Welcome to Gene's Root Beer and Hot Dogs
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640 S Scatterfield Rd, Anderson, IN 46012 Hotline: (765) 642-5768
Welcome to the delightful world of Gene's Root Beer and Hot Dogs, nestled in the heart of Anderson, Indiana. This charming retro drive-in diner captures the essence of classic American fast food, bringing together the nostalgic flavors of hot dogs and homemade root beer. Located at 640 S Scatterfield Rd, this establishment has become a beloved local gem, drawing in diners looking for both quality and a trip down memory lane.
From the moment you pull into one of their ample parking bays, you're welcomed by the friendly carhops who are ready to take your order right at your vehicle. The convenience of being served without leaving your car adds to the authentic drive-in experience that many have come to cherish. Just flash your headlights, and service is on its way!
The menu is a treasure trove of hot dog craftsmanship, with prices that will bring a smile to your face. A single hot dog starts as low as $2.59, making it an affordable treat for everyone. For those with heartier appetites, there are various options, including slaw dogs, chili dogs, and even a selection of sides like onion rings and fries. One standout feature is their weekly Friday special, priced at just $2.39, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
But what sets Gene's apart is not just the prices or the convenience; it's the food itself. Many customers rave about the quality of the hot dogs, with reviews praising their soft, pillow-like buns and flavorful toppings. The homemade root beer is a favorite here, with some diners claiming it pairs perfectly with any dish you choose. One customer remarked, “I have NEVER had a better hot dog,” which speaks volumes about the craftsmanship found in each bite. The slaw dogs and Spanish hot dogs have also garnered significant praise, making them must-try items when you visit.
For those looking for something beyond hot dogs, Gene's also offers a small selection of burgers and other sides, ensuring there is something for everyone. The taco salad and mac and cheese bites have received positive reviews as delicious additions to the menu, while the onion rings stand out for their perfect crispiness and flavor.
Gene's Root Beer and Hot Dogs offers more than just a meal; it provides an experience rich in history, flavor, and community. With its retro vibe and fast-friendly service, it's easy to see why this diner is a must-visit spot in Anderson. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite with friends or introducing your children to the joy of a classic American drive-in, Gene’s is sure to become a cherished stop on your culinary journey.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family, head to Gene's Root Beer and Hot Dogs, and indulge in the simple yet profound joys of great food and even better memories!
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.