Soda Pop’n, a concept rooted in Utah’s “dirty soda” culture, is preparing to debut in San Diego's North County city of Oceanside, introducing a style of beverage that blends traditional fountain sodas with additions like flavored syrups, cream, fruit, and candy. While still unfamiliar to many in Southern California, dirty soda has developed a massive following in Utah and surrounding states, where dedicated shops have become part of everyday culture.
At its core, a dirty soda starts with a base like Coke, Dr Pepper, or Sprite and is customized with add-ins ranging from coconut syrup and lime to cream and fruit purees, creating drinks that are equal parts soda and dessert. The trend first took off in Utah around 2010 and has since grown into a nationwide phenomenon fueled by social media and highly shareable drink combinations.
Soda Pop’n will bring that model to San Diego County with a menu centered on fully customizable craft sodas, allowing customers to mix flavors and ingredients into personalized creations. The concept also plans to pair its drinks with gourmet popcorn, adding another indulgent, novelty-driven element that aligns with the brand’s playful identity.
The shop is set to open on North Coast Highway, where signage and early social media activity confirm a “coming soon” launch. The brand’s Instagram teases “Utah’s Famous Dirty Soda & Ridiculously Decadent Gourmet Popcorn,” signaling an experience designed to lean heavily into both nostalgia and excess.
If successful, Soda Pop’n could tap into a growing appetite in San Diego for highly customizable, visually driven food and beverage concepts. The region has already embraced trends like boba, specialty coffee, and dessert-focused pop-ups, and dirty soda may represent the next evolution in that space. Whether it becomes a lasting fixture or a viral moment remains to be seen, but its arrival underscores how quickly niche regional food trends can cross state lines and land in San Diego’s ever-evolving dining scene.
Soda Pop’n is expected to open in the coming months at 222 North Coast Highway in San Diego's North County city of Oceanside. For more information, visit getsodapopn.com.
Originally published on April 2, 2026.