The Rootbeer Stand

"Serving Smiles Since the Sixties"

About Us

Since 1955, The Rootbeer Stand has been a local favorite in Oglesby, IL, serving classic American comfort food and old-fashioned ice cream treats. Enjoy juicy burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, seafood, shakes, malts, sundaes, and the signature root beer float that keeps generations coming back. Whether you're dining in, grabbing carryout, cruising through the drive-in, or ordering delivery, you'll find timeless flavors and friendly service. Planning a business lunch, corporate event, or group gathering? The Rootbeer Stand is a delicious choice. Stop by and experience the nostalgia, great food, and sweet treats that have made this iconic spot a community tradition for over 70 years. Cash only.

Our Story

Founded in 1955, The Rootbeer Stand has been a beloved landmark in Oglesby, IL, serving generations of families throughout the Starved Rock Valley and surrounding communities. For more than 70 years, this iconic restaurant and ice cream shop has been known for its nostalgic atmosphere, classic American comfort food, and famous root beer treats that keep customers coming back year after year.

The Rootbeer Stand has always been more than just a place to eat—it's a local tradition. The current ownership grew up visiting and working at the restaurant, creating a deep connection to its history and reputation. With a commitment to preserving the quality and charm that customers have loved for decades, The Rootbeer Stand continues to honor its roots while embracing modern conveniences that make ordering and enjoying your favorite meals easier than ever.

What truly sets The Rootbeer Stand apart is its unique nostalgic experience. Guests can step back in time and enjoy the classic drive-in atmosphere that has made the restaurant a destination for families, tourists, and locals alike. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Starved Rock Valley, the restaurant offers a welcoming environment where great food and cherished memories come together.

Our menu features an extensive selection of American favorites, including juicy burgers, classic hot dogs, crispy chicken strips, seafood baskets, and much more. No visit is complete without trying one of our famous ice cream treats, including creamy shakes, rich malts, delicious sundaes, and our signature root beer floats that have become a local favorite over the years. Whether you're stopping by for lunch, dinner, dessert, or simply a refreshing treat on a warm day, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Convenience is also a major part of what we offer. Guests can choose from dine-in patio seating, carryout, drive-in service with traditional carhop-style convenience, curbside pickup, and delivery through local partners and DoorDash. We also accommodate larger corporate orders and business events, making it easy to bring our classic flavors to meetings, celebrations, and gatherings of all sizes.

At The Rootbeer Stand, we pride ourselves on serving quality food with friendly service in a setting that feels familiar and welcoming. Every meal is prepared with care, and every customer is treated like part of the family. Whether you're a lifelong customer returning for a favorite meal or a first-time visitor discovering us for the first time, we strive to create an experience that combines great food, lasting memories, and small-town hospitality.

Please note that The Rootbeer Stand is a cash-only business.

Visit us at 225 N Columbia Ave, Oglesby, IL 61348 or call us at 815-883-9254 to learn more about our menu and services.

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 9/26/2026 Barb Needham had this to say:
Amazing root beer float and the mini corn dogs was delicious 😋

On 9/22/2026 Mark Webb had this to say:
This is an authentic Root Beer stand from years ago. It has the dine in your car service or you can eat inside. The root beer is homemade and is delicious. They have a good menu of burgers and hot dogs and great sides. Plus they have some ice cream deserts. Each meal comes with a side salad which is a nice touch. They only take cash, but don't fret because they also have an ATM inside.

On 9/20/2026 Eric Stanton had this to say:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What an incredible old-school experience! I absolutely loved our visit to The Rootbeer Stand in Oglesby, Illinois. There are not many places left that can give you that genuine feeling of stepping back in time, but this place does it perfectly. From the moment we pulled in, I felt like I had been transported to a simpler time when going to a drive-in was an experience all by itself. The atmosphere, the classic drive-in feel, the carhop service, and especially that homemade root beer served in those frosty glass mugs brought back a sense of nostalgia that is hard to find anymore. There’s just something special about sitting there with an ice-cold root beer and enjoying the moment. It honestly made me slow down and appreciate the experience. The food was exactly what you hope for from a classic old-school drive-in—good, hearty comfort food that fits the place perfectly. But honestly, it was more than just the food that made this visit special. It was the feeling of being somewhere with so much history and character. Knowing this place has been part of the community since the 1950s makes the experience even more meaningful. You can feel that history here. This isn't some modern restaurant trying to recreate an old-fashioned atmosphere—it feels genuine, like a piece of the past that has managed to stick around. I absolutely loved visiting and am so glad we stopped. The Rootbeer Stand isn't just somewhere to grab a meal; it's an experience and a little piece of history. It truly took me back in time, and those are the kinds of places I really appreciate. Thank you for keeping this wonderful tradition alive. I hope places like this are around for many, many more years. Fantastic visit, wonderful nostalgia, and a memory I'll definitely hold onto. We will absolutely be back! ❤️🥤🍔

On 9/19/2026 Send in Zhe Clown had this to say:
So lovely! I adore the retro drive up and being able to order from the speaker and have it brought out. Fair prices, hot food, and good desserts! Would love to come back when I'm in the area

On 9/18/2026 Advo 217 had this to say:
I visited here for the first time on a certain day in September 2026.

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

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 - 8:30 PM

News

There's always something exciting happening at The Rootbeer Stand! Stop by and try our NEW Lemon Blueberry Sundae 🍋🫐 or treat yourself to a delicious Ice Cream Cookie 🍪🍦.
🎸 Live Band
📅 September 5
🎤 Mike Milligan
⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🚗 Cruise-In Nights
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📅 August 15
📅 August 21
📅 August 22 – Bike Show 🏍️ (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
📅 September 19
Bring your family, friends, classic cars, and motorcycles for great food, cool treats, and amazing community fun. Don't forget to grab one of our famous Root Beer Floats while you're here!
📍 The Rootbeer Stand – Oglesby, IL
Serving smiles since 1955.

🍔🥤 Nothing Beats a Burger & a Cold Root Beer! 🥤🍔
Stop by The Rootbeer Stand and treat yourself to a classic combo—juicy burgers and refreshing root beer, made just the way you remember. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or hanging out with friends, we’ve got your cravings covered!
📍 225 N Columbia Ave
Oglesby, IL 61348
Swing in, sip slow, and enjoy the flavor of a local favorite! 😋

Info

Menu
Order Online

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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