love this place and their slaw horseradish hotdogs. best in Anderson . It reminds me of the old days. They have the best car hops as well. You won't be disappointed here. Hopefully you can find a parking spot. They're always very busy!!!! read more

Since I moved to the Indy area, I have been looking for a root beer stand like the one that is at home so I was ecstatic when I found Gene's! We went late afternoon on Mother's Day and it was packed, but we didn't have an issue getting a spot and our food. Our waitress was a sweetheart and the food was phenomenal! We order Spanish dogs with onion, onion rings, loaded fries, and of course root beer! I don't think we talked at all once the food came because it was all so good! I will be craving the Spanish dog until next time for sure. Don't forget to take home some of the root beer too! read more

Gene's Root Beer - Spanish dog with onion - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

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My wife has been searching for a long time for a local Root Beer Stand similar to the one she would go to back in her small hometown. We were so happy to find Gene's and couldn't wait to go! Our expectations were exceeding and then some. Nothing beats a good hot dog/corn dog with some coney sauce (or Spanish sauce which I know will call it lol), some fries, and a tall mug of root beer! That ole school feeling of pulling up and someone walking up to take your food order...Then having it come and sit on your window, so nostalgic and relaxing. Our service was great! Our food was great! We were lucky to go on a really great day where it wasn't raining or too cold/hot! Safe to say we'll be regulars at Gene's! read more

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I had been looking for this nostalgic experience for over a year. Thanks for a great family experience!

Pulled in for lunch, and was excited to see we had beaten the lunch rush before it started. We ordered our food, and it came out fairly quickly. My fried got their beef tenderloin with a side of fries and a root beer. I got a 5 piece nugget with honey mustard, loaded fries, and a hotdog with kraut, onion, ketchup, and mustard. Service wise, this place is amazing. You just use your hazards and they come up to your car. Food wise, it's pretty alright. For once, I'd say come for the nuggets instead of the hotdogs. Hotdogs were lacking in flavor, probably boiled, the only thing really giving it life was the toppings. Chicken nuggets were just outstanding. The flavor in the breading is addicting, and the chicken to breading ratio is perfect. I'm not even big on chicken, but it was amazing, it truly didn't need any dips. Which, I did order, but they must've forgot. French fries were also a big hit. They're very potato forward, I could taste their freshness. It's like they picked them straight from Idaho. The chili was great, had good flavor, and very smooth in texture. Cheese they put on top was a sauce, and my god I loved that. Bacon added a nice saltiness, and while it was on the soft side, I feel as though it worked well with all the other smooth textures in the container. My friend said I had to try their root beer as well, and although I'm not much for sodas, it was pretty alright. It's not like your traditional root beer, it almost tastes like a float, which I found intriguing. It made it less harsh on the throat for sure because of that though. I'll definitely be back for those nuggets when I'm in the area again, and if you haven't tried them, stop in and do so! read more

Gene's Root Beer - Chicken Nuggets, Hotdog, and Loaded Fries - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

Gene's is a classic drive up restaurant that makes you feel like you're in the 60s. They specialize in a narrow, inexpensive menu that offers interesting variations on basic hot dogs and hamburgers. I loved the horseradish slaw on the hot dogs, and the onion rings were phenomenal. Would not recommend getting the glass mug to drink out of, because I was terrified it would shatter while balancing on the tray stuck to my window. Root beer is a must though. The service was super quick and friendly too! read more

Gene's Root Beer - Hot dog with horseradish Cole slaw - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

Always busy but always worth it. I grew up in Anderson but it had been many years since I had been in town. A stop at Gene's was a necessity and so glad we did. Very bury but still didn't take too long to get our food which was wonderful. You have to get a Spanish dog (I mean, he is on the sign after all) and I had to get a pork tenderloin as well. read more

Gene's Root Beer - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

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Food was fresh to order, staff super friendly and welcoming. The cost was reasonable and it was fun to eat at a place with so much nostalgia! Definitely try the fried cheeseburger and root beer! read more

Uploading a recent picture of the menu since no one else will menu as of today 03-08-26 Listen... I went to Gene's Root Beer Stand expecting a normal lunch, and instead I got a full-blown emotional awakening. The root beer? Colder than my ex's heart and twice as sweet. The food? I swear the hot dogs were so good I considered writing them a thank‑you note. The staff handed me my tray like they were presenting a sacred artifact, and honestly? They were right. Every bite tasted like summer vacation, childhood nostalgia, and the feeling of finding $20 in your pocket all at once. If Gene's ever goes out of business, I will personally chain myself to the building. That's how good it is. read more

Gene's Root Beer - Updated menu as of 03-08-26 - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

A classic 60's style drive-in with the best hot dogs in central indiana! My typical order is 2 spanish dogs with the horsey slaw, onions or fries, and a root beer float. even on the busiest days the service is quick, and a great mid point between fast food and sit down dinner. read more

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The root beer and Spanish dogs are always fantastic. I've loved this place since I was a kid. I've gotten many friends and family hooked on Genes. We drive from Indianapolis several times a summer to enjoy Genes. read more

This is an old retro drive-in diner that, as their name implies, specilizes in hotdogs and root beer. They do onot have a dine-in option. You can either eat in your vehcile or there are a few tables just outside the parking area, along the road that you can eat at as well. There are more than ample stalls to park at. The carhops that were working the lot were very friendly, helpful and attentive. You just put on vehicle's headlights to let them know you need service and they are right there. As I mentioned, they primarily serve hot dogs, but they also offer tenderloins, fish sandwiches, taco salad, cheeseburgers, polish sausages, and nachos. They also have a few sides such as french fries, cheese sticks, mushrooms, chicken nuggets and onion rings to go along with your food. I ordered the slaw dog with a side of fries. It was ready in less than 5 minutes. They brought the food out to my car and hooked the tray onto my window. The food was fresh and tasted ok. There was really nothing special to it. \\ and there were not a lot of fries in the box. I did like the restaurant's old school feel and enjoyed the nostalgic vibe that it was putting off. Definitely a change of pace from what I am use to and worth checking out if you are in Anderson. read more

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3.10.25 They're open for the 2025 season! Of course it's packed but I lucked out and got a parking bay pretty quickly. Hot dog with cheese, fries, and a diet root beer. #yum ! #ReviewsByRL read more

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Food was ok. Hotdogs tasted like something you could get at meijer. Buns were cheap too. I got the Spanish Dog because of the reviews, and it was nothing too special. Honestly a little disappointed about this place. The best part of this meal was the onion rings. Now those were good!!! My friends and I sat outside, and the service was horrible! No one came out to see us, even tho the server told us to sit and she'll be right out. They don't have refills on the soda, which made me sad, cause i love my Diet Coke. Overall, I think I'll be back, just cause it's so cheap, and the onion rings were so good. But as far as the hotdogs go, I think I'll be skipping next time. read more

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Coneys have gotten worse every year. Less sauce less toppings. Everything is less but goes up in price. Make your own.

Tenderloin was awesome, mushrooms were friggin' awesome. Root beer was the bomb...love this place!

Everything went up 50 cents. Very selfish with the money sauce and the fries look raw. Very disappointing

The Spanish Hot Dog and fries were pretty great and mouth watering. Our waitress Mariah was pretty great at taking our order and giving us our food fast. The ambiance was not that messy but it was kind of busy because it was the start of spring. I personally recommend this place if you're in the Anderson area and you like American-style food. read more

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Don't overthink it and simply enjoy this absolute throwback drive-in style experience. Spanish (chili) dogs, fries, rings, mushrooms is the ticket here (do not skip the delicious root beer). This place always seems busy and filled up with cars and somehow there are only a couple of carhops to efficiently take care of the 30+ spots they can accommodate. When I stopped by, there was an older man and woman (probably 80) in a $100K+ Vette next to me enjoying their diner experience and absolutely BLASTING Roy Orbison and others 60s music with the windows down. Love to see it. I would imagine in the heyday of Anderson of the mid 60-70s, this place was packed with high schoolers and muscle cars on a Friday or Saturday night. Stopped by a few days later for dogs and rings to go (and wife approved). Certainly on the repeat list for me. read more

Gene's Root Beer - Two coneys and rings - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

Super great awesome service!! Awesome every time. Coney dogs, onion rings, French fries, deep fried cheese burgers and Root Beer. Ambience is what you make it, we brought the dog and some classic America on the tune box, pretty good if you would ask me! read more

Gene's Root Beer - Fish dog yummy - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

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What an amazing local spot! So glad we decided to stop. We grabbed a few hot dogs with Spanish sauce (almost like chili), onions, and cheese. GET THE ONION RINGS!! They were extra crispy with thick onions inside read more

Gene's Root Beer - Updated logo on backside of building - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

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This old fashioned root beer stand is the real deal, with waitresses coming to your car. Some days it is impossible to get a spot and there might even be a few cars waiting for someone to leave. There are three outside umbrella tables on 7th St for walkers. Their root beer is the best thing here and i think it's still made on premises. No matter as it is just delicious. My next favorite item are their soft serve cones, vanilla, chocolate or twist. The cake comes are crisp and fresh, the ice cream delish. Their hotdogs are just so so but the coney sauce is very good. This place is worth the wait to get in! read more

Gene's Root Beer - Close up of the east side - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

Amazing slaw dogs and mushrooms. They seem like they are hand breaded! Instead of those big hard balls! They are also SUPER FAST AND FRIENDLY! AND LASTLY, the root beer and ice cream is amazing! read more

Gene's Root Beer - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

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We love Gene's their food is great. The hot dogs are awesome and they have a great tenderloin too. This was our daughter's 1st job. Their onion rings and fried mushrooms are the best. I've always loved their Rootbeer in a frosted mug. Is they have some in cans to take home. read more

Went there at 8 pm last night and they were closed. very disappointed! Not sure if they ran out of food or changed their hours

The hubs told me about this little hot dog place in Anderson where they bring your food out and set the tray on your window. He took me there yesterday; I took one look at the menu and thought "what year is this? Since when does a hot dog cost $2.50?" I ordered a chili dog with onions and mustard, an order of Mac n cheese bites, and a frosty root beer. I have NEVER had a better hot dog. I'm serious. Maybe it was the dog itself but the onions are diced up so small and THE BUN!!!! Soooo soft and pillowy; maybe they steam 'em, I don't know, but it was hot diggety dog!!! (Sorry.) The root beer was stellar, too! Mac n cheese bites were creeeaaaammmyyyyy. $15 for two people, the server was super sweet, and the food was sooooo good for a fun, inexpensive try. I know Anderson isn't exactly an attraction, but Gene's is. They also have fried hamburgers. What the what?? We'll be back. A lot. read more

Get the Spanish dog and root beer. The atmosphere is fun. You park and someone comes out to take your order. Our server was very sweet and attentive. My husband got the polish sausage with sauerkraut he said it was delicious. I got the hot dog with cheese. The hot dogs are great and the buns are so soft. They make their own rootbeer and it is delicious. You can get a gallon to go. True Anderson staple. read more

I was so looking forward to the whole Gene's birthday experience. What a huge disappointment!!! The place looks fun and brings a sense of nostalgia, but that is where the positive stops. I had a breaded tenderloin that was so foul smelling and repulsive tasting I worried about potential food poisoning. I truly have never experienced such a bad tenderloin in my life. I ended up wrapping it back up and leaving it on the tray. The french fries were ok. However after the meat being bad I wanted nothing really other than to leave. If you must try this place i would stick with ice cream snd a root beer. Seriously, I can't imagine how they stay in business. I posted my experience on social media and a friend replied that anytime she has eaten there it has been terrible. What a shame a cute old style drive in can't make an edible tenderloin. read more

Astonished how this place has as good of a review as it does. I understand it's supposed to be casual, no frills but the food is just awful. The bun was so soggy It was falling apart and the hot dog itself was a tasteless barely-cooked water dog. The textures together made my stomach turn. Service was pleasant and it's a fun concept... Just food falls terribly flat. Save your money and eat at home. read more

Gene's Root Beer - Drive up. - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

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Great food and great service!! Always professional, friendly and quick to go above and beyond! We order take out often and receive same level of service also! read more

This place is a beautiful treasure. Don't expect anything fancy, this is good ole Midwest delicious fried food! The Spanish dog aka a slight spicy coney sauce is the bomb! I got a hot dog with Spanish sauce and cheese (which is like nacho cheese) and fries. To order you pull in and waitress will come up, you order with her and then they'll bring out your food. So no technology involved and old fashioned. The root beer is amazing and i literally just want to go back for a soda. But if you're looking for a good old fashioned drive in with some yummy dogs--check this place out. If you don't like hotdogs, fried food or anything great the Midwest has to offer might not be your cup of tea. read more

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We really enjoy coming here! The food is ok for the money but isn't the best thing you'll ever have. It is just so inexpensive and the root beer is pretty bomb! Hubby and I both had the tenderloin and they were pretty good! The french fries and cheese sticks were soggy and not crunchy or hot as I would prefer them. This place gets super super busy so just go there knowing it may take a second to get waited on or your food. The gals who work there were super nice and helpful. We would come back for sure. read more

Gene's Root Beer - Tenderloin and root beer! - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

This place is probably like 3.5 stars. You drive up and they come to your car and take your orders. Then they bring the food out and it's on a tray that sits on your window. They also have a few uncovered tables you can sit at if you prefer. This was our first visit and we love mom and pop establishments and this one has been in business since 1964 according to a sign on the door. Service was good. So the must try items were frosted root beer mugs. I thought it was way too sweet but everyone else loved it. We got the hotdogs and onion rings and fries and all were good. We would go back for sure. The owner sent out free ice cream cones for us since it was our first visit which was nice. I wanted a slaw dog really bad but they mix horse radish in it which I doubt that I'd like so I didn't get it. read more

Gene's Root Beer - Menu - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

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I have lived in Indiana almost my entire life and this was my very first visit to Gene's. What a nostalgic and fun summertime treat! The place was packed! We weren't sure if we were going to find a parking place, but we did right away. Our server was super friendly even though she was extremely busy! I ordered the customer favorite Spanish dog with onions and breaded mushrooms. The Spanish dog was pretty tasty...the breaded mushrooms were AMAZING! I would definitely come back. read more

Gene's Root Beer - Breaded Mushrooms - Fast Food Near Me - Anderson, Indiana

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We are new to the area and just noticed all the cars! So must be good food, right? Yes!!! Root beer is wonderful (I buy it in the 1/2 gallons) and the tenderloin and Spanish dogs with cheese and onions are a go to for us! We love the onion rings and will go to Gene's most weeks 2-3 times ;) Now we know why all the cars read more

I have coming to Gene's since I was a child. Always a highlight of coming to Anderson now. The Spanish dog is not a coney!!!! The rootbeer is always good, this years is a little more vanilla then previous but really good. I have to admit in my 50yrs I have only ever had the Spanish dogs, sour kraut dogs, frys and and onion rings. I have no idea how the other stuff tastes :) read more

Their slaw dogs are amazing. They have the best Nachos around better than the ball parks.

Best Spanish dogs and just LUV the slaw dogs!! The slaw is just the right spicy to pop the flavor "over the moon"

Have been here before... years ago. Root beer is still best in Anderson! Dogs haven't changed. Mushrooms not quite as good as I recall but still pretty good. The winner here was me! No cooking tonight. Easy light dinner! read more

Sometimes I go to a restaurant for the food: it may be new or exotic or just delicious. But other times, I go for the experience. Growing up in the '60's in a small town, I remember going to the local drive in and being able to place a food order without ever leaving my car: Not to get carryout or as a drive through, but to relax and eat while there. Such is the experience that is provided by this seasonal operation. I pulled into the long row of pull-in parking spaces located under the long awnings extending from the central kitchen. In moments, a waitress stopped by and we conversed through the driver's side window. After verifying my order, she took my payment along with my order. Once she returned my card, it was just a couple minutes before I got my food. With Root Beer in the business name, it seemed like an obvious choice as my beverage: Tasty and had a nice mix of soda and ice cream. Since it was a summer day, the ice cream melted into the soda and eventually softened enough that I could get to most of it through my straw. I also had to try the "Spanish Dog" or what I grew up knowing as a chili dog. I didn't get anything additional on the bun, just hot dog and chili topping. The dog had good flavor for what it was. The bun was steamed and almost fluffy. The chili was mild and generally stayed in the bun so that I wasn't wearing it. Overall, the food was okay and since it was quick, I think it was fairly priced. This isn't fine cuisine, but rather food that is fine. Go for the nostalgia and grab a bit to eat while you're here. Review #1164 read more

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