Roots Cafe

My friend Ruth and I had wanted to try Roots Cafe in Millcreek for quite a while, so we made a point of going there for brunch in July. I have returned on my own a couple of times since then, and each visit has been thoroughly delightful.

Roots is a neighborhood breakfast and lunch cafe that serves a variety of creative, fresh, and healthy options in an intimate space which extends to a patio in warmer weather. My previous visits found me dining inside trying the Spicy Porto and then the Veggie Reuben, both of which aptly substitute tasty, marinated portabello mushrooms for meat.

During my most recent visit, I sat on the patio where I enjoyed beautiful sunshine and a bit of a breeze. I ordered Roots B and G, which is the cafe’s take on biscuits and gravy, and I paired it with a cup of robust coffee. The dish comes with house made herb biscuits, a choice of protein, and vegetarian poblano chile gravy — all topped with two eggs cooked to order, which I had over medium. The combination of flavors, soft biscuits, and creamy gravy results in a satisfying, savory dish that definitely deserves to be called comfort food. House potatoes are the stated side dish. However, I asked the server about substituting mixed greens to balance the enjoyable, but abundant, carbs in the biscuits, and she graciously agreed to do so. I chose avocado for my protein, yet a mix-up in the kitchen resulted in my being served both avocado and a sausage patty. I asked the server about this, only to sort out what had happened, not because I was unhappy with my order. She apologized profusely, and when she brought the check, she mentioned having discounted the cost of my meal. I opened the bill, expecting a 10-20% discount, but to my surprise, I found that she had discounted my meal by 50%. I thought that was a particularly generous gesture! Roots Cafe shows that they care about their customers’ entire experience by providing quality food and thoughtful service.

Roots Cafe’s popularity, intimate space, and limited hours are a recipe for filling up quickly, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays. This sometimes results in waiting for a table, so err on the side of going a little early to avoid the rush. The upside of having a slight wait, though, is that it gives you time to browse the hallway art gallery and The Old Flamingo, an eclectic shop next door that sells vintage décor and unique gifts. A leisurely stroll through the hallway and the shop satisfies your other senses and completes your visit to Roots Cafe. These elements are to be indulged and enjoyed as much as the cafe’s food and hospitality.

I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Roots Cafe and then making it one of your regular brunch spots. They are open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Click here for more information.