The Root Cafe

The Root Cafe

1500 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States

+1 501-414-0423

American restaurant, Cafe, Hamburger restaurant, Sandwich shop, Vegetarian restaurant
(3298)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, The Root Cafe stands out as a vibrant American restaurant and cafe that masterfully blends farm-fresh ingredients with creative, soulful dishes. Embracing a diverse offering that spans classic hamburgers, hearty sandwiches, and inventive vegetarian options, The Root Cafe has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike seeking a genuine taste of Arkansas.

The menu is a celebration of fresh, locally sourced produce and flavors that feel both comforting and inventive. Among the standout dishes, the Pimento Cheeseburger delights with its juicy, perfectly seasoned patty topped with a creamy, tangy cheese blend that embodies the essence of Southern hospitality. For those craving breakfast or brunch, the Root Benny and Mushroom Benny offer a luscious take on the classic Eggs Benedict, showcasing rich hollandaise sauce paired with farm-fresh eggs and thoughtfully crafted accompaniments.

Vegetarian diners will appreciate offerings like the Tofu Banh Mi, which, while a creative twist on the traditional Vietnamese sandwich, embraces vibrant textures and fresh flavors, and the Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich, which bursts with comforting spices and well-balanced ingredients. The menu’s sweet side is equally enticing; the Carrot Cake and Chocolate Chip Cookies provide the perfect finish to an unforgettable meal.

For guests who enjoy lighter or shareable options, the variety of fries such as the crispy Sweet Potato Fries and the inventive Half and Half Fries add a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with any main dish.

The Root Cafe’s dining atmosphere exudes a warm, welcoming charm that feels much like coming into a friend’s kitchen. Regulars like Justin Harrel praise the friendly staff and the homey vibe that invites you to relax and savor every bite. Whether you’re seated inside or enjoying an outdoor meal, the buzz of the cafe speaks to its community roots, though occasional insects outside are an honest reminder of its natural setting.

Customer experiences consistently highlight the incredible freshness of the food, sourced directly from Arkansas farmers and ranchers. As Jon Fred notes, the flavor speaks volumes of the quality and care put into each dish, with the fluffy pancakes and hearty Root Benny showcasing the kitchen’s skill and passion. Alex Kent’s dinner visit revealed flavorful surprises like the Hot Chicken and comforting sides such as deviled eggs and cornbread, all of which confirmed The Root Cafe’s status as a culinary gem worth returning to time and again.

The Root Cafe doesn’t just serve food; it offers a heartfelt experience rooted in community and sustainability. Whether you’re treating yourself to a leisurely breakfast, a vibrant lunch, or an unhurried dinner, this Little Rock treasure promises dishes that delight the senses and nourish the soul. With every bite, you taste the dedication to local ingredients and the pride in Southern-inspired cuisine, making your visit truly memorable.

For inquiries or reservations, The Root Cafe is located at 1500 Main St, Little Rock, AR, and can be reached at +1 501-414-0423. Prepare to savor a meal crafted with care, passion, and a deep sense of place.

Service options
Outdoor seating Kerbside pickup -contact delivery Delivery On-site services Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great coffee Great dessert Great tea selection Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Organic dishes Prepared foods Quick bite Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Counter service Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Tourists Transgender safe space University students
Planning
Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Thursday
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Friday
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Saturday
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Alex Kent
    1 month ago

    After many years of happily eating at The Root Cafe for breakfast and lunch, I finally made it over for dinner. Unsurprisingly the food was delicious! Can't believe it took me this long to try it out. We got the "Hot Chicken", Deviled Eggs, Cornbread, and "Not the Chicken and Dumplings I'm Used to". All on point. If you want to not only support a local business, but also Arkansas farmers and ranchers, then give The Root a try.

  • Justin Harrel
    1 month ago

    Been coming here for years. I guess you could say I’m a regular lol. It feels like home to me. Love the staff, atmosphere, and of course the food. I want to give a shout out to Brandon in the back of house, he is always so positive and very cool! This is the place to be if you are in Little Rock!

  • Jon Fred
    1 month ago

    Absolutely delicious food. Finally came here after 6 years of work trips to the area and saying I'd go. Guy Fieri came here years ago. I try to visit places he has gone to. Food - so fresh and tasty. They source their food from local Arkansas farms. You can immediately tell the quality in food. The Root Benny is a great choice to get a bit of everything. The pancake was so fluffy. Butter and syrup were amazing as those were locally sourced. Service - quick to get our food after ordering. Servera were friendly. Atmosphere - inside and outside seating. We sat outside as it was a nice day.

  • Sofia Zhuk
    1 month ago

    The food was delicious and I love that they partner with local farms. The matcha was excellent, and the cinnamon rolls were good. Salads and sandwiches were also very good. We ate outside, which was nice, but there were quite a lot of flying insects.

  • Gail Yee
    1 month ago

    Stopped here after a visit to the Esse museum. Were recommended the pimento burger and Tofu Banh mi by the server. The tofu banh mi sandwich was good but missing the "banh mi" flavor. Pimento burger was light and fresh definitely no fillers.

  • Samera Roe
    3 month ago

    I’ve been wanting to try this restaurant since we got to Little Rock! They have two locations. What really sets them apart is the way their ingredients are sourced. They partners with local nurseries and farms to get their ingredients. We ordered the Mushroom burger and the Deviled Egg Salad Salad. Both were very good and filling! Sometimes when food is vegetarian it isn’t filling but that was not the case. portion sizes were perfect! Great atmosphere and green space!!

  • Vicki Downing
    3 month ago

    Very good braut and peppers (no bun for gluten free option). French fries really good also and side salad. Want to come back soon for dinner and try the dumplings. Lots of room for seating inside and outside.

  • Jenni Overstreet
    3 month ago

    First wanted to say how beautiful this place is! Was thinking their Pimento Cheese Bread and a side salad would be plain & simple but it was really anything but that! So pretty and full of flavor! Excited to go back and try something else!!

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