There’s nothing better than a smooth, creamy, thick milkshake. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a perfect winter night for a drive-through, a perfectly ratioed milkshake always hits the spot. Marin is not lacking in options for this sweet treat; it’s just difficult to find the right one. Let’s take a trip around Marin to find that perfect combo that won’t break your bank (or if it does break the bank, it’ll be worth it).

In-N-Out: 

If you’re looking for a cheap option with large portions and little flavor, this is the place for you. Shakes are one size only and priced at $3.05, with a very thick consistency perfect for dipping fries. Starting off with the chocolate flavor: if you’re craving a rich, intense and delicious chocolate taste, you won’t find it at In-N-Out. If you were blindfolded, you probably would not be able to guess that it was chocolate-flavored. The vanilla, similar to the chocolate, also had a very light flavor. If you are craving a decadent vanilla or chocolate shake, this is not the place to go.

Amy’s Drive Thru:

If you are vegan, vegetarian or simply don’t like dairy, Amy’s is one

of the only restaurants that can serve you this sweet treat. Offering plant-based and dairy-based shakes, they serve as a great local option for anyone looking for something a bit different. The vanilla had a disappointingly thin texture, meaning the milk-to-ice cream ratio was slightly higher than preferable. The chocolate, on the other hand, hit the spot. It was rich, creamy, thick and addicting. The shakes are pricey, selling at $6.99 a piece, but are worth a try.

Gott’s Roadside:

Gott’s is by far my favorite of the three. The small shake was $5.99, but you could clearly sense the quality of the ingredients and the crisp taste from the first sip. The vanilla was a show-stopper. It had a delicious vanilla extract flavor and a perfectly slurpable consistency while maintaining its thickness. The chocolate was equally enjoyable. It was quite rich and seemed to be a mix of milk and dark chocolate, with a bitterness at the end that kept the sweetness from being too overwhelming. These shakes are, without a doubt, worth the price tag.