Tasty Tuesday: Nifty Fifty’s, a Philadelphia Favorite

When I’m at home it is mandatory for me to eat at the famous Nifty Fifty’s that is just a quick drive from my house. This may be embarrassing to admit but Nifty Fifty’s was the restaurant that I went to when I wanted to celebrate most events that happened in my life. I went there after choir concerts, soccer games, formals, and even after I found out that I had been accepted into a private high school. Yes, Nifty Fifty’s has been there through it all and I’ll probably get married there some day and save the hassle of finding a different venue and caterer. Currently, there are only four Nifty Fifty’s in existence and can be found in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The fifties themed restaurant was founded in 1987 by Leo McGlynn and his family. The place  has become a favorite to locals that have grown up in the Philadelphia area.

You do not just have to rely on word of mouth about the tasty food, the 10 “Best of Philly” Awards that the restaurant has received speak for themselves. They have been awarded for best Texas Tommy, best milk shake, best 50’s style eatery, and many more. At Nifty Fifty’s it not just about the quality of the food it is about the atmosphere of the place. From the music they play to the cute red leather booths you sit in the restaurant is filled with nostalgic factors. (Fun Fact: the booths were bought at auction for $3 but it would now take $1100 to recreate them). Luckily, Nifty Fifty’s has a great atmosphere and quality food that combine to make an awesome dinning experience.

Two things that Nifty Fifty’s is famous for would be their soda fountain and milk shakes. Nifty Fifty’s is home to the largest soda fountain in the world and has over 100 handcrafted flavors. The flavors can be combined to make any creation you could think of and the best part is that they give you free refills. If your taste buds are in the mood for a milk shake instead then you can choose from a long list of their blue ribbon milk shakes and malts. Lately I’ve been trying to choose something different when I go in but my favorite may always be the simple yet classic cookies & cream.

Other noteworthy items to mention that can be found on the menu are their burgers, smothered fries, and the Texas Tommy.The number one selling burger is the bacon cheeseburger because it is a classic beauty. The smothered fries are everything that is bad for you combined together in one single basket but as you clog your arteries up you will be in french fry heaven. My personal favorite would be the Smothered Cheezy Bacon Ranch Fries and they are good as they are unhealthy. Another fun fact is that if you lined up the french fries that are sold each year at Nifty Fifty’s it would stretch across the entire United States. In case you are unaware of the grace and perfection of what a Texas Tommy is I am going to enlighten you because I still come across people who do not know what it is. Imagine a hot dog wrapped in bacon with cheese wiz flowing over top of it. That my friend, is the Texas Tommy. You may cringe with the unhealthy details but don’t yuck my yum fellow foodies!

If you were seeking a healthy restaurant choice then you may want to keep looking because the healthy alternatives only take up a few inches in the menu and it is across from a box that says add fresh bacon. If you find yourself in the Philadelphia area be sure to check the award winning restaurant out, where you can practically taste the memories. I won’t even say I told you so.

Would you eat at Nifty’s Fifty’s?

Feature Image: Kat… via photopin cc