Love this place, food is great. Parking is a bit of an issue, but they're working on it. Service was wonderful as well, highly recommend!

First time! I liked it, very open space. Food is warm and tasty. Cortada and black coffee is solid. The sides and the breakfast Sammy I got were great! Service was quick and they were very nice! Stop by! I think I found my new work spot haha! read more

Lake Roots - Cafes Near Me - Crystal Lake, Illinois

The atmosphere was definitely one of the highlights. The space feels cozy, welcoming, and thoughtfully put together, making it a nice spot for a relaxed meal. It has a great neighborhood feel and would be a nice place to catch up with friends or enjoy a casual dinner. The dinner menu had some good options, and the food was enjoyable overall. Everything was well prepared, though I'd like to come back and try more of the menu--especially their brunch, which I've heard is one of their highlights. Service was friendly and the overall experience was pleasant. I think there's still more to explore, which is why I'm leaving it at 4 stars rather than higher since I haven't gotten the chance to try the full range of what they offer. Overall: 4 stars. A cute spot with a great atmosphere and a good dinner experience. I'd definitely come back to try their brunch and see what else they have to offer. read more

Lake Roots - Cafes Near Me - Crystal Lake, Illinois

Lake Roots offers a little bit of everything! They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all week long. When walking in, there is a small market to the right that has local goodies from pastas, to-go desserts and sides, popcorn, sweet treats, sauces, merch, and more. Breakfast is counter service where you order, get a number, and seat yourself. The left side had a large main dining area and bar. It opened up to an outdoor area which was nice. I ordered The Roots Latte which had some good sweet spices in it. My husband got the Chai Latte which was slightly spiced over sweet. For food, I got the Gourmet Breakfast Sammy. I really enjoyed the flavor combination of chipotle aioli, crispy bacon, and grilled bun. The egg definitely took over flavor in the sandwich so I actually took some off. My husband got the Commuter Classic sandwich for the potato bun, sausage, and sauce. Both were good but I didn't think my sandwich was truly worth $5 more than my husband's. The interior has such a fun atmosphere. It's important to look at all the menus posted as each has different items listed: boards, displayed menus, specials menu. We did see the owner walking around checking in on some tables. Guests of all ages were enjoying their time which was great to see! Parking was a bit difficult but not bad overall. This was such a great stop when in Crystal Lake but certainly a treat. read more

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Lake Roots is quickly becoming the spot in Crystal Lake. For a town built around the lake, it's been missing a place that really captures that fresh, laid-back, community feel--and this is it. The menu rotates often, which keeps things interesting and gives it a true fresh, seasonal vibe. Every visit turns into a debate because there are always multiple things worth trying. What really sets it apart now is the new outdoor seating. It's added a whole new layer to the experience--people are settling in, kids are enjoying the play area, and it's turning into more than just a place to eat. It feels like a neighborhood gathering spot. The atmosphere is easy and welcoming without trying too hard, and you can feel the energy building as more people discover it. Service has been solid, and overall it just feels like a place that's going to keep getting better. Bottom line: Lake Roots isn't just a good addition--it's becoming part of the fabric of Crystal Lake. read more

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Everything was good our Waitress was very nice and attentive. The butter chartrutarie board was good, it Could be servered with more bread for the price as we ended asking for more anyway. I got a smash burger that wasn't smashed but more of a double cheese burger. I see this more and more these days, Where a place offers a smash burger but dont understand the concept of SMASH. Smash is caramelized. Anyway we did have desert which was Very good, they do have cappuccino which is a plus . The Korean Tacos. Someone said we just fine and my wife had some fish tacos that she liked. I do have to say the French fries were awesome and salted to perfection . We sat outside as the sun went down and it did get a little chilly but I think it would have been rather loud on the inside . read more

Best food & atmosphere in Crystal Lake. I hope they take over the strip tbh. Everything is good here...best potato soup of my life. I'm trying to get skinny for summer!! How dare you?! I love this place!!!! read more

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Saturday night 6 pm Outdoors and it was packed, with lots of younger kids running around and screaming, if you have small children this might be the right place but not the type of place for an intimate date night ... also the live band who was very good, had bag games right in front of them along with little kids and toys also in front of them ... this was very distracting not only to the band but the customers too ..how ever the Food pretty good... but the bar service was very poor. We waited 20 minutes after we ordered a drink to get it ,,, multiple that by 20 tables or so "you do the math " ... our server who apologized twice for the backup on drinks but was a good server otherwise... note bartenders need to step it up no matter how busy they are - big loss of revenue $$$ read more

Balmy summer night on the patio! Amazing service , relaxed atmosphere, and delicious ahi tostadas! A must visit! read more

Lake Roots - Freakshow Chardonnay! And the Ahi tuna tostadas were delish!! Thank you!! - Cafes Near Me - Crystal Lake, Illinois

I went with a friend on a week night around 6:30 and the place was packed. Sadly we were given the worst table in the restaurant that was a 2 person high top sandwiched between the back of the bar and the door the servers use to go in and out of. We asked to be moved to the heated patio which was warm and much more cozy. Our server was nice but absent a-lot which made me feel forgotten. We ordered a couple of shareables. The flatbread carnivore pizza was good with great zesty flavor but the Mezze Board left plenty to be desired. The flavors were flat and there needed to be more bread to dip with. It's really loud in the restaurant part. There's a cute market attached with local goods which was really nice. If I do come back I think it would be for breakfast or lunch. read more

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I so badly wanted to love this place, but unfortunately, we left a little disappointed. Cocktails and the ahi tostada app were great, we thought we were off to a good start. But from there, everything went downhill. My wife got the walleye which was filled with bones which is very unpleasant to eat. She also said it had very little flavor. I got the short rib, and I'm used to short rib being fork tender. This was not tender at all and was very dry. And similar to my wife's dish, this dish also had very little flavor. We loved the space, so I think we'll be back for cocktails and the ahi tostada. But will definitely stay away from the couple dishes we've already tried. read more

Love love love so cute and has really cute stuff to shop. Love the coffee and the night time vibes are immaculate.

This place is awesome! Fun and stylish interior. What a great place to meet up with friends and have your favorite morning coffee, latte etc.... Hot breakfast items and baked goods and always 5o' clock somewhere..... full bar. I had the cookie butter latte and quiche with bacon, cheese and green onion. Delectable crust on the quiche and just delish! Hubby had the hazelnut latte and fresh blueberry scone. Everything was delicious! We will definitely be returning and bring friends here too. Gotta check out the rest of the menu! They have a selection of breakfast and lunch items of the menu. Staff is friendly, great addition to Crystal Lake! read more

Lake Roots - Lattes, quiche and what's left of the blueberry scone! - Cafes Near Me - Crystal Lake, Illinois

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Beautiful exterior. Welcoming entrance with incredible products from around the world. Hand picked delicacies. Over a few days my family and I had the burger, sandwich, beers and other fun drinks. Fantastic concept and the energy is top! Staff is excellent. This is a hidden gem and a must visit if you are in Crystal Lake. read more

This is a lovely new cafe / market / restaurant in Crystal Lake. We came by on a Saturday morning for coffee drinks and a croissant. The drinks came out quickly despite how busy it was. The croissant was delicious, large and perfectly flakey on the outside and soft on the inside. The drinks were also delicious. They had a lot of people making food and drinks in the back, for breakfast / lunch people were ordering and then you can sit in their dining area to eat. The decor inside is very cozy and there's also a small area to buy local goods and snacks. read more

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Great new place with a friendly staff, good food and comfortable seating areas. The patio is perfect. We got there for lunch and able to order at the bar. We made new friends that gave us solid advice on their food, drinks and entertainment. Our new friends were right on! We will be back. read more

Having lived in crystal lake my whole life this is what we needed. Healthy, delicious meals that were close to home with a place my kids can safely play! For breakfast I frequent the commuter sandwich, yogurt parfait or just a large hot vanilla latte! I enjoy the atmosphere where you get to see neighbors friends and more enjoying the best things crystal lake has to offer! This will be a frequent stop after my walks around the lake for a treat or a nice family dinner out spot! read more

Everything as usual, Ice cold yuengling served in aluminum cup and the poke bowl was the awesome!

Fun vibes and staff is really nice. Great place to go get a quick bite to eat and meet friends

I found the restaurant to be noisy and menu choices confusing. Walked out before getting to counter.

Amazing addition to the community. Everything I've tried I would re-order but I keep trying new items anyway. Fantastic service and a wonderful place to meet friends for coffee, a drink or a meal. read more

Food was very good. Service was very cordial and efficient. A nice addition to the CL food scene.

Went here with a friend and we both really enjoyed the food and the space. They did an amazing job converting the old Mr A's to create an inviting room. The food was delicious as well. I had the smash burger and fries and my friend had the baked potato soup. Service was friendly and efficient. Crystal Lake needs a place like this! read more

Amazing new restaurant. Just what Crystal Lake needed. Great food, ambiance, and a healthy lifestyle

Lake Roots is definitely a new staple in Crystal Lake, I went for dinner with my friends and got the burger with a gluten free bun which was delicious. The fries are also great. The ambiance has a great day to night vibe. Would go back! read more

Came to try out the new place in town. Well, I'd say my first and last time. Had the Roots latte, husband the mocha. Price comparable to Starbucks (over $12.00) Place was not crowded, 3 other tables occupied but it took an extraordinary long time to get the beverages. They come in China cups if you eat in which is appreciated but only warm, not hot. Ambiance is nice, we'll decorated. They have various products for sale, from nibbles to lotions. I'd rather they concentrate on one thing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner? I can't imagine what the wait is for an actual meal. Sorry, the product wasn't enough to get me back. Other establishments will get my business. read more

Prompt service and a kind bar tender that made me feel welcome. My quiche came out hot and ready. My coffee was retrieved by the bar tender. Lovely atmosphere for people to gather for brunch. Beautifully decorated for the season. read more

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Me and my wife stopped in for a quick lunch. She had the lox bagel & I had a bowl of their loaded potato soup I decided to add a side of fry's after seeing someone else with them added a side of ranch. Everything was outstanding with great portions. We'll be back to try their coffee and cocktails. read more

Lake Roots - Loaded baked Potato Soup, fry's , Lox Bagel. - Cafes Near Me - Crystal Lake, Illinois

The ambiance is like a fancy coffeehouse or a modern steakhouse. The service was good, the food though omg. This is another spot where I just cant wait to go back or have a reason to. My friend took me here like a week or so after they opened for breakfast and that was the best lox ive had in my life. I still dream about that sandwich, the bagel was so soft and buttery, I think the bagel really set it off and then you can go wrong with smoked salmon. I loved it so much that we returned that same evening and planned on buying just dessert to taste because I really wanted to try the coconut bread pudding but we ended up buying pizza and a cookie with ice cream and the bread pudding. Everything was amazing, the bread pudding was warm and gooey and lovely but that pizookie .. wow, melty, chewy, soft yet crunchy..it was perfect read more

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The atmosphere here is great. It definitely has that lakeside vibe, like you're on the Michigan side of Lake Michigan. The counter service-to-restaurant dining feel is very welcoming and the staff is great. I can't wait to come here for cocktails or dinner. Where it fell short was the breakfast food. The $10 avocado toast was one piece of toast (good) with an extremely thin spreading of avocado. There just needed to be more avocado, and most places give you two pieces of toast. There was a breakfast bowl that had roasted potatoes. Half of the potatoes were undercooked, the other ones had a mushy texture. The coffee and the latte were delicious. If they can fix things like that, I could easily see this place being a five star. read more

Great addition to Crystal Lake - great food and drinks, friendly staff and a pleasant ambiance.

This is a gem! Great service. The menu and bar are clever and creative with offerings. The food is outstanding.

Wonderful selections for lunch and breakfast- we all had something different and we were all happy with our choices!! We will be back!!!

Place is amazing and very welcoming, nice to have a great place walking distance from our home. Decor is good and with the renovations made "WOW", employees are friendly, smiles all the way. Our barista Natalia was terrific and very friendly to us, smiling and felt very welcomed. read more

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This was about our fourth or fifth time dining at Lake Roots. I was worried about the wait on a Friday evening, but got seated right away. The table was awkwardly placed in the middle of the outdoor dining area and servers were continuously brushing up against the table. It took a bit for our server to arrive and we ordered our drinks and then meal right away. My husband's meal and side dish arrived, but mine did not. After several minutes, the server noticed , went to the kitchen and was told mine would be right out. It took another 15 minutes for my meal to arrive. Manager agreed to comp meal, but after such a long wait (from being seated to served about 45 minutes), an appetizer, bread, something would've been appreciated. Our server was apologetic and gracious. Food was delicious so, happy about that, but we will be cautious about going back. read more

This was a great new spot to get together with some friends over dinner. I enjoyed an espresso and had the signature smash burger, which was great. Our server was friendly and attentive. I would recommend carpooling to this location as parking is very limited. We went at 6 pm on a Friday night and the front and back parking lots were packed. It wasn't horrible though as street parking was available on a near side street. read more

Love the fish tacos! I get them every time. Cocktails are fantastic. Great addition to Crystal Lake.

This was our first time to Lake Roots. The food and service were excellent. They had two people singing and playing music. I didn't realize they had live music. That was a nice surprise. Pretty good for an impromptu Valentine's dinner. read more

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I work remote so naturally I visit a lot of coffee shops every week. This one has a great atmosphere and the food / coffee is good. Nothing out of this world but it's good. In my opinion way over priced for what you get. I paid for a large black iced coffee with nothing special done to it and I was charged nearly $10 for it. I know the economy has gotten bad but I didn't think that bad......Not to mention I came in on a Monday at 2:50 ready to sit down and spend the next 3 hours getting some workout done and I come to find they close at 3. Very odd time of the day to close. I looked online and saw that this isn't normal for the rest of the week so I won't hold it against them so much but still very odd. 1 star would be harsh, 3 stars a bit much. 2 seems reasonable here. I genuinely hope to come back and give a 5 star review next time. read more

One of the nicer healthy option restaurants in the area. I'm GF and they had a lot of options and willing to work with my food restrictions. Very happy with my meal and will return. read more