Welcome to The Root Cafe
At The Root Cafe, we celebrate community through a menu inspired by local ingredients and a commitment to sustainability. Nestled in Little Rock, this women-owned gem offers a casual, hip atmosphere and a diverse range of options—vegan and vegetarian dishes included. From hand-pattied burgers made with pasture-raised beef to innovative sandwiches featuring farm-fresh produce, every bite reflects our passion for quality and flavor. With heated outdoor seating and an inclusive environment, The Root Cafe invites everyone to enjoy hearty meals, craft beverages, and the comforting allure of good company. Join us, and taste the roots of our culinary journey.
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1500 S Main St Little Rock, AR 72202 United States Hotline: (501) 414-0423
Welcome to The Root Cafe, a charming dining destination located at 1500 S Main St, Little Rock, AR. This women-owned establishment transcends the typical cafe experience, offering a delightful blend of burgers, breakfast, brunch, and lunch, all crafted with care and a commitment to local produce.
As you enter The Root Cafe, you’re greeted by an eclectic, vintage-inspired decor that captures the heart of the community. Bright colors and mismatched furniture create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The cafe prides itself on being inclusive, with gender-neutral restrooms and a warmth that welcomes everyone, including furry friends.
What sets The Root Cafe apart is its impressive menu, featuring hand-pattied burgers made from pasture-raised beef sourced directly from Simon Farms in Conway, AR. The burgers, like the juicy Cheeseburger and creative Pimento Cheeseburger, highlight local ingredients and are complemented with housemade sauces that have enthusiasts raving. The vegetarian and vegan options, such as the flavorful Mushroom Burger and crispy PBT sandwich, ensure everyone finds something they love.
- Signature Dishes:
- Cheeseburger: Hand-pattied beef, garlic mayo, and local veggies.
- Mushroom Burger: Housemade veggie patty with Driftwood Farm mushrooms, red quinoa & local peas.
- Crispy PBT: Tofu brined and fried, paired with house chipotle tahini.
- Drinks and More:
- Delicious crafted beverages, including the famous sparkling lavender lemonade.
- Heated outdoor seating for those chilly days, ensuring a cozy yet open-air experience.
The Root Cafe also goes beyond dining. Their commitment to sustainability is evident through compostable containers and a plastic-free approach, making it a perfect choice for the eco-conscious foodie. The cafe provides free Wi-Fi, making it an attractive spot for casual meetings or a relaxed work environment.
Reviews from customers like Mike P. and Danielle M. highlight The Root Cafe’s vibrant energy and delicious offerings, from the “best burgers” to “amazing vegan options.” Guests often remark on the attentive service and the cafe's ability to create an atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
Whether you're craving a classic burger, a hearty brunch, or a refreshing salad, The Root Cafe has something to satisfy every palate. With great food, a welcoming ambiance, and a strong community focus, it’s clear that this cafe is not just about meals; it's about nourishing connections and uplifting local culture. Don't miss your chance to experience this gem — you won't be disappointed!
We were coming back through Little Rock on our way home and my wife said let's try The Root Cafe on main Street. We parked right in front and I wasn't impressed at first sight! Don't let the look fool you! I had a hamburger and a side of fries. One of the best burgers I've eaten in a long time! It had their lettuce mix with garlic aoli , meat and a bun. It also came with a side salad. Fries were excellent. Wife had a ham and cheese sandwich stacked full of ham and cheese on toasted bread. It was also very good! Will definitely go back!!
Some of the Best sweet potato fries I've had. The crafted drinks are delicious. The salad was really good too.
WOW!!!!!! What an amazing spot. Cute vibes, great food and service, I will be coming here again!
Y'all. It's so gooooood! It's the kind of place that when you leave you buy the merch because you've fallen in love. We sat on the heated enclosed patio and although it was chilly outside, we were cozy inside pretending we were outside. I got a sparkling lavender lemonade, a chicken salad sandwich, and my friend and I shared the star of the show: sweet potato fries with a special yummy dipping sauce that I couldn't tell you the name of, but it is unforgettable to my tastebuds. The sandwich had a side salad that I ate every leaf of - I'm not usually a big salad person, but I loved it. Local, fresh, cute, special. Go give them some love.
The vegan and vegetarian options were amazing! I loved getting a Benny and not worrying about meat finding its way onto my dish. The ambiance is so cute and local. I loved getting all the art work and mismatched furniture. They are very welcoming! The bathrooms note Trans people are welcome here and I loved seeing that sign. They have cute menus and instructions everywhere that make it super local feel. I would visit again!!
The Root Cafe's eclectic and vintage interior adds to the experience. Bright and colorful, this is the place to go for healthy alternatives. Really good lunch and dinner options await those who want a well-prepared meal. Order from the counter, grab a seat, at any table with a "clean" plaque on it and the order is delivered promptly. The place is a throwback to the 50s and 60s, but fun and clean. Convenient location downtown-- and they just opened another in West Little Rock.
In town for work and a friend and coworker both recommend this spot. I took a chance and braved the cold winter air hoping for a good meal and TLDR they did not disappoint. I ordered their green tomato cracklins, the bitchin lemonade, the hot chicken (because my server said it was ordered a lot), and some bread pudding to go. The cracklins were a surprise as I was expecting fried green tomatoes and these were not that but more like pork rinds but not pork. Anyway that was totally on me and I now I know. An interesting bite, to be sure, but don't personally need to order again as they were empty carbs. The drink was yummy but I'm too old for vodka and my body let me know quickly. The hot chicken was a delight. Disclaimer, I don't know what good greens taste like, but I enjoyed these and how they complemented the chicken. The Mac and cheese was not it at all but the chicken more than made up for it. It was juicy, crispy, flavorful, hot and something I would order again despite the mac! The chicken more than made up for the lackluster mac and the reason for my 5 ( if I could I'd give 4.5 but math rules say we round up). Oh, the bread pudding was more bready than pudding and heavy but yummy nonetheless. Would have paired nicely with coffee. Friendly staff. Cute decor. Plenty of parking. Overall, recommend!
Stopped in during my travels and ordered the burger and a salad.... I will say the two sauces that came with this burger were perfectly spiced and had the best taste. I ordered my burger protein style and my salad came with watermelon on top. Best place ever... great food and a must try. Service was fast and friendly. Inside is super great. With indoor and outdoor seating