Shake Things Up

School’s out, the weather’s warm. It’s officially milkshake season! You don’t have to go far to find creamy, rich milkshakes in a variety of flavors in downtown Raleigh. Here are a few of our favorites milkshakes available closeby:

• Char-Grill: We love the no-fuss simplicity of a Char-Grill shake. With just two choices – chocolate or vanilla – the biggest decision you’ll have to make at Char-Grill is whether to eat the shake with a spoon or wait for it to melt enough to use a straw. (Yes, it’s THAT thick!) Either way, don’t forget to pair the shake with CG’s signature burger and fries. 618 Hillsborough St.

• Square Burger: This Moore Square take-out burger restaurant’s shakes are rich and creamy, yet smooth enough to enjoy with straw. We love Square Burger’s added touches, too: whipped cream and a cherry on top. Pick from chocolate, vanilla, strawberry or salted caramel. And don’t miss the monthly shake special this month: refreshing creamy watermelon. 225 E. Martin St.

• MoJoes Burger Joint: This Glenwood South burger standout is known for its thick shakes in traditional flavors (chocolate, strawberry and vanilla) but what makes these frosty treats special are the add-ons, like Reese’s Cups, Peanut Butter, Oreos or Mini M&Ms. 620 Glenwood Ave.

• Amorino: This Davie Street ice cream shop puts a clever spin on shakes, including an espresso frappe shake with its signature vanilla gelato and Chantilly cream, and a fruity mango milkshake made with mango gelato or sorbet. 137 E. Davie St.

• Bad Daddy’s: This Seaboard Station burger joint’s classic shakes – vanilla, chocolate and strawberry – are always on point, but what we really love are their crazy cousins – the Chunky Elvis, with creamy peanut butter, banana, chocolate and walnuts, and the Salted Caramel Pretzel with fluffy whipped topping. 111 Seaboard Ave.