This Old-Fashioned Indiana Restaurant Is Famous For Its Coconut Cream Pie
Step through the doors at 329 Washington Street in Columbus, Indiana, and it feels like time politely paused for dessert.
Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum pairs carved oak, stained glass, and gleaming soda fountains with crowd pleasing classics that taste like summer vacation.
The house famous coconut cream pie steals hearts with a cloud of whipped topping and toasty flakes that crunch like applause.
Come curious, leave delighted, and bring room for one more bite than you planned.
Exact Location And How To Find It
The address is 329 Washington St, Columbus, IN 47201, right in the handsome heart of downtown.
You will find Zaharakos on the east side of Washington Street, steps from boutiques, architecture trails, and the calm flow of small town foot traffic.
A bright marquee and tall windows frame the view of carved woodwork that hints at the historic interior.
Parking is straightforward with nearby street spaces and public lots, and meters are simple to manage for a leisurely visit.
If GPS is your trusty co pilot, enter Zaharakos or the exact address and aim for the coordinates 39.2021899, -85.920899.
The building’s warm brick and stained glass panels make it hard to miss on a sunny afternoon.
Plan your route so you can stroll a few blocks before or after your meal.
Downtown Columbus rewards wanderers with public art and iconic design.
Zaharakos sits beautifully at the center of it all.
History And Ownership
Zaharakos opened in 1900, and the building still shows off the turn of the century soda fountain elegance that made it a local landmark.
The parlor has been carefully restored, preserving the onyx soda fountain, gleaming brass details, and mirrored backbars that define the space.
Historical exhibits inside the museum celebrate the golden age of soda fountains with authentic dispensers and ephemera.
Public information focuses more on the restoration than day to day ownership details, so the emphasis here stays on what you can see and taste.
The preservation work gives you a clear view into an era when craftsmanship ruled every surface.
That authenticity turns a casual ice cream stop into a living museum visit.
You will sense the continuity the moment the fountain hisses and the marble counter cools your forearms. History is not roped off behind velvet.
It is working hard to make your sundae sparkle.
Decor, Ambiance, And Setting
Inside, carved oak stretches like a symphony of scrollwork, and stained glass throws jewel tones across marble.
The soda fountain glints with brass fixtures and onyx, reflecting the hum of conversation and the clink of long handled spoons.
Ceiling fans spin with old school charm that matches the polished wood floors underfoot.
The ambiance feels both grand and playful, with museum cases tucked along the periphery to invite curious detours.
Natural light pours through generous windows and warms the booths, while pendant lamps add a soft evening glow.
Background music stays comfortably low so chatter floats without shouting.
Families share banana splits, couples split sandwiches, and kids press noses to glass to watch sundaes being built.
It is all cozy without feeling cramped.
The mood says stay a while, then order that second scoop you promised to resist.
Menu Highlights And Notable Dishes
The menu blends classic American lunch plates with fountain favorites, so it is easy to build a sweet plus savory game plan.
Expect grilled cheese with golden pull, tomato soup that comforts, and sandwiches like loose meat or turkey stacked just right.
Burgers arrive with that diner style sear and simple toppings that let the beef speak up.
On the sweet side, there are scoops, sundaes, banana splits, malts, and phosphates that fizz with personality.
Fudge is thick, caramel is buttery, and whipped cream wears that just whipped swoop.
Seasonal flavors pop in and out, but vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry anchor the lineup.
The coconut cream pie headlines with a flaky crust, velvety coconut custard, billowy topping, and toasted coconut confetti.
Sharing sounds generous until the first bite happens.
Order two slices if peace at the table matters.
Signature Coconut Cream Pie Experience
That coconut cream pie arrives with drama, a tall cloud crowned by toasty flakes that crackle gently under the fork.
The custard is silky and deeply coconutty, more lush than sweet, and it settles like satin on the palate.
Underneath, a flaky crust holds its structure without getting bossy.
Each bite balances cream, crunch, and coconut perfume that lingers just long enough.
The portion is generous, perfect for one devoted fan or two polite sharers.
Texture wise, it glides, it crackles, and then it disappears faster than plans to skip dessert.
Ask for it chilled for maximum definition between layers.
Pair it with a scoop of vanilla for hot fudge drizzles that turn rich into richer.
When people say Zaharakos is famous for pie, this is the slice that built the reputation.
Service Style And Customer Experience
Service runs on smiles, steady pacing, and a ready willingness to answer questions about the museum pieces and the fountain.
Staff describe sundaes and pies with the confidence of people who have tasted everything twice.
Refills, extra spoons, and requests for split checks usually happen with cheerful speed.
First timers get gentle guidance on building sundaes and choosing sauces that balance rather than overwhelm.
Kids receive patient attention that keeps the fun flowing.
Even during busy stretches, the vibe stays upbeat and organized rather than rushed.
Expect friendly hellos, quick table wipes, and thoughtful check ins without hovering.
The flow feels old fashioned in the best way, like hospitality got a careful polish.
By the time dessert is gone, it feels like someone remembered your name.
Prices, Hours, And Practical Tips
Prices sit in the comfortable mid range, noted as dollar sign dollar sign, which matches hearty portions and museum level ambiance.
Current hours show closed on Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday through Sunday with evenings stretching to 8 or 9 pm.
The website at zaharakos.com and the phone line at +1 812-378-1900 confirm specifics.
Arrive near opening for quieter photos of the fountain and easier seating.
Peak times land on weekend afternoons and early evenings when families celebrate and travelers detour.
Street parking works, and nearby lots help when the block gets lively.
Bring a small jacket if you chill easily near marble and soda fountains.
Save space for dessert or make dessert the main event outright.
A to go slice of coconut cream pie travels well if self control wavers at the door.
Unique Features And Best Times To Visit
The museum element sets Zaharakos apart, with antique soda dispensers, syrup pumps, and gleaming machinery that still inspires in Columbus, Indiana.
There is music from historic instruments and a sense that every fixture carries a story worth pausing over.
Kids light up when phosphates hiss and scoops thud against frosty tubs.
Golden hour turns stained glass into a warm kaleidoscope that photographs beautifully in Indiana light.
Weekday openings after 11 am are ideal for relaxed visits and easy conversations with staff.
Evenings bring a celebratory buzz that makes sundaes taste brighter.
Plan a loop through downtown architecture sites before or after your meal for a full Columbus, Indiana experience.
Keep an eye on seasonal events that can increase foot traffic and energy in the room.
However you time it, the magic lands as soon as the fountain starts to sing.