Galco’s Soda Pop Stop
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5702 York Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Phone: (323) 255-7115
Mon – Sat 9am – 6:30pm
Sun 9am – 4pm
Galco’s isn’t on my way to anywhere, so every time I visit it’s a special trip. It’s on York Blvd., just west of the 110 near Highland Park. The proud owner of Galco’s, John Nese, is usually there, stocking the shelves with every soda pop you have ever heard of, assuming that it’s still manufactured.
I am generally opposed to high fructose corn syrup, and thankfully so is Nese. He stocks only cane sugar options whenever possible. He also doesn’t buy into picking a side in the soda wars. In a divisive moment many years ago, Nese kicked Pepsi to the curb when they essentially demanded that he buy their product. This story and several others are beautifully photographed and presented by CHOW as part of their Obsessives series.
“Most diet sodas are really pretty bad,” says Neser. He suggests that if you have to pick a diet version of anything, choose Stewart’s diet black cherry, Jones’ green apple, or Sprecher’s low-cal root beer. I have tried all three and can attest that among diet sodas, these are some of the best. In my opinion, another great is Boylan diet black cherry which can be found on tap at the soda fountain at Pizza Fusion (also a decent place to get a pizza while you’re at it).
Galco’s Soda Pop Stop not just a soda pop store. It’s also has an extensive vintage candy aisle, which is a place where I regularly get lost in my own memories.
Galco’s and John Nese are both Los Angeles originals, and I urge you to visit every time you get a CheerWine hankering. Take an out-of-town guest and wow them with your knowledge of “secret” LA. Places like these can last forever if we support them.
For more information, including driving directions, a full catalog of available products, and online ordering, please visit Galco’s website.
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