There I am first bike ride of the year, living my best college town life. Pedaling onto campus like I still belong there heading toward my favorite pub. Roots is the kind of place where you grab a cold beer, talk to interesting people, maybe overhear a half-baked dissertation topic, and remember why being curious is still fun. I lock up the bike. I order the beer. The glass is cold. The vibe is almost right. I'm thinking, yes--this is why we come here. And then... TODAY'S. COUNTRY. Not classic country. Not outlaw country. Not anything with grit, humor, or a sense of place. No--this is the algorithm-approved, truck-commercial, emotional wallpaper kind of country. The kind where every song sounds like it was written by the same committee in a Nashville conference room called "Guys Who Clap on Two and Four." Suddenly, instead of conversation, the room is sonically steamrolled by a guy named Brayden singing about dirt roads he's never driven, feelings he's never confronted, and a girl who absolutely blocked his number for a reason. It's beer-brand cosplay music. It's karaoke without the courage. It's terrible! And this is happening at Roots Burger Bar--a place that should know better. ROOTS. A COLLEGE spot with thoughtful food, a smart beer list, and a clientele that includes professors, grad students, foreign students, locals, alumni, and people who actually read menus before ordering. Here's the thing: the music doesn't fit the people in the room. This isn't a Friday night tailgate. It's not a bro-country pregame honky-tonk. The crowd here wants to talk, think, laugh, and sip something decent without being shouted at by a chorus about boots and bonfires. Honestly? I would rather have the Christmas music back. And I say that as someone who normally believes Christmas music should be legally capped at 21 days. At least Bing Crosby isn't sonically offensive to the ears. So here's the bottom line: please please please make a change for 2026. A few humble suggestions: Indie rock, alt-folk, or Americana that doesn't hate itself Soul, Motown, or old-school R&B 90s alternative or college-radio classics Jazz, lo-fi, or instrumental playlists that let people talk Even good country--Cash, Prine, Willie, Dolly--actual humans with stories This place deserves a soundtrack that matches its clientele: curious, grown, thoughtful, slightly opinionated people who rode bikes, walked over from North Quad, or escaped their inboxes for an hour. The beer is cold. The burgers are good. But the music? Right now, it's the weakest link in an otherwise solid vibe, which actually results in lost revenue because it's so bad (people eat and leave). The good news is that it's an easily fixable problem - just turn the channel! Heck, keep "Today's Country" as the default format but empower managers to change the music station (within limits) at customer request. If you did that your customers would literally never request this God-forsaken channel. As it is now if you ask them to change it they freeze like you just asked them to violate a sacred corporate oath. Suddenly it's wide eyes, nervous laughter, and that look that says, "I'm sorry, sir, the playlist chooses us--not the other way around." Roots will get 5 stars when the music changes. read more

I give the food 1 star. Overpriced tiny 1/3# burgers that aren't smash burgers as described on the menu, rather little hockey pucks. Tasteless. My wife and I were going to sit inside at first. The hostess was nervous and frantic. It wasn't busy but she first sat us next to the server station at a tall table by the patio door... terrible location. We asked to move to a booth and she obliged. The booth was very dirty, dried up ketchup on the table and crumbs on the seats. Annoying flies drove us to ask to sit outside which we did. Really hoping that the food would make up for things it didn't. Had the Brussels sprouts which were way over cooked and soaked with fryer oil like a wet sponge. The tomato soup was good (obviously not made from scratch) tater tots were good (hard to screw that up). But the burgers were a huge disappointment. I tried a specialty burger that was served on Texas toast. It was supposed to have some type of slaw on it but it didn't. It was tiny and didn't even cover half the bread. I wish I would have taken pictures. My wife's burger was just as uneventful and didn't have the brand in the bun like the other pictured posted here. Our server was very attentive hence the second star. But it doesn't make up for the dismal burgers. Save your time and money. read more

I had high expectations going into this restaurant for my first visit, but I was thoroughly disappointed. Our server misunderstood my order despite my clarification and brought the wrong side dish. When I politely requested the correct item, she informed me that I would need to pay extra, even though the incorrect dish had just arrived and remained untouched. I then asked if she could simply exchange it for the fries I originally ordered, which she eventually did, though with noticeable frustration. Later that day, I was shocked to find a photo of my colleagues' and my meal receipts on social media, accompanied by an offensive caption directed at us as students. Which read (Fuck these students) Our names, receipts, and even partial credit card information were publicly displayed. For anyone concerned about privacy and quality service, I strongly recommend avoiding this establishment. The experience was further marred by an unfriendly hostess and an unwelcoming atmosphere--one that felt especially uncomfortable as a young Black woman. In 2025, we deserve better than this. read more

I went to Roots Burger Bar last night and had the most awful experience ever. It started with a farting gorilla walking around and being completely inappropriate. Then, the atmosphere was ruined even more by basic white people twerking and burping all over the place. To top it off, there was a morbidly obese guy screaming and flirting with the female workers, making everyone feel uncomfortable. I will avoid Roots Burger Bar at all costs and will not be returning to this nightmare of a place. 1/5 stars, do not recommend. read more

Price is expensive and I had a hostess who gave my girlfriend a yuck face. Will not be bringing my business back to this judge mental facility. Do not go here if you don't like being judged. read more

Great, friendly place that I am definitely going to go again and eat from time to time. Anyone that is visiting the Muncie area or ball state in general should stop by for lunch or dinner read more

I was pleasantly surprised on how good their burgers are. I ordered from Door Dash on a day I was sick and didn't have the energy to cook. The southern pride was a great choice. read more

Our food came out faster than Chick-fil-A. It was hot and delicious. Our server was excellent! They have a menu for lent season if you're interested in fish. We will be back! read more

Nice thick tenderloin, fresh fries and nacho cheese! Looks like there is a good beer selection and they have some great deals on their drafts! read more

My new favorite restaurant! Love the food and drinks! Atmosphere is fun and service is on point!

Absolutely amazing Service was good and fast. Atmosphere was out of this world. Highly recommend read more

My daughter used to work there before covid. Interesting concept on burgers. I would go again.