RoHo’s Martini Bar: Your Perfect Mix for Cocktails & Company
RoHo’s Martini Bar has quickly become a centerpiece for refined nightlife in downtown Muncie, bringing an upscale yet welcoming cocktail experience to a historic block. The bar brings something downtown didn’t know it was missing: a place that feels both elevated and easygoing. Its story is a blend of personal creativity, local spirit, and a vision to fill a gap in the city’s social scene, all reflected in both its name and its vibe.
The Inspiration and Beginning
Angie Rogers-Howell and Matt Howell, both known for their entrepreneurship at Farmhouse Creative, saw an opportunity downtown: a need for a place where friends could gather, enjoy craft martinis, and relax in a sophisticated setting. “We really kind of felt like it was missing a martini bar or some kind of upscale spot where people could just go and hang out, enjoy craft cocktails and chat with friends,” Angie commented. Their decision to open RoHo’s came when they fell in love with the speakeasy-like atmosphere when shown the available space by the building owners.
The bar’s name is a marriage of the couple’s own, with “Ro” from Rogers and “Ho” from Howell, echoing Angie’s signature red hair (“Rojo” means red in Spanish), adding a personal and playful touch to the martini lounge’s identity.
Atmosphere and Artistic Touch
RoHo’s was designed to be “upscale but not pretentious, and a little artsy,” according to Angie. The owners rotate monthly displays of local art, host live music from area musicians weekly, and feature decor that’s eclectic and visually engaging. Guests are treated to classic black-and-white movies like Casablanca flickering on the screens, while jazz and other genres soundtrack an environment meant for lingering conversations.
Cocktails with Craft and Care
As a martini and cocktail lounge, RoHo’s is driven by a philosophy that emphasizes handcrafted drinks, seasonal ingredients, and a curated selection. While wine and beer are available, the heart of the bar is its cocktail menu, including extensive options for both spirited and non-alcoholic guests. The house mixologist helps design seasonal menus—recently swapping tropical summer drinks for autumn creations like the Campfire Bliss, which boasts a toasted marshmallow garnish.
Signature cocktails include best-sellers like the Lemon Crescendo (which can be customized with different syrups), the Campfire Bliss with vanilla and marshmallow vodka, and the Cafe Agave—a rich, tequila-and-chocolate take on the trendy espresso martini. Classic cocktails like The Manhattan and Old Fashioned round out the offerings, catering to every palate. Guests can also enjoy appetizers and desserts to pair with what they are sipping.
Building Community Downtown
Community response has been overwhelmingly positive. “Everyone who comes in says, ‘Wow, I feel like I'm not even in Muncie,’” Angie shared. RoHo’s regulars and new visitors alike appreciate both the atmosphere and the creative events, ranging from Sunday brunches to a growing calendar of local music acts. The owners consider the ability to host full crowds and expand into private party rentals as milestones reflective of downtown Muncie’s appetite for a stylish, communal destination.
Looking Forward
Despite early challenges that included juggling other careers and navigating building permits, RoHo’s has become known for being frequently packed on weekend nights. The owners continue to look for new ways to serve: expanding live music, catering for private events, and listening to patrons’ feedback to shape future offerings.
What keeps Angie motivated? “I enjoy running RoHo’s. I like to see the community—people who've never been here before and people who come every week… It's cool to see the community come together and really hang out in the space that we've created.”
RoHo’s Martini Bar, located at 308 S. Walnut St., is a vibrant example of how entrepreneurial spirit and local flavor can create an experience you’ll find only in downtown Muncie’s nightlife.