The Root Cafe is definitely one of our favorite places to eat in Little Rock!
Everything at The Root is fresh and delicious and we also love the whimsical and eclectic atmosphere. This is favorite restaurant among locals and is one that you simply should not miss.
Our Review of the Root Cafe
I’ve already told you in the intro that this is one of our favorite casual restaurants in Little Rock. But is you don’t believe me you can also listen to Guy Fieri.
The Root Cafe was featured on season 29, episode 6 of his show, Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives. The episode was titled “Burgers, Bacon, and BBQ.”
Location of The Root Cafe
There are now two locations of The Root Cafe in Little Rock!
The original is located in the fun and trendy SoMa neighborhood of Little Rock, which, in our opinion is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Little Rock.
It is in a fun and quirky building which was once “Sweden Creme,” a very popular ice cream shop in the “olden days” of Little Rock.
Address of SoMa location: 1500 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202
The new location is closer to West Little Rock in the recently revitalized Breckenridge Village Shopping Center.
This is a bright and airy and much larger space.
Address of Breckenridge Village location: 10301 N Rodney Parham Rd Suite C3 & 4, Little Rock, AR 72227
While I still personally prefer the SoMa location for its great outdoor seating and historic charm, I will say that the new location does have the advantage of much easier parking.
It also has to space to offer a full bar.
Because opening hours and times can change we do not include them in our restaurant reviews. Be sure and check The Root Cafe website for opening days and times!
While at The Root in SoMa: The Esse Purse Museum is right next door to the Root Cafe. You can also enjoy one of the fun street murals in Little Rock featuring smiling vegetables.
The Root Cafe: History and Community
SoMa is an area that has been experiencing a renaissance and The Root has definitely been a part of this rebirth. It opened in 2011 and they claim that their mission “is to build community through local food.”
In addition to serving great food they also host workshops, classes, music events and fun contests all aimed at bringing the community together.
You cannot overstate their important to the revitalization of this part of town.
They have also brought a heightened awareness of the importance of supporting small farmer’s and producers in order to create a more sustainable and healthier way of life in Arkansas.
Food at the Root Cafe
But a restaurant is really all about the food, right?
The Root Cafe is known for serving the freshest ingredients that are locally sourced as much as possible from small farms and producers right in Arkansas.
They say on their website, “This includes 100% of the meat, eggs, and bread we serve, as well as the majority of our vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheeses.”
You can taste the love and quality in everything they serve at the Root!
What are some of our favorite menu items at The Root Cafe?
Many locals adore the breakfast here and some go so far as to claim that the biscuits and gravy are the best in town. I personally like the Root Benny and if you want to go vegetarian…the Shitake Benny.
All of the breakfast items are good, but in our opinion lunch is where The Root Cafe REALLY shines!
We think that their Spicy Banh Mi Sandwich is excellent. In fact, we have included it on our list of the best sandwiches in Central Arkansas. It is a vegetarian dish, but you definitely don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy the Banh Mi sandwich!
For the omnivores the burger at the Root is absolutely one of the best in town.
Everything about it is burger perfection. The bun, the toppings, the side salad…and, of course, the beef.
The beef is locally sourced, ground in store, hand-pattied, and cooked to perfection. It is always juicy and flavorful. This is a hamburger patty that is perfectly seasoned allowing you to actually taste the beefy goodness.
Honestly, it is just above and beyond any burger I’ve ever had anywhere.
If you want to go over the top try getting the pimento cheeseburger. That is what is pictured below.
Oh and if you have a burger you have to have some fries to go with it! We fancy ourselves to be french fry connoisseurs and the ones at The Root Cafe are excellent.
Tip on the fries: Get the half and half basket which is half sweet potato fries and half potato fries. You will have a hard time deciding which is your favorite but it is sure fun to try.
The salads with one of their delicious homemade salad dressings are always delectable. There is also the popular curry chicken salad.
Atmosphere at The Root Cafe
Both locations are super casual with the SoMa location being more eclectic.
There is way more outdoor dining at SoMa with more indoor dining in Little Rock.
The SoMa location has a covered patio as well as an uncovered yard with tables.
This makes it a great place to go on a pretty day while I think the Little Rock location is better for a cold or rainy day.
At both locations you will order at a counter and then your food is brought to you. The lines to order can be a little long, but they typically move quickly. We think the food is worth the short wait!
Thanks so much for stopping by! We hope that you enjoy The Root Cafe!
