Before the banana matcha, there was the banana milkshake. In the Bay Area, they’re typically found at burger joints, both old-school (Falafel Drive-in San Jose and Whiz Burger in San Francisco) and new-school (Smack Burger in San Leandro and Lana’s in Oakland). I tried many while reporting on the rise of banana beverages. These are the three best banana milkshakes I found in the Bay Area.
Formerly known as Cookie Bar Creamery, Lana’s is half smashburger shop and half ice cream parlor, styled with checkered floors and 1950s Coca-Cola memorabilia. I mostly frequent Lana’s for the excellent burgers, but on a recent visit I fell in love with the banana Oreo milkshake. I’m usually agnostic on Oreos, but here I find that the chocolate helps lift the sweetness, while also adding crunch. According to management, this is Lana’s most popular ice cream, and usually the first to sell out.
Lana’s. 517 8th St., Oakland. lanasoakland.com
The banana milkshake at Smack Burger, a smashburger spot in San Leandro, runs circles around the other flavor options there. You’ll have to decide if you want it with or without banana pudding; there is no wrong choice. The former has a better balance of sweetness, while the latter is thicker. (Despite the use of pudding, it does not taste overly artificial.)…