One of the first signs of spring in the Miami Valley is the opening of The Root Beer Stand located at 1727 Woodman Drive. She’s all spruced up with a new paint job for the new season! This Dayton gem has been serving up root beer and foot-long hot dogs in 1961. Originally an A&W Root Beer Stand, it changed to The Root Beer Stande decades ago, delivering great, casual food ever since. Gone are the rollerskating waitresses, but much has remained the same over the decades.
This place is a “Drive-in” where patrons drive up, park and are served in their vehicle by “car-hops” who work on tips, just like waitresses. There is car 
port parking where oldies tunes are heard overhead on a speaker system. Parking is also available in various uncovered spots around the building. It is a great dining experience, and the young staff is very friendly. When they are busy, you may have to wait a little bit to get your food, so don’t go there if you are in a hurry. The fun begins when you pull in, and one of the cute servers slaps a small plastic sheet on patron’s windshields with a serving number. After your order is taken, make sure you roll your window up a third, so they can place the tray with your food on the window as an overhang. One little known tradition is that putting your car headlights on lets the server know that you are ready to leave and need to have your tray removed.
The Big Ragu have been frequenting this establishment since 1973 and has some recommendations. First and foremost, nothing beats one of their cold root beers on a hot summer’s day. In our opinion, this is the star of the menu and of course their namesake. Homemade root beer with an original taste is why we love it. Our tip here is to make sure and order the root beer in a glass mug, because it just doesn’t taste as good in paper “to go” cups. The root beer here is so good, that your Food Adventurers have been known to order a second mug during the meal.
The Big Ragu loves a good hot dog and The Root Beer Stande serves up some decent “short dog” and “footlong” options. We usually get the footlong hot dog. It is simple and the taste is a great memory from our childhood. Various topping choices include mustard, relish, chili, ketchup, onions and more. Grab one and enjoy the view.
The Big Ragu loves their hamburger options and usually grabs a “Ladyburger.” Yes, we realize the name of this smaller hamburger may be a bit embarrassing, but The Big Ragu is in touch with his feminine side from time to time. The Big Ragu also recommends that you try the deep fried mushrooms. Beware, these breaded mushrooms are made to order and served hot, so do not scald yourself by biting into one of these crispy, yet juicy treats.
