Dog N Suds – Lafayette (Open Seasonally Spring – Fall)

With two locations across Tippecanoe County in both West Lafayette & Lafayette, Dog N Suds is a wonderful remnant of the classic 1950s drive-ins, featuring car-hop service and its own signature root beer floats in an ice-cold frosted mug. If you’re up for a bit more, add one of its iconic chili dogs or burgers to your order! And if you can’t get enough of its root beer, bottled 12-packs are available for purchase!

Mug-n-Bun – Speedway

A West-Indianapolis legend since 1960, Mug-n-Bun is credited as the oldest surviving drive-in located in Marion County. There’s a reason for its longevity, serving up crispy onion rings, indulgent pork tenderloins, and rich, creamy, house made root beer. Whether you enjoy it in your car or grab a seat at one of their picnic tables, Mug-n-Bun is an essential stop when visiting the racetrack or finding yourself in the West-Indianapolis area.

The Port Drive-In – Chesterton (Open Seasonally Spring – Fall)

Nestled in the beautiful town of Chesterton just off Lake Michigan, The Port Drive-In has been delivering friendly service and nostalgic vibes since 1957. With both an indoor and outdoor dining area, there’s plenty of space to bring the family and enjoy one of its trademark root beers & Chicago dogs. Just a 10-minute drive from the beach, it’s a perfect pitstop when planning a lake day!

The Original Root Beer Stand – Culver (Open Seasonally Spring – Fall)

Offering beautiful views just off Lake Maxinkuckee, The Original Root Beer Stand is well worth the detour if you’re in the Culver area; with its vintage neon signage and first-class root beer & ice cream, it features an outstanding Midwestern atmosphere and lovely outdoor seating. They only accept cash – the tell-tale sign of good food and old-school vibes.

Gene’s Root Beer and Hot Dogs – Anderson (Open Seasonally Spring – Fall)

Gene’s Root Beer and Hot Dogs has been serving up timeless traditions for years, making it a beloved gem in the Anderson community. Highlighting the menu is its rich and frothy root beer that locals swear is the best in the state. Add in flaky pork tenderloins, footlong coney dogs, crispy fries, and juicy burgers, and the fact that it’s a cash-only spot, and you’ve got a recipe for a quick pit stop that puts you into a time capsule you never want to leave.

Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or just simply a good root beer and bite to eat, these five root beer stands consistently deliver both flavor and tradition. Small and locally owned, they all capture the retro vibe and friendly customer service that feeds nostalgia. So, don’t wait – grab your keys and cash, and enjoy a taste of Hoosier history.