The soda fountains of yesteryear weren’t just restaurants, yet they offered delicious meals; they weren’t exactly coffee shops, but coffee was one of their specialties; they weren’t strictly areperas, though they sold arepas; they weren’t just burger joints, but you could enjoy a great hamburger there; and they weren’t ice cream parlors, even if they had a massive selection of sundaes and milkshakes.
In short, they were versatile spaces where food was a means to enjoy a pleasant moment rather than an end in itself. They were places to satisfy a craving in a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere. Whether it was a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or an improvised dinner, the soda fountain was the heart of Venezuelan social life.
Soda Fountains: A RETRO TRIP
In the 1940s, American-style soda fountains were virtually non-existent in Caracas. The options were European-inspired tea houses like La Suiza or La Indiecita. Everything changed in the late ’40s with the arrival of Picadilly in El Conde, the city’s first drive-in, bringing milkshakes and sandwiches to the capital.
CADA SODA FOUNTAINS AND THE AMERICAN STYLE
By the late 1950s, CADA soda fountains (linked to the Rockefeller family) revolutionized the city. They replicated the “American Diner” concept within supermarkets. Families flocked there on Sundays for:
- Turkey sandwiches with gravy, chopped steaks, and Campbell’s soups.
- The “Chicken in a Basket”, milkshakes, and traditional pies. With their white porcelain decor, CADA became a symbol of a modern, emerging Caracas.
LE DRUGSTORE: CHACAÍTO’S HOTSPOT
In the ’70s, Le Drugstore in the Chacaíto Shopping Center became a legendary icon for the youth. It introduced “Deli Sandwiches” with creative names like the “Renny” (honoring Renny Ottolina) or “Miss Venezuela.”
- Spectacle and Flavor: They served giant hot dogs, pitchers of beer, and the famous “Punchbowl for Two” ice cream.
- Pop Culture: Inside, you could buy the latest hit parade records or custom neon t-shirts while watching TV monitors projecting iconic images.
SURVIVORS AND LEGENDS
- El Tolón (Las Mercedes): Opened in 1967, it was a triangular social hub famous for its vibrant atmosphere and American-style burgers.
- El León (La Castellana): Founded in 1978, this survivor is still famous today for its massive outdoor terrace—the perfect spot for a cold beer and good company.
- Local Classics: Who could forget the small but flavorful fried burgers at El Cubanito, or the Ice Cream Soda at La Tapera? Even hospital clinics were famous for having the best Club Sandwiches and Banana Splits in town!
A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON
Many of these iconic spots have disappeared, leaving a trail of nostalgia. They were more than businesses; they were part of the Caracas identity, reflecting a mix of simplicity and camaraderie.
BUT NOT ALL IS LOST… If you live in Florida and feel that nostalgia for the simple joy of Venezuelan food, PANNA New Food Latino is the place for you. We offer a journey through our gastronomy with cachapas, arepas, tequeños, burgers, pabellón, and desserts.
Come and enjoy a little piece of Venezuela in every bite. We are waiting for you at PANNA to relive the flavor and atmosphere you miss from home!
