GourmetRootBeer

The Franklin Fountain Root Beer

Old Fashioned Fountain Root Beers No Responses »

Jan 072026

Back in October I went to Delaware, before which all I could think of when I heard of Delaware was that bit from Wayne’s World “Hi, I’m in Delaware”. After visiting, I kind of agree with them. Thankfully, I flew in and out of Philadelphia, which, unlike Delaware, has loads of things for people to get excited about, like the Liberty Bell, Independence All, and other national historic sites and monuments all of which were closed, because the government was shut down. Remember that? Wasn’t it fun? Anyways, I don’t politic here I root beer and before I tried to visit any of those places I tried to find root beer. Philadelphia is the birthplace of root beer and you’d think there’d be some historic Hire’s Drug Store selling Hires or something. Well, my 10 minutes of googling didn’t happen to reveal anything about that but it did find The Franklin Fountain, designed to be exactly like a 1915 vintage ice cream parlor and soda fountain. They also make all of their in-house soda syrups so the expedition was saved and root beer could be had! They really nailed the recreation, even down to the old fashioned telephone which they rigged up to receive calls but can’t dial out.

The Body is dark and complex with an old fashioned flavor profile that’s very similar to those root beer barrel candies. There’s a bit of vanilla and a bitter wintergreen like a birch beer as well but thankfully light on the licorice. It’s very unique. The Bite is incredibly sharp and spicy with cinnamon and clove and other spices that mix well with the Body giving a very nice experience. The Head is tall but lacks any staying power, sadly. The Aftertaste is sweet spice that builds over time.

This is quite a unique soda that’s definitely a sipping root beer. I can’t say I give it a Seal of Approval but it’s definitely worth trying, especially because the fountain is so cool. They really nailed the recreation, even down to the old fashioned telephone which they rigged up to receive calls but can’t dial out. The soda jerks were very friendly as well, so if you find yourself in Franklin Square, try this unique root beer.

*The Franklin Fountain. Look at that amazing soda fountain.*

Gene’s Root Beer

Root Beer Stand Root Beers No Responses »

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.*

Spinning J’s Root Beer

Old Fashioned Fountain Root Beers No Responses »

Nov 052025

Back in September I was in Chicago for work. I say Chicago but really I was in Oak Brook Terrace which is a western suburb of Chicago. You’d think what’s the difference and the main difference is if you find a place like Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain being actually in Chicago, there’s a bit more planning that goes into visiting due to Chicago’s horrendous traffic. Not helping in my quest to visit it was the fact that it’s open from 9 am to 3 pm only, which is too late for breakfast before work and too early for dinner after. Nevertheless, I was committed, since they have are an old fashioned soda fountain with a jerk and house made syrups made with spices, botanicals, and essential oils. Fortunately for me, on Friday we finished our work about 1 pm and my flight didn’t board till 5 so I had some time to drive down and give their root beer a try.

The Body is dark and complex with a solid sassafras root beer flavor accentuated with many herbs and spices such as ginger, clove, allspice, cinnamon to name a few. The licorice flavor is very light and there isn’t much wintergreen so it isn’t as dark of a flavor as you’d expect. It’s quite a unique mix yet a very familiar root beer flavor under it all. The flavors are intense and feel very fresh. The Bite is amazing. All of those fresh spices really make for one of the spiciest, boldest Bite I’ve ever had. Carbonation is on the light side, though, sadly. The Head is quite short, the biggest flaw in this soda, but it’s there when they’re making it, it just fizzes away. Much more than the old 2-Second Head, but still less that what I’d prefer. The aftertaste is an herbal clove flavor that is quite pleasant that finishes with a warm ginger burn that stays with you awhile.

Wow! That has got to be the most amazing and intense root beer Bite I’ve ever had. I love the freshness of the flavors too. I was raving about it with every drink, pointing out the ingredients I could taste. When I finished they asked if I wanted another, because I seemed to enjoy it so much, an offer I couldn’t help but take them up on. As I thought of where to rate it, the head was a little lighter then I wanted, but that warm ginger burn, several minutes after I’d finished, really Sealed the deal. If you’re ever in Chicago, this root beer is a must.

**Look at this beautiful, old-fashioned, soda fountain.**

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