The Rootbeer Stand

"Serving Smiles Since the Sixties"

About Us

The Rootbeer Stand is an iconic American restaurant and ice cream shop located in Oglesby, IL. Since its founding in 1955, it has been a beloved fixture in the greater surrounding area. Specializing in delicious comfort foods—including burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, seafood, and a variety of mouthwatering ice cream treats like shakes, malts, sundaes, and root beer floats—it offers a range of dining options from dine-in to carryout and drive-in to delivery, making it a convenient choice for all. Catering to both individual cravings and corporate orders, as well as being a top choice for business events, this restaurant is a must-visit destination for classic American fare with a nostalgic twist. Please note: The Rootbeer Stand is cash-only.

Areas Served

Our Professional Associations

Illinois Valley Youth Soccer
Oglesby Valley Girls Softball and Baseball

What We Offer

Our Services include:

Dine-In: Relax and enjoy your meal on our outdoor patio with classic drive-in vibes and friendly service.
Carryout: Grab your favorites to go—perfect for picnics, road trips, or a quick bite on the move.
Drive-In: Pull up, stay in your car, and let our carhops bring the deliciousness right to your window.
Curbside: Convenient and contactless—place your order and we’ll bring it out to your vehicle.
DoorDash: Craving comfort food at home? Order through DoorDash for fast, easy delivery to your doorstep.
Delivery: Enjoy our signature root beer and hot dogs without leaving home—available via local delivery partners.
Corporate Orders: Fuel your team with bulk orders for meetings, office lunches, or company celebrations.
Business Events: Planning a local event? We cater to business gatherings with customizable menus and nostalgic charm.
Please note: We are a cash-only business!

Our Products include:

Pork Tenderloin
Homemade Root Beer
Ice Cream
Soda
Burgers
Hot Dogs
Milk Shakes
Chocolate Shakes
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Malts
Sundaes
Root Beer Floats
Hot & Cold Sandwiches
Seafood
Chicken Strips
Chicken Tenders
Flurrys
Banana Splits
Brownies
Salads
Chili
Soups
Ravs & Broths

Testimonials

On 2/27/2026 Charles Bee had this to say:
We loved the great authentic taste of the food.

On 2/15/2026 Carl Graddy had this to say:
Had a family business trip to Central Illinois last week, and whenever I travel, I always try to carve out a little “me time” to hunt down a unique, off-the-beaten-path spot with some retro character. Most of my family knows I’ll gladly drive an hour (or more) for a great local root beer, so that’s exactly how I ended up in the small town of Oglesby, IL population 3,791 at The Root Beer Stand, established in 1955! This place checks all of my boxes for classic Americana nostalgia. It has that true old-school roadside diner feel, complete with pull-up ordering outside (not a drive-thru) and a small indoor dining room straight out of Happy Days, filled with booths. It was about 45 degrees when I visited, so dining inside was the perfect choice. I of course started with an ice-cold frosted mug of their house-made root beer, and it was spot on perfect. If you’ve never had this style before, it’s different from typical fountain soda, meaning less carbonation, for a smooth, rich flavor taste, and full of character. It foams when first poured and then appears to be flat, but drinks more like the traditional root beer you’d imagine from decades past. For my food, I went with the Bacon Double Cheeseburger basket which includes two patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and 1000 Island dressing, and made it a basket with fries and a small salad. Everything came out hot, fresh, and quickly. Service was genuinely small-town friendly, the kind that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit. The atmosphere really takes you back, a total retro vibe that feels straight out of a classic American diner era. Great food, great service, and a root beer that easily makes my “worth the hour-plus drive” list. The Root Beer Stand is now officially on my permanent must-stop list anytime I’m in Central Illinois. If you’re looking for a little nostalgia, classic drive-in food, and one of the best root beers around, definitely check this place out. Also know that it's CASH ONLY!!

On 2/11/2026 Keirstyn Charles had this to say:
Had dinner here the other night with a friend. The prices were reasonable. The set up is your very family friendly setting and very casual, and classic. The staff was all very friendly and helpful. The menu has a pretty great selection but also very simple (in a great way). The burger was delicious! The rootbeer in a frosty mug really hit the spot. Ended up even taking two gallons of rootbeer home. I definitely recommend!

On 1/22/2026 sj mbring had this to say:
What a find! If you are traveling on Highway 39 past Olgesby, IL, and you are hungry, this is the place to stop. It is just a short way off the expressway and SO MUCH BETTER than your typical fast food place. Food is homemade, very reasonable, and nostalgic. The staff is super friendly and the place is filled with locals, since they all know how good it is. Who doesn’t want a tasty cheeseburger and a root bear float?

On 12/27/2025 Caitlin Lee had this to say:
Cute drive-up spot! Came here with our dog after a hike. They make their own root beer and bring the food to your car. Places like this are special!

Contact Us

The Rootbeer Stand
225 N Columbia Ave Oglesby, IL 61348
Phone: (815) 883-9254
Email: ridleysrbs@gmail.com

Near the Starved Rock area

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

Cash-Only

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

News

Info

Menu
Doordash

FAQ

What are your most popular items?

Customer favorites include:

◆ House-made Root Beer (available by the gallon!)
◆ Root Beer Floats
◆ Footlong Hot Dogs
◆ Warm Fried Brownies
◆ Pizza Burgers, Coney Dogs, and Tenderloins 1

How long has The Root Beer Stand been around?

We’ve been a local landmark since the 1960s, originally opened by the current owner’s father. It’s a true throwback to the golden age of drive-ins.

Is The Root Beer Stand kid-friendly?

Absolutely! We’re a family-oriented business with a casual, nostalgic atmosphere perfect for all ages

Do you offer delivery or online ordering?

Absolutely! Ordering is quick and easy—just hop onto DoorDash and get your favorites delivered straight to your door!

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash only.

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