The Root Cafe

The Root Cafe

Someone from this business manages this listing.
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+1 501-414-0423+ Add website
Hours
Sun
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tue
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wed
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thu
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sat
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles

RATINGS
Food
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Atmosphere
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
American, Cafe, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
features
Does this restaurant have tables with seating?
About
At The Root Cafe, we offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients sourced from small farms in Arkansas. Highlights include biscuits & gravy, buttermilk pancakes, burgers, brats, spicy fried chicken plus multiple salads and sandwiches. We have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. 100% of the meat and bread and the majority of the vegetables we use are locally grown or produced. We also offer scratch made desserts, locally-roasted coffees, house made lemonades, craft cocktails plus the best of Arkansas beer and wine. We have indoor seating or sit outside on the porch or the courtyard (pets welcome). We are in the SOMA district of Downtown Little Rock. Hope to feed you soon!
CUISINES
American, Cafe, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles657 reviews
Excellent
446
Very good
142
Average
37
Poor
18
Terrible
14

hbhakh
Roanoke2348 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 couples
We had dinner at the Root Cafe on a Sunday evening. We had reservations and we were seated immediately. They did not have tables available for walk ins. The atmosphere is very casual and a little "eclectic" with both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu had a variety of choices, many with variations of popular dishes like meat loaf. We both ordered hot chicken. The food was very good. The chicken had a hint of curry and came with mac and cheese and greens. The servers were very nice but didn't seem organized. The first server took our order and brought the food (it did take awhile) but never checked back. Another server refilled our drinks. After we finished our entrees, a third server brought the check without asking if we wanted anything else. I think they wanted to close. A little more training could probably improve this. Prices are reasonable.
Written April 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Sundell
Thanks for your feedback! We're glad we could get you some deliciously food, and we hope to serve you again if you're ever in our area!
Written May 19, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

AABerry
Austin189 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 family
I would have given a 5 for food but my group was irritated with a few things. My sister only wanted one side but was told she had to order a 4-side plate. I walked in just afterwards and ordered several a la carte sides with no problem but wanted to sub a side for the salad that comes with the sandwich and was told I couldn’t (i would have been fine paying an up charge), so I just didn’t buy the sandwich. Also, the staff wasn’t great at answering questions about the food. Anyway, the gluten-free, vegetarian cornbread, sweet potato fries, and greens were excellent, as was the honey, ginger lemonade. I would go back for those, but the portion of greens was very small for the price and the price for the cornbread was a bit high. My nephew’s grilled cheese also looked great. I feel like this could be a great place if they made some small changes.
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Sundell
Hi, there! We're so glad you enjoyed your food with us! We're sorry for our staff's confusion, but I can answer your questions though! We do serve our dinner sides a la carte. We are not able to substitute the side salad with entrees, but we can of course add it on to our order for the price of the a la carte side. We hope you'll give us another try if y'all are all gathered again!
Written April 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

DeannaBK
Austin284 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 family
I wanted to order everything on the menu! Settled on the deviled egg salad salad and hubby got the curry chicken salad sandwich. The vinaigrette was tasty! My husband loved his sandwiche. I can’t wait to go back and try different things!
Written May 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Sundell
Cool beans! We're glad you enjoyed your food & excited to get you a 5-star experience next time you're in!
Written June 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Liz S
3 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 family
Hopefully an off day only but our food and experience were bad. Food came out at 3 different times so people served first were finished before others even served and there were only 5 of us! Both people who ordered burgers commented on the odd taste and couldn’t eat more than 2-3 bites. Lost two of the orders which was surprising because all were on the same ticket. Made for a very disappointing experience which was a farewell meal with our son from out of state.
Written July 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Sundell
Hi, there! This seems like an off-day for us, getting your food to your table, and we're so sorry to not have given y'all the best possible experience! Please email us at theroot@therootcafe.com so we can make it right!
Written July 21, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Suzie F
47 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 family
I don’t understand all of the good reviews for this restaurant. We were in town for an event and took a small group of friends and family. We had 2 small children in our group. Several of us are adventurous eaters but everything we got was average to below average. The only dine in options are outside on a dirty patio with foot tall weeds growing all along the edges. The bathroom was dirty with overflowing trash. You order inside and serve yourself drinks so everyone is touching everything on the drink stations . You have to get your own refills. They bring your food out to you but half of our group got there food quickly while the rest of us waited a while. Then it was brought to us by a huge man in a denim mini skirt and low cut top. Then we had to endure the ridicule and eye roll of another wait staff because we weren’t cool enough to know they don’t serve Coors Light “Really you want that? I thought you were joking… there’s some cans of other beer in the cooler go get it yourself” Will not return. So embarrassed that we brought our friends here
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kathy C
Huntington Beach120 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 family
What a find! Great vibes - very hippy, funky place with an adorable carrot logo everywhere. Sunny, bright ndoor seating with art on all the walls and mismatched chairs and lighting and people sitting outside with their dogs. Staff were helpful and friendly. Food was really good. I had the mushroom Benny with the biscuits. Best biscuits I’ve ever had, I think! Two poached eggs on a delicious melange of almost crispy meaty mushrooms and kale. My daughter had the pancakes with chocolate chips. They were big , fluffy and quite perfect! I will definitely be back to try more next time I’m in town!
Written April 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Sundell
We love to hear it!! Thank you so much for your lovely review!! We look forward to serving you again next time you're in town!
Written April 7, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

DivotsMom
Crossville17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 couples
Every time I eat here I love it more. Food is fresh & plentiful. Customers who have dietary restrictions will find lots of choices. My dog loves it when we take him & we can eat on the patio which is weatherproof & comfortable in the winter weather. The staff is friendly and top notch. I highly recommend The Root.
Written December 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Sundell
We're so glad to check so many boxes for y'all! Thank you for your wonderful review! We hope to serve you again soon! And please tell your dog that we said "woof!" (hi!).
Written January 3, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Melinda O
Scott26 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 couples
What a huge disappointment! The reviews are so good, but we had the worst experience. We called before we went and asked if they had Mimosas. We were wanting a good breakfast and Mimosas. They said they did so we drove 25 miles to try it. You had to order at a window like McDonald’s and pay tip then. When we got our food they told us they were out of Champagne. They refunded the cost of Mimosas but did not adjust our tip. And the food was just OK. I got the Roots Benny and the corned beef that came with it looked like the leftovers (awful little pieces). My husband said his pancakes were OK but have had better. I usually try to give restaurants a second chance but won’t this one.
Written May 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rzrcat2018
Covington83 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 couples
2 orders of meatloaf with a curry ketchup sauce, mashed potatoes, and a purple hull pea stew, and plenty of cornbread. Better than Mom's. We ordered at the front counter and a waiter brought the food to the table. We will return to The Root Cafe.
Written April 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Sundell
Right on! We're glad you enjoyed your meals and hope to see y'all again soon!
Written April 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Amy K
113 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 friends
Holy cow, everything here is delicious. We had Hot Burger, sweet potato fries, deviled egg salad sandwich, and carrot cake. And spiked lemonade that was perfect and refreshing. My new favorite restaurant in Little Rock!!
Written September 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Sundell
What a lovely review!! Thank y'all so much for your support!
Written January 3, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Allison K
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 family
Great find convenient to the airport! We stopped by for a late lunch to kill some time and were pleasantly surprised. Delicious and fresh! Both my daughter and I got the burger, it came with a side salad (simple and fresh), and we shared an order of fries. All great and I’ll definitely stop back in if I’m ever in Little Rock again!
Written May 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Sundell
Right on!! Thanks so much for the lovely comments! We're glad y'all enjoyed it!
Written June 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JustAnotherTraveler1
115 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 friends
Fantastic food. All 5 in our group were very pleased. One in our group who is most apt to being critical, as we were leaving, gave a thumbs up to the chef. It was that good. We all had a different breakfast, but all impressed. I had the vegan banh mi breakfast which was excellent. If I am back in Little Rock, I would definitely go again.
Written October 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Sundell
We're so glad to hear we were able to meet everyone's expectations! Come on back & see us if you're ever in town again!
Written January 3, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lisa A
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 family
I saw the reviews and was excited for a fun evening with my family, unfortunately that was not the case. We were seated quickly and waited about 10 minutes before our waitress arrived, we were "greeted" with "you know what you want?" in a tone that sounded like we were an inconvenience to her. I asked what beers they had and she replied "um, cans they are all 4 dollars so it doesn't matter which one." I saw the cooler when we walked in so I took it upon myself to go investigate, this apparently is not the norm as the other servers seemed very confused as to what was going on. While we were waiting to order 2 other tables were seated in our section and multiple times had to get up to seek out anyone to help them. It took almost 45 minutes to get food for my husband and daughter I waited another 10 receive mine, which arrived cold. Our waters were never refilled, no one ever checked on us to see how everything was, we were basically forgotten and ignored which seemed to be the same sentiment at the surrounding tables. The food we did receive was okay, would probably have been better if it hot or at least warm. All in all, definitely NOT worth a trip back.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jacobsundell77
Hi Lisa. I'm so disappointed to hear about your experience. That is obviously not the great service that we work to provide. Please email me at theroot@therootcafe.com so we can get more details and address your concerns directly. Thanks!
Written March 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

IndySig
Indianapolis4151 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 solo
Had a wonderful brunch here this morning. The sweet potato hash with two poached eggs, onions and sausage was wonderful. Great flavors, perfect size but just a bit too much salt. Still a great breakfast.
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Sundell
Thanks so much for coming in & for your honest & lovely review!
Written January 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

solisr944
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 couples
The non vegetarian may be somewhat reluctant because of the vegan friendly menu but everything here is delicious. The meat loaf was so good driving though from Texas to Michigan we made a point of stopping on our way back!!! Just to have the meatloaf again
Written May 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Sundell
Now that's high praise! Thanks for stopping by twice on your trip to see us!! We're so glad you enjoyed our food & we hope to serve you again!
Written June 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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The Root Cafe, Little Rock - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

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