Near the heart of Ball State University’s campus on West University Avenue, a locally-owned burger bar has quietly become one of the most celebrated spots in all of Muncie, Indiana. 🍔
Roots Burger Bar is an American café with a classic diner soul, built on the proud tradition of the smashed burger — a style that, as Roots itself will remind you, has its original roots right here in Indiana.
Come for the burger. Stay for everything else.
How Roots Burger Bar Won Muncie’s Hearts
The story of Roots Burger Bar begins with a homecoming. Scott Wise — the former owner of the beloved Scotty’s Brewhouse chain — sold that business in 2016 and stepped away from the restaurant world for a time.
But Muncie had a way of pulling him back.
In mid-2019, Wise and his partners opened Roots Burger Bar at 1700 W. University Ave. — the very same building that had housed the original Scotty’s Brewhouse, which Wise had first opened back in 1996.
The name “Roots” was no accident — it was a deliberate, sentimental nod to getting back to where it all began, and Muncie locals felt that sentiment the moment they walked through the door. ❤️
But Roots isn’t simply a nostalgia play — it’s a hidden gem restaurant that earns its own reputation entirely on the quality of what comes out of the kitchen.
The philosophy is focused and uncompromising: 4-oz smash burger patties, pressed thin on a flat-top and loaded with inventive, quality toppings that go far beyond your standard burger bar.
A personal touch that sets Roots apart? Fresh popcorn on every table the moment you sit down — a small, thoughtful detail that reviewers mention again and again as “a nice touch” that immediately makes the place feel different.
Kids eat free on Sundays and Tuesdays, and kids even get their own ice cream cone for dessert — a family-friendly burger bar policy that has made Roots a go-to for Muncie families looking for a night out that works for everyone. 🍦
By 2021, the demand for Roots had grown so strong that Wise and his team announced a second location in Carmel, Indiana — proof that what started as one man’s homecoming project had grown into something the entire state of Indiana wanted a piece of.
Food Highlights
- Southern Pride: Smashed beef with pimento cheese, crispy bacon, secret sauce, tomato jam, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle — one of the most-ordered burgers on the menu. 🔥
-
The Classic: A 4-oz smashed patty with lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, and Roots’ secret sauce — the benchmark every other item on the menu is measured against. 🌟
- The Bricklayer: Sliced ham, bacon, egg, slaw, Munster cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle — a hearty, stacked build. 🍳🥓
- Oktoberfest Dad Bod Brat Burger: A smashed beef patty topped with a split bratwurst, sauerkraut, beer cheese, and spicy brown mustard — a bold, festival-inspired mashup.
-
Border Burger: Jalapeño popper dip, pepper jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. 🌶️
- Reuben Burger: Smashed beef topped with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Roots’ secret sauce. 🥪
-
Mushroom & Swiss: A smashed patty with A1 sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and melted Swiss cheese, with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. 🍄
- PB&J Burger: A smashed patty piled with bacon, peanut butter, jalapeño, cheddar, and grape jam. 🥜🍇
-
The Karen: Cheddar cheese, fried onions, ranch, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle — a fan-favorite that earned its own name on the menu. 🧅
Atmosphere
Roots Burger Bar carries the comfortable, familiar energy of a classic American café — a sit-down, table-service experience with a warm, unpretentious vibe that makes everyone from Ball State students to longtime Muncie families feel equally at home.
Fresh popcorn arrives at your table the moment you sit down — a signature Roots touch that reviewers consistently describe as a “nice surprise” that immediately sets the tone for everything that follows. 🍿
The patio seating is a popular draw in warmer months, with a dog-friendly outdoor setup that fits the relaxed, neighborhood spirit of the place perfectly.
Between the craft beer selection, the full bar, and a menu extensive enough to satisfy every table — Roots delivers a full dining experience that goes well beyond what you’d expect from a smash burger bar near Ball State University. 🍺
Bottom Line
Roots Burger Bar is Muncie’s most creative, community-rooted smash burger destination — built by a local legend, for locals who deserve great food.
The Southern Pride and PB&J Burger alone are worth the trip. Grab a seat, eat the popcorn, and order big! 🍔🌟
Address:
1700 W University Ave, Muncie, IN 47303
📞 (765) 216-6026
🕔 Open Mon–Thu 11 AM–10 PM | Fri–Sat 11 AM–11 PM | Sun 11 AM–10 PM