There Should Be More Maine Places That Serve Up Dirty Sodas

Have you heard of dirty sodas?

According to Eater.com, these drinks are fountain sodas mixed with cream, flavored syrups, and other fun add-ins. Think Italian soda meets Diet Coke or Dr. Pepper.

Dirty sodas, which are usually non-alcoholic, started showing up around the mid-2010s in Utah. They became especially popular because they’re sweet, customizable, and give off a nostalgic soda-shop vibe.

They've started to creep into New England, including Maine, but wouldn't it be great if they were all over the state?

One spot that touts serving dirty sodas is Fizz Downeast in Machias. But just note that it is a seasonal spot, so you'll have to get your fizz fix before things shut down.

On the other hand, there are some Maine places that serve up customizable sodas.

A review from DeliciousFood.com said, "A&C Soda Shop in South Portland serves up great comfort food for kids and adults, plus a colorful indoor space with a long bar and creative cocktails. They even offer some “brewed” drinks that mix alcohol with ice cream".

While that’s definitely a step in the right direction, it’s not quite the dirty soda experience.

LB Kitchen in Westbrook is another southern Maine spot known for its impressive drink menu. From shakes to coffee and slushies, they’ve got it all.

But again, no dirty sodas here.

Then there’s Waltz Soda Fountain in Damariscotta. With its old-school counter service and classic treats like root beer floats, ice cream, and vanilla Coke, this place feels like the perfect spot to bring dirty sodas to Maine.

It already has the retro charm. It just needs the mix-ins.

Even though Maine has plenty of creative drink options, it’s still missing that true dirty soda experience across the state.

And it’s not like people haven’t heard of it.

Eater.com notes that TikTok helped launch dirty sodas into the mainstream after musician Olivia Rodrigo was spotted with a cup from Utah chain Swig. Since then, they’ve popped up everywhere from social media feeds to reality shows like Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.

Swig locations are mostly drive-thru spots in Utah, offering wild soda combinations that sound strange but somehow work. Some fan favorites include “Life’s a Peach”, a mix of Dr. Pepper, vanilla, peach, and half & half, and “Spice Spice Baby,” made with Dr. Pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie sauce, half & half, and even a cinnamon stick.

So, while Maine definitely has charm, creativity, and plenty of great drinks, it might be time for the dirty soda craze to hit the state full force and pop in at more Pine Tree State spots, especially southern Maine.

Wouldn't that be delicious?