My family is a big fan of outdoor dining, and when visiting Hoosier Roots in Pittsboro, Indiana, the icing on the cake is the excitement the kids have about the menu. You can’t go wrong with buttermilk fried chicken, country-style green beans with bacon and onions and their popular Texas chocolate cake.
The family-style dining feels like you’re stopping by a friend’s home, and the porch lights and smells wafting in the air add to the ambiance. A true hidden gem, Hoosier Roots has been around for several years, but if you haven’t had the chance to try out the popular Pittsboro restaurant, here are some reasons why you should:
Chef and owner Greg Stellar grew up in the restaurant industry, graduated from culinary school and eventually became a private chef for Don Schumacher Racing. He moved on to cook for another drag racing team, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and eventually moved to Australia.
After traveling the world and cooking for thousands, he came back to Indiana to create this Hendricks County gem. Given his years of experience cooking for large numbers, it makes sense that he would carry that tradition forward with this restaurant.
Located in a small white house at 26 E. Main St. near Scamahorn Park and only open during dinner hours, the patio is full of outdoor seating and strung with patio lights and an interior with a sunroom, dining room and bar makes the place feel cozy and family-friendly.
The meal is delivered family-style; large entrees and side dishes the family can pass around and share. The menu is small but includes many Hoosier favorites, and you can watch their Facebook page for weekly specials and off-menu offers.
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3. The Food
If you’re looking for a restaurant the entire family can enjoy, in addition to the fried chicken and green beans I mentioned before, Hoosier Roots offers appetizers like beer can chicken nachos with spicy queso and fried green tomatoes.
Entrees serve two to four people and include roast beef, pork loin and smoked salmon with sides of roasted jalapeno mac and cheese, roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and more – all with Stellar’s unique spin.
4. Catering
Hoosier Roots is also a catering company for large corporate events, weddings, community events and more. Stellar began catering in 2015, long before the brick-and-mortar restaurant was launched.
The menu is much larger and includes lamb shanks, New York strip and stuffed chicken breast, along with full bar service. There are themed packages which include Stellar’s sister companies, TacoCat and Primal Lord of Meats menus.
Just the Details
- Hoosier Roots Restaurant Hours: 4 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday
- Location: Pittsboro, Indiana
- Information: Make sure to check their Facebook page before heading out there. They occasionally close for private events.
