping, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry. It's just the right amount for a kid (and for some adults.) The Route 66 Banana Split ($7.95)
is to die for! One scoop of chocolate ice cream is topped with marshmallow, one scoop of strawberry's topped with strawberry sauce, and one scoop of vanilla's topped with pineapple sauce and served in a split boat. Prices are pretty reasonable for
the taste and quality of the ice cream. Hand-Scooped Shakes ($5.75), Two Cents Plain (two cents), and real Egg Creams ($2.50-$3.50) are also available. Enjoy, enjoy, it's probably the cheapest thing on the pier and remember the Soda Jerk motto, "life
is uncertain, eat dessert first!" Soda Jerks Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Hours: Closed Tuesdays. Mon/Wed/Thu 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Fri-Sun 11:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Recommended:
Sundaes