Dairy Kastle, Louisville, KY

Because the longest lines always lead to the best ice cream

by Carrie Daut | August 07, 2011

Since 1974, the tiny 2-window Dairy Kastle shack (yes, it’s spelled with a “k”) has been treating Louisvillians to some of the tastiest – and cheapest – soft serve ice cream in the city.

It’s ice cream your parents grew up loving, and then they brought you, and now you’re bringing your own kiddos. The lines are often long, and the Kentucky summer sun is hot, but you know what they say: If all those people are waiting 30 minutes in line for a simple ice cream cone, this has to be good stuff.

Only open from March to October, Dairy Kastle’s menu includes all the classics:

Milkshakes: Chocolate chip, Oreo, cappuccino, cherry cordial and more. The Brown Cow (root beer float with vanilla ice cream), Black Cow (float with chocolate ice cream) and Orange Cow (sherbet, ice cream and Sprite or milk) are favorites. ($2.15 - $3.95)
Flurries: Oreo, Nestlé Crunch, cookie dough and all your other favorite candies. ($2.45 - $4.45)
Cones: Chocolate, vanilla, swirled. Topped with chocolate, butterscotch, sprinkles and more. (start at $1.45 for a plain small cone)
Sundaes: Strawberry, blueberry, peach, pineapple and others. ($2.35 for an 8 oz. cup)
Frozen bananas: Only $1.05

This Insider tried a small Orange Cow made with Sprite ($2.15) and a small blueberry sundae with ice cream, blueberries, whipped cream and nuts ($2.35). Yum.

And for a little salty with your sweet, Dairy Kastle also offers summer favorites like hot dogs, chili dogs, brats and nachos.

This Insider also ordered their famous Taco-In-A-Bag. Pop open a bag of Fritos® corn chips, add chili, nacho cheese, salsa, sour cream, jalapeños and a spoon all into the bag, and voila! – the Taco-In-A-Bag. At just $1.50, I’ll take one every day, please.

(Insider Tips: Dairy Kastle offers some on-site parking and a few outdoor benches, but be prepared to find parking on nearby streets and then walk. Only cash is accepted; no credit cards.)

Dairy Kastle is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. They are located at 575 Eastern Parkway, close to the University of Louisville campus. From Interstate 65 North, take the Eastern Parkway exit and continue straight to the second light. Dairy Kastle is on the left, at Eastern Parkway and Bradley Avenue. Look for the green and yellow striped awning. For more information, call them at (502) 634-8990.