Root Burger offers a focused menu of quality burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads with speedy service and a casual atmosphere.
Enjoy a wide selection of comfort foods and homemade milkshakes in a vibrant campus setting with wheelchair accessibility and outdoor seating.
What to Expect:
🍔 Signature Mushroom Swiss Burger
🌯 Spicy Popcorn Chicken Wrap
🧀 Classic Cheese Lunch Items
🍟 Crispy Onion Rings and Fries
Important Information:
Accepts credit, debit, and NFC payments
Reservations not accepted
Free parking available on campus
Service is counter-style, no table service
Popular for quick lunches and solo dining on the UC Santa Barbara campus.
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🍔 Campus Favorite: Popular among students for quick lunch during busy campus hours.
🥤 Milkshake Standouts: Oreo milkshake highly recommended as one of the best on campus.
🌯 Spicy Options: The popcorn chicken wrap offers a spicy kick that many enjoy but might be too much for some.
🚗 Parking Tips: Free parking lot available but can be difficult to find spots during peak times.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Root Burger draws praise for its fast service, great burger quality, and reasonable prices. The mushroom Swiss burger and onion rings stand out. While most reviewers appreciate the casual campus vibe, some note occasional order errors and a few experience inconsistencies like food poisoning or less flavorful dishes.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
From The preserve
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The Selection
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Course Stats
Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
Mushroom Swiss Burger, Popcorn Chicken Wrap, Chili Dog, Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Onion Rings, French Fries, Mac and Cheese, Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Sandwich, Milkshakes
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating; offers outdoor seating suitable for guests with mobility needs.
