There is a new dessert experience in town, and it is turning the traditional ice cream cone completely on its head. Originally made famous on ABC’s Shark Tank and inspired by famous European street treats, Crispy Cones has officially opened its doors in the heart of downtown Columbia’s Main Street District.
Our KACOLA Contributor, Rachael, stopped by to see if the viral sensation lives up to the hype. Her short answer? It absolutely does. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
The Star of the Show: The Cone
While the ice cream is fantastic, the real magic here is the cone itself. Forget the stale, mass-produced waffle cones you are used to. At Crispy Cones, every single cone is hand-rolled from fresh dough and grilled rotisserie-style right in front of you.
The standard version comes with a perfect dusting of traditional cinnamon sugar, but they also feature rotating specialty options—like their current mango-dusted cone, which adds a bright, tropical twist to the warm dough.
Rachael’s Insider Tip: “The crispy cone is absolutely delicious, especially as it slightly soaks in that little bit of melted ice cream at the bottom of the cup. Plus, it pulls apart easily, which prevents those unnecessary, sticky ice cream messes!”
How to Order: Custom Creations Made Simple
Walking into a gourmet dessert shop can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Crispy Cones keeps things approachable. The menu is perfectly balanced—large enough to offer plenty of variety, but small enough that indecisive dessert lovers won’t freeze up at the counter.
You can choose from a few pre-set combinations or build your own masterpiece in five simple steps:
- Select your cone (Traditional cinnamon sugar or a seasonal flavor like mango)
- Choose your spread (Spreads like Nutella or cookie butter line the inside of the cone)
- Pick your soft-serve flavor
- Add a drizzle
- Pile on the toppings
If you aren’t in the mood for ice cream but still want to try the famous grilled pastry, you can opt for a Fruit Cone. This version swaps the soft-serve for fresh fruit and tops the whole thing with a mountain of whipped cream.
The Verdict: A Usable Work of Art
Crispy Cones definitely positions itself as an upscale dessert experience. While it is a bit on the pricey side, the quality and presentation make it entirely worth it. Every single order is treated like a little work of art, with each piece of fruit or topping carefully and neatly placed. It’s a premium treat that tastes just as good as it looks on your feed.
Know Before You Go: Columbia, SC Crispy Cones Location & Details
If you’re ready to try it for yourself, you can find Columbia’s brand-new spot right downtown, directly across from the statehouse area.
What to expect: A high-energy, modern space that’s a perfect stop for college students, downtown professionals, and families alike.
Address: 1204 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Like good ice cream? There’s a lot more! Go on an ice cream tour, or visit one every day. We won’t judge.