We are days away from spring here in Cincinnati, and there are many signs popping up around town that winter is on its way out. It's not just the flowers and trees that are coming back to life in the Queen City— our favorite seasonal spots are also preparing to open for business. One particular location will reopen in just a few short days and we can all celebrate that it's officially spring in Cincinnati. The Root Beer Stand in Sharonville is an icon in our city and is straight out of the 1950s. Whether this is a family tradition for you or you've never even heard of it, come along as we check out all there is to love about "The Stand."
The Root Beer Stand, often referred to as just "The Stand," is in their final preparations to open for this season on March 14, 2020.
Many locals have been counting down to this day since the moment they closed last year.
If you've ever been to The Stand and felt like you were transported to the 1950s, it's because that is pretty much the case when you pull up to this nostalgic eatery.
In 1957, the location originally opened as an A&W, which it remained until the franchise closed its doors in 1982. Aside from the new name in the 80s and a few minor changes to the exterior and property, The Stand has remained much the same. There are no longer carhops that deliver your food and drinks, but there are plenty of friendly staff and happy customers around to make this a memorable dining experience.
The Stand has always been owned by a passionate and tight-knit group of local families who work hard to keep the quality of the food and drink high and the vintage atmosphere unchanged.
There is evidence of this on the interior, where you can order your food and drinks and grab a seat at the old-fashioned bar.
As The Stand is a popular place, there aren't always bar stools available, but you should still make sure to head inside for the full experience.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that they only take cash, but there is an ATM on the property.
Spring and summer at The Stand is a Cincinnati tradition not only because of their famous root beer and cool ambiance, but because of the outdoor fun and social appeal.
Kids love the playground, everyone loves relaxing with a cold root beer at the shaded picnic tables, and it's a great spot to meet up with family and friends.
In fact, it seems a large percentage of Cincinnatians have some sort of tradition tied to The Stand, or at least have a memory of visiting at some point in their lives.
The root beer at The Stand is arguably the best in the city, and you can thank their unique well water and secret recipe for that.
They continue to use the same recipe and same equipment that was used in 1957, and the water for the root beer comes from a well that is 280-feet deep, giving it a one-of-a-kind flavor.
You can enjoy it in a frosty mug, in a root beer float, or even buy a jug to take home.
The food is also a unique feature of The Stand, and the most popular option is the footlong hot dog with their secret recipe chili.
Piled high with onion and a mound of cheese, it's the perfect pairing for the root beer. They also have delicious burgers, sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream.
If you've lived in Cincinnati for more than a day and have yet to visit The Stand during its open months, then mark your calendar for March 14th. The Stand will reopen with the hours Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
It may be cliche to say that there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but once you've tried the delicious root beer at this iconic stand, you'll find it hard to feel anything but lucky.
It doesn't take much to fall in love with this nostalgic root beer stand and eatery in Cincinnati. Have you enjoyed a frosty mug and footlong at The Stand? What are your other favorite seasonal restaurants in Cincinnati? Let us know in the comments!
The Root Beer Stand is located at 11566 Reading Rd., Sharonville, Ohio 45241. For more information, visit their website here and follow along with them on Facebook here.
And to welcome spring in Cincinnati with open arms, check out our other favorite creamy whips in the city here.
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