___ fountain

SODA

Think of the bubbly drink often paired with burgers and fries, commonly found in fast-food restaurants.

This clue is looking for a word that fits before "fountain," and the answer is "SODA" because soda fountains were once common in drugstores and diners where carbonated drinks were served. The term "soda fountain" dates back to the 19th century, when flavored syrups were mixed with carbonated water at a countertop dispenser. It’s a straightforward fill-in-the-blank clue with no hidden wordplay—just a familiar phrase.