The milkshake is the great equalizer.

A father can share it with his sons. A father-in-law can get as excited as his granchildren over the prospect of a collosal shake.

Needless to say, there have been many a discussion over milkshakes in my house—a generation-spanning topic of conversation.

Annapolis—Normally I find it difficult to sit down and pinpoint something as my favorite. That is, until I'm asked about milkshakes. This is an easy one—Annapolis Ice Cream Co. on Main Street in downtown Annapolis. This is the best milkshake around and my wife will attest to the fact that I routinely declare it the "best" I've ever had.

That said, a close contender is the collosal shake just across the street at Chick and Ruth's Delly. It has become a family favorite and my kids and my father-in-law seem to somehow always make a convincing argument to sample one whenever we're together.

Here are some recommended milkshake destinations, provided by fellow Patch editors throughout the county.

Edgewater—My all-time favorite milkshakes come from Roy Rodgers Restaurants (the Butterfinger milkshake) but since those aren't available locally, Chick-fil-A takes the crown for South County. At “the Chick,” they put whipped cream on top of the shake, making it sweeter and thicker than other food establishments.

Crofton—Head to Bruster's at 1125 Route 3 North in Gambrills, where you can get a thick shake made from your favorite ice cream or hit the Nautilus Diner where the extensive menu includes milkshakes along with egg creams (that don't have eggs or cream in them).

Glen Burnie—With a few locally owned ice cream shops to choose from in Glen Burnie, Ann's Dari-Creme has stood the test of time—including having customer support stop them from being bought out by Marley Station mall. Stop by the lunch counter that's known just as well for its shakes as its footlongs. Choose from flavors including vanilla, chocolate, orange and banana. They don't take credit cards, but they recently added an ATM in case you forget some cash.

Odenton-Severn—A few weeks ago, I named Expressway Pit Beef on Piney Orchard Parkway as the best place to grab a sandwich. Well, it also happens to be the best place in Odenton for a good milkshake. They're thick, they're handmade and priced right at $3.

When you "gotta" have a milkshake, where do you go?