Valerie Weingart is a junior English and vocal performance major and writes 'Wein and Dine' for the Daily News. Her views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper. Write to Valerie at vjweingart@bsu.edu.
“The Greatest Show on Turf” promises to be a weekend filled with football, parades and perhaps a visit from family. This first edition of “Wein and Dine” is a comprehensive guide to six of Muncie’s most delicious and diverse restaurants — none of which charge for meals in increments of $8.20. The following six restaurants range in price, atmosphere and style of food, but share one common factor: a meal at any of these selections is sure to add the perfect flavor to a weekend with family or friends.
Price Ranges:
$: $5-10
$$: $11-20
$$$: $21-35
$$$$: $35+
Amazing Joe’s Grill
· 909 North Wheeling Avenue
· M-F open at 4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. open at 11 a.m.
· $$
· Casual
· Cuisine: Italian Grill/Bar
· My Favorites: Pickle chips appetizer, N’awlins Pasta Bowl
With its lively, friendly atmosphere and range of menu items, Amazing Joe’s is the perfect place for an after-game or late-evening meal. Here you can find anything from appetizers to entrees, salads to sandwiches, steaks to pastas. If you have a group of diners with varying tastes and are wondering if Amazing Joe’s is the right choice, their slogan says it all: “The answer is yes!”
Fuji Sushi and Hibachi
· 705 West McGalliard Road
· M-Th. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
· Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
· Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
· $$-$$$
· Casual
· Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse, Sushi
· My Favorites: Pink Lady Roll, Hurricane Roll, Hibachi Scallops
A hibachi dining experience is entertaining for first-time or returning diners, making Fuji an excellent option for large groups looking for dinner and a show. If you’d like a low-key experience, hibachi entrees can be ordered without having to sit at a grill. The seemingly endless sushi menu (all of which I have tried) makes this restaurant a great choice for lighter meals as well.
Casa del Sol
· 206 South Walnut Street
· Lunch, Dinner
· Sun.-Mon. 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
· Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
· $-$$
· Casual
· Traditional Mexican food/Bar
· My Favorites: Fish tacos, Chiles Poblanos
It doesn’t get much more classic than Casa del Sol, which is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Muncie. In addition to the outstanding variety of food (not just the same dish smothered in varying depths of cheese), this is the only Mexican restaurant I’ve ever been to where I don’t have to Febreeze my clothes afterward. Casa del Sol is a solid choice for any meal or size of group.
Barn Brasserie
· 117 West Charles Street
· Tue.-Th. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
· Fri. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
· Sat. 12:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
· Sun. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
· $$-$$$
· Dressy Casual/Dressy
· New American with French and Creole influences, specialty burgers
· My Favorites: Shrimp and grits, Barn Burger, Breakfast Poutine, Monte Cristo sandwich, beignets
The Barn Brasserie is my undisputed favorite restaurant in Muncie. I’ve been eating here for three years, and I have yet to be disappointed with the quality of food and service. Barn Brasserie is dedicated to using fresh, local ingredients, and they display artwork from local artists. If you stop by during Homecoming weekend, you’ll probably see me here! Make sure to ask about the daily Barn Burger and dinner specials, and the Sunday brunch is top-notch.
Vera Mae’s Bistro
· 207-209 S Walnut Street
· M-F 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
· M-Th. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
· Fri. & Sat. 5pm -10pm
· $$-$$$$
· Dressy
· Elegant American with subtle French influences
· My Favorites: Apple Bacon Cheddar Fritters appetizer, Chicken Brie Raspberry, Jambalaya-Stuffed Quail
Vera Mae’s is the pinnacle of Muncie fine dining, and if you’re prepared to splurge for elegance and taste, look no further. Dining here is a slow experience, but the exquisite cuisine is well worth the time investment. I’d recommend a reservation, especially for the weekend, and check out the live jazz Thursday through Saturday.
Eva’s Pancake House
· 1617 North Wheeling Avenue
· M-F 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
· $-$$
· Casual
· Traditional, diner-style breakfast and lunch
· My Favorites: Corned Beef Hash Skillet, Hawaiian Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast
Eva’s is a Weingart family Homecoming staple — the restaurant combines the best of chain breakfast restaurant menu items and does them so much better. The menu is vast, ranging from classic omelets to decadent scrambles and French toasts. It’s the perfect place to start any (or every) day of Homecoming weekend.
Bon appetite, Ball State! Enjoy this weekend’s food, festivities and football.
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