By Hand and Fork

By Hand and Fork is an independent, locally operated breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant located at 1617 N. Wheeling Avenue in Muncie, Indiana, just northeast of the Ball State University campus and north of the White River. Specializing in scratch-made American morning classics, oversized skillets,stuffed French toast, and daytime brunch cocktails, the restaurant has become a staple along Muncie’s North Wheeling corridor for students, visiting families, and local residents seeking made-to-order comfort food in a casual, family-friendly dining room.

What to Expect at By Hand and Fork

The kitchen at By Hand and Fork focuses on hearty, homemade-style breakfast and lunch dishes prepared from scratch throughout the morning and early afternoon. Morning guests choose from three-egg omelets folded with vegetables, meats, and melted cheeses, golden Belgian waffles, buttermilk pancakes, Eggs Benedict variations topped with warm hollandaise, and cast-iron breakfast skillets layered over seasoned home fries. Sweet griddle specialties—including berry-topped crepes, cinnamon swirl pancakes, and thick-cut golden French toast dusted with powdered sugar—share the menu with classic Midwest staples such as biscuits and sausage gravy, corned beef hash, and country-fried steak with eggs.

Alongside its coffee and espresso bar, By Hand and Fork is well known in Delaware County for its festive daytime beverage menu, particularly its signature mimosa flights and Bloody Mary offerings during weekend brunch. For the midday crowd, the kitchen transitions smoothly into lunch with half-pound Angus burgers, triple-decker club sandwiches, grilled paninis, crisp salads, and homemade soups. Guests can dine in at booths and tables inside the bright, bustling dining room or call ahead for convenient carryout orders when heading to work or campus events.

• Signature Mimosa Service: Single-glass pours and multi-flavor mimosa flights featuring fruit juices and seasonal purees paired with sparkling wine for daytime celebrations.
• Three-Egg Omelets & Skillets: Generous made-to-order egg combinations cooked with crispy bacon, smoked ham, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and cheddar or Swiss cheese.
• Golden French Toast & Griddle Favorites: Thick slices of battered bread grilled golden brown alongside Belgian waffles, sweet crepes, and stacked buttermilk pancakes.
• Midwest Breakfast Classics: Scratch-made biscuits smothered in country sausage gravy, crispy hash browns, and traditional two-egg platters with toast or pancakes.
• Handcrafted Lunch Sandwiches & Burgers: Griddled burgers, Reuben sandwiches, turkey bacon clubs, wraps, and fresh garden salads served until 3:00 PM daily.

By Hand and Fork at a Glance

Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings

By Hand and Fork operates on a walk-in basis and fills up quickly on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM, especially during Ball State University Family Weekend, Homecoming, and graduation dates. Arriving before 9:00 AM on weekends or visiting on weekday mornings ensures immediate seating and a quieter dining pace. The restaurant sits directly on North Wheeling Avenue with a dedicated, free surface parking lot immediately outside the entrance, making driving straightforward from anywhere in Muncie. Public transit riders can also reach the restaurant via the Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS) Route 14 bus, which runs north-south along Wheeling Avenue connecting downtown Muncie with the Northwest Plaza area. The single-story building features a step-free main entrance, accessible parking spaces near the front door, and accessible restrooms suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Because the restaurant closes at 3:00 PM each day, it pairs naturally with morning and afternoon sightseeing on Muncie’s north side. Minnetrista Museum & Gardens—home to the historic Ball family homes, rotating exhibitions, and the Bob Ross Experience—is less than a five-minute drive south along the White River Greenway and Centennial Avenue. The Ball State University campus, including the David Owsley Museum of Art and Emens Auditorium, lies about two miles southwest, while Tuhey Park and the Cardinal Greenway trailhead are just minutes away for a post-brunch walk or bike ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours at By Hand and Fork and when is the best time to visit?

By Hand and Fork is open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch throughout the day. Weekday mornings and weekend arrivals before 9:00 AM offer the shortest wait times, while late Sunday morning is the busiest period.

What is the typical price range and can I order carryout?

The restaurant falls into the moderate ($$) price tier, with most breakfast platters, omelets, French toast combinations, and lunch sandwiches priced comfortably for everyday dining. Guests can dine in or call +1 765-896-8717 to place carryout orders for pickup.

How much time should I budget for a meal at By Hand and Fork?

Plan to spend 45 to 60 minutes for a standard weekday breakfast or lunch, and up to 75 to 90 minutes during peak weekend brunch hours when ordering mimosa service with a larger group. Carryout pickups typically take 15 to 25 minutes from the time you call.

Is By Hand and Fork accessible and suitable for families with children?

Yes, the restaurant features ground-level, step-free access from its private parking lot, booth and table seating that accommodates wheelchairs and high chairs, and a casual, welcoming atmosphere for families with kids. Dress is casual, and major credit and debit cards are accepted.

When planning your Muncie travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Muncie, pair this stop with standout local spots including Riverside Cafe, Yats, Bestway Inn, and Oakhurst Gardens (0.6 km away).