Zesto of West Columbia
A beloved West Columbia institution since 1949, Zesto serves up classic American comfort food with a focus on flavor and nostalgia, from crispy fried ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Zesto of West Columbia
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved West Columbia institution since 1949, Zesto serves up classic American comfort food with a focus on flavor and nostalgia, from crispy fried chicken to iconic ice cream cones.
Try the Ice Cream
Don't leave without trying the ice cream, especially the butterscotch shake for a sweet treat.
Off-Peak Hours Recommended
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure smoother service.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Fried Chicken
Crispy, flavorful fried chicken with a perfect skin-to-batter ratio. A true Southern classic.
Nostalgic Ice Cream Cone
Indulge in classic soft-serve ice cream, especially the dipped cones, topped with a giant cone statue.
Flavorful Burgers
Old-school burgers packed with flavor, a perfect bite for any burger enthusiast.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try the Ice Cream
Don't leave without trying the ice cream, especially the butterscotch shake for a sweet treat.
Off-Peak Hours Recommended
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure smoother service.
Photo Op with Cone
Capture memorable selfies with the iconic giant ice cream cone statue outside.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try the Ice Cream
Don't leave without trying the ice cream, especially the butterscotch shake for a sweet treat.
Off-Peak Hours Recommended
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure smoother service.
Photo Op with Cone
Capture memorable selfies with the iconic giant ice cream cone statue outside.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zesto of West Columbia is celebrated for its consistently delicious, old-school American comfort food, particularly its renowned fried chicken and flavorful burgers. Many praise the friendly and efficient service, creating a warm, nostalgic dining experience. While generally beloved, a few recent reviews mention concerns about value for money and occasional inconsistencies in food quality and service presentation.
"Had an amazing experience here for my first time. The burgers were so good and flavorful. The chicken tasted as if it was seasoned to the bone. I really wanted to try the ice cream but I was to full. I definitely will be back and this time I’m getting that ice cream. The customer service was exceptional as well."
Tay Bay
"Not sure why I have not posted a review sooner, but after visiting here recently, I was reminded of the warm friendly atmosphere, delicious food (I mean the best fried chicken you will ever have), and total efficiency behind the counter. There are plenty of staff on hand to ensure you are taken care of. Service is not lacking. We had to move north about a decade ago and I can attest, nothing has changed at Zesto's. Still amazing which is a testament to their consistency over the years."
Sandra Owen
"Hands down the best fried chicken in Columbia and I love the coleslaw recipe. Service is always amazing and staff are always happy and helpful. When I want fried chicken and coleslaw there is nowhere else I want to go."
NeatFreq
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Zesto is most famous for its delicious fried chicken and classic burgers, as well as its nostalgic soft-serve ice cream, especially the dipped cones.
Yes, Zesto is a great spot for families, offering classic kid-friendly options like burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream in a casual atmosphere.
Absolutely! Zesto is well-known for its soft-serve ice cream, including iconic dipped cones and shakes, perfect for a sweet treat.
The 12th Street and North Main Street locations are typically open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm. It's always a good idea to check for specific hours.
No, Zesto does not have a drive-through. Orders are placed at the counter and delivered to your table.
To avoid potential crowds and ensure smoother service, it's recommended to visit Zesto during off-peak hours.
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Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Columbia, SC
About: Zesto has the vibes of an old-school restaurant with hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken, soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, and milkshakes!. This is the perfect place to take your family for a low-key lunch or dinner – complete with a sweet tasty treat. Location: 504 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169 4001 North Main Street, Columbia, SC 292033239 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29204 – Drive-inHours: 12th Street and North Main Street Locations:Sunday – ClosedMonday – Saturday open from 10 am – 10 pm
The finest fried chicken in Columbia |
Zesto of West Columbia: Failed franchises are a constant in fried chicken history, and Zesto, founded by L.A.M. Phelan before he created his magnificent broasting machine, is one of them. Today there are 20 independent restaurants bearing the Zesto name, but few inspire the devotion accorded to the West Columbia location. “There is more skin than batter on Zesto’s, which gives the perfect ratio of crispy skin to batter that I deeply love,” Pham writes.
Best of Columbia 2020: Food and Drink | Free Times
The line of spaced-out people that snakes out from the interior of Zesto of West Columbia says everything it needs to, and the scent of fried chicken wafting down 12th Street says the rest. Nothing will stop people from near and far from getting their Zesto’s fried chicken fix, pandemic or not. The popular fried chicken joint has a big white tent under its ice cream cone in the sky to facilitate customer orders in a safe manner.
Our Pick For The Best Restaurants In Columbia SC
The crunch of quickly hardened chocolate dip around soft serve vanilla and a complementary cone makes for all kinds of taste delights. This cone is so iconic that there’s a statue of it out in front of the restaurant. Hamburgers, chicken, fries, and ice cream is their stock in trade, but on this trip, it’s all about the cone.
Family friendly restaurants in Columbia, SC
This longtime West Columbia restaurant will please little palates: the menu features burgers, chicken, hot dogs, fries, soft serve, sundaes, and milkshakes. Don’t forget to snap a sweet photo with the cone in the sky. If your little ones love pasta, Pasta Fresca is it.
Professional Photography & Selfie Spots - West Columbia
Another legendary place for a selfie is Zesto West Columbia, where you can have fun taking photos of the giant cone in the sky while tasting delicious chicken, burgers, and ice cream dipped in chocolate. Zesto is located at 504 12th St, West Columbia, SC 29169.
Highest-rated Cheap Eats in Columbia, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (268 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American- Address: 504 12th St, West Columbia, SC 29169-6335- Read more on Tripadvisor
19 Best Burgers in Columbia, SC
Established in 1949, Zesto has a long line of loyal customers who keep coming back for classic Zestoburgers + soft-serve (with extra sprinkles). Look for the little blue shop under the "giant cone in the sky" —you can’t miss it.
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