Economy Drug & Old Fashioned Soda Fountain

In an era when you can fill a prescription online and have it delivered to your door, it’s easy to forget that the drugstore soda fountain was once an American tradition. Going back to the 1850s, doctors mixed medicinal remedies into fountain drinks to make their delivery more palatable. 

Over time, the drinks became sweeter, creamier, and less medicinal. Nevertheless, the soda fountain and drugstore remained a quintessentially American pair, like stars and stripes, burgers and fries, Barbie and Ken.

A lot has changed since the olden days of the great American drugstore, but you can still get a taste of the past at Economy Drug & Old Fashioned Fountain in Ely, Nevada, located on Highway 50. This third-generation-owned establishment has been in business since 1946 and is still fully operational as a pharmacy. Although medicated beverages are no longer on the menu, its soda fountain still serves plenty of refreshments. 

The atmosphere is distinctly 1950s, with the sort of checkered flooring and red vinyl upholstery one might expect at a community sock hop. And the menu is one American classic after another, from the ice cream sundae to the famous tuna sandwich. 

First timer? Cool off from the desert heat with a Lime Rickey, a concoction of soda water, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice. After lunch, visitors with kids in tow are encouraged to venture downstairs to a sprawling toy store—the best in Ely, the locals say.