Yummy food, great service, and fun atmosphere. This was one of the highlights of our road trip through Illinois.

Came here on a Saturday afternoon on our way to my nephews cross country race in Peoria. After waiting almost 45 mins for 2 burgers, fries, onion rings, cheese sticks, and a chili dog that was specifically ordered without cheese and had cheese all over it-- I'm going to miss my nephews race (that we drove 2.5 hours to see). The food was standard hotdog stand food- certainly not worth the $30+ we paid and the 45 minute prep time. I'm all for employing teenagers, but these kids are in no hurry whatsoever. Recap: literally the slowest "fast food" service I've ever experienced, expensive, and I'm starving because my order was wrong. (But I'll have time to stop now because I'm going to miss my event.) R I D I C U L O U S. read more

The 13-hour roadtrip between Nashville, TN and Rochester, MN is kind of a wasteland when it comes to finding stops to fuel up on food. Sure you have your pick of the lot if you want to eat McDonald's or Taco Bell, but 13-hours in a car is bad enough without adding either of those things in the mix. The healthier we can eat while on the road, the better. While I wouldn't say the food at The Rootbeer Stand (for that is its name) is super healthy, at least it had more charm than your standard chain fastfood joint. There doesn't seem to be much around in Oglesby, IL, but this little drive-in place will throw you back the '50s... especially when it comes to the prices! I got a fish & chips combo, while my husband got a burger combo, PLUS we got a big frosty mug of rootbeer just for $11. The portions were not huge, but I would say that they were actually the size people should be eating. Both came with fries (crinkle cut) and salads (I appreciate the effort, but these were just iceberg lettuce drenched in French dressing). Definitely the star of our stop was the rootbeer! It was so good we got a second cup of it for the road. If, for whatever reason, you happen to be passing through this neck of the woods, this is a decent place to stop. At the very least, you won't be regretting your decision for the remainder of your trip! read more

I'm a little puzzled by the negative reviews on this place--it's awesome, and a total gem. It looks like they've never once updated the decor (a plus, because it's fun), they have insanely good ice cream treats, and they make their own root beer. (On the sweeter side, but with good flavor.) My husband and I each had the cheeseburger basket and we were satisfied by everything. (Yeah, the salad's just shredded iceberg with a bloop of dressing in a little styrofoam cup, but whatever.) Good fries, good burgers, good flavored. We had fun and would go back if we were passing through town again. Little joints like this are hard to find nowadays. read more

Old drive in converted to a sit down restaurant. AMAZING HOME MADE ROOTBEER. Came here after hiking in the morning and got the cheeseburger basket. Food was great. Worth the stop. Will be taking a gallon of Rootbeer home with us!!! YUM read more

J T. is right about the name. The first thing you see is Rootbeer Stand. I had lunch here today. I had the double cheese burger with fries and salad. The salad was a little cup, about the same size of coleslaw. I think I would have rather it had been coleslaw. The salad was simple lettuce and dressing. There were no other veggies in the salad. The double cheese burger was ok, nothing special. There are much better cheese burgers out there. The fries were crinkle cut style that I normally really like, but these didn't have much flavor. Now onto the namesake. The rootbeer was great! The people were very friendly! If I were to go back I think I would try the rootbeer float. read more

We ordered 1 hamburger, 1 grilled cheese and 2 fish and chips. Waited 30 minutes and got no response. Hit the button to get server and was asked for our order again. we told them we already ordered and wanted to know how long before our food comes. they asked "Did they tell you it would be 40 to 45 minutes?" to which I replied "NO!!" they said it would be about 10 more minutes, needless to say we left immediatley. The food joints in this town are a joke. I am from the Suburbs of Chicago and apparently used to good service and food. Too bad because I will now be traveling to Peru for food on my next visit to the state parks. read more

This is also called The Root Beer Stand which is a more accurate description of the place. It was a former A&W root beer stand. You can still drive up and order from your car. Easy on easy off from interstate 80. Sure beats the other fast food options. Be sure to order the pork tenderloin sandwich with the works! read more

The Rootbeer Stand - Order from your car! Outside menu - American Near Me - Oglesby, Illinois

Pretty good. I would recommend they have good burgers. By far I would say the best thing thy have here is the root beer floats. They are very very good. Although a bit dirty it's not to bad. read more

This is definitely my favorite "mom and pop" place in the area! The food is always fantastic and at a really great price! Tax is added in to the price you see on the menu and they only accept cash. Do not pass this place over, it is absolutely worth the visit! The Rootbeer is amazing, the ice cream is amazing, the burgers, fries, all of it! The owners are also very nice people! read more

Quick stop in after leaving Starved Rock State Park. Old school drive up where you order from the car and they bring your food out to you. The family enjoyed the meal and ice cream. read more

Just driving thru and saw the sign... I love these type of places, local with homemade anything. First of all it took over 15 mins for a rootbeer float and an order of cheese sticks. The place was not packed, in fact it didnt look busy at all. When the car hop brought our order our float was in a styrofoam cup, not a nice frosty mug. Not what we were looking for. The rootbeer was okay, but the ice cream was a bit grainy. The cheese sticks were only slightly warm on the inside. Maybe they didn't have enough time. Wanted to love it, but next time I'll get a bottle of IBC at the gas station. read more

The Rootbeer Stand is a nice little drive-thru in Oglesby. It's a bit further away from the interstate (or, if you prefer... located on the old main road through town), but not that much further away, and besides... you didn't want McD's or BK *again*, did you? I order fish everywhere, so of course I had to order the fish and chips basket. The fries were merely decent, but the fish was quite crunchy and the cod perfectly flaky. Exactly what I hoped for, even with tartar sauce that seemed to be served from a bottle. Definitely come here for the root beer. In a freezing cold mug with no ice, I could have gotten two giant glasses. Not sure about the brand of root beer they serve, but here it's smooth, strong on the vanilla, light on the sasparilla, and *just* carbonated enough. My wife had a grilled chicken sandwich, which was OK (she gets it plain, though, so all I had to go on was the quality of the chicken breast. It was good.) Overall, not a bad way to do lunch on the way back from downstate! read more

I LOVED this place. We were just wandering around the areas near where we were staying for a wedding and came across this drive in. When I saw "home made root beer" I had to try it. I'm really glad I did. This is by far the best root beer, and by extension the best root beer float, I've ever had. We also got their onion rings, which were amazing, and their fries, which were ok (I prefer thin fries). After the float I ordered a root beer, then a half Gallon of the root beer after I saw a local man buy 2 gallons. The owner wanted me that it only stays bubbly for about 2 days in the jug. I really wish I had bought more. Even when it was flat 2 days later it was still a delicious, creamy, smooth root beer that made me want to drink it all day. If I'm ever here again I'll probably buy 4 gallons and invest in a sodastream so I can keep it carbonated. I'm not saying I would drive all the way from San Diego just to get this root beer again... But if I had the time I probably would. read more

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If you are looking for some good ol' fashion Root Beer in a ice cold mug, you got try this spot. Their traditional drive thru menu won't disappoint. Even though I don't eat pork, the Pork Tenderloin are (apparently) to die for!! I am not sure why they are rated a 3 star, but it's my 2nd time here and I have not been disappointed. Enjoy! read more

I used to come here 5-6 years ago, and I loved it here. Their burgers were delicious, their rootbeer was great. Today I went to the rootbeer stand and it was not a good experience. While the burger was alright, the salad that came with was disappointing. Shredded lettuce in a small cup with French dressing covering the top. The worst part was the rootbeer. The rootbeer was completely flat and tasted like artificial sweetener. Lastly, I was concerned when I saw the server grab ice-cream cones with their bare hands, sit the come on the counter where customers and employees work, and make transactions. It seems unsanitary for them not to use some sort of barrier and sit it on a counter that can easily pick up germs. Very disappointed. read more

What a fun place!!! Let me start off by saying that we went here after a morning of hiking, so we were ravenous by the time we arrived around noon. The place is straight out of the 1960's. They have not updated a thing, and we loved it! Talk about a cool history lesson and and a walk back in time. The food is your typical old school steak burger/hotdog joint. It is not amazing or memorable by any means, but it isn't bad either. The root beer floats are amazing, however, in their frosted old school glasses! Really, this place is an amazing lesson in American history and small town drive ins that are far and few between. The staff was so nice and personal. Great service! read more

So this is a quickie that I'll update another time. We were actually on our way to a very bitchin' Oktoberfest as we passed this funky little joint and said "homemade root beer!" Turned right around and went to get some. All we ordered were three root beers but they were EXCELLENT. This place is like a step back in time and we have just found our next "let's go for a ride" adventure. We were drooling looking at the menu, especially that pork tenderloin sandwich, which the counter girl said is "really good". Mac n cheese bites? Fried mushrooms? This is old school drive in food - complete with actual drive in!! Sonic didn't invent this stuff, folks, this is the real deal. We are planning a trip back! Stay tuned! read more

Stopped here for an afternoon ice cream snack after hiking at nearby Starved Rock State Park. The ice cream was very tasty and was the base for all of our choices which included: a turtle sundae, a peanut butter fudge sundae, an Oreo cookie dough Flurry (like a DQ Blizzard), an M & M Flurry and a vanilla ice cream cone. Everyone liked their choices very much and they were good quality. Service was fast, too. The stand is just like the old A & W drive-in restaurants (and probably was one at one time). You can eat inside the little "diner-like" area or out in your car. read more

If you're looking to grab a quick bite this is THE place and if you're looking for the place you'll definitely see it, it's hard to miss. Nothing fancy, just simple. Portions IMO were just right, not too huge and not too small. For a party of 2 our total was $18; ordered a lemonade, root-beer, sandwich, a sandwich basket, root-beer float and sundae. I'll most likely come again when I'm in the area. read more

We have eaten at RBS several times and been pleased, and made it part of our routine when visiting Starved Rock State Park. This time, something crazy happened. We were missing one grilled cheese sandwich in our order of five sandwiches. Normally this isn't a big deal but the owner completely lost his cool when I mentioned that we couldn't find the missing sandwich. He declared it had to be there because he made it. He asked to see the two bags we'd be handed and he couldn't find it either. He tried to open our van door to rummage through our van but my middle son locked the door before he could open it. Never, ever, in my life have I had to threaten to call the police because a restaurant employee demanded to get into our car. We drove away scared and frustrated. read more

My friends and I stopped in for dinner after hiking at Starved Rock. We walked in and we're greeted by a waitress on her phone sitting in a booth. She didn't even look up when she asked us if we would be dining in or taking out. No other customers were there and it was easy to see why. The only thing this place has going for it is the old school atmosphere. My boyfriend ordered the BBQ burger and it was literally just meat with a bunch of seasonings (like a taco spice packet) in it. Nothing else on the burger. It was dry and tasted terrible. Our other friend and I ordered the burgers and they were nothing special. Another let down was the 'side salad' which was brown. Also 50cents for refills seems a little ridiculous. Only redeeming quality was the rootbeer float. read more

Fine establishment, was greeted with smiles by all the staff members! You must take a photo with the cheeseburgerman out front or your dead to me! Food was very good with that classic dinner feel! If I am ever in a 1 hour radius of this spot, you bet your behind I'll be back! read more

We took our three kids to try the Rootbeer since it is their favorite drink and we were not disappointed!! I don't even like root beer and I loved it! Prices are good. Food is too. Fun little place for a nostalgic dinner. Staff was very friendly too. We will be back next time we are in the area! read more

The Rootbeer Stand - Chicken strip dinner! Fries are under it all! Yum!!! - American Near Me - Oglesby, Illinois

I have been going here since I was a kid. Nothing has changed and that's what makes it so great!! Food is always really good and fast. And it is very cheap. They have the best root beer! read more

5 stars because this is by far the best root beer I've ever had! Chilled mug, home made on site - perfect! Cheeseburger & fries were good, friendly people great price. read more

The Rootbeer Stand - American Near Me - Oglesby, Illinois

Perfect cute little place. Rootbeer is good food is simple but excellent. Good place to take kids & cheap, too!

Haven't been here in years and the owner hasn't aged a bit! Its just as good as the last time i ate here!!! read more

They have really good food even thou it's kinda like fast food. Chili is awesome. Love there hot dogs and porks. And of coarse there ice cream. read more

Good burger and fries. I good place to go after visiting Starved Rock. Decent prices as well

We were driving back through Illinois when we saw this cute little place. We placed our order and as we waited we saw our waitress eating inside while waiting on orders to take out. I like the style of the place but our food was terrible and made our stomachs churn the rest of the day and we didn't even finish it. The BBQ burger didn't have any BBQ sauce or any taste of BBQ sauce to it and the meat on the burger and the coney dog were just like sloppy joe out of a can. The side salad was a sad mess and our appetizer was so tiny but alright. The only thing we enjoyed was the chocolate malt. When the waitress came back with our order she shoved us our change back with out even telling us the total. read more

It has nostalgia going for it and the food is probably OK if you're a teenager and don't care.

OK, first off, this isn't called "Moore's Family Restaurant". It's called the Rootbeer Stand. And it's like an old school A&W, with service at your car or table service inside. It's fast food, but good fast food. I don't drink root beer, but friends who have had it say its really good. The homemade pie is delicious. And the food is super cheap. read more

I love local shops, unique finds, and good food...this had all of that at a great price. It is a hot dog, burger, fried food stop-nothing fancy (and not much healthy). The kids all liked the root beer in a frosty mug. They said its on the sweeter side and they wished they'd gone with the float. It wasn't a five star dining experience, but it was a great place to eat fast, local, fun food. The service was quick and friendly. read more

I've eaten here a few times and the guy before me is right about them not accepting credit cards. They do only take cash or check. The service is always slow, especially when they are really busy. I like the root beer here and the ice cream, but I'm not crazy about the food. The french fries are okay. The chicken sandwich though had processed grilled chicken and it was gross. The time that I had fish it was way too dry. I just don't think the quality of food is the best but it is cheap so if you like that then you will be happy. I go there sometimes when I'm feeling nostalgic and want some good root beer, but most of the time if I'm in Oglesby I will go to Mr. Salsas or the KFC/Taco Bell. read more

Worth noting - the information said they take credit/debit but they don't. Cash or check only, and the ATM inside is a 3$ fee. Was on a trip to Starved Rock with friends, and saw the Root Beer guy outside. Homemade root beer was really good, very different from "chain" root beer like A&W. They offer a float with soft serve ice cream that was very good. The food was simple American food, burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs. We got a mix of food and it was all pretty good, though not the best we've ever had. The price was excellent, a "basket" with a burger and fries was only $5, so none of us spent more than $7 (a plus for a bunch of college students!) Service was a little slow, but the place was totally packed so it's understandable. All in all, definitely worth going to. It's only a few minutes off I-39, and coming off of I-39 to Starved Rock, it's right off the highway. Great root beer! read more

My wife and I were commenting as we waited for our food how bad it is that you see less and less drive-ins. After eating, I decided there needs to be at least one more that needs to go. The brat was not a brat but the cheapest version of a smoked sausage. Terrible taste with a small amount of mustard and onions between the "meat" and bun. Hot dog looked and tasted like it was microwaved. Fries had no flavor, but at least they were hot. WIth all that besides, they should at least be able to step up and make a good root beer. Not happening. Watered down and candied tasting. Pros: Statue out front, Order-Matic machine Cons: Everything else read more

This place was great greasy diner food. Dined in and the place was super cute with 50's decor. Waitresses, high school age yet competent, wear groovy tie-dye. Menu is drive-in food- we had the grilled cheese and the Mac n cheese bites which were the hot new item- but was good and came out crazy quick. The root beer is also fantastic read more

The root beer is absolutely amazing. ..smooth. ..sweet. ..gently carbonated....much like A&W from decades ago but slightly smoother and sweeter...loved it! The sweet corn nuggets are great ... something special. The burger was typical. The fish and chips were good. The lettuce salad was fresh and a nice touch. It is clean inside and looks like it is fresh from an earlier age. People are friendly and lots of people were there happily eating. Bring cash. ..though they have an ATM machine. The drive in area was being used for parking and not food service so go on in. When paying for your food head to the counter. Many people stopped in just for ice cream. ..it looked good. ..but we did partake. ..maybe next time. 4 stars based on it being a drive in type of place...nostalgic. ..with. ..did I mention. ..great root beer! read more

Time warp !! Early 70's maybe? I Like this place.Friendly people and good food.Rootbeer is excellent.