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Name one beverage that's totally okay to order whether someone is five years old, or 95. Milkshakes have gone hand-in-hand with fast food forever. Whoever it was who figured out that milk and ice cream should be blended together was a genius– at any rate, he or she is responsible for every diner and McDonald's out there making money. Thick, creamy, and surprisingly good for dunking fries, milkshakes are the ultimate indulgence. Amazingly, they've been around since the year 1885, when the word "milkshake" was first used in print. By the 1930s, shakes were gaining popularity at malt shops.

For most of us, grabbing a shake is a drive-thru treat. Most fast-food outlets have the standard three flavors. While they're definitely tasty, they aren't the ultimate in milkshake dining. Shake bars have been popping up all over the country, and these places specialize. Of course, a milkshake isn't something to down by the bucketload every day. While they are rich in calcium and protein, they're generally loaded with sugar and fat, so keeping them to a "once in a while" indulgence is best advised. Still, if we're going to have a shake, we may as well do it in style. From the rarest small-town joints to the burger kings, we're here to stick a straw in the USA's top 25 spots. Here are 25 of America's best milkshakes (plus which state they're in).

CHEESECAKED: GEORGIA

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You'll need to travel all the way to Atlanta, GA for this one. If you already live there, seriously, what are you waiting for? Cheesecaked is a family joint that "all started with Granny's sweet potato pie." Cheesecaked turns your favorite desserts into cheesecake flavors. Their milkshakes come in a high-stacked, cookie-adorned, overflowing glass of goodness. Signature flavors include I Dream of Praline, Southern Belle, Honeybun, plus a Happy Birthday special. This pic is straight from their store. Their Instagram page will make your eyes explode.

CHILE PIES BAKING CO: CALIFORNIA

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This 2011-opened joint has been a Guerneville favorite since the day it opened its doors. Trevor Logan runs Chile Pies (& Ice Cream) as a Bay Area spot inspired by his time in Santa Fe, NM. This place's unusual twist comes in the form of vamping up blended shakes with a piece of any of the house's sweet pies. Chile Pies uses premium Nimble & Finns ice cream to whip up specials like the Mexican chocolate pie with Tahitian vanilla ice cream. A Yelp user called their shakes a "heavenly combo."

IN-N-OUT: CA AND WESTERN STATES

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You've got to be dishing out seriously good shakes to make it onto this list as a chain joint. In-N-Out is a California-based fast-food chain with a difference. Their smothered "animal style" fries and all-Angus beef burgers have become the celeb favorite of choice, and everyone from Beyonce to Nicki Minaj is a fan. In-N-Out's shakes only come in three flavors– chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, but most diners feel it's just right.

Gordon Ramsay called In-N-Out "extraordinary." Kendall Jenner and Selena Gomez basically live there.

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Sometimes, the best eats are straight out the food truck. The Cold Cookie Company might not be the fanciest, but this cobalt-painted food truck has been keeping Austin, TX happy – one milkshake at a time. Their tailor-made desserts are made-to-order, with a simple, but fun system. The first step is to choose your style. Then you choose your ice cream, followed by choosing your cookies. Lastly, you add on some toppings. Staying true to its roots, the Cold Cookie Company uses Austin Scoops ice cream. Toppings include rainbow sprinkles and caramel drizzle.

FREDDY'S FROZEN CUSTARD: ACROSS 30 STATES

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Freddy's Frozen Custard is currently filling up Instagram, one ice cream smeared child at a time. The Wichita-based chain has spread across 30 US states to establish itself as a family favorite for steak, burgers, fries, and of course, shakes. They're also huge enough to have plans to open up in the Middle East– don't get us started on how Dubai is shake-obsessed. Alongside its signature frozen custard, Freddy's offers malt shakes with creamy custard blended in. Even dogs love this joint's shakes.

WENDY'S: EVERY STATE

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Yes, we're talking about the Wendy's Frosty. Wendy's might not serve their shakes in a mason jar (or provide elaborate toppings), but you can always rely on this burger chain's smooth-whipped Frosty for a frozen treat that delivers. Wendy's ranks pretty highly when it comes to shakes. There's also more than the standard vanilla and chocolate flavors. Next time you're there, ask. There is a Wendy's in every US state.

Fun fact: The founder of Wendy's invented KFC's chicken bucket.

THE YARD MILKSHAKE BAR: ALABAMA & FLORIDA

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It isn't the South without good, old-fashioned family values. The Yard Milkshake Bar was founded by husband and wife duo, Logan and Chelsea Green. After six years of running ice cream stores, these two decided to turn their increasingly popular milkshakes into a business. When you've just opened your third outlet in another state, it's safe to say the stuff is good. Expect huge, build-your-own mason jars with Birthday Batter, Oatmeal Cookie, and Moosetracks flavors, plus sugar-free options. They have nearly 100 toppings, too.

CHURN: ARIZONA

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If there's anywhere in the US that appreciates frozen treats, it's scorching hot Arizona. This desert state sees blistering summer temperatures, and staying cool is a literal #Problem. This Phoenix ice cream parlor markets itself as making ice cream with "lots of love and zero phony stuff." There's nostalgic candy here, plus over 30 flavors of ice cream to make your shake base. Churn even serves Chai, Carrot Cake, and Italian Cherry ice cream. There's also the "Seasonal Freezie," although, wait, isn't every season worthy of a "Freezie" in Arizona?

SCHMACKARY'S: NEW YORK

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Schmackary's is Generation Y's answer to the Old American bake shop. An NYC-based milkshake joint has to have that sophisticated "New York edge." While these shakes might come stacked with fresh-baked cookies, you're looking at a milkshake bar that offers Espresso-infusion flavors. Schmackary's was started by a small-town Nebraska kid who became, as the website states, "the cookie king of New York." 45th street and 9th avenue is where you'll find this small, hidden gem. Schmackaroons, cookies, and Krispie treats are also available.

FIVE GUYS: MOST STATES

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Five Guys just keeps winning awards. This is a burger chain with a cult following and enough brand loyalty to be compared to In-N-Out. People aren't choosing Five Guys for its complimentary roasted peanuts. They're digging this 1986-founded chain for its award-winning burgers, fries, and shakes. If you're stopping by Five Guys for a Kosher-style dog or Little Bacon Cheeseburger, you'll probably be pairing it with one of their hand-spun shakes.

Where else can you get a bacon shake? Five Guys also offers banana, Oreo cookie, and salted caramel options.

BENNY'S LUNCHEONETTE: NEW JERSEY

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If you've got kids who've earned themselves a treat and you happen to live in New Jersey, look no further than Benny's Luncheonette. This traditional diner has an enormous menu of breakfast, lunch, sandwich, and bakery items, but it's the milkshakes that are bringing customers through the doors. The home of the "Original Cannoli Bennassant Cronut" also serves ice cream flavors like Cotton Candy and S'mores, and whipping them into shakes is no problem. Are the customers happy? These kids sure look it. The store is located in Fair Lawn.

THE CREOLE CREAMERY: LOUISIANA

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"Eat ice cream. Be happy." That's how The Creole Creamery welcomes its ice cream lovers. Given the line that's building up outside the New Orleans milkshake spot, there's clearly a loyal following when it comes to this place's offerings. With two locations in the state, The Creole Creamery gives diners two chances to try its notorious "challenges." Remember that ice cream and shakes are a treat food, although no added sugar varieties are available here. They even have a sundae challenge with a Hall of Fame.

BOCAS GRILL: FLORIDA

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If you live in Florida, you're in luck. With five locations across the state and nearly half a million Instagram followers, there's a lot of love for Bocas Grill. This Latin-inspired eatery is as loved for its fried rice and Arepas as it is for serving the state's most-loved shakes. They're $15, but they're huge. The Bocas Grill Milkshake? It comes with Nutella brownie donuts and homemade Nutella Popsicles.

Bocas is so loved, it has nearly half a million Instagram followers.

BASSETTS ICE CREAM: ACROSS 8 STATES

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As America's oldest ice cream chain, Bassetts has a history dating back to the year 1861. Lewis Dubois Bassett was a Quaker school teacher, farmer, and legendary ice cream maker. He started using a mule-turned churn in his Salem, NJ backyard. The original Philadelphia, PA store is more of an eight-state deal now. Bassetts' Dipping Parlors can be found in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, and Virginia. Their shakes have to be tasted to be believed. Think butter pecan, Guatemalan Ripple, and Salted Caramel Pretzel.

VICKY'S HOUSE: FLORIDA

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Not many places on this list have "Milkshake Bar and Tasting Room" as their name. Vicky's House is just that. The Miami milkshake joint has some of the most-complicated and most-impressive shakes in the whole country – this guy looks like he was served more than he can handle. Their specialty E.T and Golden Girls shakes are off the wall. Toppings include Cap'n Crunch and all the M&Ms in the world.

CHICK-FIL-A: MOST STATES

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It's always surprising when fast-food chains make it onto lists like these, but Chick-fil-A is another giant that hasn't lost its touch. The customers just keep coming for the chain's signature chicken sandwiches, and loyal customers include Justin Bieber, Zendaya, and Selena Gomez. With peach and cookies and cream shakes, they also have more flavors than most fast-food joints.

Except for a handful of states, the chain's 2200 outlets can be found across America. There are 270 in Texas alone.

 BUDDY'S DINER: CALIFORNIA

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This 1950's-themed diner is authentic as they come. Buddy's dishes out classic and healthy fare around the clock, but it's the shakes we're looking at. Take Me Out to the Ballgame is actually topped with Cracker Jacks, although there's plenty to choose from. Making a change from most burger-centric places, you can balance out your shake with a fresh salad here. Buddy's Diner's website even shows you how many shakes are served per day. When we looked at their website, it stood at 1300.

BLACK TAP BURGERS: NEVADA AND NEW YORK

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Name two locations more prestigious than Las Vegas and New York City. You aren't going to make it at either unless you're seriously good– which, fortunately, Black Tap is. The burger joint claims to be "modernized for the Instagram age." Looking at the hashtags on the social media platform, Black Tap is definitely delivering. The shakes here are unbelievable. Whether you end up with a classic vanilla or strawberry, or up the ante with U Bet Chocolate or Black Cherry, you're getting the real deal here.

FATBURGER: 5 WESTERN STATES

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And clearly, a celeb fanbase. Fatburger is a California-based chain with an unusual twist. Your food is made to order and patty sizes vary. It isn't an American burger joint without a decent milkshake menu, though, and that's precisely what you'll get at Fatburger. Alongside vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, the restaurant offers Maui Banana and Cookies & Ice Cream as flavors. Jessica Alba looks pretty pleased with hers. Outlets are in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Washington. Oh, and that one lucky Aurora joint in Colorado.

LUNCHBOX LABORATORY: WASHINGTON STATE

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A cool name isn't enough. You've got to have the food and drink to match. At Lunchbox Laboratory, both are guaranteed. The Seattle-based burger joint has branched out to diners in Gig Harbor and Redmond, so if you're near any of these three, you know where to go. Expect epic burgers, wings, salads, and build-your-own mac and Caesar, but don't leave without one of their legendary hand-spun Snoqualmie Ice Cream Shakes. There are even Boston Cream Donut and Reese's flavors. #YesPlease.

 ELM STREET DINER: CONNECTICUT

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The Elm Street Diner might be a small-time deal, but this Connecticut joint is big on spirit. The Moshos family have been running this hidden gem since 1987, although Stamford locals know it well. The owners use hand-dipped, premium ice cream for their shakes, which have Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Rice Krispy Treat, or Donut themes. A nutritionist would likely advise that you keep consumption to an absolute minimum, but for a treat day, this joint will more than deliver.

The Elmford Street Diner says one thing: Welcome to the U.S. of A.

VOLCANO SHAKES: HAWAII

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Volcano Shakes takes its name literally – the Honolulu favorite serves up Mauna Kea shakes that are pretty explosive. Just one of their specialties, this milkshake has a dark chocolate base topped with melted graham crackers, S'mores sandwiches, and roasted marshmallows. This ice cream parlor might require some traveling for the average American, but any Honolulu resident would tell you it's worth it. Take the Haleakala. It's made from red velvet cupcakes and ice cream, cookie crumble, and Swiss roll cake.

BUNN GOURMET: ILLINOIS

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Bunn Gourmet is like the Apple store of milkshakes. Just walking in is an experience. This is a high-end Springfield confectioner with a Charlie And The Chocolate Factory feel (and taste to match). You're looking at hundreds of unique toppings, which include the small-batch artisan chocolates made on-site. They've got cookie dough shakes, premium chocolate chips, all the dark chocolate, caramel, or peanut drizzle in the world, and the candy atmosphere to enjoy it in. It's summer, so if you're a Springfield resident, hit this place up.

BOSTON BURGER COMPANY: MASSACHUSETTS

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People from Massachusetts have a dedication to ice cream that is literally unreal. New England winters are brutal, but Bostonians have grown immune– possibly thanks to their cultural love of frozen treats. The Boston Burger Company takes the crown for mammoth shakes with #FreakFrappe hashtags and its red velvet cake or gummy bear toppings that have a way of staying put. Weirdly, even when the shake has "Mudslide" in the name.

Boston natives have grown immune to winter. They come here for the #FreakFrappes (even in blizzards).

STEAK 'N SHAKE: ACROSS 29 STATES

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So good. Steak 'n Shake doesn't do things by half. Sure, you get your burgers and fries, but they're good burgers and fries. Not surprisingly, so are the shakes. The chain operates across 29 US states, so there's over a 50% chance that you have one vaguely near you. Diners here rarely pair their meal without a shake – the clue is, after all, in the name. Mint cookies 'n creme and strawberry cheesecake are particular favorites.

If this just gave you the world's biggest milkshake craving, we don't blame you. For your Facebook friends sprinkled across the US, hit share and give them somewhere to go. Or just, you know, something to dribble at.