Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Rustic Roots

    4.6 (169 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 months ago

    Rustic Roots Photos

    Business Info

    RUSTIC ROOTS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Rustic Roots

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Rebecca M.

    Rustic Roots is a restaurant in Bunn, NC. I liked that the ingredients were to be from local farmers. I had been looking forward to it all day and skipped lunch so I'd be hungry for dinner. [[HIGHLIGHT]]My group was tightly seated at the high top table as they were saving the end seats for another group, that never came.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The bar area is noisy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was slow and our table seemed forgotten. We were seated almost an hour before the orders were taken. Drink orders had been taken as we arrived thankfully. When the food started coming out, the plates were given to the wrong people. Since we all had seat numbers this shouldn't have happened. My filet was placed across the table at seat #3. I was #8. But those who ordered burgers were given the wrong burgers so they were either cooked wrong or had the wrong toppings or sides. It is possible the orders were entered wrong. I was skipped on iced tea refills when the others who ordered iced tea were given refills and even one to go. I ordered the filet mignon and a baked potato, something I order often. It was one of the dishes mentioned when going over the specials. When I cut into my filet, it was rare, not the medium I had ordered. Nobody checked on me to see if it was cooked properly usually, they ask you to cut into it and check. When the waitress finally came around, I mentioned it was undercooked. It was sent back but all they seemed to do was sear the top. I thought it was burnt when it came back out as the outside was darker but when I cut into it again it was just as rare as it was before. So I am wondering if they had just flipped the filet over and brought it back out. I'm not sure why the kitchen didn't wait to see if it was cooked properly that time. It seems they rushed it rather than cook it for an adequate time or to 145 degrees. So I sent it back again to get it cooked to how I ordered it. I'm not sure what happened as instead of cooking it, I was just told it was taken off the bill. I wanted what I ordered so I could eat it. What happened to it? The first time it was sent back on a plate but the second was in a to go box. So did it even make it back to the kitchen? I wasn't offered anything else to eat besides the side salad and baked potato. Both of those were fine. Steak is the easiest thing to cook properly as it is just so many minutes on each side, depending on how you want it cooked. But the kitchen staff here leaves a lot to be desired. They might do ok with the burgers and chicken tenders.

    Burger
    Monroe C.

    My Rating is a 4.5 Rustic Roots is a blend between fine dining without the fine price. Now, when it comes to the customer service from the greeter to the manager to the waitress, everyone did a phenomenal job accommodating us and making sure that everything runs smoothly. We slipped into a two-hour window and had five minutes to spare before 10 minutes to spare before the next reservation came. The customer service is a 10 out of 5. Do not go to this restaurant without getting a reservation. The easiest way to get a reservation is by going online. The second easiest way is calling in during operational hours. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Now, the only reason that I'm giving this place 4.5 and not a 5 is because the decor is not appropriate for some all ages. The owners do have a sense of humor, but some decor is not necessary.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We got that way: "Let's get good stuff." The story about this place is mind-blowing. For the owners to have a form to sell the blueberry crops to buy the restaurant, to find out that the restaurant was built by their grandfather, almost did a Fred Sanford. I'm coming to join you, honey, when I heard this story. The history of a place brings so much richness in value to how I got there. This is a testament that God is who He is. Deviled eggs: 12 out of 5 Juicy bread: 3.5 out of 5 Gnocchi: 10 out of 5 Burger: 4 out of 5 The flavor profile for the deviled eggs is amazing. The brisket is tender and the most balanced flavor profile out of all the items that we've had. It is unique and tasty because of the texture of the egg yolk and white with the brisket and green onions with barbecue sauce. It was literally out of this world. The hamburger they made it the way I like it. It tastes amazing without having to use condiments, which is always a good sign for a hamburger. You can taste the meat quality of the meat and not have the poor ketchup, salt, pepper, and everything that's on the table in the sandwich to make it pop. The Gnocchi. This dish almost made me take the shelf out for dinner and buy him beers. This dish was undescribably smooth, cheesy, savory, buttery, and Fuego. This is a dish that stops conversations. You're busy talking to your wife, your date, whomever, and you take a bite, and because the flavors are so loud, you can't hear them talking to you. This is the dish that you get upset that somebody else ordered it. Thankfully, my wife didn't finish the dish, and I got the opportunity to use that juicy bread to stop up that wonderful sauce. Defense to the order: my wife didn't finish it due to dietary disciplines. Did I mention juicy bread? I highly recommend that you buy or order something that the juicy bread comes with. Don't get me wrong. It tastes good, but when you are by yourself and you only get two pieces for six dollars, that ain't the move. So I recommend getting a dish that has juicy bread with it. You get more bang for your buck. The fries were the most underrated of everything that I ordered. They were crunchy outside, soft inside, seasoned well, and freshly cut and cooked in the restaurant! 5 of 5 Ask the waitress to customize your order, and they will accommodate you with all the problem-understanding staff. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outside of the things decor that they have to put on the wall, this place is family-friendly. Be aware that they do have a bar, but they have a bar at Applebee's and Red Lobster, so that's not that big of a deal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Outside of the decor that they have on the walls, this place is family-friendly. Be aware that they do have a bar, but they have a bar at Applebee's and Red Lobster, so that's not that big of a deal.

    Brown butter cake
    Cassidy W.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]10/10 restaurant - cozy atmosphere[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], great service, and the food was amazing. One of the best meals we've had in awhile

    Filet medium rare and loaded backed potato
    Melissa H.

    Service: We had reservations for 7:45 on a Friday and were seated immediately. Host staff were friendly and our waitress was attentive yet not overbearing. She wasn't super personable but, for me, that's perfectly fine. Food: We started with the juicy bread and both ordered the filet with loaded baked potato and side salad. Juicy bread was good but not fantastic - brushed heavily with herb and garlic oil but toasted to an ideal crustiness. My filet was cooked perfectly to medium rare and topped with a herb compound butter. Salad was fresh and a good portion - ranch dressing was most likely homemade, which I appreciate. Baked potato wasn't the best but the loaded toppings were generous and masked the fact that it was a bit overcooked. I had the peach spicy honey margarita and my friend had the lavender lemon drop martini. The drinks were well-crafted and tasted amazing! We both had to have a second drink. Ambiance: [[HIGHLIGHT]]The indoor portion of the restaurant is one big open area but it wasn't too noisy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Decor is rustic (imagine that) and it seemed to be kept very clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Some folks mention the owners make their rounds and talk to patrons. I did not experience that, so maybe they were not there the evening we visited. All in all, this was worth the 30 min drive from Wake Forest & I will be back!

    Mahi Mahi
    Donna K.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]A not so hidden treasure because this place was packed[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . I definitely recommend reservations. We were greeted & seated quickly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]1st time here & love the country ambiance[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . Everyone is friendly & attentive. I had the Mahi Mahi special & it was exceptional. The portions are more than adequate. I had to remember to save room for the dessert , which is a must !! Hot fudge devils food cake ! Yum !!! Already looking forward to coming back !

    Crab cakes
    Mike B.

    It's always cool to discover a gem, hidden away in an unexpected place. Let's face it - when you think about Bunn, you think it's a cute little town, well off the beaten path. But you really don't think about fine dining. Well, friends - think again! Rustic Roots offers a balanced farm-to-table menu, upscale rustic atmosphere and excellent service and the food - wow! It's an unassuming building, with a big rooster metal sculpture out front. The dining room is rectangular, with about a dozen tables and a large high-top for seating larger parties. Plus bar seating at the back left. We were greeted and seated immediately. First off, props to our outstanding server Jacquelyn. She's energetic, charming, funny, knowledgeable and professional. Her suggestions were spot on. She timed the meal perfectly and everything was served as-ordered. And she treated us as if she were a family friend. THANK YOU! Tried some Juicy Bread to start. 3 thick slices of crusty bread, slathered in oil and herbs. Juicy, indeed! And tasty. Also tried the burrata bruschetta. A big knot of creamy, rich burrata is served atop an oblong ramekin of home made bruschetta. Super fresh tomatoes, diced onions, fresh basil, olive oil. Plus a few slices of warm, crusty French bread and some shaved parmesan to top it off. MMMMMMM! Also tried the Caesar salad. It's a unique prep - individual leaves of romaine arranged like a flower on the plate, each leaf adorned with a squirt of homemade dressing and a few croutons. The dressing could have been a little tangy-er, but was still delicious. Steaks are a specialty, and so - steak it was! The ribeye is prepared exactly as ordered - medium rare. Lightly seasoned, fork tender and served with a dollop of garlic butter on top. Filet was similarly prepared, prepared exactly as ordered. Sides of a loaded baked potato and baked sweet potato were right-sized, tender, sweet and scrumptious. As we were eating, we saw a few of the desserts pass by enroute to other tables. 5 desserts on the menu, but one of them caught my eye - Brown Butter cake. The cake is served warm... rich, sweet, buttery, creamy and topped with brown sugar, drizzled with caramel, a dollop of whipped cream AND a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Needless to say we finished EVERY bite. It's worth it to drive to Bunn just for that cake. Check this place out - it's really really good!

    Brown butter addiction! This deliciousness alone is worth the drive!
    Patrick I.

    Remember when restaurants were run by owners who stopped by your table to see if everything was alright and the staff checked on you enough times that you weren't forced to tap the bottom of your drink glass to get the last bit of ice out?? Small in size, huge on customer service, THIS is a place you'll never regret waiting in line to get into.

    Gnocchi
    Meghan R.

    We always enjoy our time here! Naomi behind the bar is very kind. Food is good as well, we enjoy getting the specials they have from time to time and the seasonal options they have for food and beverage.

    Desserts!!!!
    Rich M.

    Food is terrific, smaller menu, but they rotate items and get everything they offer just right. Dessert is fantastic as well. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a nice ambiance, it's the closest thing to a ski lodge feel I think you can get in eastern Carolina, which I miss being from the north sometimes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Janet C.

    What an fantastic meal! We had the ribeye steak dinner that comes with salad and potato. The steak melts in your mouth and the sides were delicious. Desserts looked amazing but could not eat another bite. Everything is made from scratch. Our server, Jacquelyn, was terrific. Super upbeat, charming, and very attentive. Location is on the small side but full of country charm. Reservations are definitely required.

    Hot honey chicken tenders and chicken fried chicken

    See all

    Review Insights

    Photo of R P.
    0
    15
    1

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vanessa V.

    Vanessa V.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rebecca M.
    439
    1479
    43437

    1 year ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 3
    Love this 1
    Oh no 6

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Monroe C.
    0
    18
    161

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    24 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike B.
    179
    713
    3078

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Service has always been great; husband loves their prime rib; hot honey chicken and fries are exceptional!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of John L.
    0
    27
    10

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Service was great. Food was even better. If I lived closer it would be my go to place.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Food and drinks were marginal at a very high price. Service was good though. Desserts were good.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vanessa V.

    Vanessa V.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    This place is a gem! The staff is so attentive and personal, very southern like the restaurant. The food is hands-down amazing!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Great special event location. Local ingredients. Try that Butter Cake! Wow! I love the fact they give out birthday or anniversary cards.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lauren B.
    0
    131
    38

    2 years ago

    A fantastic find off the beaten path! Food was fantastic and service was incredible. Do not leave without getting the brown butter dessert!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sue G.
    46
    1
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Rustic Roots

    Do they have gluten and dairy free?

    I'm sorry I don't know.

    I am searching for a restaurant that is located by a lake with views onto. I thought about Lake Royale. Does this place have that?

    Not on the lake, so no views.

    Any vegetarian options?

    Yes, there are several.

    Is this a place you need to dress up for?

    no, not at all...very casual atmosphere...I've seen shorts and t-shirts, and I've seen slacks with collared shirts and dresses

    View All 5 Questions

    You might also consider

    Daniel's Casual Fine Dining

    Daniel's Casual Fine Dining

    4.4(91 reviews)
    22.3 mi
    $$

    This was our first time experiencing Daniel's Casual Fine Dining. I really like the ambiance…read moreinside, great place for a date night or a special family occasion. Our server was quite nice and was able to answer our menu questions. Our meal began with the soup of the day, Chicken Tortilla Soup. It was quite tasty, full of veggies that you would find in a pico de gallo nestled in a rich tomato broth, topped with crispy tortilla strips and served in a very small 8oz cup. What was missing was the chicken... I think I encountered one very small cube of chicken in one of those bites. My husband had the bowl size and echoed the same sentiment. For entre, I ordered the Blue Cheese and Apple Salad and made it a meal with the delicately fried oysters. The portions were great for a meal, but I expected more diversity in the salad greens. I received a mound of spinach that would make Popeye extremely happy. I would have loved some crispy romaine to vary the density of the spinach. However, the house dressing and candied walnuts added a great touch. My husband ordered the Cajun Chicken Pasta which I sampled. I loved the sausage and the complexity of flavors for this dish. My son had the crab cakes which were also greatly portioned. He said that the cakes were very good, but for the premium prices he'd expected more crab and less filler. Nevertheless, he still cleaned his plate. Overall, we had a pleasant evening, but for what you pay for a meal, I expected a little bit more.

    Food was very good. Server was competent. Ambiance was quiet. They were not busy…read more When I'm in Wilson again, I'd be happy to go there again.

    Photos
    Daniel's Casual Fine Dining - Ultra comfortable and inviting patio.

    Ultra comfortable and inviting patio.

    Daniel's Casual Fine Dining
    Daniel's Casual Fine Dining

    See all

    Cypress Hall - The pork dish was a bit "one note" for me. I wish there was the same complexity as other dishes of theirs.

    Cypress Hall

    4.4(245 reviews)
    89.5 mi
    $$

    Cypress Hall restaurant located in New Bern, North Carolina offers a fantastic selection of…read moredelicious meals. My wife had an incredible bowl of Gazpacho and a margarita pizza and I had spectacular burger and fries. The staff took excellent care of us with professional, kind and respectful service. The restaurant has a beautiful upscale interior with rich design features. I simply make you feel good. Pay them a visit, you will be glad you did. Bon Appetite.

    We were a party of 4 with a reservation and were seated immediately upon arrival. The table/booth…read morewas tight but we made it work. We were in no rush and our waiter (Beckett) was very accommodating with our pace. we ordered drinks and settled in on reviewing the small menu. Drinks were fine but I thought my beer (Sexy Cool Hazy IPA) was a little flat. We asked if there were any appetizers that would lend themselves to sharing. The only two, deviled eggs and pimento cheese, were not anything we were interested in so we passed. Surprisingly, there was not even a salad option as a starter. Two of the dinners had the NC catch of the day, golden tilefish. It was nice but a very small portion. One had the shrimp and clam purloo. It was a generous portion and was reported to be good. I had the braised pork cheeks. They tasted good and were not fatty at all. Looking back on our dinner, the food was fine but nothing exceptional. Also nothing "fresh" on the menu; salad, fresh vegetables, nothing. Also the lack of something other than the very pedestrian offers to share is something to consider. For what we paid, I would expect much better. PS - Our waiter, Beckett, was very good. Attentive enough but not too much. Also, why do restaurants of this caliber charge more for a credit card. Who is going to pay cash for a $300 meal? Just crank it into the price of the food and stop rubbing our noses in your cost to do business.

    Photos
    Cypress Hall - Cypress hall interior

    Cypress hall interior

    Cypress Hall - Oysters with peach mignonette

    Oysters with peach mignonette

    Cypress Hall

    See all

    Rustic Roots - newamerican - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...