Pops Is The Best Stop On Route 66 In Oklahoma, According To Our Readers

A touch of whimsy, a splash of nostalgia, and a heavy helping of novelty are the hallmarks of a great road trip stop. Of course, offering fuel for both cars and their passengers is a plus, too. Pops, a convenience store, gas station, diner, and specialty soda shop located off the Mother Road in Arcadia, has all that–and a bottle of pop. No, literally–the Route 66 landmark is home to the world’s largest soda bottle, a 4-ton, 66-foot-tall sculpture (yes, the height was intentional) that comes complete with a giant straw and thousands of multicolor LED lights that put on a sparkling nightly show. One stop, and you'll see why this landmark was voted Oklahoma's best stop on Route 66 by our readers in our 2024 South's Best awards.

The History of Pops

Though many Route 66 stops date back to the 1920s and 1930s, Pops is relatively new, having been opened in 2007 by the late Aubrey McClendon, former CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corporation. It was designed by renowned architect Rand Elliott, who consulted with writer, historian, and Route 66 Michael Wallis about Route 66 aesthetic before taking on the project. Though many assume the famous pitstop is named for the drink it pedals, McClendon actually named it to honor his father, who he affectionately referred to as Pops. (As a native Oklahoman, calling soda by anything other than soda or Coke, would be a stretch.) In 2021, Jessie and Zar Sandhu bought Pops and have continued its tradition since.

Inside the Soda Ranch

An imposing cantilever truss shades gas pumps and the parking area, but the building’s true showstopper are the two-story-tall, floor-to-ceiling windows that run the length of the space and display shelves upon shelves of colorful soft drink bottles. When light refracts off the glass, a kaleidoscope of color animates this highly-carbonated Willy Wonka Factory. 

The shop takes another cue from the fictional candyman with its impressive collection of flavors that numbers in the 400s and ranges from the rare and unusual to the bizarre and unsavory. Oddities include drinks flavored like spaghetti, ranch dressing, and grass. More palatable rarities include pina colada, chocolate, peanut butter and jelly, and key lime pie. The fizzy concoctions are sourced from countries around the world and available for $2.59 per bottle, so you can mix and match a different six-pack every time you visit. 

A Full-Service Restaurant 

The final piece of the puzzle at Pops is a diner that serves up classics like burgers and fries, plus several regional specialties like chicken fried steak and Tex-Mex favorites like a quesadilla with poblano ranch. On weekends, folks can stop in for fluffy pancakes, breakfast burritos, and stuffed omelets. An old-fashioned soda fountain cranks out hand-dipped milkshakes, malts, and floats. Though you can pick any of the 400-plus flavors for your float, the favorite (and most-bought beverage) remains root beer. 

pops66.com; 660 W Highway 66, Arcadia, OK 73007; 405-927-7677