The Hilltop Dairy Twist is back
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The new Dairy Twist team is still perfecting the difficult art of a tall, perfectly swirled cone — but it tasted great. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios
It's been a summer full of fancy ice cream at Axios Columbus, but here's a nostalgic option that won't break the bank.
Why it matters: Longtime newsletter readers know I've long lamented Columbus' lack of mom-and-pop ice cream shops.
Catch up quick: I found Hilltop Dairy Twist in 2022, but the end of an era was near.
- The shop has been mostly closed since 2023, except a few months.
- After its owner died in 2025, the Twist officially closed and transferred owners this past April. I feared the local staple might be bulldozed and redeveloped.
Yes, but: Thankfully, I was wrong! It reopened a couple weeks ago.
What I ate: My usual no-frills order — a hot dog ($3.50), a pile of chili-cheese fries ($7) and a chocolate-vanilla twist with sprinkles ($4.95).
- It tasted like the place never left.
Caveat: The food options are pared down and the prices are a little higher. (But hey, what prices aren't these days?)
What's next: Once I saw a picturesque banana boat sundae go out the window, I regretted not being more adventurous with my order. I'll be back.
📍 Stop by: 11:30am-8pm Tuesday-Sunday, 2860 Sullivant Ave.
