Good vibes only
Dairy Cone, located at 836 Walnut St, Columbus, TX, is a charming throwback to the 1970s, welcoming diners with nostalgic dishes and exceptional service. With its vibrant drive-up atmosphere, the menu showcases a delightful array of comfort foods, including their famous Frito pie, juicy burgers, and thick, creamy soft-serve ice cream. The friendly staff ensures each order is prepared with care and precision, making every visit a memorable one. Customers rave about the crispy onion rings and robust flavors of the chili baked potato. Dairy Cone is more than just a restaurant; it’s a beloved local gem that encapsulates the joy of classic American dining.
Inside the Experience
Dairy Cone is a nostalgic treasure nestled in Columbus, Texas, at 836 Walnut St. This charming eatery has been serving up a delightful mix of classic fast food and homemade treats since the 1970s. With a reputation as a beloved stop on the way to San Marcos, it's not surprising that many patrons return time and again to indulge in its old-school goodness.
As I stepped into Dairy Cone, I was immediately transported back in time. The retro vibe, with its 50’s inspired drive-up style, adds to the charm. It’s a place where friendly smiles greet you, and the aroma of freshly cooked food wafts through the air, setting the stage for a truly satisfying dining experience.
The menu offers a variety of familiar favorites. Highlights include their mouthwatering cheeseburgers, famed for being simple yet perfectly executed. One customer rave reflected this sentiment beautifully: “The cheeseburgers were simple but perfect.” The attention to detail is evident in every dish, from the crispy onion rings to the generous portion of Frito pie. It’s comfort food that resonates well with both locals and tourists alike.
Another must-try is the soft serve ice cream, which comes highly recommended. The thick chocolate soft serve shake is a definite crowd-pleaser and embodies the essence of summertime treats. Diners have noted how everything is prepared fresh and with great care, ensuring a consistently delightful experience.
But it’s not just the food that impresses. Customer service at Dairy Cone is top-notch. Guests frequently remark on the genuine friendliness of the staff. One visitor shared their experience with a smile, saying the “customer service at the window was great.” This personal touch creates a familial atmosphere that invites you to linger and enjoy your meal.
Whether you are a long-time patron or a first-time visitor, Dairy Cone delivers an exceptional dining experience. It's a fantastic stop for a casual meal with family or friends, and each dish offers a taste of nostalgia that reminds you of simpler times. As one reviewer beautifully put it, it’s a hidden gem that leaves you wishing for more stars to give.
If you find yourself in Columbus, be sure to make Dairy Cone part of your journey. You won't just be eating; you'll be experiencing a slice of culinary history that continues to impress and delight.
“ Old school 70's goodness! We always stop at Dairy Cone on the way to San Marcos. Never dissapoints! Frito pie always good along with Soft Serve Ice Cream and Burgers. ”
“ I used to visit this place regularly when my grandparents had a weekend place in Columbus back in the early 1980s. I stopped by the other day for my first time in over 40 years, this time with my city girl wife and kids. Place honestly hasn't changed much at all and that is what I like about it. Staff are nice, they take their time to take your order and make it right (regardless of how many people are waiting). Burger was great, milk shake and malts where great, onion rings were great. Prices were a little on the high side but that is no different than anywhere these days and I don't mind paying when the product is as good as it was here. The whole family enjoyed their meal, and I have a bunch that is usually all hard to please. Somethings are better left they way they are, thanks Dairy Cone for never changing! ”
“ There's not a fast food chain that even comes close to their quality and hospitality. Absolute excellence every single time. Recent menu prices as of Aug. 2025 ”
“ Small town burger place Dairy Queen inspired has good food. Food was fresh and the junior burger was big! Chili baked potato was large and delicious appreciated the jalapenos and the fancy burrito was good the fresh lettuce and tomato was liked. Good ice cream chocolate soft serve shake was thick. Outside seating had some insects circling trash. ”
“ Really cool 50's style drive up. We raved over the cheeseburgers. Simple but perfect. Onion rings were super crispy. Staff was really friendly. No wonder this spot has been open so long. ”