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.
