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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. Founded in 1955, it has been a beloved staple of the surrounding communities for generations.
Known for its classic comfort food, The Rootbeer Stand serves up favorites like burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, seafood, and an irresistible selection of ice cream treats—including shakes, malts, sundaes, and signature root beer floats. Guests can enjoy the convenience of dine-in, carryout, drive-in, and delivery options.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite, satisfying a sweet tooth, or placing an order for a business event or corporate gathering, The Rootbeer Stand delivers timeless American flavors with a nostalgic charm that keeps customers coming back.
Please note: The Rootbeer Stand is cash-only.


Areas Served

Oglesby, IL | Utica, IL | La Salle, IL | Peru, IL | Mendota, IL | Ottawa, IL | Naplate, IL | Spring Valley, IL

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What We Offer

Our Services include:

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Testimonials

On 3/28/2026 Melanie Gamlin had this to say:
What a fun stop for the family.

On 3/23/2026 Danielle McCartney had this to say:
Great old fashioned rootbeer in frosty cold mugs! Fast and friendly service. NOTE-There is an ATM INSIDE as they only accept cash & check.

On 3/22/2026 Benjamin Humphrey had this to say:
I love the beer

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!!


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

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Payment Types Accepted

Cash-Only

Our Hours

Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM


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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