Roots the Restaurant
51 Wales St, Rutland, VT, 05701
Roots the Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Rutland for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Rutland for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Rutland for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
51 Wales St
Rutland, VT, 05701 - Phone (802) 747-7414
- Website https://www.rootsrutland.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Michael L.
Happened upon this gem early on a Saturday evening. We stopped in for an early dinner before heading back to New York. Our timing was perfect; a few minutes later and we might not have been able to get a table because apparently every table was reserved from around 5 pm until after 8 pm. I suggest making reservations, especially on a Friday or Saturday. Catherine was our waitress and she was excellent. I told her that I was in the mood for a whiskey drink and at Catherine's suggestion I ordered a citrus basil julep, which is a cocktail with bourbon and basil. It was delicious and refreshing. The basil, as Catherine explained, adds flavor and complexity without overpowering the bourbon. Truly a clever concoction. Everything we ordered was flavorful and well-prepared. The menu is brimming with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. The place had a nice vibe and the staff was of good cheer. I must admit that I did not expect to find a place like this in Rutland but, lo and behold, I stumbled upon a diamond in the rough. I recommend the brie fondue. It's epic. I'm serious. We're talking life-changing fondue here.
(5)Jane D.
We really like Roots for "upscale casual" dining. The staff are super friendly and the food is generally excellent (we've had the occasional dud dish, but for the most part, we consider it the price of experimenting). Prices are reasonable for the quality. You're never rushed out, even when it's busy, which makes for a convivial meal. The place is small, and can get a bit noisy on a weekend evening - brick walls mean the sound bounces. But it's the noise of conversation, not over-loud music, so it's not harsh or unpleasant. We really enjoy the atmosphere. They have awesome homemade potato chips, and we love the beet salad for "down-home" fare!
(4)Vincent M.
Nice little spot. Cozy and friendly. Exposed brick. Neat lighting. Great drinks. I ordered a lemonade spiked with fresh blueberries that had a nice taste and was cool and refreshing. Got a nice beet salad atop a great bed of spinach plus goat cheese sprinkled over all of it.
(3)Christina L.
Stopped by Rutland after a day of hiking and found this gem for dinner! We didn't have a reservation, and they were booked for the night, but we were able to grab 2 seats at the bar. Walking in, the food looked amazing!! Big portions, and everything looked equally great!! The bartender was fantastic! Very helpful, attentive, and gave us recommendations for what to do around town at night, since it was our first time in the area. My boyfriend and I split the cheese fondue, ravioli, and the greek salad. It was the perfect amount of food for 2 hungry people--we left satisfied, but not overly stuffed. First thing first--the cheese fondue... so delicious! The lend of cheese was flavorful with a nice golden crust. It came with thinly sliced apples and plenty of pita to soak up all the cheese. Highly recommend! Then, the ravioli--oh man!! Best ravioli I've ever had!! The sauce was outta this world! So creamy, with a lemon citrus flavor. I'm drooling thinking about it! Definitely the highlight of our meal! The greek salad. Was a great salad, but nothing too special--Very light with plenty of toppings. Highly recommend coming here, and would stopped in again when in the area. Although there seemed to be openings at the bar, be sure to make a reservation in advance.
(5)Jennifer E.
Delicious, fresh and locally sourced foods to fill your belly. Roots offers an array of salads, sandwiches, entrees and specials that vary from day to day. Everything they had on their menu sounded appetizing, I ended up opting for a lighter meal featuring their curry squash soup and the quinoa salad. They have an awesome local draft beer list and their cocktails all sounded very refreshing. I opted for a pale ale out of northern Vermont which was hoppy and went perfect with my salad and soup. My friend's bbq pork sandwich looked amazing as well but I wasn't hungry enough for a sandwich at the time. The environment is airy, bright, and cozy. I could see it getting busy in the evenings as it isn't a huge place, but it was rather empty for our late lunch. The service was friendly and efficient and I never had an empty water glass. I loved my meal and I would definitely return if I'm in the area.
(4)Tanya S.
Wasn't sure what to expect, but The Roots came highly recommended by our hosts at The Paw House Inn. One word... AMAZING. from the staff to the service to suggestions by our waiter who was so personable we truly felt like family. The cheese plate was plenty for 2 or 4. Husband wasn't too hungry so took the rest home. The waiter offered any and every toppings for my husbands burger... He chose a sunny side up egg.. A bull burger. So delish. I enjoyed the fettuccini chicken Florentine which was so flavorful and featured house made pasta. We will be back. Run don't walk!!
(5)Mel C.
There are a lot of restaurants to choose in the Killington area, and I'm so glad we decided to come here! First off, our server was fantastic. She was friendly, had great suggestions, and attentive. Per her suggestion, we started off with the fondue. She warned us that it was not a traditional preparation, which is fine. The fondue was creamy, rich, flavorful, and not too salty. For our entree, I had the Chimichurri Emu which was a first for me, and my friend got the Grilled Monkfish. The Emu texture was a little chewy as it is a lean meat, but it was cooked perfectly. The chimichurri sauce that went with it was really good as well. It had nice acid and provided a good balance for the meat.
(5)Krista J.
I expected to love this place - really good reviews, great ethos, amazing-looking menu...but I was a bit disappointed and found it just ok. Then menu looks fabulous, with loads of veggie options, great gourmet combinations, and an emphasis on local products. The service was friendly and reasonably quick; the ambiance was fine - sort of trendy casual. The food itself, however, was mostly a bit bland. I had the coconut curry squash soup (which was actually very tasty and the best of the 3), the beet salad (very little chevre and not very flavorful dressing), and shared the stuffed tomatoes with the rest of the table (again, surprisingly bland/boring, given all the wonderful things in them...). Perhaps the chef was just having an off day? The menu and overall ethos are fantastic enough that I may give it another try next time I'm here, but certainly not quite what I was expecting...
(3)Roberta H.
The food is expensive for Rutland, but very reasonable considering the locally sourced food, the many organic options, and the great food prep. The menu choices may seem a bit limited on first glance, but once you realize that their dished often change based on what ingredients are in season, it makes sense. Plus, it can help you from feeling overwhelmed, because everything is so yummy you'll have a hard time choosing! I highly enjoyed the butternut squash ravioli, and the cheese fondue was quite literally the best thing I'd had in years.
(5)Alma F.
What a great place, great atmosphere and the food was great along with my flower power martini. Would definitely visit again if in the area. We would describe it as trendy.
(4)Carrie G.
It's always an uncertainty when trying a new restaurant but Roots did not disappoint! We started with the cheese plate which was amazing. Next was the crusty warm soft house made bread with apple butter infused house butter. So delicious. My hubby had the lamb special and loved it and I devoured the Tomato & Brie Ravioli with chicken mushrooms and onions. Our meal was complete with our cocktails - the Kiwi Blueberry Mojito and the Berry Lemon Cooler. They were perfect and so delicious! We couldn't fit dessert in but the choices were awesome! It was all topped off by great service. We'll definitely be back!
(5)Ashley B.
The service was great, everyone was very nice. We had the cheese fondue which was awesome. We also had the roast beef sandwich and the pork belly tacos and they were pretty tasty.
(4)Lucie R.
Roots is truly one of the best restaurants in Rutland. Especially in a town with limited dining options, it's great to have a place where you can go for a casual lunch or a festive dinner, or anything in between. Every time I have eaten at Roots, the staff have been friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. The food is always great, both in the variety of the menu and the overall quality. The decor is hip and fresh, and the music is never too loud; the restaurant has a really nice ambiance.
(5)Annarose F.
Quintessential Vermont Restaurant "Roots' mission is to create delicious food from fresh, local ingredients... Chef Donald Billings is committed to providing affordable meals from minimally processed, locally grown food, including organic crops and humanely raised livestock." Mission statements like this are music to my ears, but often the follow-through is lacking. I am happy to report that Roots did not disappoint. Everything from the cocktails to dessert was innovative, expertly prepared, and super tasty! We especially enjoyed the Cheese Fondue, Orange Scallops & Chèvre Fritters (a dinner special), and the Maple Crème Brûlée. I would be remiss, though, if I didn't mention the superb service. Our waitress was the epitome of professionalism throughout our dining experience, even going so far as to offer me a sample of a wine I was possibly interested in ordering. She did the same with a liqueur about which I was inquiring later on in the meal. I wouldn't characterize the atmosphere as fancy, by any means, but it was clean, tastefully decorated, and welcoming. It felt very "Vermont" to me. Please note that the dining room is small. Reservations are accepted, though, so I would definitely make them if you are planning on visiting.
(5)Victoria V.
Awesome find -- Only got to go out once while visiting Killington Mtn, and this was my pick. Really great staff, full bar, menu chock full of different delicious options. The resto is seasonal and farm to table so the menu changes. I was lucky enough to try two different entree's - the duck and the beef - both delicious - and they had a special dessert that night that I got the last order of ....Nutella Creme Brulee' - MmM so good. We found easy street parking and were so full when we left but it was so good, we couldn't leave anything on our plates. Will go again in the warmer weather to try out their new menu!
(5)Terence L.
Very uniquely cuisine available. It was lunch when I had my meal. I was the first customer at 1130am, but by 12, the place is almost packed. For appetizer, I ordered the pork belly , it seems like maple shrimps is no longer in the menu or perhaps I missed that. But I didn't regret ordering the pork belly, it is really good. The lime and lemon actually helps in toning down the fattiness of the pork belly and the portion is just right for an appetizer, the belly is filled with light taste of cider and maple syrup with is not overwhelming. Not forget to mention, the corn cake is filled with the aroma of grilled corn. As for the entree, I ordered something not from the lunch menu but rather the dinner menu, which is the Mediterranean lamb. The waitress is very helpful to ask the kitchen if that was available. I have my lamb cooked medium and the taste is great especially with the sauce with the pinch of almond taste.
(5)Court G.
This is our favorite restaurant! We like everything about it (except possibly that it can get a bit too noisy). Most or all of the menu is local at least to Vermont. And there are some interesting new items on the menu for when you'd like to try something different - emu burgers, for example - quite good! Service is always friendly, professional and prompt without being hurried. Disclaimer - we know several of the waitresses from elsewhere in the community, and also from going there frequently. But they treat everyone the same. Wine and beer list has, like the rest of the menu, a unique character, and is excellent. Make this a must on your dining or lunching out plans.
(5)Dustin L.
Lovely! Food, atmosphere, and service at this place are all great. I had the cheese fondue and the chicken/mushroom wrap - both items were delicious. Everything is fresh; portions are generous. The locals seemed very loyal and enthusiastic, so I'm glad I stumbled in here! Even a scenic location in downtown Rutland.
(5)Professional N.
The maple infused butter and fresh bread had us expecting great things. Fried gnocchi with bacon in chicken jus--original and delicious. Yummy grilled shrimp with sweet potato hash patty and maple vinaigrette. Then the kitchen faltered. Don't order the monkfish. Like another reviewer reported, it's bland and has a fishy taste. I love fish lightly cooked, but tonight's fish didn't separate with a fork so it was underdone. Roasted potatoes and glazed carrots were also undercooked, and the fresh fettuccine was crunchy in the center. On the second try from the kitchen, parts of it were still too al dente. Was there an inexperienced sous chef or someone? On the other hand, the lobster ravioli special showed the chef's skill. Chunks of lobster in a thin ravioli shell and a delicious sauce. Service was very competent.
(3)Susan R.
I really wanted to love Roots, but my entree was below par. I had the Monkfish, after checking to make sure it was fresh, not frozen..'had arrived fresh the day before our excellent and friendly server Ryan told us. But is was dry and fishy tasting. This fish, when properly cooked, should be succulent and meaty like lobster. It was unappealing with some ugly, tough skin left on. Granted, it is the hardest fish to clean. But why bother serving it then? My husband enjoyed his emu/pork meatloaf very much, and his roasted potatoes looked divine. The way he scarfed them down and did not share told me what I needed to know! The H.M bread served oven warmed was delicious- but there was only 1 thick slice to share with one tiny pat of maple butter, and 2 tiny pats of sweet butter. We wanted much MORE! I started with a mixed bean salad, served slightly warm with undressed lettuces. The beans also could have used more lemon vinaigrette and were nearly dry. Good portion size there at least. The desserts were more pleasing and we love the option of half portions. I had a blueberry/marscapone tart with H.M. lemon marshmallow on top, ice cream, and whipped cream. It was very good, especially the blueberries - not much marscapone in there...and the shell was an abomination. I could not eat it- it was totally soggy when it should have been crisp and flaky. Tsk, Tsk on that, really. But the blueberry filling was good and plentiful, and the torched lemony marshmallows on top were really yummy with a slight carmelization. My husband loved his choc. mousse cake- too sweet for me. I prefer dark chocolate. In conclusion, I might try Roots again for lunch instead of a pricey dinner, and this time will be very careful about what I order. The place in very small, so reservations are essential.
(3)Bill B.
Visiting with a friend who lives in Vermont and she took us out to one of her favorite restaurants. The place was not large but not overly small either it has a nice atmosphere. The service was very good and the wait staff was quite attentive. The food was quite delicious and I am not that easily impress with most restaurants. Th.e food order by the 3 of us was a wide variety which allowed for a nice sample of entrees, soups, and salads. I ordered the Roasted Turkey Sandwich North Country Smokehouse turkey served on toasted whole wheat The Bakery bread with apples, onions and cranberry-sage aioli. Portobello Sandwich - Grilled portobello mushrooms served on toasted seed bread with tomato, Vermont cheddar cheese, baby arugula and basil aioli. She also enjoyed it thoroughly and mentioned it was prepared very well. This is coming from a very good cook in her own right and a definite foodie. There was an order for Roots Salad Local greens tossed with assorted vegetables and served with choice of dressing: Greek, maple vinaigrette, walnut, soy-sesame, blue cheese. ordered which she orders often and it looked delicious and I only tasted a little because I am not a fan of the beets. The ladies also shared the local Cheese Fondue and heard it was amazing...I am lactose intolerant so I could not partake in it. Although I will eat cheese in small doses melted cheese not so much. But I will say it looked and smelled amazing.
(5)Alessandra M.
Delicious and fresh food. Interesting menu, comfy atmosphere, and awesome staff! Definitely coming back!!
(5)Scott H.
Roots was a fantastic surprise in the small town of Rutland VT. Thanks to yelp we picked this place for dinner with some locals who swear by the place. Very small inside and reservations are definitely recommended. The service was fantastic and Rachel made the evening. The fresh farm to table concept was awesome. Not a big fondue fan but the comment at about the cheese fondue are accurate. It was awesome. The scallops over risotto was amazing and I only wish I could have tried a few other dishes as we were only in town one night. Definitely a must if your ever in town.
(5)Mary D.
The best part of our lunch was the delicious tomato soup. Wait. No, it was the salmon sandwich. I can't decide - it was all fantastic. The restaurant decor was very nice too - it reminded me of a trendy place in a large city. All around, excellent.
(5)Stephie G.
Awesome experience!! From the greeting to the craft cocktails to the amazing risotto, I'd fly back across the country to come here! Kerry with a K and Jenn made the night. Now we're locals. Don't miss this place... Farm to table, local flair with great decisions by a chef who loves garlic. Saucy as all get out, LOVE this place!!
(5)Tera S.
Extremely solid place, which is a rarity in Rutland.They feature sustainable food so the menu changes frequently based on what is fresh and local (love this) Walked in an immediately greeted by and extremely friendly kind server. We had are pick of the dining room since we were there on Black Friday. We ordered the soup of the day "thai curry", fish tacos and Shrimp Sausage Risotto. They also have double filtered water which is amazing. The place was very clean including the bathroom. Hand dryer is one of those Dyson extreme ones which was fantastic. Overall the place is a must visit and I will be back.
(4)Randy E.
The best waitress I've ever had. Her recommendations were detailed and insightful, you could tell the crew at Roots are passionate about their menu, where each item is sourced from, and the perfect wines by the glass to compliment your meal. This is hands down my new favorite dinner spot in central Vermont. You'll find fresh, delicious, and unique dishes at prices totally worth it. Hope you try it, if you don't you'll never know what you missed out on.
(5)Mieneke M.
Very well done all around from our entrance to exit. The hostess/ waitress greeted us promptly and gave us a choice of where to sit. Provided us with "filtered water" and menus. The menu was a pleasure to read and order from. The food arrived quickly and was a feast for the eyes. Very well presented! But besides being well presented it tasted amazing. Cheese fondue, though not a traditional preparation, was tasty and very inventive . The sandwich put a glimmer in my daughters eyes and a smile on her face when she was not chewing. The waitress offered us fresh ground pepper and checked up on us . Looking forward to a repeat visit some time in the near future.
(5)Eamon C.
Roots is an excellent farm to table restaurant in Rutland focusing on quality, local ingredients. My wife had the quinoa salad and I had the pork schnitzel. Both dishes arrived promptly and were prepared properly. The schnitzel was very tasty and tender. We'll surely be back for more.
(5)Jody S.
Passing through Rutland and stopped at Roots for lunch based on other Yelp reviews. The food and service were both excellent, very glad we stopped!
(5)Susan H.
We had a truly enjoyable meal here the other night. Reservations are suggested, but we were able to sit at the bar since we had not planned ahead. We ordered the gnocchi which were perfectly tender and plump without being heavy. The dish offered a bit of spice to balance the sweetness of the corn. The slices of sausage were full of flavor and incredibly tender. The pork special that evening was the highlight, though. The meat had just the right amount of smoky flavor and was accompanied by the most delightful lentil and bean salad. Add to that a medley of the most beautiful carrots in a palette of color to seal the deal. The server was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. It was a refreshing experience and I would happily visit again on future trips.
(4)Cynthia T.
Nuanced, complex layers of flavors, superfresh ingredients, absolutely delicious food in a warm comfortable setting, great service and good soundtrack
(5)Rachel F.
I love Roots. I come here all the time. Some of my faves: the maple shrimp, the fondue, the egg rolls, the smoked pork sandwich, the homemade pasta dishes, and the chimichuri emu. And of course I love the bread they bring out with a normal and a special, e.g. maple-infused, butter. Also all their red wines by the glass are great. I can understand, having been to Roots so many times and having tried almost everything on their menu, why some people rate them as simply average--once in a while a dish is underwhelming. Aside from those unlucky orders (which in my opinion are few and far between), everything else I've had there is delicious. The ingredients are so fresh. Finally, the waitstaff is efficient and very friendly, and I love the ambiance (especially the luminescent blue bar). Roots is definitely the best restaurant in Rutland.
(5)Matt N.
This is a nice place overall, & a welcome sight for Rutland. I had a broccoli rabe app that was AWESOME. Unfortunately, the NY Strip was VERY fatty, stringy, & virtually inedible. Not worth $25. The rest of the food coming out looked great, I probably just made a mistake ordering the steak. Bottom line: cool place overall, worth checking out.
(3)Dee F.
Three friends and I had a (raucous) business lunch at Roots this week. The food simply WOWed us. We shared the gravlax, made on site, and it and its accompaniments were SO delicious, it was enough to make me give up lox for gravlax. I NEED some of that pepper jelly made just for Roots. I had a chicken and rice dish that was so simple but so yummy served with greens. A perfect lunch. All of us were delighted by our lunches and by the service. I can't wait to go back there for dinner.
(5)Shasta F.
Love, love, love this place. I've been going there since they opened. Living in Burlington now, I'm totally spoiled with lots of great restaurants, and Roots is totally on par. Went there last night and as usual, it did not disappoint. Had the black bean cakes , house salad, and banana sauté for dessert. Even the coffee is good. Melissa took very good care of me and my dad--Thank you!
(5)Jason K.
Very good food with a definite focus on healthy dishes, expressing food and flavour a together and providing quality options for vegetarians as well as gluten free options. Small restaurant with a small sitting bar, nice decor and friendly staff. Visited with my two boys - one had the Scallop Salad which he said was very good, and the had the Lime Tofu and he said it was very tasty and delicious. I had the beet salad and a black bean cake sandwich in gluten free bread with guacamole - it was very well presented and satisfying. We would visit this restaurant again - had lots of choices, healthy food and a good variety. Recommend reservations for evenings.
(4)Dave S.
Amazing small restaurant , never would have thought it would be in Rutland vt. I had the egg rolls which were crispy and delicious. Also had the special which was a grass fed beef burger with spinach pesto sauce and some kind of local Swiss cheese. Extremely satisfied with a staff that is super friendly, props to whoever trained them and to the staff as well
(5)Rodd Y.
After a 5hr drive north from parts unknown, we were looking for a healthy, hearty, and tasteful meal. Read the reviews on this place and might I say, it lived up to the hype. This place is warm, cozy, and inviting. The blue lit bar is sort of a distraction but it offers great photo ops for food porn. Enough about that, the meals....simple yet elegant and they leave you full but not bloated. The drink list compliments the dinner menu, the bartender compliments the establishment, and the Roots restaurant compliments Rutland.
(4)J S.
Good but not anywhere near 5 stars. A different selection from the usual Vermont fare. I was shocked at the amount of people who showed up just based on yelp reviews. I was one of those suckers. Once again if you are from ny you know good food. Bread was good for new england, food was different but I wouldn't go back. Everything that should have been hot was warm. service was good, skip dessert, it sucked, could have been awesome but it wasn't.
(3)Lucy K.
Wow, had one of the greatest Vermont cocktails ever... "The Beatnik"... a lovely combination of pressed beet juice, gin and lime. One of my favorite places to stop in Rutland.
(5)David C.
Note: I am not one for 5 star reviews. This is the exception. My wife and I are visiting the area and ate here on Sunday night. This restaurant is part of the Farm-to-Table movement. Everything was extremely fresh and clearly made to order. My wife is gluten-free and this restaurant has many gluten-free options as well as vegetarian/vegan options. Their humus plate is a can't-miss. We eat lots of humus and this was easily the best we have ever had. I had the Lime Tofu and my wife had a grilled shrimp salad. Both were stellar. My wife said that what made her salad so delicious was the freshness, crispness, and high quality of the fruits/vegetables. There was not heavy dressing or sauce. My dish was the same way (though the curry sauce is prominent in the Lime Tofu bowl). We made a reservation for Tuesday night (they are closed Mondays) before we left. With only a few days in the area, we wanted to get a chance to try some other menu items. I really wish we had a restaurant like this near where we live. Amazing. Great for anyone but especially those with any sort of dietary restrictions. So often, finding a restaurant for someone with a gluten allergy can be really difficult. Roots is tailored to those who cannot necessarily enjoy "regular" cuisine. But even for those of us who can, this is a can't-miss.
(5)Javier R.
The food is amazing don't let this small place fool you this is fine dining at best and the service is awesome great food home grown and only local purchased this place is awesome and cathrine was a great providing an excellent service
(5)Sherry J.
Great tasting fresh twist on food items clean nice decor reasonably priced great waitstaff close to hotels in area close parking in flourishing downtown area. Call ahead fills up quickly
(5)Lin M.
Quintessential sustainable cuisine! One of the best quiches I've ever had. Fresh ingredients, flavorful and interesting combinations. Three of us had lunch and everything was right. The foo, the service and the décor. If I lived in the Rutland area I would definitely be a frequent diner.
(4)James H.
Inventive dishes combining classic flavors with a small twists that make the menu very special. It has a relaxed farm to table atmosphere with excellent, friendly service. The food we had was wonderful. Gravlax was house cured with great flavor, and was served with interesting relishes that I would not have thought to try before. Turkey club sandwich was simple but perfect. We also had 2 different risottos; shimp and sausage; then shrimp and bacon. We were shocked that they tasted so different with such similar ingredients and both were excellent.
(5)Jennifer M.
If you are in the Rutland area you have to stop by this place! I went there on a Sunday evening for dinner with my boyfriend and it was such a treat. I had the Summer Sangria and a salmon salad - it was just delicious. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was very hip for the area, and the food was reasonably priced. I will definitely be returning next time I am in Vermont!
(5)Allison G.
When you have been driving for 4 hours, after already spending 3 in a repair shop on your way to Vermont you want a really good lunch. When my BF says "I'm ready to eat" I open my yelp app and see what our options are. He said we would be in Rutland soon so I used that as my guide. Roots came up. I read that it was farm to table, organic and got great reviews. Sold. Leading up to a weekend in Killington that would likely involve unhealthy eating and a decent amount of drinking I thought a healthy lunch would be a great way to start the weekend. We arrived and were very warmly greeted. We ordered 2 cocktails to start, I had the winter sangria (with ginger) and The BF had a hot toddy. For food we rated with the maple shrimp and sweet potato cake. The shrimp were cooked perfectly, nice balance of sweet/salty. The sweet potato cake was very good and was topped with a pepper relish. My only complaint was that the dish could have been warmer (temperature wise). For mains we were disappointed to learn the steak sandwich special sold out (probably not surprising!) but I went with another special, the chicken puff. This was a puff pastry stuffed with chicken, plenty of vermont cheddar, cooked in a cream sauce (sort of like a pop pie). I couldn't get enough of this. Paired with a simple salad it wasn't too heavy, but it was very delicious. The BF got the pulled pork sandwich with polenta cakes on the side. As we often do we split both entrees so we can both get tastes. The pork was slow cooked to perfection. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the area!
(5)RJ K.
I love this place: great food, locally sourced, professionally prepared, and service with distinction. The menu at Roots definitely leans toward the kale-quinoa, veggie-vegan set, but since it's in Rutland, which is not exactly the hippest town around, it also offers a choice of options with beef, chicken, pork, emu, and seafood. We have only eaten here twice, but both times were so outstanding that I feel qualified to give Roots five stars. The restaurant is relatively small (maybe 25 seats, plus 4 or 5 stools at the bar) and we didn't have reservations on the Friday night of our last visit. Much to our surprise the host seated outside on the sidewalk where we had a memorable meal. Thank you Roots. You are an oasis in the desert.
(5)Allen X.
not bad in vermont
(4)Wendy N.
Thank you Yelp! for helping us find this gem! We recently stopped on our way through Rutland. I wish we had a place like this where we live! I ended up having the fish tacos and hubby had a turkey burger. Both were fabulous. My only complaint is I don't like onions in my cole slaw, but that's a personal preference. Hubby thought the cole slaw was great. We both tried their signature cocktails which were fabulous too. This place is great if you are gluten free, like me. There is a lot to choose from and the staff is very knowledgeable. They even have gluten free apple cobbler for dessert. Yes, you read that correctly. Gluten free apple cobbler! It was DEEEEEEELICIOUS! Definitely go here! Don't miss it!
(5)Moonshine S.
Read reviews and decided to stop in. Had the smoked pork sandwich. Was tasty, but roll was to soft and turned to mush underneath the Bbq sauce. Very friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)Maly N.
I eat at a lot of so called farm-to-table restaurants and Roots is easily one of my favorites. There were so many things on the menu that I wanted to try that I'm thinking about driving back up to Vermont for dinner, and I guess more hiking too. The dinning room is really pretty with brick walls and gorgeous nature themed artwork, it was quite cozy and romantic with a perfect Vermont vibe. Our waitress/bartender/comedian was an excellent server and totally cool. Roots has the best wine list that I've seen in my Vermont travels and a farm inspired cocktail menu with drinks like maple martinis, yum! I wanted to order everything on the menu and I finally decided on the homemade beet raviolis. These delicate little pillows stuffed with fresh, creamy local cheese covered with chopped beets, shredded chicken and fresh arugula were truly delicious. My bff loved his fish so much that he didn't even give me one bite. We did share the sorbet trio but argued over which flavors were best, so much for romance. The food was so tasty that I completely forgot that what I was eating was fresh local healthy food and I think even people who dislike places like this, will like Roots. Roots was the perfect ending to our glorious hiking, swimming and boating weekend. It was a little bit pricy for Vermont but so what, it was well worth it and I can't wait to go back next time I'm in town.
(5)Natasha W.
Love the food! what can i say it has the best organic ingredients, supports local farms and i am addicted to their scallop salad. any celebration i have, am always at roots!
(5)Tabitha H.
Amazing food!! I loved the beet salad and black bean sandwich. Very nice service too.
(5)Sarah W.
I love their roasted vegs. Good choices on the menu and a nice bar. Many vegan and gluten free items. Come early on the weekends. It's a small place and fills up quickly.
(5)J F.
We were going there with a friend who is a regular, and had high hopes. Then the reality hit. Their family got there just before us and held a table. Since there were going to be two checks, they went ahead and ordered. I don't know what the communication was between the front-of-house and kitchen was regarding timing, but their meals arrived almost immediately after we ordered. WTF? Then ours took quite a while. They had all finished by the time our food was served. (Awkward?) My "rare" burger was "medium well" by the time it arrived. The restaurant was nearly empty but for us, in the middle of the afternoon. The menu looked nice, but the food seemed "meh" in general. Hand-cut fries were fine, being rather like Five Guys' style. I always have high hopes for fish tacos, but these missed the mark (you have to DO SOMETHING to a corn tortilla first, friends--they're not good raw like that). The flatbread pizza might have been what slowed service, but it didn't have to be so bland. The ambiance is nice. If we ever go to a show at The Paramount, I'm sure this is where we'll eat.
(2)Amanda R.
My husband and I have been here twice. The atmosphere is very cool. Its small but really nice and pretty romantic. We live in NH so we came once on the way to New York for the weekend and once coming home from New York. We loved the idea of locally sourced, organic menu. Our first visit was outstanding! We talked several times about being excited to go back to NY so we could stop on our way through Vermont. The 2nd time, it was just so/so. Cant recall exactly what we ordered the 1st time, but the 2nd time we ordered a the grilled maple shrimp and they came out very small and barely grilled. We ordered 2 of the Roots salads - it was good - not great. We then split the lobster risotto entree. It was bland and had a really strange spice in it that didn't work at all with the dish. We'd go back but definitely order a different app and entree next time.
(3)G M.
Overrated. Been here a few times when I come to ski and each time have had a terrible experience. The food is subpar. Red Clover Inn tops this place on any night. Not coming back.
(1)Kimberly C.
First, make sure that you make a reservation. Roots is a small restaurant with limited seating and from reading the reviews, it's usually packed. My friends and I were en route to Killington and decided to pass through Rutland's Walmart and grab a late dinner. We got to the restaurant around 7:45-ish and it was packed! Fortunately, the wait for the dining room was about 20 minutes. The bar didn't have any seating available. There's a small "seating room" by the entrance where you can peruse the menu. We were seated around 8:00 ish and very excited to order dinner! Roots' ingredients and menu are from local farms which makes you feel good about eating here. For appetizers, we had chicken dumplings with peanut sauce. My fiancé had the Hathway Burger, my friend had the Pecan Salmon, and I opted for the Tofu and Rice noodles. We didn't wait too long for our entrees and our waitress checked on us to see how we were enjoying our food. The sauce was more sweet than spicy, but I liked it a lot. The veggies were sweet and fresh and the tofu was cooked nicely. I thought that the noodles to veggies/tofu ratio was slightly off. I was tempted to ask for more noodles, but I didn't want to wait. We were stuffed so didn't get dessert. The restaurant has nice ambiance, though difficult to understand your company on a crowded night. It has clean modern decor, with paintings of fruit to adorn the walls. The bathroom is quite clean and has a dyson hand dryer which is pretty cool. If I'm in the area, I would totally return for some local Vermont cuisine, but I'll make sure to call ahead for a reservation! Overall, 3.5 stars.
(3)Henri W.
Had a nice evening at Roots in Rutland. Service was great. The restaurant was full and they organised us a seat at the bar. We had the fondue as a starter. Very nice. Main course duck with Polenta, a burger and roasted chicken breast. All good.
(4)Ritu M.
The service was excellent and the menu impeccable. They were magnificent in handling our huge (20) group and the ambiance is cozy and elegant. The only drawback was the lack of variety on the craft beer menu (tap).
(4)M C.
I honestly did not expect a place like this in Rutland. Maybe I'm just easily impressed, but I loved their cheese board! The honey and pepper jelly were perfect additions to the delicious local cheeses. The best cheese plate I think I've ever had! Then I had the quinoa salad. I have never seen quinoa salad like this! Roasted with nutmeg and cinnamon with apple bits and cranberries, with some bitter-ish green on the the second half of the plate. it was like a hearty thanksgiving meal for vegetarians all in one dish! The bitter greens helped balance the sweetness of the apples. it was absolutely wonderful!! I think the most delicious dish I've had in a long time. I highly highly recommend it. I was to full for dessert but tried a bit of my friends, one had the chocolate cake and one had the banana foster dish. Go for the bananas. Again, maybe I'm just easily impressed, but this place give Rutland a reason to still exist. And that's saying something!
(5)Christopher P.
I somewhat wish I got the chance to eat at this "Farm to table" place. Unfortunately the front of house service was unexpectedly borderline rude. We stooped in at 6pm on a Saturday, to fine a bar that was busy, but had 1 open chair. After inquiring about the opportunity to sit/stand at the bar, we were basically turned away. If I owned this bat, I would can the young hipster guy at the face of my restaurant. Never felt so unwelcomed.
(1)Laurie J.
Simply put this place is AMAzing. The crew is on a mission to show us their love through good homecooking. Great vegetarian burgers, chili, delicious lassi's, teas that you blend, awesome date cake deserts w coffee. Beautiful setting with incredible woodwork everywhere. Every time I come near 100 miles of this spot I stop by-I suggest you do the same friends!
(5)Kyle G.
Wonderful. We started with the hummus plate and coconut curry soup. The hummus was so deep and flavorful. The soup was just as good. I had the black bean sandwich with guacamole and cole slaw. My friend got the fish tacos. Both were excellent. I love the atmosphere and the fact they get most of their foods from sustainable farms and local producers. You can really taste the quality, which is hard to come by these days
(4)Stacey K.
A friend had been raving about this place ever since we decided to go on a ski trip to Killington -- and it did not disappoint! For the table, we shared the puffs and artichoke dip. Stole some my friend's coconut curry soup (which honestly I thought sounded kind of odd), and it was delicious. I definitely recommend the maple pork dish and for the more adventurous, the risotto with emu meat(!!). All the ingredients seemed quite fresh and we were all pleasantly stuffed by the end of our meal. Their cocktail selection is quite good as well :) I'd imagine it's especially busy during the ski season, but I'd recommend making a reservation well in advance, just in case. The wait seemed like it could be quite long / impossible otherwise.
(5)Devochka P.
Honestly I do not understand what is the big deal about this place. The food is rather mediocre (tasteless ro be exact), the place is so cramped, the service is dismissive and on top of that overpriced for their fancy concept. Look elsewhere!
(1)Molly E.
The chicken and mushroom wrap was excellent! They played some great relaxing music, had a few local beers on tap, and prices were reasonable. Large portions for a relatively low cost. I would make a stop again.
(5)J T.
The best restaurant and value in Rutland area. Comparing to Table 24? Don't make me laugh, Roots offers more of everything except floor space. There are a couple places on the outskirts/Mendon that are quality competitive and more upscale, but they cost roughly double. Here, when they say local they mean it. At other "local" area restaurants, very little beyond the carrots and spinach comes from the area, vs almost everything at Roots. It's a small place with a fairly small menu, none of the offerings cost more than low twenties, most are less. Good wines, beer and desserts. Steak is excellent, emu is good for a lean meat, above average pork sandwich, the fondue is famous. It's my pick for the area.
(5)James B.
Everything was great, starting with a well muddled strawberry Mojito. They seem to bake all of their own breads. The rolls were served right out of the oven. The tuna sliders and the portobello sandwich also benefitted from fresh rolls. Cheese fondue was very nice, especially when dipping the dinner rolls. Great attention to detail and freshness. I'll definitely go back when in town again.
(5)Daniel G.
We've eaten here a few times now and it's been good each time. The Tuesday fish chips and beer special is a great deal. The burger is good but the bun that it's served on is disappointing. It would be nice if they had a more extensive craft beer selection. I would also appreciate an even stronger commitment to cooking and serving local and seasonal foods. The ambiance is nice though the neon light in the bar is tacky rather than giving a modern look.
(4)Kelly B.
This restaurant was just ok for me and my husband. We were expecting a LOT more from all the reviews we had read. The establishment is really small, so if you want to eat there make reservations. Also the food sounded amazing, but definitely didn't wow us. The service was nice.
(4)James C.
Roots was recommended to me by a friend who said it was good but gave no further details. Since I was vacationing not far from Rutland I had to try it. I made reservations for a Wednesday night that same morning -- there were no issues. We ordered 2 appetizers... the fondue and the calamari. Both were enjoyable but small. Good enough to share between 2 people. I had the shrimp and sausage for my main course. The flavors weren't quite there. It was certainly lacking. The 4 other people I was dining with said their meals were very good. Service was OK. Although, for such a small place they could have been slightly more attentive. Would eat here again.
(4)DJ S.
We were completely amazed at the experience we had dining at Roots this past weekend. I have a restricted diet (gluten-free), but my husband does not. Roots seemed to fit the bill for both of us. Luckily, I had made reservations on Friday for a Saturday visit, because the tiny space was filled and the hostess was turning folks away (nicely!) at the door. The restaurant is inviting and cozy, with exposed brick walls and photos of veggies on the walls. One way I judge the atmosphere and cleanliness of a restaurant is by visiting the ladies room, and it was clean and tidy. We started with the maple shrimp, which was accompanied by a sweet potato cake. It was absolutely delicious and gave each of us several tasty bites (the order came with 5 shrimp). Next, we opted for the gluten-free bread basket, and it was an absolutely joy to have GF bread that didn't taste like the pasty slices I'm used to. It was warm and came with two pats of salted butter and a pat of honey-infused butter. For our entrees, I had the mushroom risotto (vegetarian option), and it was fantastic -- there were several types of mushrooms and plenty of them, and the wine broth was flavorful but not overpowering. My husband ordered the apple scallops, and he said it was something he'd eat over and over again. The scallops were golden brown, the polenta cake was lovely, and the relish was an unexpected pairing but delicious. Moving on to dessert, I ordered the gluten-free blueberry cobbler (loved it) and my husband had the half cheesecake with berry coulis. The cheesecake was luscious and creamy (I can't speak to the crust, but he really liked it), and the coffee was locally roasted. We felt we truly enjoyed a farm to table restaurant. It's obvious that Roots cares about their mission, and whether someone has food restrictions or not, there's so much to consider on the menu. Our server (Melissa) was very knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. We would absolutely go back and hope to in the future.
(5)Brittany M.
A group of ten of us went to roots for my mom's birthday and the staff was unbelievably kind to us on the phone when we called to change the number of people attending two times, thanking us for calling and all. Our waitress was great and very attentive. The place is small and we were loud but we had an awesome time. A lot of us had never been there and the food was delicious! Fresh local food... you can't go wrong. There were three people with us who had food allergies, gluten, and one was a vegetarian.... SO MANY options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free meals... which is very hard to come by in Rutland. The apps, entrees, and drinks were honestly the best we've had in the city of Rutland. You step into Roots and you do not feel like you're in Rutland anymore. Great ambiance! Great staff! Great food.
(5)tara m.
Fantastic! Went for dinner with some work friends and we had an awesome dining experience. Excellent staff and fresh local ingredients.
(5)Sofia P.
Delicious fresh food, great service and atmosphere. Gluten free and vegetarian options too. Great addition to Rutland area. Small place so make reservations unless you are willing to wait long. Loved it!
(4)Fred T.
Stumbled into Roots yesterday on a long drive back from upstate VT and WOW were we pleasantly surprised! This is a little foodie gem just off the main route through Rutland. Very creative menu, fresh local ingredients, inviting atmosphere, friendly staff, and most importantly the food was amazing. The potato latke appetizer special was the best I've had (with chives, cheddar, a beet horseradish spread and chipotle red pepper sauce), and my wife's herbed salmon was as good as it gets. Nice cocktail, wine and small but interesting craft beer selection. Wishing I lived closer to this place. How good is it really? After years of dawdling, THIS place is the one that nudged me into creating a Yelp account, it was that worthy of review!
(5)Redding F.
I don't think I've been to another restaurant besides Roots where the owner/ chef cares so much for and gives back so much to the community around it. Roots embodies the definition of sustainable business. Their food and drinks are amazing and they try their best to buy from local farmers as much as they can. As other folks have mentioned, make reservations as they are usually booked up for dinner. Some of my favorites on the menu are the Smoked Pork Sandwich, the Grilled Salmon and the Eggplant Napoleon. If you're in the Rutland area do yourself a favor and eat at Roots.
(5)Pam H.
My boyfriend and I searched out local restaurants for a trip up to Vermont this past weekend. This is one of the highly rated places that we tried. We called after a long day of sightseeing and the hostess Melissa worked with us to get us seats at the bar at the last minute. She was fabulous! Them we met the bartender Carrie, who was amazing. She was great to talk to and advised us on drinks and recommended menu items to try. We were not disappointed. The cheese platter was great, and the shrimp ceviche was the best I have had! My boyfriend had the Emu and liked it, but we both thought it was over seasoned with herbs that overpowered it (it tasted like sage or thyme...or both). After the apps, i was pretty full and Carrie suggested the appetizer of scallops over walnut orrichette and it was perfection. I am sorry that we had not more room to try their desserts, but hope to be back again someday soon.
(4)Rachael H.
Do not leave the Rutland area without trying roots! All local farm fresh food. Ah delicious. But make a reservation because they are always busy and it's small inside. The bar is really cool. It has awesome blue lighting. Minimalist ambience. Wish there was outdoor seating.
(5)Michelle C.
LOVED THIS PLACE! I'd go back as many times as it took me to try every single thing on the menu. Cheese Fondue, Roots Salad, Apple Haddock, Sangria, and Lamb Burger were all delicious, original, with subtle, delicious locally sourced ingredients. Great decor, 5-Star fast service. 110% satisfied. Went at dinner during a ski trip. Prices are crazy reasonable and everything sounds so good. Very happy, can't wait to go back.
(5)Jason P.
It doesn't help that Roots is a small restaurant on a small side street. Besides the Blue overhanging Roots sign, many probably wouldn't even notice this restaurant unless you're in the know or happened to come across it on Yelp. This restaurant is very small, housing only 13 2-person tables in a small high-ceiling room, along with a 6-stool impromptu mini-bar near the back. The ambiance is simple and modern with clean wooden floors, blue and orange walls, and some canvas photos of fruits. It was a little too bare for my liking and not very intimate as almost every diner could see each other. Wait times can be lengthy as many people call ahead and set up reservations. If you're a walk-in, there is a small waiting room with some seating available or you can opt to eat at the bar if no seatings are available. We were one of the walk-ins who didn't want to wait 30-45 minutes, so we grabbed two seats at the bar that fortunately just opened up. The bartender was very friendly, checking up on us and casually chatting with all of us from time to time. I ordered the Pan Roasted Haddock ($15.95), seared and served over braised kale, chard, spinach, roasted tomatoes, and garnished with a Balsamic reduction. I found the haddock to be bland and boring when eaten alone. But when the fish was combined with the sweetness from the tomatoes and sourness from the balsamic dressing, it really brought out different flavors and made the dish a whole lot better, though still short of amazing. I also tried one of Roots daily special which was Asian Turkey and Vegetables with Rice Noodles soup (Cup - $3.95, Bowl - $4.95) which was good but just kept reminding me of a Chinese take out soup variation. The Vegetable Phyllo ($7.95) was the highlight of the night. Roasted vegetables baked in a flakey phyllo dough and Parmesan cheese, served with a plateful of a red pepper sauce. Yum!! Draft beers were also fairly cheap at $4.00 pint. Three varieties were available: Long Trail Ale, Switchback Ale, and Shed Ale. There is also a full bar for those looking for a glass of wine or a cocktail. For all the trouble it is to reserve a table and the long wait times, Roots may seem to hold some bit of exclusivity, but I didn't think much of their food. Why wait so long when you can get a cozier and more intimate experience along with tasty food just across the street at Table 24.
(3)Barbara D.
Loved it! Seated promptly by Deidre who also waited on us. Pumpkin martini was very fall-like (although a bit sweet). All of the food was yummy. Didn't stay for dessert because we had to get back to watch the ball game. Would go again anytime we are this far north.
(4)Maya N.
AMAZING! As a vegetarian, it's difficult to find protein in the form of anything other than cheese. Not here!
(5)Petros P.
Was there for dinner on Saturday night. What a great restaurant, very nice atmosphere, friendly staff and very important of all delicious fresh food. It's pretty evident that the chef here takes pride in what he delivers. Great new find for us when in Rutland area!
(5)Aimee S.
This farm to table restaurant was a pleasant find after a week of camping. Dress for lunch was casual. Our waitress was attentive, friendly and as speedy as one can be being the only server on. We had an appetizer of lemon basil shrimp and a beef burger and a turkey burger. It was all cooked perfectly and tasted fresh and perfect. My coleslaw wasn't my favorite but it was still tasty. The French fries were the stuff dreams are made of. If Roots was closer we would be regulars.
(5)Barbara Jean R.
I had a gret experience here, food was excellent! I had cheese fondue which was awesome and they have Lassi which made me super happy as it was delicious. The decor is really nice, very chill ambiance. very polite servers, who are well informed of their menu, our server had no problem answeing questions. Normally I am wary of places like this as they are normally very overpriced, but I found Roots to be quite reasonable. Definitely worth the trip
(4)Pamela G.
So glad we found this farm to table restaurant! I try to eat gluten-free and that makes eating out somewhat difficult outside of big cities, but Roots was great. We ate outside on a nice evening and our waitress was attentive, friendly, and never forgot about us as so often happens. I love the local slant and knowing that the food is fresh, humanely raised, and recently picked. It makes for a happy meal. We had the black bean cakes (which came with guac and salsa), a great salad, the trout (with happily offered spinach instead of green beans because my husband hates beans), and a quinoa pesto salad. Our waitress did a great job suggesting a wine based on our preferences (we loved the North Branch Vineyard Seyval Blanc from Montpelier, VT). We didn't try the desserts, but everything about the restaurant was a pleasure, from the decor to the attitude to the prices to the food. And we found it through Yelp! Wouldn't have known about it otherwise as we were just passing through.
(5)Jared S.
There is a lot to love about Roots aside from the concept which makes it truly unique. They offer a diverse and sophisticated menu that is unlike anything else you will find in central Vermont. Just reading through your options you can tell that the back of the house is well-trained and versatile. The service and decor are fantastic. I asked for some help setting up a special surprise date for my girlfriend and they happily obliged. I would recommend Roots to anyone looking for weekday lunch or a romantic evening out. Make it your go-to for all occasions!!
(5)Timothy M.
This is my fall back for when I need a place that will blow my friends away. The Emu steak is a must have! Also try the chocolate cake and fruit wines. An all around exceptional experience to say the least.
(5)hilary c.
Roots fills a vacuum in Rutland for a localvore offering. I went for lunch and the place was packed, so it is nice to see local support out there for the launch. The decor is fine - old and new wood, dark walls, with modern colour close up photos of food, in a Weston-esque sort of mode. The food - well, it is a good start but they will need a little time to get the menu up to a point where it makes you want to return the next week or month. I'll admit, my expecations where high, so take my review with a grain or two of salt. The soup I had - carrot apple, was bland. It needed salt, (the literal kind, and more than a shake) and lacked any underlying discernable flavours. I suspect he apple portion watered down the carrot, or maybe it needed to settle for a day or two to gather flavour. The special sandwich - pork with an egg, chevre and arugula sounded good, but also didn't quite deliver. The bun was ok - sourdough would have given it the tang you'd want, and while the separate ingredients were fine, they didn't pull together the way you wanted them too. The side veggie of roasted carrots, though, were just right - sweet, glazed and browned just right with a little onion. So where does that leave it? I want to like it, I want to give it 5 stars!!! I'll be back in a little while once they have time to find their special sauce that brings you back each season to see what's on the menu.
(2)Sarah D.
I visited Roots for the first time a couple of weeks ago for dinner on a Saturday night. We had reservations, and thank goodness!, because it was packed the whole time we were there. I'm surprised to see the negative reviews- I had such a wonderful experience at the restaurant. We had the Smoked Salmon Bruschetta for our app and it was tasty enough that I definitely fought for the last piece. I had one of the daily specials for my entree- stuffed haddock. I can't remember what it was stuffed with, but I found it satisfying. I agree that the food could have been more flavorful. It seems that the lack of strong flavor is Roots' weak spot. However, the mousse cake was not underwhelming- I shared it with a friend and we were barely able to finish it. It was fantastic! Overall, we had a great evening at Roots and I hope they can work out some of their kinks in the future.
(4)Kate B.
I wanted Roots to be good. I love that they're doing the local, seasonal thing. But every time I've eaten here I've been disappointed. The food's just kind of dull, really. The menu's promising, but it's a false promise. The best intentions, but when you're looking for a yummy dinner, are intentions really enough? If this restaurant were anywhere else (by which I really mean SF or NY), I'd give it two stars, but in Rutland your options are limited. The Yellow Deli (formerly Back Home Again) is still as good as it gets.
(3)John C.
Very good food, especially for a relatively 'unmetropolis' place like Rutland. I'm from NYC and found this to be the type of restaurant that would more than hold its own in the Big Apple. I particularly enjoyed the Smoked Pulled Pork sandwich. The french fries were also quite good.
(4)Lauren A.
The best restaurant in Rutland VT! This place has the best of both worlds. Want a locally sourced meal with organic home grown ingredients, want to chillax in the sustainable eco-friendly lighting but are afraid that this place will be too hippy dippy for your taste? Have no fear! Roots is classy yet funky and fancy. I always order the cheese fondue. I mean really, your in Vermont, how can you NOT order the cheese dish? It is a blend of different cheeses and instead of French bread they give you more of a fajita type bread with slices of apples. It is to die for! Below the descriptions of the entrees it tells you which farm the ingredients in the dish come from so you feel closer to your food! Want to order veal or steak, don't feel guilty! All of the meat comes from local farmers who let their animals graze outside and enjoy life! Deserts are also delicious and the after dinner cocktails are worth while too (I recommend the whiplash.)It may be a little more expensive then the other eats around Rutland, but it is worth it! I go to school in VT and every time my parents come up we go to Roots. When my grandparents came to visit me freshman year of school and I wanted to give them a real taste of VT, I took them to Roots. If you asked me right now where wanted to go for dinner tonight: I would say the same thing!
(4)Julie S.
I went to Roots this past Friday after accidentally stumbling on it during a ski weekend in Vermont. Both my boyfriend and I were really impressed. We often eat out in higher end restaurants in Boston, and this place was just as good. The local cheese fondue was excellent. His baked emu dish was great for him (although not my cup of tea). I had the squash ravioli, which wasn't as great as the fondue but still tasty. The chicken in my dish was so fresh- It really made the meal. You could tell you were eating meat that came from someplace nearby, not some frozen piece that journeyed on a truck. We ate at the bar, and our bartender was excellent. Additionally, maybe it is the small town Vermont thing, but both sets of people who sat near us ended up talking with us and were really friendly. The only problem preventing this place from a 5 star review was the hostess. She was terrible! The place was booked up, and instead of just telling us to wait it out at the bar- she kept repeating "we prefer reservations" or "we really recommend reservations". I work in the industry, so I know it can get stressful at the host stand, but her appropriate response would have been something along the lines of "unfortunately we are booked with reservations for the evening, you can try getting a drink at the bar to see if anything frees up". Being so close to Killington Mnt, I imagine this restaurant will have the occasional tourist walk in like myself. The host will have to be prepared with a response when that happens.
(4)Russ O.
After reading glowing reviews of this restaurant, it was a huge disappointment. The salad was very mediocre. The entree was bland and almost like cafeteria food. I'm sorry to report that I would never eat there again. (The waitress was very nice and attentive).
(2)Ana M.
My favorite restaurant in Rutland hands down. What's not to love about fresh local food? Great seasonal menu and pretty good brew selection.
(5)Theresa P.
This is a tiny venue, so be sure to make a reservation. I was in a group of four, and we each ordered something different. All the offerings were creative and interesting and drew on local specialties: take, for example, their maple vinaigrette salad dressing. My dish, shrimp with gnocchi, was delicious, although Italian cuisine enthusiasts would not have recognized their version of the classic potato pasta, which somehow got translated into cubes of soft custard, rather than chewy little hand-formed knobs of pasta. Still, the taste and texture were good. Another member of our party greatly enjoyed her entree of ground emu raised by local farmers, and all of us were delighted with a maple creme brûlée dessert. I will definitely pay this place another visit if I ever return to the area.
(4)Ian S.
Delicious local food, inventive menu, vegetarian friendly, attentive staff, pleasant interior... What's not to like?
(5)Nancy M.
Roots Restaurant is PHENOMENAL!!!! My husband and I and our two adult children ate there. Everything from the chicken wontons and black bean cakes and the mushroom puff (appetizers) to the carrot ginger soup, to the chicken pomodoro and the grilled swordfish...all EXCELLENT! The desserts were something you might expect to get in Heaven. We had the sauteed bananas and cranberries with dark rum sauce and ice cream, the fresh blueberry crisp a la mode, the chocolate mousse cake...OH MY GOSH!!! Absolutely DIVINE!!! GO THERE! GO THERE! GO THERE!!!
(5)Christine O.
I loved my meal at Roots, and I plan to return again. On a beautiful afternoon, my husband and I were able to get a cozy sidewalk table without a reservation. (The lobby also has pictures and information about all of the farms from which they procure.) Everything we had was delicious. I especially enjoyed my beef mushroom soup and the chicken dumplings, and my husband loved his black bean burger. Contrary to what some of the other reviews have said, the food was well-seasoned and the sauces were especially tasty. The service was also terrific.
(5)B K.
Awful place. It's sad this considered the best of Rutland by many reviewers, clearly there's no competition in town for this less than mediocre dining.
(1)Stephanie H.
Great, friendly service. The meals are fresh and delicious and the prices are totally reasonable considering the quality of food you are getting.
(4)Nicole S.
Right after I moved from Rutland to San Francisco I had been hearing this new restaurant, Roots just opened and how good it was and I was excited to try it while I was in Rutland on Christmas vacation. I recommend making a reservation especially for a Friday or Saturday night, they were very busy but we were lucky to get a same day reservation. The drink specials were all winter/holiday themed and all sounded delicious I tried the prosecco with an elder flower liqueur for touch of sweetness. Our Bartender and waitress Kari was extremely knowledgeable about the drinks and food selection and so helpful when I couldn't make up my mind. The Menu had a great variety of vegetarian, fish and meat dishes. I had the risotto with veggies and chicken and my date had the pork chop special. We were both very happy with our choices and stuffed, the portions are generous, but make sure you save room for desert. The Cheesecake is out of this world and even the dollop of fresh whip cream is amazing. I can't wait to go back, but will probably have to wait till the summer.
(5)Brian R.
best restaurant in rutland, hands down! highly recommended! the staff was amazing along with the food!
(5)John P.
I happened on to Roots simply by luck. It was a Sunday and kind of dreary out and I circled the downtown area for about 20 minutes and was feeling hopeless that I would find a great/interesting restaurant...walking into Roots, I knew I had found THE SPOT! I sat at the bar and the female bar tender made me feel right at home. The service was professional and personal and the food was amazing; salmon with blueberry sauce and roasted beet side. If you are looking for a unique place to eat, go to Roots!!
(5)Meghan F.
I went to Roots a few nights ago with my family. We made a reservation ahead, which I would recommend, because it's pretty small. We split an appetizer of vegetable phyllo- very good. I got a hamburger with bacon and cheddar. Now, I'm a vegetarian the majority of the time, but I make an exception for local meats, which means that when I'm in Boston, I never eat meat, but when I'm in Vermont, I eat kind of a lot. This hamburger was totally worth it. The bun was toasted, the bacon was nice and crispy, it was served with homemade chips- and for a very good price. My mother and brother had the beef dish of the day, which they really enjoyed. Finally, my father had a scallop fettuccine dish (one of the specials) made with homemade pasta, and he really enjoyed it as well (I had a bite- you could tell the pasta was homemade- delicious). I would really recommend Roots- I'm a sucker for local foods anyways, but the food is very good, we had great service, the prices are high for Rutland, but still reasonable, and I love the decor- great pictures of fruits and vegetables on the walls. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Zoltan S.
We were heading back to Burlington from a day of shopping in Manchester, VT. We chanced upon this quaint restaurant on a side-street in Rutland. That is how our divine dining experience began--a sheer delight. We were greeted at the door by who we thought was the owner, only to find out she was the bar tender with a penchant for drink alchemy. She had a vested interest in her restaurant and a genuine desire to welcome and please us. The food was eclectic and well assembled; flavors that played with each other and with your palate and made you go "Ohh, ahh" with every bite. You guessed it by now, we had a most delightful meal with good friendly company in a cozy comfortable atmosphere. Highly recommended.
(5)ImaYesfa N.
Very nice place in Rutland. Enjoyable food that is local and sustainable. After eating all over Vermont this month id give it about 3.5 stars. I had the baked chicken with cheese and it was allright nothing spectacular. The cheese fondue was pretty good and my husband had the pork boar sandwich and i thought that was the winner. Nice selection of beers and wines and the bar is pretty cute! Place is small and fills up fast after 6 pm so make reservations.
(3)David S.
I really like this place! The restaurant was clean and trendy. The shrimp ceviche was wonderful! I also had the squash ravioli for my entree and it was prepared perfectly. To top off my first night in Rutland I had the poached pear which was awesome. I hope this place doesn't go out of business like some other restaurants around here.
(5)Andrew S.
Went to Root's last night for dinner and had a good experience. The restaurant is nicely appointed and had a nice ambience. We made a reservation, which i highly recommend due to the small size of the place and were seated promptly. Our server came over and took a drink order. I don't know how to say this but she was TOO nice. I would rather it be that way than rude and mean. The Fondue appetizer was the best part of the meal. Tasty, fresh and nice sized portion. My girlfriend had the Rice Noodle Salad ( very Peanutty) and the Vegetable Phyllo ( The sauce was great ). I had the Orange Ginger Chicken. ( Dry with little flavor and the Orange Ginger was Ginger then Onion then Orange flavor ). Biggest Knock on the food was the Carrot Vegetable. Bulk carrots, not cooked all the way, with little flavor. Baby Carrots with the tops would have been better). The dessert, cheesecake was fresh and delicious. Cold Beer and good wine selection. Very reasonably priced. Being a new restaurant i will give them the benefit of the doubt that they will get their systems in place and will be back to try it again.
(4)Michele K.
My husband and I were in Rutland for the day (from Manchester). We were not going to try Roots because our parents had told us that the menu was so so and the tables were so close, you couldn't breathe. However, upon stopping outside, we LOVED the menu and someone opened the door to tell us it was brand new. So we called my parents and told them to meet us there for dinner. Luckily, since we were four, two deuce tables were put together against the wall and we were not in the line of tiny tables next to each other. The menu is lovely with all farm to table items from the chickens to the herbs! All of the local farms are highlighted on plaques in the foyer area and listed on the menu. First, out came the bread - warm (which says a LOT about a restaurant from the beginning - lots of points for them) and homemade which also says a lot. Unfortunately, the bread was not at all good, but rather dry and boring. That had us a bit nervous as to the food. Luckily, we were happily surprised when the food came... We all shared 3 appetizers and a soup and each had an entree. There was nothing we did not like. The mushroom puffed pastry was our favorite along with the tomatillo scallops which were truly wonderful! The bbq shrimp was also good with a terrific blueberry (chipotle?) sauce. My mother ordered the tofu and noodle salad and I ordered the tofu and noodle entree. While both were very good, I was never sure if we got the right entree - they both looked the same and mine was on a bed of shredded greens while hers had other whole leaf greens. I was not expecting a salad type of entree. My husband had the risotto which was also very good. The service was outstanding without being arrogant or obsequious. And to the prices - finally a place you can afford to go to on a regular basis not out pricing themselves from the market. I don't think there was an entree over $18 and there are plenty of choices under $18. The portabello sandwich sounded so good and we would have ordered that the next time (of which there will be many!) had we not disliked the bread served - the same bread we believe the sandwich would come on. The prices of the appetizers encourage you to indulge in both an appetizer and an entree. The wine list is small but perfectly acceptable with good prices. The drink menu is a bit pricy - I ordered a $9 drink that was very good, but in a tall, skinny glass (which I love!) that doesn't fit a $9 drink that has no garnish. (Try the martini bar in the new thai restaurant in Manchester - $11 each, but HUGE and very creative and each with its own stunning garnish) The decor is wonderful with a fabulous bar! This is definitely a place we will go back to over and over again. In fact, even my parents were thrilled and can't wait to go back. A few suggestions: 1. There was a table of 2 women - one of which was VERY large, probably over 350 lbs. They seated them in one of the tiny tables IN THE MIDDLE of the row! There was no way this women fit in that table and no way she would be able to get out to go to the ladies room. They should have seated her in the end of the row. A restaurant should be a place of hospitality and therefore should be able to recognize how to make people comfortable. 2. They should season the food. It was obvious that, while everything was presented beautifully, none of the food had been seasoned. The vegetable spring rolls in phyllo pastry could have been amazing, but instead the phyllo was not brushed with anything and the vegetables were not seasoned. The same goes for the risotto. The soup was vegetarian, but could have used chicken stock. 3. I would not want to be one of the tables in the middle of that banquet row. They are just too close together. We understand European dining as we go to Montreal a lot and have been to Europe, however the place is just too small to have tables within 2-3 inches of each other. 4. Put a few tapestries on the ceiling, maybe. There is nothing to take up the noise and my parents, being 80 had a difficult time. With the tables so close together, the room could use something to absorb some of the sound. All in all - great job! Thank you!
(4)Michael L.
Happened upon this gem early on a Saturday evening. We stopped in for an early dinner before heading back to New York. Our timing was perfect; a few minutes later and we might not have been able to get a table because apparently every table was reserved from around 5 pm until after 8 pm. I suggest making reservations, especially on a Friday or Saturday. Catherine was our waitress and she was excellent. I told her that I was in the mood for a whiskey drink and at Catherine's suggestion I ordered a citrus basil julep, which is a cocktail with bourbon and basil. It was delicious and refreshing. The basil, as Catherine explained, adds flavor and complexity without overpowering the bourbon. Truly a clever concoction. Everything we ordered was flavorful and well-prepared. The menu is brimming with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. The place had a nice vibe and the staff was of good cheer. I must admit that I did not expect to find a place like this in Rutland but, lo and behold, I stumbled upon a diamond in the rough. I recommend the brie fondue. It's epic. I'm serious. We're talking life-changing fondue here.
(5)Jane D.
We really like Roots for "upscale casual" dining. The staff are super friendly and the food is generally excellent (we've had the occasional dud dish, but for the most part, we consider it the price of experimenting). Prices are reasonable for the quality. You're never rushed out, even when it's busy, which makes for a convivial meal. The place is small, and can get a bit noisy on a weekend evening - brick walls mean the sound bounces. But it's the noise of conversation, not over-loud music, so it's not harsh or unpleasant. We really enjoy the atmosphere. They have awesome homemade potato chips, and we love the beet salad for "down-home" fare!
(4)Vincent M.
Nice little spot. Cozy and friendly. Exposed brick. Neat lighting. Great drinks. I ordered a lemonade spiked with fresh blueberries that had a nice taste and was cool and refreshing. Got a nice beet salad atop a great bed of spinach plus goat cheese sprinkled over all of it.
(3)Ashley B.
The service was great, everyone was very nice. We had the cheese fondue which was awesome. We also had the roast beef sandwich and the pork belly tacos and they were pretty tasty.
(4)Christina L.
Stopped by Rutland after a day of hiking and found this gem for dinner! We didn't have a reservation, and they were booked for the night, but we were able to grab 2 seats at the bar. Walking in, the food looked amazing!! Big portions, and everything looked equally great!! The bartender was fantastic! Very helpful, attentive, and gave us recommendations for what to do around town at night, since it was our first time in the area. My boyfriend and I split the cheese fondue, ravioli, and the greek salad. It was the perfect amount of food for 2 hungry people--we left satisfied, but not overly stuffed. First thing first--the cheese fondue... so delicious! The lend of cheese was flavorful with a nice golden crust. It came with thinly sliced apples and plenty of pita to soak up all the cheese. Highly recommend! Then, the ravioli--oh man!! Best ravioli I've ever had!! The sauce was outta this world! So creamy, with a lemon citrus flavor. I'm drooling thinking about it! Definitely the highlight of our meal! The greek salad. Was a great salad, but nothing too special--Very light with plenty of toppings. Highly recommend coming here, and would stopped in again when in the area. Although there seemed to be openings at the bar, be sure to make a reservation in advance.
(5)Jennifer E.
Delicious, fresh and locally sourced foods to fill your belly. Roots offers an array of salads, sandwiches, entrees and specials that vary from day to day. Everything they had on their menu sounded appetizing, I ended up opting for a lighter meal featuring their curry squash soup and the quinoa salad. They have an awesome local draft beer list and their cocktails all sounded very refreshing. I opted for a pale ale out of northern Vermont which was hoppy and went perfect with my salad and soup. My friend's bbq pork sandwich looked amazing as well but I wasn't hungry enough for a sandwich at the time. The environment is airy, bright, and cozy. I could see it getting busy in the evenings as it isn't a huge place, but it was rather empty for our late lunch. The service was friendly and efficient and I never had an empty water glass. I loved my meal and I would definitely return if I'm in the area.
(4)Tanya S.
Wasn't sure what to expect, but The Roots came highly recommended by our hosts at The Paw House Inn. One word... AMAZING. from the staff to the service to suggestions by our waiter who was so personable we truly felt like family. The cheese plate was plenty for 2 or 4. Husband wasn't too hungry so took the rest home. The waiter offered any and every toppings for my husbands burger... He chose a sunny side up egg.. A bull burger. So delish. I enjoyed the fettuccini chicken Florentine which was so flavorful and featured house made pasta. We will be back. Run don't walk!!
(5)Mel C.
There are a lot of restaurants to choose in the Killington area, and I'm so glad we decided to come here! First off, our server was fantastic. She was friendly, had great suggestions, and attentive. Per her suggestion, we started off with the fondue. She warned us that it was not a traditional preparation, which is fine. The fondue was creamy, rich, flavorful, and not too salty. For our entree, I had the Chimichurri Emu which was a first for me, and my friend got the Grilled Monkfish. The Emu texture was a little chewy as it is a lean meat, but it was cooked perfectly. The chimichurri sauce that went with it was really good as well. It had nice acid and provided a good balance for the meat.
(5)Krista J.
I expected to love this place - really good reviews, great ethos, amazing-looking menu...but I was a bit disappointed and found it just ok. Then menu looks fabulous, with loads of veggie options, great gourmet combinations, and an emphasis on local products. The service was friendly and reasonably quick; the ambiance was fine - sort of trendy casual. The food itself, however, was mostly a bit bland. I had the coconut curry squash soup (which was actually very tasty and the best of the 3), the beet salad (very little chevre and not very flavorful dressing), and shared the stuffed tomatoes with the rest of the table (again, surprisingly bland/boring, given all the wonderful things in them...). Perhaps the chef was just having an off day? The menu and overall ethos are fantastic enough that I may give it another try next time I'm here, but certainly not quite what I was expecting...
(3)Alma F.
What a great place, great atmosphere and the food was great along with my flower power martini. Would definitely visit again if in the area. We would describe it as trendy.
(4)Carrie G.
It's always an uncertainty when trying a new restaurant but Roots did not disappoint! We started with the cheese plate which was amazing. Next was the crusty warm soft house made bread with apple butter infused house butter. So delicious. My hubby had the lamb special and loved it and I devoured the Tomato & Brie Ravioli with chicken mushrooms and onions. Our meal was complete with our cocktails - the Kiwi Blueberry Mojito and the Berry Lemon Cooler. They were perfect and so delicious! We couldn't fit dessert in but the choices were awesome! It was all topped off by great service. We'll definitely be back!
(5)Roberta H.
The food is expensive for Rutland, but very reasonable considering the locally sourced food, the many organic options, and the great food prep. The menu choices may seem a bit limited on first glance, but once you realize that their dished often change based on what ingredients are in season, it makes sense. Plus, it can help you from feeling overwhelmed, because everything is so yummy you'll have a hard time choosing! I highly enjoyed the butternut squash ravioli, and the cheese fondue was quite literally the best thing I'd had in years.
(5)Annarose F.
Quintessential Vermont Restaurant "Roots' mission is to create delicious food from fresh, local ingredients... Chef Donald Billings is committed to providing affordable meals from minimally processed, locally grown food, including organic crops and humanely raised livestock." Mission statements like this are music to my ears, but often the follow-through is lacking. I am happy to report that Roots did not disappoint. Everything from the cocktails to dessert was innovative, expertly prepared, and super tasty! We especially enjoyed the Cheese Fondue, Orange Scallops & Chèvre Fritters (a dinner special), and the Maple Crème Brûlée. I would be remiss, though, if I didn't mention the superb service. Our waitress was the epitome of professionalism throughout our dining experience, even going so far as to offer me a sample of a wine I was possibly interested in ordering. She did the same with a liqueur about which I was inquiring later on in the meal. I wouldn't characterize the atmosphere as fancy, by any means, but it was clean, tastefully decorated, and welcoming. It felt very "Vermont" to me. Please note that the dining room is small. Reservations are accepted, though, so I would definitely make them if you are planning on visiting.
(5)Lucie R.
Roots is truly one of the best restaurants in Rutland. Especially in a town with limited dining options, it's great to have a place where you can go for a casual lunch or a festive dinner, or anything in between. Every time I have eaten at Roots, the staff have been friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. The food is always great, both in the variety of the menu and the overall quality. The decor is hip and fresh, and the music is never too loud; the restaurant has a really nice ambiance.
(5)Terence L.
Very uniquely cuisine available. It was lunch when I had my meal. I was the first customer at 1130am, but by 12, the place is almost packed. For appetizer, I ordered the pork belly , it seems like maple shrimps is no longer in the menu or perhaps I missed that. But I didn't regret ordering the pork belly, it is really good. The lime and lemon actually helps in toning down the fattiness of the pork belly and the portion is just right for an appetizer, the belly is filled with light taste of cider and maple syrup with is not overwhelming. Not forget to mention, the corn cake is filled with the aroma of grilled corn. As for the entree, I ordered something not from the lunch menu but rather the dinner menu, which is the Mediterranean lamb. The waitress is very helpful to ask the kitchen if that was available. I have my lamb cooked medium and the taste is great especially with the sauce with the pinch of almond taste.
(5)Court G.
This is our favorite restaurant! We like everything about it (except possibly that it can get a bit too noisy). Most or all of the menu is local at least to Vermont. And there are some interesting new items on the menu for when you'd like to try something different - emu burgers, for example - quite good! Service is always friendly, professional and prompt without being hurried. Disclaimer - we know several of the waitresses from elsewhere in the community, and also from going there frequently. But they treat everyone the same. Wine and beer list has, like the rest of the menu, a unique character, and is excellent. Make this a must on your dining or lunching out plans.
(5)Dustin L.
Lovely! Food, atmosphere, and service at this place are all great. I had the cheese fondue and the chicken/mushroom wrap - both items were delicious. Everything is fresh; portions are generous. The locals seemed very loyal and enthusiastic, so I'm glad I stumbled in here! Even a scenic location in downtown Rutland.
(5)Professional N.
The maple infused butter and fresh bread had us expecting great things. Fried gnocchi with bacon in chicken jus--original and delicious. Yummy grilled shrimp with sweet potato hash patty and maple vinaigrette. Then the kitchen faltered. Don't order the monkfish. Like another reviewer reported, it's bland and has a fishy taste. I love fish lightly cooked, but tonight's fish didn't separate with a fork so it was underdone. Roasted potatoes and glazed carrots were also undercooked, and the fresh fettuccine was crunchy in the center. On the second try from the kitchen, parts of it were still too al dente. Was there an inexperienced sous chef or someone? On the other hand, the lobster ravioli special showed the chef's skill. Chunks of lobster in a thin ravioli shell and a delicious sauce. Service was very competent.
(3)Victoria V.
Awesome find -- Only got to go out once while visiting Killington Mtn, and this was my pick. Really great staff, full bar, menu chock full of different delicious options. The resto is seasonal and farm to table so the menu changes. I was lucky enough to try two different entree's - the duck and the beef - both delicious - and they had a special dessert that night that I got the last order of ....Nutella Creme Brulee' - MmM so good. We found easy street parking and were so full when we left but it was so good, we couldn't leave anything on our plates. Will go again in the warmer weather to try out their new menu!
(5)Scott H.
Roots was a fantastic surprise in the small town of Rutland VT. Thanks to yelp we picked this place for dinner with some locals who swear by the place. Very small inside and reservations are definitely recommended. The service was fantastic and Rachel made the evening. The fresh farm to table concept was awesome. Not a big fondue fan but the comment at about the cheese fondue are accurate. It was awesome. The scallops over risotto was amazing and I only wish I could have tried a few other dishes as we were only in town one night. Definitely a must if your ever in town.
(5)Mary D.
The best part of our lunch was the delicious tomato soup. Wait. No, it was the salmon sandwich. I can't decide - it was all fantastic. The restaurant decor was very nice too - it reminded me of a trendy place in a large city. All around, excellent.
(5)Susan R.
I really wanted to love Roots, but my entree was below par. I had the Monkfish, after checking to make sure it was fresh, not frozen..'had arrived fresh the day before our excellent and friendly server Ryan told us. But is was dry and fishy tasting. This fish, when properly cooked, should be succulent and meaty like lobster. It was unappealing with some ugly, tough skin left on. Granted, it is the hardest fish to clean. But why bother serving it then? My husband enjoyed his emu/pork meatloaf very much, and his roasted potatoes looked divine. The way he scarfed them down and did not share told me what I needed to know! The H.M bread served oven warmed was delicious- but there was only 1 thick slice to share with one tiny pat of maple butter, and 2 tiny pats of sweet butter. We wanted much MORE! I started with a mixed bean salad, served slightly warm with undressed lettuces. The beans also could have used more lemon vinaigrette and were nearly dry. Good portion size there at least. The desserts were more pleasing and we love the option of half portions. I had a blueberry/marscapone tart with H.M. lemon marshmallow on top, ice cream, and whipped cream. It was very good, especially the blueberries - not much marscapone in there...and the shell was an abomination. I could not eat it- it was totally soggy when it should have been crisp and flaky. Tsk, Tsk on that, really. But the blueberry filling was good and plentiful, and the torched lemony marshmallows on top were really yummy with a slight carmelization. My husband loved his choc. mousse cake- too sweet for me. I prefer dark chocolate. In conclusion, I might try Roots again for lunch instead of a pricey dinner, and this time will be very careful about what I order. The place in very small, so reservations are essential.
(3)Bill B.
Visiting with a friend who lives in Vermont and she took us out to one of her favorite restaurants. The place was not large but not overly small either it has a nice atmosphere. The service was very good and the wait staff was quite attentive. The food was quite delicious and I am not that easily impress with most restaurants. Th.e food order by the 3 of us was a wide variety which allowed for a nice sample of entrees, soups, and salads. I ordered the Roasted Turkey Sandwich North Country Smokehouse turkey served on toasted whole wheat The Bakery bread with apples, onions and cranberry-sage aioli. Portobello Sandwich - Grilled portobello mushrooms served on toasted seed bread with tomato, Vermont cheddar cheese, baby arugula and basil aioli. She also enjoyed it thoroughly and mentioned it was prepared very well. This is coming from a very good cook in her own right and a definite foodie. There was an order for Roots Salad Local greens tossed with assorted vegetables and served with choice of dressing: Greek, maple vinaigrette, walnut, soy-sesame, blue cheese. ordered which she orders often and it looked delicious and I only tasted a little because I am not a fan of the beets. The ladies also shared the local Cheese Fondue and heard it was amazing...I am lactose intolerant so I could not partake in it. Although I will eat cheese in small doses melted cheese not so much. But I will say it looked and smelled amazing.
(5)Alessandra M.
Delicious and fresh food. Interesting menu, comfy atmosphere, and awesome staff! Definitely coming back!!
(5)Stephie G.
Awesome experience!! From the greeting to the craft cocktails to the amazing risotto, I'd fly back across the country to come here! Kerry with a K and Jenn made the night. Now we're locals. Don't miss this place... Farm to table, local flair with great decisions by a chef who loves garlic. Saucy as all get out, LOVE this place!!
(5)Tera S.
Extremely solid place, which is a rarity in Rutland.They feature sustainable food so the menu changes frequently based on what is fresh and local (love this) Walked in an immediately greeted by and extremely friendly kind server. We had are pick of the dining room since we were there on Black Friday. We ordered the soup of the day "thai curry", fish tacos and Shrimp Sausage Risotto. They also have double filtered water which is amazing. The place was very clean including the bathroom. Hand dryer is one of those Dyson extreme ones which was fantastic. Overall the place is a must visit and I will be back.
(4)Randy E.
The best waitress I've ever had. Her recommendations were detailed and insightful, you could tell the crew at Roots are passionate about their menu, where each item is sourced from, and the perfect wines by the glass to compliment your meal. This is hands down my new favorite dinner spot in central Vermont. You'll find fresh, delicious, and unique dishes at prices totally worth it. Hope you try it, if you don't you'll never know what you missed out on.
(5)Mieneke M.
Very well done all around from our entrance to exit. The hostess/ waitress greeted us promptly and gave us a choice of where to sit. Provided us with "filtered water" and menus. The menu was a pleasure to read and order from. The food arrived quickly and was a feast for the eyes. Very well presented! But besides being well presented it tasted amazing. Cheese fondue, though not a traditional preparation, was tasty and very inventive . The sandwich put a glimmer in my daughters eyes and a smile on her face when she was not chewing. The waitress offered us fresh ground pepper and checked up on us . Looking forward to a repeat visit some time in the near future.
(5)Eamon C.
Roots is an excellent farm to table restaurant in Rutland focusing on quality, local ingredients. My wife had the quinoa salad and I had the pork schnitzel. Both dishes arrived promptly and were prepared properly. The schnitzel was very tasty and tender. We'll surely be back for more.
(5)Jody S.
Passing through Rutland and stopped at Roots for lunch based on other Yelp reviews. The food and service were both excellent, very glad we stopped!
(5)Susan H.
We had a truly enjoyable meal here the other night. Reservations are suggested, but we were able to sit at the bar since we had not planned ahead. We ordered the gnocchi which were perfectly tender and plump without being heavy. The dish offered a bit of spice to balance the sweetness of the corn. The slices of sausage were full of flavor and incredibly tender. The pork special that evening was the highlight, though. The meat had just the right amount of smoky flavor and was accompanied by the most delightful lentil and bean salad. Add to that a medley of the most beautiful carrots in a palette of color to seal the deal. The server was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. It was a refreshing experience and I would happily visit again on future trips.
(4)Cynthia T.
Nuanced, complex layers of flavors, superfresh ingredients, absolutely delicious food in a warm comfortable setting, great service and good soundtrack
(5)Rachel F.
I love Roots. I come here all the time. Some of my faves: the maple shrimp, the fondue, the egg rolls, the smoked pork sandwich, the homemade pasta dishes, and the chimichuri emu. And of course I love the bread they bring out with a normal and a special, e.g. maple-infused, butter. Also all their red wines by the glass are great. I can understand, having been to Roots so many times and having tried almost everything on their menu, why some people rate them as simply average--once in a while a dish is underwhelming. Aside from those unlucky orders (which in my opinion are few and far between), everything else I've had there is delicious. The ingredients are so fresh. Finally, the waitstaff is efficient and very friendly, and I love the ambiance (especially the luminescent blue bar). Roots is definitely the best restaurant in Rutland.
(5)Matt N.
This is a nice place overall, & a welcome sight for Rutland. I had a broccoli rabe app that was AWESOME. Unfortunately, the NY Strip was VERY fatty, stringy, & virtually inedible. Not worth $25. The rest of the food coming out looked great, I probably just made a mistake ordering the steak. Bottom line: cool place overall, worth checking out.
(3)Dee F.
Three friends and I had a (raucous) business lunch at Roots this week. The food simply WOWed us. We shared the gravlax, made on site, and it and its accompaniments were SO delicious, it was enough to make me give up lox for gravlax. I NEED some of that pepper jelly made just for Roots. I had a chicken and rice dish that was so simple but so yummy served with greens. A perfect lunch. All of us were delighted by our lunches and by the service. I can't wait to go back there for dinner.
(5)Shasta F.
Love, love, love this place. I've been going there since they opened. Living in Burlington now, I'm totally spoiled with lots of great restaurants, and Roots is totally on par. Went there last night and as usual, it did not disappoint. Had the black bean cakes , house salad, and banana sauté for dessert. Even the coffee is good. Melissa took very good care of me and my dad--Thank you!
(5)Jason K.
Very good food with a definite focus on healthy dishes, expressing food and flavour a together and providing quality options for vegetarians as well as gluten free options. Small restaurant with a small sitting bar, nice decor and friendly staff. Visited with my two boys - one had the Scallop Salad which he said was very good, and the had the Lime Tofu and he said it was very tasty and delicious. I had the beet salad and a black bean cake sandwich in gluten free bread with guacamole - it was very well presented and satisfying. We would visit this restaurant again - had lots of choices, healthy food and a good variety. Recommend reservations for evenings.
(4)Dave S.
Amazing small restaurant , never would have thought it would be in Rutland vt. I had the egg rolls which were crispy and delicious. Also had the special which was a grass fed beef burger with spinach pesto sauce and some kind of local Swiss cheese. Extremely satisfied with a staff that is super friendly, props to whoever trained them and to the staff as well
(5)Rodd Y.
After a 5hr drive north from parts unknown, we were looking for a healthy, hearty, and tasteful meal. Read the reviews on this place and might I say, it lived up to the hype. This place is warm, cozy, and inviting. The blue lit bar is sort of a distraction but it offers great photo ops for food porn. Enough about that, the meals....simple yet elegant and they leave you full but not bloated. The drink list compliments the dinner menu, the bartender compliments the establishment, and the Roots restaurant compliments Rutland.
(4)J S.
Good but not anywhere near 5 stars. A different selection from the usual Vermont fare. I was shocked at the amount of people who showed up just based on yelp reviews. I was one of those suckers. Once again if you are from ny you know good food. Bread was good for new england, food was different but I wouldn't go back. Everything that should have been hot was warm. service was good, skip dessert, it sucked, could have been awesome but it wasn't.
(3)Lucy K.
Wow, had one of the greatest Vermont cocktails ever... "The Beatnik"... a lovely combination of pressed beet juice, gin and lime. One of my favorite places to stop in Rutland.
(5)Jennifer M.
If you are in the Rutland area you have to stop by this place! I went there on a Sunday evening for dinner with my boyfriend and it was such a treat. I had the Summer Sangria and a salmon salad - it was just delicious. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was very hip for the area, and the food was reasonably priced. I will definitely be returning next time I am in Vermont!
(5)Molly E.
The chicken and mushroom wrap was excellent! They played some great relaxing music, had a few local beers on tap, and prices were reasonable. Large portions for a relatively low cost. I would make a stop again.
(5)David C.
Note: I am not one for 5 star reviews. This is the exception. My wife and I are visiting the area and ate here on Sunday night. This restaurant is part of the Farm-to-Table movement. Everything was extremely fresh and clearly made to order. My wife is gluten-free and this restaurant has many gluten-free options as well as vegetarian/vegan options. Their humus plate is a can't-miss. We eat lots of humus and this was easily the best we have ever had. I had the Lime Tofu and my wife had a grilled shrimp salad. Both were stellar. My wife said that what made her salad so delicious was the freshness, crispness, and high quality of the fruits/vegetables. There was not heavy dressing or sauce. My dish was the same way (though the curry sauce is prominent in the Lime Tofu bowl). We made a reservation for Tuesday night (they are closed Mondays) before we left. With only a few days in the area, we wanted to get a chance to try some other menu items. I really wish we had a restaurant like this near where we live. Amazing. Great for anyone but especially those with any sort of dietary restrictions. So often, finding a restaurant for someone with a gluten allergy can be really difficult. Roots is tailored to those who cannot necessarily enjoy "regular" cuisine. But even for those of us who can, this is a can't-miss.
(5)Javier R.
The food is amazing don't let this small place fool you this is fine dining at best and the service is awesome great food home grown and only local purchased this place is awesome and cathrine was a great providing an excellent service
(5)Sherry J.
Great tasting fresh twist on food items clean nice decor reasonably priced great waitstaff close to hotels in area close parking in flourishing downtown area. Call ahead fills up quickly
(5)Lin M.
Quintessential sustainable cuisine! One of the best quiches I've ever had. Fresh ingredients, flavorful and interesting combinations. Three of us had lunch and everything was right. The foo, the service and the décor. If I lived in the Rutland area I would definitely be a frequent diner.
(4)James H.
Inventive dishes combining classic flavors with a small twists that make the menu very special. It has a relaxed farm to table atmosphere with excellent, friendly service. The food we had was wonderful. Gravlax was house cured with great flavor, and was served with interesting relishes that I would not have thought to try before. Turkey club sandwich was simple but perfect. We also had 2 different risottos; shimp and sausage; then shrimp and bacon. We were shocked that they tasted so different with such similar ingredients and both were excellent.
(5)James C.
Roots was recommended to me by a friend who said it was good but gave no further details. Since I was vacationing not far from Rutland I had to try it. I made reservations for a Wednesday night that same morning -- there were no issues. We ordered 2 appetizers... the fondue and the calamari. Both were enjoyable but small. Good enough to share between 2 people. I had the shrimp and sausage for my main course. The flavors weren't quite there. It was certainly lacking. The 4 other people I was dining with said their meals were very good. Service was OK. Although, for such a small place they could have been slightly more attentive. Would eat here again.
(4)Allison G.
When you have been driving for 4 hours, after already spending 3 in a repair shop on your way to Vermont you want a really good lunch. When my BF says "I'm ready to eat" I open my yelp app and see what our options are. He said we would be in Rutland soon so I used that as my guide. Roots came up. I read that it was farm to table, organic and got great reviews. Sold. Leading up to a weekend in Killington that would likely involve unhealthy eating and a decent amount of drinking I thought a healthy lunch would be a great way to start the weekend. We arrived and were very warmly greeted. We ordered 2 cocktails to start, I had the winter sangria (with ginger) and The BF had a hot toddy. For food we rated with the maple shrimp and sweet potato cake. The shrimp were cooked perfectly, nice balance of sweet/salty. The sweet potato cake was very good and was topped with a pepper relish. My only complaint was that the dish could have been warmer (temperature wise). For mains we were disappointed to learn the steak sandwich special sold out (probably not surprising!) but I went with another special, the chicken puff. This was a puff pastry stuffed with chicken, plenty of vermont cheddar, cooked in a cream sauce (sort of like a pop pie). I couldn't get enough of this. Paired with a simple salad it wasn't too heavy, but it was very delicious. The BF got the pulled pork sandwich with polenta cakes on the side. As we often do we split both entrees so we can both get tastes. The pork was slow cooked to perfection. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the area!
(5)RJ K.
I love this place: great food, locally sourced, professionally prepared, and service with distinction. The menu at Roots definitely leans toward the kale-quinoa, veggie-vegan set, but since it's in Rutland, which is not exactly the hippest town around, it also offers a choice of options with beef, chicken, pork, emu, and seafood. We have only eaten here twice, but both times were so outstanding that I feel qualified to give Roots five stars. The restaurant is relatively small (maybe 25 seats, plus 4 or 5 stools at the bar) and we didn't have reservations on the Friday night of our last visit. Much to our surprise the host seated outside on the sidewalk where we had a memorable meal. Thank you Roots. You are an oasis in the desert.
(5)Allen X.
not bad in vermont
(4)Wendy N.
Thank you Yelp! for helping us find this gem! We recently stopped on our way through Rutland. I wish we had a place like this where we live! I ended up having the fish tacos and hubby had a turkey burger. Both were fabulous. My only complaint is I don't like onions in my cole slaw, but that's a personal preference. Hubby thought the cole slaw was great. We both tried their signature cocktails which were fabulous too. This place is great if you are gluten free, like me. There is a lot to choose from and the staff is very knowledgeable. They even have gluten free apple cobbler for dessert. Yes, you read that correctly. Gluten free apple cobbler! It was DEEEEEEELICIOUS! Definitely go here! Don't miss it!
(5)Moonshine S.
Read reviews and decided to stop in. Had the smoked pork sandwich. Was tasty, but roll was to soft and turned to mush underneath the Bbq sauce. Very friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)Maly N.
I eat at a lot of so called farm-to-table restaurants and Roots is easily one of my favorites. There were so many things on the menu that I wanted to try that I'm thinking about driving back up to Vermont for dinner, and I guess more hiking too. The dinning room is really pretty with brick walls and gorgeous nature themed artwork, it was quite cozy and romantic with a perfect Vermont vibe. Our waitress/bartender/comedian was an excellent server and totally cool. Roots has the best wine list that I've seen in my Vermont travels and a farm inspired cocktail menu with drinks like maple martinis, yum! I wanted to order everything on the menu and I finally decided on the homemade beet raviolis. These delicate little pillows stuffed with fresh, creamy local cheese covered with chopped beets, shredded chicken and fresh arugula were truly delicious. My bff loved his fish so much that he didn't even give me one bite. We did share the sorbet trio but argued over which flavors were best, so much for romance. The food was so tasty that I completely forgot that what I was eating was fresh local healthy food and I think even people who dislike places like this, will like Roots. Roots was the perfect ending to our glorious hiking, swimming and boating weekend. It was a little bit pricy for Vermont but so what, it was well worth it and I can't wait to go back next time I'm in town.
(5)Natasha W.
Love the food! what can i say it has the best organic ingredients, supports local farms and i am addicted to their scallop salad. any celebration i have, am always at roots!
(5)Tabitha H.
Amazing food!! I loved the beet salad and black bean sandwich. Very nice service too.
(5)Sarah W.
I love their roasted vegs. Good choices on the menu and a nice bar. Many vegan and gluten free items. Come early on the weekends. It's a small place and fills up quickly.
(5)J F.
We were going there with a friend who is a regular, and had high hopes. Then the reality hit. Their family got there just before us and held a table. Since there were going to be two checks, they went ahead and ordered. I don't know what the communication was between the front-of-house and kitchen was regarding timing, but their meals arrived almost immediately after we ordered. WTF? Then ours took quite a while. They had all finished by the time our food was served. (Awkward?) My "rare" burger was "medium well" by the time it arrived. The restaurant was nearly empty but for us, in the middle of the afternoon. The menu looked nice, but the food seemed "meh" in general. Hand-cut fries were fine, being rather like Five Guys' style. I always have high hopes for fish tacos, but these missed the mark (you have to DO SOMETHING to a corn tortilla first, friends--they're not good raw like that). The flatbread pizza might have been what slowed service, but it didn't have to be so bland. The ambiance is nice. If we ever go to a show at The Paramount, I'm sure this is where we'll eat.
(2)Amanda R.
My husband and I have been here twice. The atmosphere is very cool. Its small but really nice and pretty romantic. We live in NH so we came once on the way to New York for the weekend and once coming home from New York. We loved the idea of locally sourced, organic menu. Our first visit was outstanding! We talked several times about being excited to go back to NY so we could stop on our way through Vermont. The 2nd time, it was just so/so. Cant recall exactly what we ordered the 1st time, but the 2nd time we ordered a the grilled maple shrimp and they came out very small and barely grilled. We ordered 2 of the Roots salads - it was good - not great. We then split the lobster risotto entree. It was bland and had a really strange spice in it that didn't work at all with the dish. We'd go back but definitely order a different app and entree next time.
(3)G M.
Overrated. Been here a few times when I come to ski and each time have had a terrible experience. The food is subpar. Red Clover Inn tops this place on any night. Not coming back.
(1)Kimberly C.
First, make sure that you make a reservation. Roots is a small restaurant with limited seating and from reading the reviews, it's usually packed. My friends and I were en route to Killington and decided to pass through Rutland's Walmart and grab a late dinner. We got to the restaurant around 7:45-ish and it was packed! Fortunately, the wait for the dining room was about 20 minutes. The bar didn't have any seating available. There's a small "seating room" by the entrance where you can peruse the menu. We were seated around 8:00 ish and very excited to order dinner! Roots' ingredients and menu are from local farms which makes you feel good about eating here. For appetizers, we had chicken dumplings with peanut sauce. My fiancé had the Hathway Burger, my friend had the Pecan Salmon, and I opted for the Tofu and Rice noodles. We didn't wait too long for our entrees and our waitress checked on us to see how we were enjoying our food. The sauce was more sweet than spicy, but I liked it a lot. The veggies were sweet and fresh and the tofu was cooked nicely. I thought that the noodles to veggies/tofu ratio was slightly off. I was tempted to ask for more noodles, but I didn't want to wait. We were stuffed so didn't get dessert. The restaurant has nice ambiance, though difficult to understand your company on a crowded night. It has clean modern decor, with paintings of fruit to adorn the walls. The bathroom is quite clean and has a dyson hand dryer which is pretty cool. If I'm in the area, I would totally return for some local Vermont cuisine, but I'll make sure to call ahead for a reservation! Overall, 3.5 stars.
(3)Henri W.
Had a nice evening at Roots in Rutland. Service was great. The restaurant was full and they organised us a seat at the bar. We had the fondue as a starter. Very nice. Main course duck with Polenta, a burger and roasted chicken breast. All good.
(4)Ritu M.
The service was excellent and the menu impeccable. They were magnificent in handling our huge (20) group and the ambiance is cozy and elegant. The only drawback was the lack of variety on the craft beer menu (tap).
(4)M C.
I honestly did not expect a place like this in Rutland. Maybe I'm just easily impressed, but I loved their cheese board! The honey and pepper jelly were perfect additions to the delicious local cheeses. The best cheese plate I think I've ever had! Then I had the quinoa salad. I have never seen quinoa salad like this! Roasted with nutmeg and cinnamon with apple bits and cranberries, with some bitter-ish green on the the second half of the plate. it was like a hearty thanksgiving meal for vegetarians all in one dish! The bitter greens helped balance the sweetness of the apples. it was absolutely wonderful!! I think the most delicious dish I've had in a long time. I highly highly recommend it. I was to full for dessert but tried a bit of my friends, one had the chocolate cake and one had the banana foster dish. Go for the bananas. Again, maybe I'm just easily impressed, but this place give Rutland a reason to still exist. And that's saying something!
(5)Christopher P.
I somewhat wish I got the chance to eat at this "Farm to table" place. Unfortunately the front of house service was unexpectedly borderline rude. We stooped in at 6pm on a Saturday, to fine a bar that was busy, but had 1 open chair. After inquiring about the opportunity to sit/stand at the bar, we were basically turned away. If I owned this bat, I would can the young hipster guy at the face of my restaurant. Never felt so unwelcomed.
(1)Laurie J.
Simply put this place is AMAzing. The crew is on a mission to show us their love through good homecooking. Great vegetarian burgers, chili, delicious lassi's, teas that you blend, awesome date cake deserts w coffee. Beautiful setting with incredible woodwork everywhere. Every time I come near 100 miles of this spot I stop by-I suggest you do the same friends!
(5)Kyle G.
Wonderful. We started with the hummus plate and coconut curry soup. The hummus was so deep and flavorful. The soup was just as good. I had the black bean sandwich with guacamole and cole slaw. My friend got the fish tacos. Both were excellent. I love the atmosphere and the fact they get most of their foods from sustainable farms and local producers. You can really taste the quality, which is hard to come by these days
(4)Stacey K.
A friend had been raving about this place ever since we decided to go on a ski trip to Killington -- and it did not disappoint! For the table, we shared the puffs and artichoke dip. Stole some my friend's coconut curry soup (which honestly I thought sounded kind of odd), and it was delicious. I definitely recommend the maple pork dish and for the more adventurous, the risotto with emu meat(!!). All the ingredients seemed quite fresh and we were all pleasantly stuffed by the end of our meal. Their cocktail selection is quite good as well :) I'd imagine it's especially busy during the ski season, but I'd recommend making a reservation well in advance, just in case. The wait seemed like it could be quite long / impossible otherwise.
(5)Devochka P.
Honestly I do not understand what is the big deal about this place. The food is rather mediocre (tasteless ro be exact), the place is so cramped, the service is dismissive and on top of that overpriced for their fancy concept. Look elsewhere!
(1)J T.
The best restaurant and value in Rutland area. Comparing to Table 24? Don't make me laugh, Roots offers more of everything except floor space. There are a couple places on the outskirts/Mendon that are quality competitive and more upscale, but they cost roughly double. Here, when they say local they mean it. At other "local" area restaurants, very little beyond the carrots and spinach comes from the area, vs almost everything at Roots. It's a small place with a fairly small menu, none of the offerings cost more than low twenties, most are less. Good wines, beer and desserts. Steak is excellent, emu is good for a lean meat, above average pork sandwich, the fondue is famous. It's my pick for the area.
(5)James B.
Everything was great, starting with a well muddled strawberry Mojito. They seem to bake all of their own breads. The rolls were served right out of the oven. The tuna sliders and the portobello sandwich also benefitted from fresh rolls. Cheese fondue was very nice, especially when dipping the dinner rolls. Great attention to detail and freshness. I'll definitely go back when in town again.
(5)Daniel G.
We've eaten here a few times now and it's been good each time. The Tuesday fish chips and beer special is a great deal. The burger is good but the bun that it's served on is disappointing. It would be nice if they had a more extensive craft beer selection. I would also appreciate an even stronger commitment to cooking and serving local and seasonal foods. The ambiance is nice though the neon light in the bar is tacky rather than giving a modern look.
(4)Kelly B.
This restaurant was just ok for me and my husband. We were expecting a LOT more from all the reviews we had read. The establishment is really small, so if you want to eat there make reservations. Also the food sounded amazing, but definitely didn't wow us. The service was nice.
(4)Barbara Jean R.
I had a gret experience here, food was excellent! I had cheese fondue which was awesome and they have Lassi which made me super happy as it was delicious. The decor is really nice, very chill ambiance. very polite servers, who are well informed of their menu, our server had no problem answeing questions. Normally I am wary of places like this as they are normally very overpriced, but I found Roots to be quite reasonable. Definitely worth the trip
(4)Christine O.
I loved my meal at Roots, and I plan to return again. On a beautiful afternoon, my husband and I were able to get a cozy sidewalk table without a reservation. (The lobby also has pictures and information about all of the farms from which they procure.) Everything we had was delicious. I especially enjoyed my beef mushroom soup and the chicken dumplings, and my husband loved his black bean burger. Contrary to what some of the other reviews have said, the food was well-seasoned and the sauces were especially tasty. The service was also terrific.
(5)B K.
Awful place. It's sad this considered the best of Rutland by many reviewers, clearly there's no competition in town for this less than mediocre dining.
(1)DJ S.
We were completely amazed at the experience we had dining at Roots this past weekend. I have a restricted diet (gluten-free), but my husband does not. Roots seemed to fit the bill for both of us. Luckily, I had made reservations on Friday for a Saturday visit, because the tiny space was filled and the hostess was turning folks away (nicely!) at the door. The restaurant is inviting and cozy, with exposed brick walls and photos of veggies on the walls. One way I judge the atmosphere and cleanliness of a restaurant is by visiting the ladies room, and it was clean and tidy. We started with the maple shrimp, which was accompanied by a sweet potato cake. It was absolutely delicious and gave each of us several tasty bites (the order came with 5 shrimp). Next, we opted for the gluten-free bread basket, and it was an absolutely joy to have GF bread that didn't taste like the pasty slices I'm used to. It was warm and came with two pats of salted butter and a pat of honey-infused butter. For our entrees, I had the mushroom risotto (vegetarian option), and it was fantastic -- there were several types of mushrooms and plenty of them, and the wine broth was flavorful but not overpowering. My husband ordered the apple scallops, and he said it was something he'd eat over and over again. The scallops were golden brown, the polenta cake was lovely, and the relish was an unexpected pairing but delicious. Moving on to dessert, I ordered the gluten-free blueberry cobbler (loved it) and my husband had the half cheesecake with berry coulis. The cheesecake was luscious and creamy (I can't speak to the crust, but he really liked it), and the coffee was locally roasted. We felt we truly enjoyed a farm to table restaurant. It's obvious that Roots cares about their mission, and whether someone has food restrictions or not, there's so much to consider on the menu. Our server (Melissa) was very knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. We would absolutely go back and hope to in the future.
(5)Brittany M.
A group of ten of us went to roots for my mom's birthday and the staff was unbelievably kind to us on the phone when we called to change the number of people attending two times, thanking us for calling and all. Our waitress was great and very attentive. The place is small and we were loud but we had an awesome time. A lot of us had never been there and the food was delicious! Fresh local food... you can't go wrong. There were three people with us who had food allergies, gluten, and one was a vegetarian.... SO MANY options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free meals... which is very hard to come by in Rutland. The apps, entrees, and drinks were honestly the best we've had in the city of Rutland. You step into Roots and you do not feel like you're in Rutland anymore. Great ambiance! Great staff! Great food.
(5)tara m.
Fantastic! Went for dinner with some work friends and we had an awesome dining experience. Excellent staff and fresh local ingredients.
(5)Sofia P.
Delicious fresh food, great service and atmosphere. Gluten free and vegetarian options too. Great addition to Rutland area. Small place so make reservations unless you are willing to wait long. Loved it!
(4)Fred T.
Stumbled into Roots yesterday on a long drive back from upstate VT and WOW were we pleasantly surprised! This is a little foodie gem just off the main route through Rutland. Very creative menu, fresh local ingredients, inviting atmosphere, friendly staff, and most importantly the food was amazing. The potato latke appetizer special was the best I've had (with chives, cheddar, a beet horseradish spread and chipotle red pepper sauce), and my wife's herbed salmon was as good as it gets. Nice cocktail, wine and small but interesting craft beer selection. Wishing I lived closer to this place. How good is it really? After years of dawdling, THIS place is the one that nudged me into creating a Yelp account, it was that worthy of review!
(5)Redding F.
I don't think I've been to another restaurant besides Roots where the owner/ chef cares so much for and gives back so much to the community around it. Roots embodies the definition of sustainable business. Their food and drinks are amazing and they try their best to buy from local farmers as much as they can. As other folks have mentioned, make reservations as they are usually booked up for dinner. Some of my favorites on the menu are the Smoked Pork Sandwich, the Grilled Salmon and the Eggplant Napoleon. If you're in the Rutland area do yourself a favor and eat at Roots.
(5)Pam H.
My boyfriend and I searched out local restaurants for a trip up to Vermont this past weekend. This is one of the highly rated places that we tried. We called after a long day of sightseeing and the hostess Melissa worked with us to get us seats at the bar at the last minute. She was fabulous! Them we met the bartender Carrie, who was amazing. She was great to talk to and advised us on drinks and recommended menu items to try. We were not disappointed. The cheese platter was great, and the shrimp ceviche was the best I have had! My boyfriend had the Emu and liked it, but we both thought it was over seasoned with herbs that overpowered it (it tasted like sage or thyme...or both). After the apps, i was pretty full and Carrie suggested the appetizer of scallops over walnut orrichette and it was perfection. I am sorry that we had not more room to try their desserts, but hope to be back again someday soon.
(4)Michelle C.
LOVED THIS PLACE! I'd go back as many times as it took me to try every single thing on the menu. Cheese Fondue, Roots Salad, Apple Haddock, Sangria, and Lamb Burger were all delicious, original, with subtle, delicious locally sourced ingredients. Great decor, 5-Star fast service. 110% satisfied. Went at dinner during a ski trip. Prices are crazy reasonable and everything sounds so good. Very happy, can't wait to go back.
(5)Aimee S.
This farm to table restaurant was a pleasant find after a week of camping. Dress for lunch was casual. Our waitress was attentive, friendly and as speedy as one can be being the only server on. We had an appetizer of lemon basil shrimp and a beef burger and a turkey burger. It was all cooked perfectly and tasted fresh and perfect. My coleslaw wasn't my favorite but it was still tasty. The French fries were the stuff dreams are made of. If Roots was closer we would be regulars.
(5)Jason P.
It doesn't help that Roots is a small restaurant on a small side street. Besides the Blue overhanging Roots sign, many probably wouldn't even notice this restaurant unless you're in the know or happened to come across it on Yelp. This restaurant is very small, housing only 13 2-person tables in a small high-ceiling room, along with a 6-stool impromptu mini-bar near the back. The ambiance is simple and modern with clean wooden floors, blue and orange walls, and some canvas photos of fruits. It was a little too bare for my liking and not very intimate as almost every diner could see each other. Wait times can be lengthy as many people call ahead and set up reservations. If you're a walk-in, there is a small waiting room with some seating available or you can opt to eat at the bar if no seatings are available. We were one of the walk-ins who didn't want to wait 30-45 minutes, so we grabbed two seats at the bar that fortunately just opened up. The bartender was very friendly, checking up on us and casually chatting with all of us from time to time. I ordered the Pan Roasted Haddock ($15.95), seared and served over braised kale, chard, spinach, roasted tomatoes, and garnished with a Balsamic reduction. I found the haddock to be bland and boring when eaten alone. But when the fish was combined with the sweetness from the tomatoes and sourness from the balsamic dressing, it really brought out different flavors and made the dish a whole lot better, though still short of amazing. I also tried one of Roots daily special which was Asian Turkey and Vegetables with Rice Noodles soup (Cup - $3.95, Bowl - $4.95) which was good but just kept reminding me of a Chinese take out soup variation. The Vegetable Phyllo ($7.95) was the highlight of the night. Roasted vegetables baked in a flakey phyllo dough and Parmesan cheese, served with a plateful of a red pepper sauce. Yum!! Draft beers were also fairly cheap at $4.00 pint. Three varieties were available: Long Trail Ale, Switchback Ale, and Shed Ale. There is also a full bar for those looking for a glass of wine or a cocktail. For all the trouble it is to reserve a table and the long wait times, Roots may seem to hold some bit of exclusivity, but I didn't think much of their food. Why wait so long when you can get a cozier and more intimate experience along with tasty food just across the street at Table 24.
(3)Barbara D.
Loved it! Seated promptly by Deidre who also waited on us. Pumpkin martini was very fall-like (although a bit sweet). All of the food was yummy. Didn't stay for dessert because we had to get back to watch the ball game. Would go again anytime we are this far north.
(4)Maya N.
AMAZING! As a vegetarian, it's difficult to find protein in the form of anything other than cheese. Not here!
(5)Petros P.
Was there for dinner on Saturday night. What a great restaurant, very nice atmosphere, friendly staff and very important of all delicious fresh food. It's pretty evident that the chef here takes pride in what he delivers. Great new find for us when in Rutland area!
(5)Rachael H.
Do not leave the Rutland area without trying roots! All local farm fresh food. Ah delicious. But make a reservation because they are always busy and it's small inside. The bar is really cool. It has awesome blue lighting. Minimalist ambience. Wish there was outdoor seating.
(5)Pamela G.
So glad we found this farm to table restaurant! I try to eat gluten-free and that makes eating out somewhat difficult outside of big cities, but Roots was great. We ate outside on a nice evening and our waitress was attentive, friendly, and never forgot about us as so often happens. I love the local slant and knowing that the food is fresh, humanely raised, and recently picked. It makes for a happy meal. We had the black bean cakes (which came with guac and salsa), a great salad, the trout (with happily offered spinach instead of green beans because my husband hates beans), and a quinoa pesto salad. Our waitress did a great job suggesting a wine based on our preferences (we loved the North Branch Vineyard Seyval Blanc from Montpelier, VT). We didn't try the desserts, but everything about the restaurant was a pleasure, from the decor to the attitude to the prices to the food. And we found it through Yelp! Wouldn't have known about it otherwise as we were just passing through.
(5)Jared S.
There is a lot to love about Roots aside from the concept which makes it truly unique. They offer a diverse and sophisticated menu that is unlike anything else you will find in central Vermont. Just reading through your options you can tell that the back of the house is well-trained and versatile. The service and decor are fantastic. I asked for some help setting up a special surprise date for my girlfriend and they happily obliged. I would recommend Roots to anyone looking for weekday lunch or a romantic evening out. Make it your go-to for all occasions!!
(5)Timothy M.
This is my fall back for when I need a place that will blow my friends away. The Emu steak is a must have! Also try the chocolate cake and fruit wines. An all around exceptional experience to say the least.
(5)hilary c.
Roots fills a vacuum in Rutland for a localvore offering. I went for lunch and the place was packed, so it is nice to see local support out there for the launch. The decor is fine - old and new wood, dark walls, with modern colour close up photos of food, in a Weston-esque sort of mode. The food - well, it is a good start but they will need a little time to get the menu up to a point where it makes you want to return the next week or month. I'll admit, my expecations where high, so take my review with a grain or two of salt. The soup I had - carrot apple, was bland. It needed salt, (the literal kind, and more than a shake) and lacked any underlying discernable flavours. I suspect he apple portion watered down the carrot, or maybe it needed to settle for a day or two to gather flavour. The special sandwich - pork with an egg, chevre and arugula sounded good, but also didn't quite deliver. The bun was ok - sourdough would have given it the tang you'd want, and while the separate ingredients were fine, they didn't pull together the way you wanted them too. The side veggie of roasted carrots, though, were just right - sweet, glazed and browned just right with a little onion. So where does that leave it? I want to like it, I want to give it 5 stars!!! I'll be back in a little while once they have time to find their special sauce that brings you back each season to see what's on the menu.
(2)Sarah D.
I visited Roots for the first time a couple of weeks ago for dinner on a Saturday night. We had reservations, and thank goodness!, because it was packed the whole time we were there. I'm surprised to see the negative reviews- I had such a wonderful experience at the restaurant. We had the Smoked Salmon Bruschetta for our app and it was tasty enough that I definitely fought for the last piece. I had one of the daily specials for my entree- stuffed haddock. I can't remember what it was stuffed with, but I found it satisfying. I agree that the food could have been more flavorful. It seems that the lack of strong flavor is Roots' weak spot. However, the mousse cake was not underwhelming- I shared it with a friend and we were barely able to finish it. It was fantastic! Overall, we had a great evening at Roots and I hope they can work out some of their kinks in the future.
(4)Kate B.
I wanted Roots to be good. I love that they're doing the local, seasonal thing. But every time I've eaten here I've been disappointed. The food's just kind of dull, really. The menu's promising, but it's a false promise. The best intentions, but when you're looking for a yummy dinner, are intentions really enough? If this restaurant were anywhere else (by which I really mean SF or NY), I'd give it two stars, but in Rutland your options are limited. The Yellow Deli (formerly Back Home Again) is still as good as it gets.
(3)Lauren A.
The best restaurant in Rutland VT! This place has the best of both worlds. Want a locally sourced meal with organic home grown ingredients, want to chillax in the sustainable eco-friendly lighting but are afraid that this place will be too hippy dippy for your taste? Have no fear! Roots is classy yet funky and fancy. I always order the cheese fondue. I mean really, your in Vermont, how can you NOT order the cheese dish? It is a blend of different cheeses and instead of French bread they give you more of a fajita type bread with slices of apples. It is to die for! Below the descriptions of the entrees it tells you which farm the ingredients in the dish come from so you feel closer to your food! Want to order veal or steak, don't feel guilty! All of the meat comes from local farmers who let their animals graze outside and enjoy life! Deserts are also delicious and the after dinner cocktails are worth while too (I recommend the whiplash.)It may be a little more expensive then the other eats around Rutland, but it is worth it! I go to school in VT and every time my parents come up we go to Roots. When my grandparents came to visit me freshman year of school and I wanted to give them a real taste of VT, I took them to Roots. If you asked me right now where wanted to go for dinner tonight: I would say the same thing!
(4)Nancy M.
Roots Restaurant is PHENOMENAL!!!! My husband and I and our two adult children ate there. Everything from the chicken wontons and black bean cakes and the mushroom puff (appetizers) to the carrot ginger soup, to the chicken pomodoro and the grilled swordfish...all EXCELLENT! The desserts were something you might expect to get in Heaven. We had the sauteed bananas and cranberries with dark rum sauce and ice cream, the fresh blueberry crisp a la mode, the chocolate mousse cake...OH MY GOSH!!! Absolutely DIVINE!!! GO THERE! GO THERE! GO THERE!!!
(5)Julie S.
I went to Roots this past Friday after accidentally stumbling on it during a ski weekend in Vermont. Both my boyfriend and I were really impressed. We often eat out in higher end restaurants in Boston, and this place was just as good. The local cheese fondue was excellent. His baked emu dish was great for him (although not my cup of tea). I had the squash ravioli, which wasn't as great as the fondue but still tasty. The chicken in my dish was so fresh- It really made the meal. You could tell you were eating meat that came from someplace nearby, not some frozen piece that journeyed on a truck. We ate at the bar, and our bartender was excellent. Additionally, maybe it is the small town Vermont thing, but both sets of people who sat near us ended up talking with us and were really friendly. The only problem preventing this place from a 5 star review was the hostess. She was terrible! The place was booked up, and instead of just telling us to wait it out at the bar- she kept repeating "we prefer reservations" or "we really recommend reservations". I work in the industry, so I know it can get stressful at the host stand, but her appropriate response would have been something along the lines of "unfortunately we are booked with reservations for the evening, you can try getting a drink at the bar to see if anything frees up". Being so close to Killington Mnt, I imagine this restaurant will have the occasional tourist walk in like myself. The host will have to be prepared with a response when that happens.
(4)Russ O.
After reading glowing reviews of this restaurant, it was a huge disappointment. The salad was very mediocre. The entree was bland and almost like cafeteria food. I'm sorry to report that I would never eat there again. (The waitress was very nice and attentive).
(2)Ana M.
My favorite restaurant in Rutland hands down. What's not to love about fresh local food? Great seasonal menu and pretty good brew selection.
(5)John C.
Very good food, especially for a relatively 'unmetropolis' place like Rutland. I'm from NYC and found this to be the type of restaurant that would more than hold its own in the Big Apple. I particularly enjoyed the Smoked Pulled Pork sandwich. The french fries were also quite good.
(4)Theresa P.
This is a tiny venue, so be sure to make a reservation. I was in a group of four, and we each ordered something different. All the offerings were creative and interesting and drew on local specialties: take, for example, their maple vinaigrette salad dressing. My dish, shrimp with gnocchi, was delicious, although Italian cuisine enthusiasts would not have recognized their version of the classic potato pasta, which somehow got translated into cubes of soft custard, rather than chewy little hand-formed knobs of pasta. Still, the taste and texture were good. Another member of our party greatly enjoyed her entree of ground emu raised by local farmers, and all of us were delighted with a maple creme brûlée dessert. I will definitely pay this place another visit if I ever return to the area.
(4)Ian S.
Delicious local food, inventive menu, vegetarian friendly, attentive staff, pleasant interior... What's not to like?
(5)Stephanie H.
Great, friendly service. The meals are fresh and delicious and the prices are totally reasonable considering the quality of food you are getting.
(4)Nicole S.
Right after I moved from Rutland to San Francisco I had been hearing this new restaurant, Roots just opened and how good it was and I was excited to try it while I was in Rutland on Christmas vacation. I recommend making a reservation especially for a Friday or Saturday night, they were very busy but we were lucky to get a same day reservation. The drink specials were all winter/holiday themed and all sounded delicious I tried the prosecco with an elder flower liqueur for touch of sweetness. Our Bartender and waitress Kari was extremely knowledgeable about the drinks and food selection and so helpful when I couldn't make up my mind. The Menu had a great variety of vegetarian, fish and meat dishes. I had the risotto with veggies and chicken and my date had the pork chop special. We were both very happy with our choices and stuffed, the portions are generous, but make sure you save room for desert. The Cheesecake is out of this world and even the dollop of fresh whip cream is amazing. I can't wait to go back, but will probably have to wait till the summer.
(5)Brian R.
best restaurant in rutland, hands down! highly recommended! the staff was amazing along with the food!
(5)John P.
I happened on to Roots simply by luck. It was a Sunday and kind of dreary out and I circled the downtown area for about 20 minutes and was feeling hopeless that I would find a great/interesting restaurant...walking into Roots, I knew I had found THE SPOT! I sat at the bar and the female bar tender made me feel right at home. The service was professional and personal and the food was amazing; salmon with blueberry sauce and roasted beet side. If you are looking for a unique place to eat, go to Roots!!
(5)Meghan F.
I went to Roots a few nights ago with my family. We made a reservation ahead, which I would recommend, because it's pretty small. We split an appetizer of vegetable phyllo- very good. I got a hamburger with bacon and cheddar. Now, I'm a vegetarian the majority of the time, but I make an exception for local meats, which means that when I'm in Boston, I never eat meat, but when I'm in Vermont, I eat kind of a lot. This hamburger was totally worth it. The bun was toasted, the bacon was nice and crispy, it was served with homemade chips- and for a very good price. My mother and brother had the beef dish of the day, which they really enjoyed. Finally, my father had a scallop fettuccine dish (one of the specials) made with homemade pasta, and he really enjoyed it as well (I had a bite- you could tell the pasta was homemade- delicious). I would really recommend Roots- I'm a sucker for local foods anyways, but the food is very good, we had great service, the prices are high for Rutland, but still reasonable, and I love the decor- great pictures of fruits and vegetables on the walls. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Zoltan S.
We were heading back to Burlington from a day of shopping in Manchester, VT. We chanced upon this quaint restaurant on a side-street in Rutland. That is how our divine dining experience began--a sheer delight. We were greeted at the door by who we thought was the owner, only to find out she was the bar tender with a penchant for drink alchemy. She had a vested interest in her restaurant and a genuine desire to welcome and please us. The food was eclectic and well assembled; flavors that played with each other and with your palate and made you go "Ohh, ahh" with every bite. You guessed it by now, we had a most delightful meal with good friendly company in a cozy comfortable atmosphere. Highly recommended.
(5)ImaYesfa N.
Very nice place in Rutland. Enjoyable food that is local and sustainable. After eating all over Vermont this month id give it about 3.5 stars. I had the baked chicken with cheese and it was allright nothing spectacular. The cheese fondue was pretty good and my husband had the pork boar sandwich and i thought that was the winner. Nice selection of beers and wines and the bar is pretty cute! Place is small and fills up fast after 6 pm so make reservations.
(3)David S.
I really like this place! The restaurant was clean and trendy. The shrimp ceviche was wonderful! I also had the squash ravioli for my entree and it was prepared perfectly. To top off my first night in Rutland I had the poached pear which was awesome. I hope this place doesn't go out of business like some other restaurants around here.
(5)Andrew S.
Went to Root's last night for dinner and had a good experience. The restaurant is nicely appointed and had a nice ambience. We made a reservation, which i highly recommend due to the small size of the place and were seated promptly. Our server came over and took a drink order. I don't know how to say this but she was TOO nice. I would rather it be that way than rude and mean. The Fondue appetizer was the best part of the meal. Tasty, fresh and nice sized portion. My girlfriend had the Rice Noodle Salad ( very Peanutty) and the Vegetable Phyllo ( The sauce was great ). I had the Orange Ginger Chicken. ( Dry with little flavor and the Orange Ginger was Ginger then Onion then Orange flavor ). Biggest Knock on the food was the Carrot Vegetable. Bulk carrots, not cooked all the way, with little flavor. Baby Carrots with the tops would have been better). The dessert, cheesecake was fresh and delicious. Cold Beer and good wine selection. Very reasonably priced. Being a new restaurant i will give them the benefit of the doubt that they will get their systems in place and will be back to try it again.
(4)Michele K.
My husband and I were in Rutland for the day (from Manchester). We were not going to try Roots because our parents had told us that the menu was so so and the tables were so close, you couldn't breathe. However, upon stopping outside, we LOVED the menu and someone opened the door to tell us it was brand new. So we called my parents and told them to meet us there for dinner. Luckily, since we were four, two deuce tables were put together against the wall and we were not in the line of tiny tables next to each other. The menu is lovely with all farm to table items from the chickens to the herbs! All of the local farms are highlighted on plaques in the foyer area and listed on the menu. First, out came the bread - warm (which says a LOT about a restaurant from the beginning - lots of points for them) and homemade which also says a lot. Unfortunately, the bread was not at all good, but rather dry and boring. That had us a bit nervous as to the food. Luckily, we were happily surprised when the food came... We all shared 3 appetizers and a soup and each had an entree. There was nothing we did not like. The mushroom puffed pastry was our favorite along with the tomatillo scallops which were truly wonderful! The bbq shrimp was also good with a terrific blueberry (chipotle?) sauce. My mother ordered the tofu and noodle salad and I ordered the tofu and noodle entree. While both were very good, I was never sure if we got the right entree - they both looked the same and mine was on a bed of shredded greens while hers had other whole leaf greens. I was not expecting a salad type of entree. My husband had the risotto which was also very good. The service was outstanding without being arrogant or obsequious. And to the prices - finally a place you can afford to go to on a regular basis not out pricing themselves from the market. I don't think there was an entree over $18 and there are plenty of choices under $18. The portabello sandwich sounded so good and we would have ordered that the next time (of which there will be many!) had we not disliked the bread served - the same bread we believe the sandwich would come on. The prices of the appetizers encourage you to indulge in both an appetizer and an entree. The wine list is small but perfectly acceptable with good prices. The drink menu is a bit pricy - I ordered a $9 drink that was very good, but in a tall, skinny glass (which I love!) that doesn't fit a $9 drink that has no garnish. (Try the martini bar in the new thai restaurant in Manchester - $11 each, but HUGE and very creative and each with its own stunning garnish) The decor is wonderful with a fabulous bar! This is definitely a place we will go back to over and over again. In fact, even my parents were thrilled and can't wait to go back. A few suggestions: 1. There was a table of 2 women - one of which was VERY large, probably over 350 lbs. They seated them in one of the tiny tables IN THE MIDDLE of the row! There was no way this women fit in that table and no way she would be able to get out to go to the ladies room. They should have seated her in the end of the row. A restaurant should be a place of hospitality and therefore should be able to recognize how to make people comfortable. 2. They should season the food. It was obvious that, while everything was presented beautifully, none of the food had been seasoned. The vegetable spring rolls in phyllo pastry could have been amazing, but instead the phyllo was not brushed with anything and the vegetables were not seasoned. The same goes for the risotto. The soup was vegetarian, but could have used chicken stock. 3. I would not want to be one of the tables in the middle of that banquet row. They are just too close together. We understand European dining as we go to Montreal a lot and have been to Europe, however the place is just too small to have tables within 2-3 inches of each other. 4. Put a few tapestries on the ceiling, maybe. There is nothing to take up the noise and my parents, being 80 had a difficult time. With the tables so close together, the room could use something to absorb some of the sound. All in all - great job! Thank you!
(4)