America’s Oldest Soda Fountain
901 Caroline Street · Fredericksburg, Virginia
Since 1867, Goolrick’s has poured phosphates and hand-dipped malts at the same spot on Caroline Street — through fourteen decades of Fredericksburg walking through its door. It is, by its own proud claim, the oldest continuously operating soda fountain in America. In 2026, the stools fill again.
A pharmacy and soda fountain take their place on Caroline Street, in the heart of historic downtown Fredericksburg.
Generation after generation pulls up a stool — cherry cokes, egg creams, grilled cheese at the lunch counter — earning Goolrick’s its claim as America’s oldest continuously operating soda fountain.
After more than 150 years, the fountain quiets — but the marble, the mirrors, and the memory stay right where they always were.
Lovingly restored, the fountain pours again. Same counter. Same recipes. A new chapter for the next 150 years.
Pulled by hand, poured over crushed ice, served across the same marble. The menu returns the way it always was — simple, cold, and perfect.
The full menu returns with the grand reopening — recipes intact.
Leave your email and we’ll send you the grand-reopening date the moment it’s set — plus a standing invitation to opening day.
No spam, ever. One note when we open — that’s the deal.