2110
Spring Street (corner of Spring and 21st Streets), Paso Robles, California
Luke's Root Beer Reviews
21st Street Drive-In
Root Beer
2110
Spring Street (corner of Spring and 21st Streets), Paso Robles, California
805-238-0360
I am sad to report that this Paso Robles institution closed its doors in September 2006. This is a great loss to the root beer-drinking public, and I mourn its passing. The Cellas put in many years of service to the community making great root beer and burgers, I just wish someone had stepped up to take over when the Cellas retired from this.
It began in 1959 as an A&W Root Beer stand, but in recent years the local owners -- Jim and Holly Cella -- wanted to sell locally-grown meat and produce, which didn't fit with A&W corporate policy. In May 2003, the Cellas renamed the Drive-In, but they still had the same fine home-made root beer. The Drive-In featured car hop service, or you could order at the window and dine on the patio. I would stop by each time I passed through Paso, often having a root beer float as well.
Review
A rich, round soda, sweet and full-bodied. Rooty hints, it changes flavor in your mouth. It has a big maple syrup flavor with lots of vanilla, too, very smooth and rich. The burnt sugar after-taste is nice, it just mellows into an overall glow in your mouth. This is one of those root beers "like they used to make them"! One of the best.
Luke's Numbers (12/27/03)
|
Flavor |
Mouthfeel |
|
Sweetness 10 |
Carbonation 8 |
|
Rootiness 8 |
Smoothness 9.5 |
|
Aftertaste 8 |
Over-all mouthfeel 9 |
|
Over-all Flavor 9 |
Over-all Root Beer Experience 9 |
|
Over-all average 8.81 |
Rank: 3 of 142 |
Ingredients: They haven't been willing to tell us yet.
Acquired: At the 21st Street Drive-In. Mug (15 oz.), 1.15; Medium (20 oz.), $1.30; Large (32 oz.), $1.70; half-gallon, $3.25. Take some for the road.
Available: Only at the Drive-In.
Links:
Photos of the Drive-In.
Luke's Root Beer Homepage + Root Beer Rankings