Malt Shoppe
A nostalgic Pagosa Springs classic offering giant banana splits, malts, and comfort food in a fun, retro diner setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Malt Shoppe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A nostalgic Pagosa Springs classic offering giant banana splits, malts, and comfort food in a fun, retro diner setting.
Visit early to avoid lines
The Malt Shoppe is very popular; arrive early to beat the crowds and potential long waits for ordering and food.
Staggered food delivery
Be prepared for dishes to arrive at different times; it's not uncommon for items to come out one by one.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Classic Diner Ambiance
Step back in time with a nostalgic 1950s diner vibe, complete with friendly service and a fun, charming atmosphere.
Giant Banana Splits & Malts
Indulge in legendary, GIANT banana splits and a ridiculous number of malt flavors that are a true taste of the Midwest.
Hearty American Comfort Food
Enjoy classic comfort food like thick burgers, crispy fries, and flavorful chili, served in generous portions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit early to avoid lines
The Malt Shoppe is very popular; arrive early to beat the crowds and potential long waits for ordering and food.
Staggered food delivery
Be prepared for dishes to arrive at different times; it's not uncommon for items to come out one by one.
Consider cash payments
Reviewers suggest paying in cash to support the local business, though not strictly required.
Malts vs. Shakes
Authentic malts contain gluten. If that's a concern, opt for their pretty good shakes instead.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit early to avoid lines
The Malt Shoppe is very popular; arrive early to beat the crowds and potential long waits for ordering and food.
Staggered food delivery
Be prepared for dishes to arrive at different times; it's not uncommon for items to come out one by one.
Consider cash payments
Reviewers suggest paying in cash to support the local business, though not strictly required.
Malts vs. Shakes
Authentic malts contain gluten. If that's a concern, opt for their pretty good shakes instead.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Malt Shoppe offers a nostalgic diner experience with generous portions of comfort food and legendary malts. While many praise the classic vibe, delicious ice cream, and friendly staff, a significant number of reviews mention extremely long wait times for food, inconsistent food quality, and high prices for shakes. The 'step back in time' atmosphere is a draw, but be prepared for potential service delays.
"We had a great experience at The Malt Shoppe! The atmosphere is super nostalgic and gives off those classic 1950s diner vibes — it’s a fun and charming spot that feels like a step back in time.
The ice cream portions are generous and absolutely delicious! We also tried the waffle fries and onion rings, and both were crispy, flavorful, and hit the spot. It’s a perfect place for a treat or a casual bite with family or friends.
Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area — it’s a feel-good place with great food and even better vibes!"
Cassie Davis
"Ordered some food here to check it out as I was recommended to stop at this place. The food was just ok, nothing to wait 40+ minutes for and just for a basic burger it wasn't worth it. The ice cream I didn't get, my family said it was alright, but the sizes were poor for the cost. I would recommend going elsewhere in town to try new experiences and food."
Andrew Laderman
"Wow it was like an old time dinner serving up malts, shakes, burgers and ice cream plus a lot more. The food was great, the place was packed and the young crew just kept on hustling to get the food out as quickly as possible. Great food and great service, highly recommend!"
Bryan Thibodeaux
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Malt Shoppe is famous for its giant banana splits, a wide variety of malt flavors, and classic comfort foods like burgers and fries.
Yes, the restaurant is very popular and can have significant wait times for ordering and receiving food, especially during peak hours.
While they offer some customizable options like sandwiches, specific vegetarian and vegan dishes are not explicitly detailed. It's best to inquire directly.
Yes, the restaurant has a classic diner ambiance that is generally considered family-friendly. There is also a separate room for families.
Visiting early in the day or outside of peak meal times is recommended to minimize wait times.
While some reviewers mention large portions for ice cream, others find the malts to be small for the price. Portion sizes can vary.
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Find your new favorite restaurant in Pagosa Springs
Indulge in classic American dishes and delicious malt shakes at Malt Shoppe in Pagosa Springs. With a cozy, old-school vibe and quick service, this charming spot offers everything from thick and creamy malt shakes to perfectly fried waffle fries. Stop by for a bite and experience the nostalgic charm of Malt Shoppe.
Pagosa Springs Restaurants
The name says it all, but they do have shakes and soft serve ice cream. They also serve burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and chili. The Malt Shoppe is a Pagosa classic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit