Root Beer Stand Root Beers – Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer Blog

Mug-n-Bun Root Beer

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Mar 042026

My crazy fall travel continued and I found myself back in Indianapolis. Less than a week after returning from the Netherlands. This was only the second week of November and I’d been there on my birthday late September. My searching this time led me to Mug-n-Bun, the oldest drive-in in Indy, supposedly. I really can’t say, honestly, so I believe them. They have 3 different ways to eat there, in the car, a picnic area, and even an indoor seating area across the parking lot. I love that they’re accommodating. Despite it being November, it was in the 50s so I opted for picnic area and ordered some mugs and way too much food (my sense of self restraint is greatly lacking when I can expense the meal).

The Body is sweet and rich and smooth and creamy. It’s got that classic root beer stand flavor with lots of vanilla and caramely sassafras. The Bite is quite prickly from the carbonation with a fair amount of spice. There’s a smoothness to its finish but the prickly texture endures in a good way. The Head is medium short with an okay staying power. You have to ask for it but they’ll bring out the heady root beer if you want. The Aftertaste is sweet, smooth vanilla with a bit of spice and caramel notes.

Oh yum! This is a delicious, fine brew. Just what you’d expect from a drive-in like this. The vibe of the place is great and so is the food, they had a special on hot dogs so I got 2, and a “small” order of onion rings, and a pork tenderloin sandwich … yeah, I really overdid it. But it was so good. I do hope to return there. This place is definitely a must visit if you can.

***My dinner. Yes, I ate it all, also yes, I probably shouldn’t have.***

Gene’s Root Beer

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Dec 032025

Back in September, on my birthday, I was in Indianapolis DERMSing again. I was largely on my own with my own rental car so I knew exactly where I was going to properly celebrate: Gene’s Root Beer and Hot Dogs. A classic drive-in a little to the North East of Indianapolis. I’d known about this place for awhile but every time I was in Indy, I was always there for only a day and had a bunch of coworkers so an evening root beer run was never in the cards. But this time I finally could. They are home to the “Spanish Hot Dog” which is kind of like a chilidog. They call it Spanish seasonings, but it’s more Mexican. Their mascot picture is even wearing a sombrero. They only offer carhop service, though there are picnic tables if the weather is nice. There are many types of hot dogs and some burgers and stuff. I ordered a frosty mug of brew and a Spanish Dog with cheese and a breaded cheese burger and got to work on the important stuff, reviewing!

The Body is sweet and creamy with a classic, well balanced flavor profile. There’s a spiced Bite which is just about right. The carbonation is also good. The Head is short, by design on how they pour it, but it is frothy so they can build it if you ask and get the right server. The Aftertaste is rich vanilla goodness.

This is just what I’d expect from a place like this. Delicious, classic, creamy root beer that washes down those burgers and dogs like nothing else. I’ve had plenty that are better, but this is stuff I’d come back for again and again. I’m proud to give them my Seal of Approval. Their Spanish Hot Dog was really good too, and the breaded cheese burger? Mind blown! They bread and deepfry the patty and then put it on the bun with the rest of the fixin’s. Why have I never seen that before and why didn’t I ever think of such a thing? It’s amazing and I’m inspired. I must try that at home sometimes. All in all, this is the type of classic root beer stand that you need to try if you’re in the area.

*A Spanish Hot Dog, a breaded cheese burger, and onion rings. Super delicious. All of it.*

Carl’s Drive In Homemade Root Beer

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Oct 012025

Last month I found myself in St. Louis, DERMSing again after a fun vacation. As it was my first time there my primary objective after work was done was finding a new root beer. Carl’s Drive-In has been in St. Louis for over 60 years, though it was in 1975 they aquired the formula for their homemade root beer. This place has atmosphere. Just two counters with a kitchen sandwiched in the middle. The staff making your food and pouring your brew. If it’s a nice day you can eat outside on some tables as well. It’s changed ownership a few times since the original Carl started it, but each time the new owner has the same committment to maintaining the classic tradition of the place. The root beer is made fresh every day, the burgers are smashed flat on the grill and spread out. This place oozes with the feeling it’s all gonna be amazing.

The Body is sweet and rich and full of vanilla with a classic flavor that’s clean and delicious. It really is just a perfect creamy root beer Body. The Bite is spicy with good carbonation fizz, giving complexity to the brew. The Head is nice and foamy, they generally try and pour it medium but it can build if you ask them. The Aftertaste is a strong creamy, spiced vanilla that lasts the perfect amount of time.

Wow! Just wow. This is hands down one of the best root beers I’ve ever had. It really blew me away. Which, after 500+, is nearly impossible. With my first sip I knew this was at least a 4.5 and as I drank more, and fully experienced all it had to offer I became more certain of it. It’s not quite perfect, nor is it quite the best, but it is clearly an Elixer of the Gods. They serve their brew from one of those old IBC Keg dispencers and claim it’s the “original IBC recipe.” I’ve drank a lot of IBC and it tastes nothing like this, so if what they say is true, IBC has changed a lot. The burgers were also top tier, some of the best I’ve ever had. I pray that work takes me back to St. Louis, soon and often.

*The amazing double cheese burger, onion rings, and root beer.*

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