The Root Cafe

The Root Cafe Restaurant Review:

Plenty of restaurants claim to be vegetarian or vegan-friendly, but The Root Cafe takes that promise to a whole new level. Located deep in the heart of Lakewood, this assuming spot has the soul of a coffeehouse but the menu of a modern bistro. The space is filled with mismatched tables and chairs that jive with its eclectic attitude. (Live music is the norm, but never a promise, so check the calendar before you come.) Food features local and organic products whenever possible. There are soups, salads, sandwiches, beans and rice and stone-oven pizzas and calzones in addition to pastries and beverages. After grabbing one of its many herbal teas, go for the roasted root salad, topped with root tang dressing that is sweet and zingy. From there, we like the “clevo” sandwich (open-face with hummus, rosemary, mushrooms and fresh spinach) or the “fun guy” pizza, made with pesto, balsamic mushrooms and Romano and Provolone cheeses. The kale, broccoli and mushroom calzone is also tasty. For dessert, the espresso cream brownies are a must. If breakfast is your thing, The Root will not disappoint. Daily, there are three egg sandwiches, a couple of breakfast burritos and other options like raw granola and gluten-free cereal. On Sundays, brunch is big. Try the french toast fried in coconut oil or the egg and sun-dried tomato sandwich with goat cheese.