The Root Cafe

The Root Cafe is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, near the Arkansas River and Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. The cafe is known for its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients from Arkansas farmers and Arkansas producers, such as Heifer International and Arkansas Farm Bureau. The Root Cafe has been featured in several publications, including Arkansas Times and Little Rock Soiree, and has been recognized for its contributions to the local Little Rock community, alongside other notable establishments like South on Main and The Capital Hotel.

● History

The Root Cafe was founded by Jack Sundell and Corri Bristow-Sundell, who were inspired by the Slow Food movement and the work of Alice Waters and Chez Panisse. The cafe's history is closely tied to the development of the South Main Street area, which has undergone significant revitalization efforts in recent years, thanks in part to the efforts of organizations like the Little Rock Downtown Partnership and the Arkansas Arts Center. The Root Cafe has also been influenced by the state's rich culinary heritage, which includes traditional Arkansas cuisine and the work of notable chefs like Frank Stitt and John Besh.

● Menu and Services

The Root Cafe's menu features a range of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including Arkansas-grown produce, Ozark-raised meats, and Delta-caught fish. The cafe's menu is inspired by the work of chefs like Thomas Keller and Daniel Boulud, and includes dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and fried chicken, which are also popular at other Southern restaurants like Husk and The Loveless Cafe. The Root Cafe also offers a range of craft beers and Arkansas wines, including those from Post Familie Vineyards and Chateau Aux Arc.

● Location and Atmosphere

The Root Cafe is located in the South Main Street area of Little Rock, Arkansas, near the Arkansas River and Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. The cafe's atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a decor that reflects the state's rich history and culture, including works by Arkansas artists like Lamar Sorrells and Robin Hazard Ray. The Root Cafe is also close to other popular attractions, including the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, which are both part of the National Park Service.

● Community Involvement

The Root Cafe is committed to supporting the local Little Rock community, and has partnered with organizations like Heifer International and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce hunger in the state. The cafe has also hosted events and fundraisers for local charities, including the Arkansas Foodbank and the Little Rock Soup Kitchen, and has been recognized for its contributions to the community by organizations like the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Arkansas Hospitality Association. The Root Cafe's community involvement is similar to that of other notable restaurants, like The Grey and The Publican, which are also committed to supporting local food systems and social justice initiatives.

● Reception and Reviews

The Root Cafe has received widespread critical acclaim, including positive reviews from publications like The New York Times and Southern Living. The cafe has been recognized for its creative menu and commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, and has been named one of the best restaurants in Arkansas by organizations like the Arkansas Times and the Little Rock Soiree. The Root Cafe has also been praised by notable food critics, including Jonathan Gold and Alan Richman, who have highlighted the cafe's unique approach to Southern cuisine and its contributions to the local Little Rock food scene, alongside other notable establishments like South on Main and The Capital Hotel. Category:Restaurants in Arkansas