The Root Cellar Cafe & Catering is a delightful hidden gem located down the hill from Franklin in Midtown Market in North Carolina. It offers a unique culinary experience that combines farm-to-table freshness with Southern hospitality. I visited this place for the first time last weekend, and I must say, it was beyond delicious.
Location 101
Situated on West Franklin Street, The Root Cellar Cafe & Catering is a popular spot among both locals and visitors. As soon as you enter, you are welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The rustic decor, featuring exposed brick walls and wooden furniture, creates a cozy ambiance that immediately puts you at ease. The cafe prides itself on sourcing ingredients from local farms and suppliers, ensuring that every dish is made with the freshest and highest quality produce. From their homemade bread to their signature dishes, every bite is a testament to their commitment to providing an unforgettable dining experience.
Desserts & Sweets
Starting a meal with sweets is not typical, but sometimes it’s worth breaking the rules. My mother always warned me not to have sweets before dinner, but I couldn’t resist. So, I and my friends decided to indulge in some sweet treats before our meal. We started with drip coffee and a vanilla cinnamon latte, which were both rich and flavorful. The latte had a perfect blend of sweet cinnamon and creamy vanilla flavors that made it an ideal companion to the desserts. We then moved on to three delectable desserts, and each one was more delicious than the last.
First, we tried the hot chocolate donut, which was a decadent treat with a rich, chocolatey flavor that was simply mouthwatering. The donut was perfectly fried, and the chocolate glaze on top was the ideal finishing touch. Next, we tried the trash and nut cookie, and it was an explosion of flavors in every bite. The cookie had a perfect balance of salty and sweet, with bits of nuts and chocolate chips scattered throughout. It was soft and chewy, and it melted in your mouth. Finally, we savored the warm cinnamon roll, which was the star of the show. The roll was soft and fluffy, with a gooey center and a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar. It was warm and comforting, and it paired perfectly with my latte. This treat was so delicious that we couldn’t resist having seconds. Each dessert was unique and delicious, and we couldn’t pick a favorite. We left the restaurant feeling satisfied and content, with the memory of our indulgent meal still lingering on our taste buds.
The Breakfast Highlights
One of the highlights of The Root Cellar is its scratch-made breakfast menu. During our dining experience, we indulged in a variety of dishes, including The Farm Plate. This plate consisted of scrambled eggs, a cheese biscuit, bacon, cheese grits, and a fruit garnish. We also tried RC Eggs Benedict, which was perfect for those craving something savory. This dish included poached eggs with fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese served on toasted ciabatta. The dish was topped with strawberry hollandaise and came with a choice of tater tots or cheese grits. The eggs were cooked to perfection and the seasoning on the tots melted in our mouths. We highly recommend this restaurant for anyone who wants a classic American breakfast or a unique twist on a Southern favorite. Their fluffy buttermilk pancakes, topped with seasonal berries and a dollop of whipped cream, are a crowd favorite.
Lunchtime Must-Haves
Lunchtime at The Root Cellar offers a variety of options that are sure to satisfy any palate. I found the wide selection of sandwiches and wraps they offer very impressive. The menu had a variety of options to suit different tastes and preferences. As a fan of chicken salad, I was particularly excited to try their Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich, which is served on wheat bread. I was not disappointed! The juicy chicken salad combined with the soft and flavorful bread was amazing. The sandwich also came with a side of pickles that added a lovely crunch and tanginess to the dish. In addition to the Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich, we also tried The Cubano and BLT sandwich with egg. The Cubano was filled with layers of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed on a Cuban roll. The bread was perfectly crispy on the outside, while the fillings were warm and gooey. The BLT sandwich with egg was equally satisfying. The bacon was crispy and the egg was cooked to perfection, making the sandwich a great option for breakfast or lunch.
@lexpaigeandtheodore I loved this #northcarolina #hiddengem so many delicous #food choices! #therootcellarcafe #chapelhill #raleighnc #thingstodonc #northcarolinahiddengems
Let’s Recap
The Root Cellar not only operates a cafe but also provides catering services for special events and occasions. Their experienced team will collaborate with you to create a customized menu that suits your needs, whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or a casual gathering with friends. Additionally, The Root Cellar offers affordable and delicious prepared family dinners in meat and vegetarian options for two or four people, all made from scratch.
So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to visit The Root Cellar Cafe & Catering and treat your taste buds to a wonderful culinary experience. If you visit, be sure to tell them Lex Paige sent you!
With Love,
Lex Paige
