Goolrick's Pharmacy, Fredericksburg: Address, Phone Number, Goolrick's Pharmacy Reviews: 4.5/5
Goolrick's Pharmacy
Goolrick's Pharmacy
4.5
About
An old-fashioned drug store, said to be the oldest in America.
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Address
How to get there
- Fredericksburg Station • 7 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
130 reviews
Excellent
66
Very good
50
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
4
fattymcbutterpants19
Virginia15 contributions
If you like the nostalgia of sitting in a drug store eating deli sandwiches and enjoying good shakes this is a great place to be. The fountain drinks which they add cherry, cholocalte, or vanilla syrup to are all very good. Not fine dining by any means, but a great little spot for lunch.
Written February 22, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lark85
King George, VA1 contribution
Apr 2012 • Family
Goolrick's is an old-fashioned drugstore/lunch counter in the heart of Old Town Fredericksburg. It's a great place to get a tasty, no-frills sandwich or lunch at a reasonable price. Their milkshakes are made with real ice cream, the old fashioned way: thick and delicious. For my money, they're much better than the ones at Fredericksburg favorite, Carl's. The pharmacy is also one of the few remaining "compounding" pharmacy, which means they can make up prescriptions (creams, salves, even capsules) that aren't available from large, commercial vendors. The service at both lunch counter and pharmacy counter is always friendly, polite, and helpful.
Written May 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mattia
Padua, Italy98 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
I was attracted by the old fashioned style: it seemed to be back in the 60’. I tried only a milkshake: so tasty. Nice place for a quick resting time
Written November 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Deanna H
2 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Not the wonderful, fun, old fashioned drug store lunch stop anymore. I went in today, the place was very dark and depressing inside, staff very impersonal, and to top it off, the sandwich was awful. Not the same quality it used to be. Masks restrictions have been lifted in VA, and I get it’s their prerogative to keep customers wearing them, and food to go instead of opening their tables, but my god......livin up the place, get some manners, and rethink who ever is making the food.
Written May 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pennybelcourt
41 contributions
Sep 2019 • Solo
Average food and owner is less than stellar to his employees. Don’t waste your money. Was seated at the counter and watched as he publicly corrected a new employee while stopping her shake making progress. He left her in tears and ruined my appetite. #kindnessrules
Written September 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mellie Mel M
London, UK115 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
I was recommended milkshakes and sundaes after going on a tour. It's a quaint old style shop. There is a pharmacy towards the back of the shop. It has the serving area where you can pick from milkshakes to sandwiches. There is a seating area or you can eat at the bar area. I had a chocolate fudge sundae, and of course full of calories, fudge and chocolate!!! But I couldn't care less! I ate as much as my stomach allowed. Definitely recommended visit was worth it.
Written August 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cr8Memories
Burlington, VT277 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
We came to Goolrick's for their famous flavored soda drinks and lunch. The place was very busy, but we managed to grab a table and Mary took care of us. Lunch was very simple: ham and cheese for the grown ups, peanut butter sandwich and a hot dog for kids. Everybody got potato chips and a pickle. To drink we ordered chocolate coke, cherry coke and vanilla coke. The drinks tasted sooooo good, like the real thing.
I took a star away for their bathroom facilities. I understand it is a pharmacy, not a full-fledged restaurant, but when you serve food, the standard for a restroom should be a bit higher.
I took a star away for their bathroom facilities. I understand it is a pharmacy, not a full-fledged restaurant, but when you serve food, the standard for a restroom should be a bit higher.
Written March 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tom H
Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States2 contributions
Jul 2011 • Solo
I was attracted to Goolricks because it was a local merchant, and yes, it is a 'landmark'. But that's all it has to offer.
I take an 'orphan' drug, Cabergoline, for a pituitary tumor (which involves blindness, and related thyroid issues, unless treated for life). Initially, Goolricks ordered it for me. They didn't stock it, of course, since it has a limited customer base, hence, an 'orphan drug'. But, I was willing to pay the up charge for Goolricks additional costs, but after a couple of refills, the owner of Goolricks stated to me that it was just no profit in it for him, and refused to fill the prescription! He told me this when I showed up to collect it. I had to scramble to find a new vendor, and it took a few days to secure another source. A more obvious example of a lack of responsibility this merchant showed for his customers (read, friends and neighbors) is not needed.
I, and my family had used Goolricks for all of our prescription needs, mainly for its 'small town' customer service, or, at least, that was our hope. After lbeing appalled by the owner's 'self-serving' attitude, and his obvious lack of concern for his customers, all of our business has been moved to one of the so-called chain drug stores. I've suffered no issues with obtaining cabergoline.
If you are looking for a druggist that lives up to his aspoused reputation and service, I suggest you give Goolricks a wide berth. I'll give Goolricks an 'A' on quaint', okay, but a well-deserved 'F' in enlightened customer service.
After
I take an 'orphan' drug, Cabergoline, for a pituitary tumor (which involves blindness, and related thyroid issues, unless treated for life). Initially, Goolricks ordered it for me. They didn't stock it, of course, since it has a limited customer base, hence, an 'orphan drug'. But, I was willing to pay the up charge for Goolricks additional costs, but after a couple of refills, the owner of Goolricks stated to me that it was just no profit in it for him, and refused to fill the prescription! He told me this when I showed up to collect it. I had to scramble to find a new vendor, and it took a few days to secure another source. A more obvious example of a lack of responsibility this merchant showed for his customers (read, friends and neighbors) is not needed.
I, and my family had used Goolricks for all of our prescription needs, mainly for its 'small town' customer service, or, at least, that was our hope. After lbeing appalled by the owner's 'self-serving' attitude, and his obvious lack of concern for his customers, all of our business has been moved to one of the so-called chain drug stores. I've suffered no issues with obtaining cabergoline.
If you are looking for a druggist that lives up to his aspoused reputation and service, I suggest you give Goolricks a wide berth. I'll give Goolricks an 'A' on quaint', okay, but a well-deserved 'F' in enlightened customer service.
After
Written June 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kimo688889
Chicago, IL504 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
Went 2 consecutive days. Great Tuna and chicken salad n cherry coke. $10. friendly help and quick service. You pay at the register and tip in a big jar.
Written August 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Milesa L
Marco Island, FL15 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
Definitely old school with the soda shop and small pharmacy.
Enjoyed sandwiches and the ambience. Staff was friendly and I would definitely visit again.
Enjoyed sandwiches and the ambience. Staff was friendly and I would definitely visit again.
Written July 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
EnemyNanner
Petaluma, CA3 contributions
What are the hours for the soda fountain?
Louise O
Fredericksburg, VA14 contributions
I know the pharmacy hours are different than the fountain but I have supplied a phone number 540-373-9878 to acquire the correct hours of the fountain service. Food is great there but arrive early for lunch. Hope this helps
Frequently Asked Questions about Goolrick's Pharmacy
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