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 recipes, the spirit, and the memory stay right where they always were.
Beautifully reborn, the fountain pours again — the recipes and the welcome intact, the room made new for the next 150 years.
Pulled by hand, poured over crushed ice, served across the counter. 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.