The Root Cellar has always been consistent, and I love that about it. We typically purchase the weekly family meals, and it has spoiled us amazingly. We usually get the vegetarian family meals, which costs $95 and has enough food for 4 people for 4 days. This comes out to ~$6/meal, which is hard to beat even cooking our own food. A few years ago, the meals each day were all pretty similar, and we grew tired of them. But recently, they are so much more well thought out, and we love how easy it is to order, pick up, and bake these dishes. We usually have enough for leftovers, extra bonus. With the amount of time and money we save shopping for dinner/lunch groceries, cooking each night, and doing extra dishes for those meals, the family dinners at The Root Cellar are a no-brainer. Admittedly, we've never gotten coffee or dined in at the cafe, but it's always about 50% packed, so they must be doing something right :) read more

The Root Cellar is one of those places that I wanted to like more than I actually did. On paper, it has a lot to offer, but it also leaves room for improvement in a few areas. Though the name may suggest a cozy café, The Root Cellar is decidedly not that. This place is huge with plenty of seating and space. The restaurant/bakery occupies the front half while wine, beer, and a few grocery items for sale can be found toward the back. While you're unlikely to be left waiting to find a table, it can get a bit loud in here. For a breakfast/lunch place, The Root Cellar's menu offers a good amount of variety. Go for a pastry, egg plate, or smoothie in the morning or a salad, sandwich, or wrap later in the day. The sandwiches show a variety of global influences, the pastries are made in-house, and the coffee uses Joe Van Gogh beans. Ordering is a bit chaotic as lines approached the register from two different sides with no indication of which was the correct queue. The cashier, while not rude, very much seemed like she would rather be anywhere else. Wanting something light to tide me over until lunch, I opted for a green smoothie and an herb cheddar biscuit. I didn't have long to wait for either. The smoothie was a bit sweet, and, at $8.50, no bargain. On the other and, the biscuit - warm and savory - was delicious and a much more reasonable $3. I wouldn't rule out returning to The Root Cellar, but it's not a place I would go out of my way to visit during future Chapel Hill trips, either. read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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This a nice cafe and market that serves delicious meals as well as a variety of jams, snacks, coffee, and more. It's a great option for lunch, families, or to study or work. For brunch we tried a few smoothies, sandwiches, and some yummy desserts that stole the show. That tiramisu donut was really good! I didn't like my Greek chicken wrap too much but I would def go back to try another. I have my eye on those Baja caramel pancakes. My friends Suavo sandwich looked really good. read more

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Ate lunch here recently and ordered the chilaquiles with a friend. I love Mexican food and expected some heat, but a manageable level since there was no warning on the menu board. While I don't mind spicy food, this dish was so incredibly spicy that it was virtually inedible. I was able to eat the eggs on top (which looked odd--maybe steamed or something?), but that's about all. We were both unhappy that the menu description said NOTHING about it being spicy/very hot. I took the leftovers home for my spouse, who loves spicy/hot food and has a high tolerance for the heat...and he was barely able to finish it. I've enjoyed eating here in the past and will return, but this was an unpleasant surprise. read more

Came here today. BF's Sandwich ready in 10 mins, and then had to wait another 35 minutes for my food. Took so long we had to go ask if they forgot us, she looked at our ticket and how long we had been waiting and didn't even say sorry or offer a free anything. When we asked them, food was magically ready but it was fucking cold. Like frigid. My eggs were cold. I get being busy but don't forget about me and then serve me fucking cold food. Like comp the food or something... or don't be rude to me when you forgot the food I paid for FORTY FIVE MINUTES AGO. read more

NOT good. Soup tasted saltier than seawater. Returned soup, did get a refund, but nothing else. So I got a grilled southwestern wrap... it was almost as bad as the soup. Tortilla wrapped full of lettuce, some cold corn kernels, and a smear of maybe chicken salad? Not even hot. This place was fantastic when it was Fosters. But that was a lifetime ago, obviously. Will never go back. read more

Stopped by for lunch with a friend. We decided to have salad samplers, and the choices in the case looked very good. Alas: the Brussels sprouts were tasteless, the tarragon chicken was drowning in mayonnaise, and the spinach salad was uninspired. We were expecting better. read more

The root cellar is a great spot! Have had brunch there 2 times! The menu has a lot of variety and would appeal to lots of different people! The grits bowl was very tasty and filling, could even be split between two people. The omelette was also delicious and super filling, they rotate omelette flavors which keeps things new and exciting. The walk up counter makes it easy to order, find a seat and get your meal quickly. It is a cute location with an eclectic farm/rustic feel. read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - Omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

I ate breakfast here every day during a visit: *Outstanding* food + price + service + ambience Also, great plant-based options. And tons of parking right in front of the restaurant. I was in Chapel Hill for a conference. The Root Cellar happened to be very close to where I was staying. I ended up eating a delicious and filling breakfast here everyday rather than the boring continental breakfast offered by our conference.. The breakfasts and smoothies were really delicious and filling - all at an incredibly reasonable price. The manager and staff went out of their way to make sure that my special orders were done right. And all of them, to a person, were present, kind, and helpful. Finally, the ambience is perfect - indoors and outdoors - for a simple, quaint, homey restaurant. This place embodies the classic, small-town restaurant that takes care of its customers in every way. read more

My fried chicken sandwich for lunch was great- crispy chicken and full of flavor. A little pricey for what's on the plate; it'd be nice if it came with a side. Lots of space inside and out. read more

My hungry crew hit this place after doing the Tar Heel 10 Miler. The place was packed but they did a great job of moving people through the line. We did find out after we were almost to the register that we could have ordered from our phones at the table. I ordered the grits bowl. It was phenomenal -- creamy grits, tons of cheese and a good portion of eggs. Son loved his farm plate and polished off half his girlfriend's wrap as well. Girlfriend did not like her Bombay Lassi smoothie but I tasted it and thought it was great. Not too sweet with a mango flavor. I am not a coffee drinker but am a fountain soda fan so was glad they had fountain soda. Loved all the outdoor space on the porch to eat. Will definitely be back when in the area again. read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - Grits bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

This place seems like the perfect place to hang with friends and family or to bring your laptop and get some work done. I love that you can come here for coffee, smoothies or baked goods if you just need a pick me up or you can order a full meal off their breakfast or lunch menus if you're big hungry lol. I wanted to get a taste of both menus so I tried the RC Eggs Benedict and two wraps -- the BLT chicken Caesar and the Thai chicken. I really enjoyed the eggs Benedict because I love a good fried green tomato, but the Thai chicken wrap was the star for me. read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - BLT Caesar and Thai chicken wrap - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

I've eaten here several times and have enjoyed my meals. My son and I like their fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, roasted red peppers, balsamic vinaigrette, lettuce and tomato sandwich. We usually add a chicken breast to it and it's really good. I've also ordered the veggie omelette, which tasted even better than I thought it would. It is counter service so you take a number back to the table and they bring your food. Their coffee is good and they have specialty coffee and other drinks . There's a great book store next door, so we usually stop by there after. The tables are spread out and comfortable and I really like the outside patio when it's nice outside. Overall a nice place to eat:) read more

I have heard great things about this restaurant ( Chapel Hill Foodies etc) so when my friend and I were in chapel hill today we stopped in for lunch. Bad mistake. I would give the food a D. The tarragon chicken sandwich was very watery with no tarragon flavor and the cucumbers were old and bitter. My friend's spicy fried chicken sandwich was beyond bad: tiny burnt piece of chicken doused with bad dressing and pinkish tomatoes- the raccoons will eat it tonight. If you charge $13 to 15$ a sandwich THROW IN A BAG OF CHIPS! The wait staff was spaced out and made multiple mistakes. Hire an adult front person! read more

I have mixed experiences! But overall, found the food quite delectable. I really thoroughly enjoyed the strawberry eggs benedict, on fried tomatoes. I find the interior to be super cute and lovely for a nice brunch with a small group. Their ranch tater tots lovely- I tend to be off put by the overall mash-ish and restructure texture of tater tots. They were not overly ranch-y at all- just ranch adjacent with dill and other herbs added. read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - strawberry eggs benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

We went there for a late lunch Sunday and enjoyed the ambiance and food. They were located on a main road but it was set back far enough to feel like we were sitting in a garden in their patio. Service was wonderful and attentive. read more

I'm giving The Root Cellar a 2, a very unusual score. It's worse than a mediocre 3, but better than a pissed-off 1. I ordered a single sandwich, no one else was in line. It took 15 minutes, even though it's just a sandwich place, with no real cooking happening in the kitchen. The cost for a sandwich and two small bags of chips was $23. Ouch! The sandwich, a Cuban, was quite good. I'll not return. read more

Waited more than an hour for a pick up order. Gave me plenty of time to submit the review. Half of order ready 30 mins ago. Rest just came out. First half - came out cold and not worth the money or wait at all. read more

BLT disappointing We enjoyed the chai tea but decided not to go back ....food costs are so high that I want a good meal when we go out

Delicious!!!!! We tried the fried green tomato sandwich and berry pancakes. We'll definitely be back.

Convenient coffee shop for a quick breakfast/lunch/coffee date! Food and price are not bad, about average. I do like that how they always have a seasonal menu so there's always something interesting to try. Plenty of seatings, though can be loud for doing work. read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - seasonal sandwich of the day: grilled peach with ham - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Came in for lunch on a Sunday and was super impressed! I got the sandwich on special which had peaches, turkey, arugula, a spicy mayo, tomato and red onion. It was awesome. I wish it was on the regular menu. My boyfriend got some type of spicy turkey sandwich, which he really enjoyed. My only complaint is that the menu is very pricey for the fact you only get a sandwich and no sides or drinks to go along with it. read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - a sandwich and a cell phone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The lowdown: Great sanitation rating(99),interesting items/food/beer for sale, yummy cakes and banana pudding, lots of Chapel Hill charm! I don't have much to write since I took my chocolate cake and banana pudding to-go, but I will be back to try a corn beef sandwich ( which I hear is the best) and to actually sit and eat it. I will update this review at that time read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - I like to know I'm eating in a clean place! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Good, basic sandwiches. Got the deli Turkey sandwich catering box. Very filling because there's a ton of Turkey and a good mix of veggies too. Chips are good and cookie is delicious! read more

In store ordering via their QR code (which they recommended we use in lieu of ordering in line) was a a debacle. Waited 55 mins for food, which service counter couldn't find until 2nd time asking about it. Food was packaged as to go and was soggy and barely warm by time we got it to the table. I would not expect lengthy wait time in place that has counter service and bus your own table environment. We were asked to use a service that is clearly not effective or consumer friendly. read more

Awesome, ordered this for a team when we were in town, very organized, respectful, fulfilled all our orders and it tasted great! The only reason why I am giving it a 4 is if you are looking for homemade bread I don't believe our catering order was, but in store it may be a different story. Pasta and potato salad that came in the box was solid not too overdressed. Highly recommend! read more

Nasty. Just nasty. I can't even begin to describe. Ok, I'll try. The staff friendly. The coffee ok, better than expected. Not quite 3rd wave. But it goes down from there. Stone cold egg and well, just look at the cheese, just moping on the bottom of the biscuit. I tried to eat it. I really did. One more bite, go on, you can do it. Nahh. My friend had similar sentiments. We both sat and looked at each other. How did they get 4 stars? Doesn't this place have a Foster's vibe? I looked around at the stuff on sale in the back. And there was the short order cook staring into space. Looking as lonely as my cheese on the biscuit I just rejected. I know the feeling. Won't be back, but the saving grace....discovering the bookstore next door. One star for the coffee. One star for the staff. Nice. read more

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Can't believe I just now visited this place! After hearing about this study/food spot from friends I finally came and wow this place is huge! From the outside you would not expect such a spacious cafe. They have a wide variety of tables including long wood tables for big groups, individual circle tables, high bar tables, and even a booth that seems to be made from a door. There is so much room and the ambiance is really nice for studying whether it's just a couple of homework assignments or serious grind time for upcoming exams. Honestly, this place serves all your needs including coffee, smoothies, baked goods, sandwiches, pizza, and even alcohol! Definitely going to make use of this place as I study or meet up with friends! Update: the WiFi is very spotty near the wine collection read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Just ordered the eggs Benedict... and no. Just no. Maybe it's just me, but I couldn't even eat the tater tots due to overwhelming use of garlic salt. The egg was barely cooked. It literally just looked like a glob of snot. I love hollandaise sauce, but this sauce with the strawberry added is not anything I would recommend. Not to mention, (I ordered this to-go (online)) When I arrived, a server was walking around the restaurant yelling my name with plates in her hand. They had go back and repackage the food. Wonder how long they walked around with my food getting cold? My London fog also didn't taste like it normally does. It seems the vanilla syrup was forgotten in that as well. All in all, I may as well have taken the 22$ I spent and lit it on fire. Will not be returning. read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - Egg not cooked - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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We've been coming to the Root Cellar for six years since moving to NC from CT. This place would do well in New England with those who love natural food, classic dishes done well, unique ingredients, casual conversation with friends and those at surrounding tables - a joyful neighborhood vibe with one of the best independent bookstores next door. The feel is coffee, smoothies, great scones, pies, cakes and pastries - oddball snacks, something to inspire the imagination. Bring a book or your computer for the right atmosphere to think and innovate. A truly arts-oriented, counter-cultural vibe. Feel at home with the staff - Larry and Jay were great hosts to us today! This is my first choice to bring a friend for a relaxing outing and uplifting conversation. read more

Got Root Cellar for a work lunch and we all loved our sandwiches! I've had their scones and muffins previously and highly recommend those as well. I had the Thai chicken wrap and it was very good but could've used a bit more chicken and peanut sauce. I still highly recommend though. read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - Thai chicken wrap - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Wonderful little cafe. We got a sandwich and a wrap, both of which were exactly what we were looking for. It's cute inside and there's a lot of options for breakfast and lunch especially including selections of beer, wine, candy, desserts, coffees, and so much more. It's maybe slightly spendy depending on what you order, but I would go back again. read more

This wonderful cafe has everything! In town visiting from Seattle and The Root Cellar Cafe is a quick walk from my Airbnb. Food is GREAT and so are the kind folks working here. I'll be here daily if anyone's looking for me! read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - Two eggs over medium with wheat toast. Perfectly cooked and sooo delicious. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

For a breakfast place it is alright. Service was good it didn't take long to get our food. The ambience was cool and gave me farm vibes. The cleanliness could be improved. read more

I have been coming here for awhile, it has gone down from when it was Fosters. They used to sell home fries and now they only have tater tots that are fried and greasy. They also used to have a wood fired pizza oven that made great pizzas that they never use anymore. The atmosphere is good and the other food offerings are still good. There is a location in Pittsboro, but that location is not open as much as they used to be when they first opened. read more

Holy cow! I feel like I hit the jackpot finding this place!! We've been staying in the area taking care of a family member, so we've been Yelping our way through the Durham-Chapel Hill area while we're here. I found this place because we were looking for an easy option for Christmas Dinner. We had a lame Thanksgiving Dinner, so we really wanted a festive, delicious dinner to get us through these dreary times. I googled something to the extent of "Christmas Take-out dinners in Chapel Hill" and this place was one of 20 places that popped up. I liked their dinner options the best and on top of the the price was super reasonable!! If we're ever in the area during the holidays again, I am NOT cooking!! So, I put in my order online and made a note that I have a nut allergy. I followed the instructions to pick up everything on Christmas Eve and found the pick up spot on the side of their building. They had everything packed up in my car in no time and they double checked everything with the order sheet. OMG--EVERYTHING WAS SO DELICIOUS! Not only that, but a lot of food. We had leftovers for a couple days, so it really felt like a feast. I was so impressed that I went back to their website just to look around and I stumbled across their Family Dinners. At first glance, I didn't think this would work for us because there is only two of us and I rarely eat leftovers, but they have an option for 2! So, I glanced through the menu--they have a regular menu and vegetarian menu. They both looked good and I was close to ordering until I saw the Paleo Family Dinner option---whaaaat!?!?! Of course, since it's January, we're trying to eat healthy and sadly, no wine, so this was fantastic! For $125 for 2 for the week, that's cheaper than it would be for me to go shopping and waaaay cheaper than us DoorDashing our dinners for the week. I figured it was worth as shot. I submitted my order for Paleo Family Dinners online and made a note of the nut allergy. I was impressed when I got an email from the Catering Director letting me know that she saw my note--you have no idea how often people don't pay attention and my food ends up covered in nuts. It sucks. So, I went back to the same pick up area and the car was packed up in no time. We cooked up each meal in the oven, according to the instructions and they were all SO GOOD!!! Not only were they so delicious, but healthy, perfect portion size and I had zero work to do! Amazing. This is a game changer for weeknight dinners. We ordered the next week of Paleo Dinners online and they were all delicious, too! And NO nuts, which I am so grateful for! We have both said several times already that we WISH a restaurant back home offered this service. It's such a great value, saves so much time and healthy. Hands down fantastic. We'll be ordering the Family Dinners for the rest of our stay in the area. If you live near one of their locations, consider yourself lucky and give it shot. You won't be disappointed. read more

Rude, lazy, inattentive staff lacking any sense of urgency. To serve food the staff just barks your name while aimlessly walking around the restaurant until they find you, probably the most inefficient system I've ever seen. Got a watery, bitter dirty chai latte that somehow just tasted like a weak americano. Breakfast burrito took over 45 minutes to come out (when the place was less than 1/2 full) and somehow managed to be cold and completely unseasoned. The entire thing tasted of avocado and only avocado because it was somehow the most flavorful part of the meal. Massive waste of money, awful experience, absolutely wouldn't come here or order from them again. read more

The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Bland food. Rude staff. The Eggs Benedict were very under whelming. No seasoning. Broken hollandaise sauce, eggs undercooked. Bacon was burnt. My mimosa was made with pineapple juice? I told the server and she said that's all they had. Confused?! So many great breakfast spots in Chapel Hill, was hoping this would make our rotation :( read more

I have been to Root Cellar a few times and each time have not been disappointed. Huge space with so many options for eating, sitting, talking, meeting friends. I have just been there for breakfast so can only comment on the breakfast side of Root Cellar. Each time I enjoyed by breakfast but not the best I have had. Food is well prepared and good portions. The bakery items are stellar, even the gluten free options! Order at the counter and get a number to place on the table and food is brought to the table. Service is quick and the people working at Root Cellar have always been friendly on my visits and happy to give you their opinion on what to order. Go and enjoy The Root Cellar any time of the day. read more

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The Breakfast was absolutely delicious! We plan on coming back soon. Great ambiance and service!