A Sweet Step Into the Past
In the heart of downtown Columbus, Indiana, stands a destination that feels like a perfectly preserved slice of American history. Zaharakos, a meticulously restored soda fountain and ice cream parlor, transports guests back to the early 1900s with its stained-glass details, vintage marble countertops, and old-fashioned charm. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re immersed in a world where soda jerks wore bow ties and sundaes were a special event.
Originally opened in 1900, Zaharakos is not just a restaurant—it’s an institution. Painstakingly restored in the 2000s, the building now houses both the iconic soda fountain and a small museum showcasing antique soda equipment, cash registers, and memorabilia. It’s a place where time stands still, and the experience of enjoying a hand-crafted float or banana split feels both nostalgic and timeless.
The Art of the Soda Fountain
At the heart of Zaharakos is its spectacular double soda fountain, made of white onyx and imported from Italy. This gleaming centerpiece stretches across the main dining area and is still fully functional. Trained staff serve up house-made sodas, phosphates, and malts using original recipes and techniques that date back over a century.
Flavors like cherry, vanilla, and chocolate are hand-mixed into carbonated water to create authentic sodas with a delicate fizz and rich flavor. Ice cream floats—made with small-batch ice cream and poured with precision—remain among the most popular items, especially during the warmer months. Watching your drink being made behind the ornate counter is part of the experience, offering a performance as much as a refreshment.
Ice Cream and Indulgence
No visit to Zaharakos is complete without ordering something sweet. The menu features towering sundaes, banana splits, and classic cones. Each dish is served with flair, using glassware and utensils that match the parlor’s early 20th-century aesthetic.
Signature items include the “Green River” soda, root beer floats, and the indulgent Zaharakos Sundae—two scoops of your choice, hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top. For those who prefer lighter options, sorbet and seasonal fruit toppings are also available.
Lunch with a Side of History
While desserts and sodas are the stars, Zaharakos also offers a solid lunch menu filled with crowd-pleasers like grilled cheese, tomato soup, ham and cheese sandwiches, and hearty chili. Everything is made fresh and served in a casual, counter-service style that complements the relaxed atmosphere.
After your meal, guests are encouraged to explore the back section of the shop where the museum collection is located. Antique soda fountains, vintage advertising, and early 1900s fixtures give insight into how soda parlors once served as social hubs in American towns.
A Family-Friendly Destination
Zaharakos is a hit with guests of all ages. Children are fascinated by the old-fashioned atmosphere and sweet treats, while older visitors often find themselves reminiscing about their own childhoods or stories passed down through generations. It’s not unusual to see grandparents, parents, and kids all gathered around the same table, bonding over milkshakes and memories.
Special attention is given to keeping the environment inclusive and welcoming. Highchairs are available, the staff is warm and knowledgeable, and the spacious layout makes it easy for strollers and wheelchairs to move comfortably throughout the restaurant and museum areas.
Music from the Past
Adding to the ambiance is a rare and fully operational Welte orchestrion, a self-playing pipe organ originally built in the early 1900s. Housed behind glass in the dining room, the orchestrion plays classical and period music at intervals, enhancing the old-world charm and adding an unexpected layer to the dining experience.
The music captivates guests and draws curious eyes, especially during quieter hours. It’s one of the many little details that make Zaharakos feel like more than just a place to eat—it’s a theatrical window into the past.
Events and Seasonal Specials
Zaharakos regularly participates in community events, local festivals, and downtown Columbus celebrations. During holidays, the parlor gets decked out in themed decorations and offers seasonal menu items like peppermint sundaes in winter or berry-topped desserts in summer. It’s also a popular venue for birthday parties, small gatherings, and school field trips.
The staff often dress in vintage attire for special occasions, further immersing visitors in the period atmosphere. These themed events are a hit with regulars and new guests alike, helping Zaharakos maintain its beloved status in the community.
Preserving the Past
Much of Zaharakos charm lies in its authenticity. Rather than creating a theme, the owners have carefully restored and preserved original elements, down to the light fixtures and booth designs. It’s one of the best-preserved soda fountains in the country, and its continued operation helps preserve an important chapter in small-town American culture.
For those who want a souvenir, the gift area near the entrance offers branded merchandise, retro candies, and postcards. Every detail of the guest experience is thoughtful, extending the parlor’s charm beyond the meal itself.
A Must-Visit Piece of Americana
Zaharakos isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a place to reconnect with the joy of simpler times. Whether you’re sipping a phosphate for the first time or revisiting a childhood favorite, it’s an experience built on tradition, care, and delight. It’s no wonder that locals and travelers alike return time and again.
If you’re passing through Columbus or looking for a weekend day trip with charm, history, and delicious treats, Zaharakos offers all of that and more—wrapped up in a nostalgic bow, with a cherry on top.
