I cannot believe how delicious the food alone was, but I am in LOVE with their milkshakes. Oh my goodness, they have the best milkshakes I've ever had in my entire life, you have to try them. Anyone who wrote a bad review must not have ever been here before, because it is impossible to be disappointed with them. read more

I went for breakfast, and I was very surprised on how good it was! The menu was very simple and straightforward. I got the scrambled eggs and the standard breakfast items they offered. And my friend ordered a Belgian waffle. I was jealous of her because the waffles were delicious! I wouldn't mind going again, but it was a drive to get there for a breakfast tho. If they were closer I'd go more often. Coffee and etc they were great too. read more

Food was cold, I ordered a Reuben and my fianceé ordered a pizza. Not the best quality for the price.

Best Pizzas ever!!! SMH CCU Nurses love them too! A Nurses Day tradition!

I have been eating at Root 31 since it has opened! I love how everything is made freshly on order. I have never received anything that looked or tasted like it was made hours before. I love how the chefs are very flexible and can modify any meal for me that I desire. Many of my friends cannot consume gluten so they were beyond happy to see wraps and pizza available in Gluten Free. Smoothies are delicious as well. Staff is also very wonderful and energetic. I have tried at least 10 different food items and have not been disappointed yet. I will definitely be coming back with friends and family. read more

Root 31 - Enjoying a croissant with some fresh berries. I ordered a large cappuccino with caramel flavoring with cocoa on the top! - Cafes Near Me - Rochester, New York

We love this place. Great menu, delicious food, friendly service. Love the outside seating when in season. Try the salmon flatbread. Or the quiche. Or the wraps, or the brunch menu. And plenty of choices for beverages Of all sorts. read more

I am absolutely dumbfounded by what I just experienced here this afternoon. In brief, I had recently heard that my family members had experienced a difficult time with one of the main counter staff and were overall hesitant to go back to Root 31: Crystal? (a 30-40 year old, white, dark-haired woman) who was condescending and arguing about how chai was made - (she was insisting chai latte meant the drink had coffee in it, my family members are allergic to coffee and were pleading with her to understand that a chai latte just means chai with milk.) So this afternoon we still choose to meet here for lunch despite my family members (mother, sister) previous negative experience. I came in by myself and placed my order, waiting to meet my mother for lunch, as I was standing there having my transaction processed the woman (Crystal?) turned behind her to another employee working behind the counter with her to point out "the woman walking outside" as a difficult customer saying audibly "this woman doesn't like me." Incredulous I asked her to repeat to me what she had just spoken and at that point informed her that I was her son. I have never experienced such a lack of professionalism and was both horrified and amused that someone would be so foolish as to publicly and negatively talk about customers at the counter - in this case only to find out that they were publicly trashing my mother in front of me. My time available was limited and the episode was so off-putting we decided to leave. I know I can speak on behalf of my entire family when I say we will not be returning. I invite the owner to have dialogue about the incident and hope they understand that this lack of professionalism is not only unacceptable it is demeaning and disrespectful. UPDATE: One week later and still no compensation issued or any attempt to reach out to my mother. Hiring competent staff who are kind and courteous is a basic need of any establishment. read more

Pros: Food is [usually] amazing quality, plentiful & fresh Cons: service is spotty, and quality is not consistent I have now been to Root 31 three times and I've had three very different experiences. #1. A summer lunch on the patio with my mom (mid-July, 2015) We both ordered the Cobb Salad with grilled chicken and sans egg. We were able to sit on the patio with the beautiful views of Pittsford Plaza. It was sunny, we had an umbrella and ample shade. We had some sort of iced tea that was nice and refreshing. We did wait quite awhile, something that seems consistent with other reviews, but we weren't in a rush so it didn't bother us. Also it was very busy there. Finally our salads arrived and...there was no dressing, or blue cheese. So easy fix, right? Wrong. The problem is that they have a very limited staff, and while someone will bring your meal to your table, there is no follow-up to be sure that everything is fine with your food. On the off-chance that something is not fine, or if it's wrong...you have to get back in a huge ordering line, OR stalk around the kitchen window hoping someone will glance your way. OR be that rude and annoying person that announces to the whole area what you need. "Ahem, excuse me...we are missing x,y & z....". Either way, someone brought out the dressing & blue cheese crumbles eventually (still a bit delayed), and finally it was delicious. #2. Casual breakfast (a Saturday morning in early January, 2016) This experience was incredible. We both were hankering for an egg sandwich but we wanted something fresh-without the effort of making one ourselves. This place was the perfect solution. The multi-grain bread was fantastic, and the scrambled egg were made fresh and it was a huge portion. My boyfriend got home fries on the side and they were beefy, fresh potatoes with just the right amount of spice and a little sauteed onion. Nice and rustic home fries! I saw a girl next to me with a bowl of fresh berries so I decided to add that to my order and it was incredible. It's not actually on the menu so when I asked for a bowl of fresh fruit, he said "It's only fresh berries," however, that was all I wanted. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Not entirely sure how they can be "local" in January, but it was not important. The quality and quantity was well worth the extra $2. Bonus for having soy milk at the coffee station...though an almond milk option would be top-notch. As would organic cane sugar. #3. Valentine's Day Brunch (February 14, 2016) On this very frigid -4 degree Sunday morning, we were excited to know that only a stone's throw from our house was a place where there was reliably fresh home-cooked-quality breakfast. Based on our last experience, we knew we could count on Root 31 to deliver! Also they have a special Brunch menu, separate from the breakfast menu available on their website. I had planned on some fresh-berry crepe/waffle situation, but I was swayed by the classic breakfast of eggs any way, toast, bacon & home fries. I recalled the home fries last time were amazing. My boyfriend opted for a lunch sandwich. One of the perks of this place is that it seems breakfast, lunch and brunch options are all available at the same time! He ordered a side of home fries, because he also enjoyed them on our last visit. We were nervous that the place would be packed, being Valentine's day, but we were one of about 2 couples in the entire place when we got there. We ordered and were given a number and sat and waited quite awhile considering we were one of the first orders in. Though, the place had started to fill up quite quickly after we sat down. ...Finally our meals were delivered, I'm sorry, were hastily thrown down on our table, with a very sincere, "sorry for the wait, we're so busy". Considering the amount of time we waited....my eggs were cold, my toast was not very toasted, not buttered, not even warm, and both of our home fries did not even resemble a distant cousin of the ones we ate the last time. Most were inedible because they were so tough and over-cooked. Not even crunchy, just over-cooked and hard. Also, cold. My boyfriend enjoyed his sandwich and didn't have a problem with it. Also, since my toast was so...blah, I thought I would ask for some butter, however, again with the problem with my first visit, the line was so long and there weren't enough people working. Coffee was also sub-par. I walked by someone eating the Fresh-berry crepes and the waffles, they looks absolutely amazing. Buyer's remorse. Of course, buyer's remorse is really rooted in disappointment of your own decision. Had my meal been the incredible quality I expected, I wouldn't have wished I had opted for the tasty Berry Crepes. *Other Thoughts* Sure, I will be back. While I'm incredibly disappointed in our last visit, it is convenient, and it seemed like a fluke. Also, i still want to try those berry crepes. Also, workers not the most personable. read more

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Stopped for breakfast before a movie next door. The service was so-so. The girl working the counter was not very friendly and apparently assumed I knew I had to get my own bottle of water from the cooler. Ordered an egg sandwich with ham, lettuce, tomato, cheese and mayo. The sandwich was big - I split it with my husband - but it was a little bland. Turned out to be a $10 breakfast which was a little steep. So, food was ok. Atmosphere was cute and comfortable - it wasn't very busy. Service was lacking and came off as the stereotypical "Pittsford." read more

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Decided to come in for a quick bite after a trip to Michael's. Welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of choices. Salad,soup, pizza even tacos. I went with a roast beef wrap that they were able to customize to my liking (havarti cheese instead of provolone.) It came with crunchy kettle chips and a really yummy, homemade (I think) pickle! My only complaint is that I felt it took a little long to get just a wrap, but it coulda just been the hanger. I'll be back to try more. :) read more

I would give them 5 stars for Celiac friendly. Gluten free separate prep area, knowledgable staff, GF pizza is great. Food is good, with great salads, nice atmosphere. But....call ahead if you are ordering for delivery. Even if they have delivery working on the internet, often they will call you when you place the order and tell you that the delivery person has left for the night. Also, $60 minimum for most orders for delivery. read more

Placed an order online for pickup since we had a short window between setup and event for our annual fundraiser for the Harbor House. Our food was on time, fresh and flavorful. When in the area, I'll check this place out again. read more

I visited this place twice. The food is great especially the breakfast wraps. The waffle is my favorite.

I went there because of the yelp reviews and this is the third time I have been disappointed by yelper reviews, but that is only 10% of my use. I read "Our fresh ingredients are graciously provided by nature, so we've adopted a zero waste policy as a way to say thanks" and that sounded great! Fresh is not what I had to eat and the zero waste policy is better than most, but dependent on the customer to do. We both had the Veggie Burrito that boasts "Zucchini, squash, fire roasted pepper, onions, asparagus, black olives, rice, beans, cheese." That all sounds good if it is FRESH, but there is no way those veggies were fresh! They were mushy, not seasoned and I could have squeezed a cup of liquid out of the burrito. I did not see a bean, a piece of rice or cheese in it. I cut it in half, couldn't finish the first half because the wrap turned to mush from the liquid was not appetizing at all. That goes for both that we ordered. We also had the Cyprus Hummus with Naan, Celery and carrots. Easy enough you would think! Again, fresh being the second word in their story you would think this should be easy enough to make delicious because one third of the dish is by nature. WRONG! The vegetables were dry with black/brown ends because they cut them up so long ago with a metal knife!!! Un appetizing to say the least. The Naan, not a light puffy piece of bread...this was more like a stale cracker, but was more appetizing than the veggies! Which at least I was able to try the Hummus, which was the only item that was good, but I don't believe was fresh either. So, you order at a counter, take a number to your table that you find and the food is brought out to you. That is the last you see anyone, there is no one to ask questions no one checking on the patrons. When you are done eating...YOU take care of your sustainable utensils and tableware. There is a tiny counter top area with two holes to sort compost and recyclables then you set your dishes and utensils somewhere on the counter, if there is room. No bin, just dishes stacked. Behind this area is where you get your soda, so this would be where the wait staff would work if there were any...but I paid $30+ for two burritos and a hummus appetizer to then take care of myself. If there is no staff to see what people are not eating and throwing away...how do you know if people like your food??? I had a veggie wrap at my local dinner that had fresh veggies with fries on the side, I paid half the price. We had a fabulous waitress that checked on me and made sure I had everything and was happy with my meal. The owner was as the cash register and thanked me for the business with a big smile...these things matter. read more

The Cuban was terrible - it was served on a dry roll and doused in mustard. Yuck. The flatbread was dry and flavorless too. And what's up with no soy milk? Salads were small. For the price, it missed the mark. Definitely tasted like strip mall food read more

Fairly cheap and very tasty. I never leave here with an empty belly and so should you. The smoothies are flavorful, and the food is fresh. I like the seclusion of the family style booth in the back. Perfect to get away if you have a loud group and don't want to be disturbed or disturb others! read more

This a hip corner cafe in Pittsford Plaza. They emphasize local sourced foods many of which are organic. Lots of healthy beverages available. I had the veggie quesdilla that was filled with veggies and gooey cheese. Superb! Definitely returning to Root 31 and I recommended it to my wife for lunches with her friends. read more

Root 31 - Cafes Near Me - Rochester, New York

Fabulous, fresh seasonal salads and soups. Great alternative to Panera AND serves beer/wine/hard cider... thumbs up.

I've now come to Root 31 many times since my first review and I love it! I don't know what changes they've made, but the food here is super tasty and my whole family enjoys it. The chicken quesadilla and grilled chicken sandwich are my favorites. The Banana Foster milkshake certainly beats the upscale ones I've had in NYC. Many meals come with a bag of kettle chips. Good stuff! Would definitely recommend to others (and I'll keep coming back whenever I'm in Rochester)! read more

Good place to go for lunch fresh ingredients and friendly service. Vegetarian options available!

Super disappointed. I went today and got the greens and beans flatbread with beyond meat Italian sausage for about $15. They forgot the greens completely so it was literally just beans, sausage and cheese on a naan. I think the plant based menu is new so maybe they're just getting the kinks out but either way it was pretty pricey and made incorrectly. read more

I've passed Root 31 many times while at the plaza. I've always seen people there which is a good sign. I stopped in on a recent Saturday morning while running errands. My usual Saturday breakfast diner had a line out the door. I'm glad I stopped in. While they have a weekend brunch menu, I opted for a breakfast sandwich from the regular posted menu. I ordered it with multigrain toast , egg whites, and mozzarella. The sandwich was delicious and huge. I took half home. It's counter service. You order and they bring your food. Much to my surprise, if you bring your coffee mug to the counter, you can get a refill. My meal was pricey at $9.10, but good for a weekend treat. Atmosphere is casual and relaxed. Staff members were friendly. I will be back. read more

Great menu, great food! Clean as a whistle - lots of seating both inside & out. On a corner in the plaza with windows on two sides if you like to people watch. There is a cozy back room with cool decor. It's all good - we will be back! read more

My fiance ordered online for lunch online for the both of us. After driving to go pick it up, I was told the order wasn't received yet. After 5 minutes it was received and they said it would be about 15 minutes for our order to be ready. 45 minutes later I was still waiting. Turns out someone else had placed an order with the same name and thinking it was a repeat of ours, canceled our order. the manager was apologetic and gave me free coffee coupons while I waited. After getting my order and taking it home to my fiance so we could eat we were highly disappointed. The wrap literally fell apart when I picked it up and my fiance's taco was just tossed together and thrown into the to go box. We took it back and were refunded, but will never go back read more

I'm from out of town and came across this place when I was visiting in the fall. I really like the gluten free chicken quesadilla! I also tried the Italian wedding soup and it was very good. I like the fact that they offer different options and have very fresh food. read more

My daughter and I came in for an early lunch at 11 on 5/28. The restaurant was cold but that's not a big deal. A woman with dark hair took our order and was incredibly rude. She had zero patience and cut my daughter off when she asked if they had a side other than chips (they don't). We won't be returning. I don't know what this woman's issue was, as we were polite to her, but this is no way to treat customers. read more

On the plus side, the food is good. On the minus side, they are absolutely incapable of getting an order right. I've been here about a half dozen times and my order has come out wrong all but once. They are very courteous about remaking the order, and tend to get it right the second time. But this does mean it will take you twice as long to get the food you ordered as you might expect. A little more infuriatingly, I was there yesterday and mentioned gently to the lady who took my order that this has been a repeated problem and I'll be grateful if she makes sure my order is transmitted accurately to the kitchen. Her response made it seem like she was annoyed by my request and had no intention of giving it any attention. Then, of course, my order came out wrong. It's too bad. As I said, the food is good. But I think I'm done with this place. read more

I wasn't really hopeful that I'd find something vegan that I wanted to eat at Root 31 because I've been coming here through all it's iterations for years and never found much other than a raw veggie wrap. (While I've eaten many wraps filled with raw veggies they're really not my favorite thing.) However they actually have a few vegan options (including the aforementioned wrap) and several veggie options that you can make vegan by eliminating cheese etc. I had a root vegetable burger with lettuce and tomato and I added quacamole. It was a really good burger and I appreciated them letting me change up the bread to a wrap. They had a Thai tofu wrap that looked really good and also a vegetable pizza. I'd definitely stop in again for lunch. The staff was very helpful and the food was good. read more

My Husband and I use to come here often and loved it. The servers have always been excellent and the food is to die for. The other day we were in and we (and about a dozen other customers) over heard the General Manager completely belittle and embarrass one of his employees in front of everyone. Screaming through the kitchen window he called the man worthless, a moron and threatened his job in front of all of us. When we finally revieved our order I talked to the young man and asked if he was okay and told him no one deserves to be treated that way. Shame on Root 31's management! They owe that young man an apology! Unacceptable! read more

I had the hummus plate with flat bread, carrots and celery and a strawberry banana smoothie. It hit the spot for something light! I also love the fact that they are using locally grown food when possible and are recycle and compost conscious! ! Will definitely be back! read more

Today the roasted red pepper soup is rich, thick and steamy on our first day of snow! Coffee here is great and day-old still tasty! read more

Was a little apprehensive about going to Root 31 after reading about the snotty staff and wrong orders. Well folks, I had a great experience. Ordered the Sweet and (something) salad that normally comes with goat cheese. Not my favorite so the cashier suggested feta instead. My friend ordered the same salad but she wanted the goat cheese with dressing on the side. We sat outside and in 5 minutes both salads were delivered to us, perfectly. We had a lot of catching up to do, so the same blond cashier came out, cleared our table and brought us a to-go box. The only thing that would have made the salad lunch a little more substantial would be to have a little crostini on the side. I would definitely go back again. read more

Great place! Really good food, friendly service, nice atmosphere. I wish I lived closer so I could come here more often!

Nice place. Nice selection of food. The flatbreads and soups are delicious and my fave is the Thai Tofu wraps. The staff are nice as well. Things that I don't personally like about Root 31: - The place is way too cold in the summer. You come from a hot outside to be frozen. If you have Migraine or headache, it's not a place to stop by. My last time I had to sit indoors with my family, but it was way too cold that we had to wrap our food to eat elsewhere. There were few other customers that I don't believe they're entitled to my preference of temp so I didn't find it appropriate to request that they drop the temp for my n my family. Outside it was about 80, inside it was about 67f. The difference is extreme. - Soups are just warm, almost room temp, instead of hot. - Delicious food but the portions Vs price has a low value. - I don't like that the customers who want chips get just bags of chips.. thinking how many they actually serve, it's a disturbing amount or un-recyclable materials that can be avoided by serving chips in bulk - Like Chipotle. I know they don't make them and that customers might like to have their own bags, but it's always good to be eco-friendly. Again, I'm hoping so because they serve those bags all day long. I've seen it in other places too but I can only hope that this trend stops - so it's a critique not just for Root 31. This is my feeling and reasons, others might like this place for those reasons, so it might just be me. I hope my feedback helps. read more

The service was horrible. Cashier couldn't manage the line and was all over the place. They have items on the menu board they don't carry anymore. First and last time... read more

The food is pretty good but the real secret here is their smoothies. Best in all of Rochester.

I've been here 3 times in the last 3 weeks. I got the Cobb salad twice and the blackened chicken sandwich, both were fantastic. It's nice to have healthy options on my lunch break. Would def. recommend. read more

I work right in Pittsford plaza and always looking for alternatives to what's currently available. I was not disappointed with my first experience and can't wait to go back. I ordered the Bahn Mi wrap and it was outstanding. Stay tuned for more reviews read more

I came for lunch. I heard that the vegan options were wonderful. It was pretty busy but thought it would be worth the wait. Got up to the counter to order and who appeared to be the kitchen manager, was basically screaming at workers through the window and using profanities. UNACCEPTABLE. The woman in next to me had her two children with her. They should not be hearing things like that in a restaurant. I felt terrible for her. Needless to say, I walked out. I can't tolerate that kind of rude and unhinged behavior, especially when I am paying for the experience. I won't go into the fact that he was not wearing gloves either. read more

get an app for faster ordering / take out please! brutal waiting in the lunch line to pay while people take 10 mins to order. get us in and out read more