Taproot Cafe & Bar

I agree with SusieCreamCheese that I mostly want to keep this hidden gem to myself, but to be honest I am not good at keeping secrets. I have been here on multiple occasions for drinks because their cocktails are legit. But today we unlocked a new addiction. They do not play around with their food menu. Not only are the ingredients top-notch, but the bread might be just as good as Bakery Nouveau. Maybe that's where they get their bread? We will be back to try every sandwich/salad!Staff was great, as always. Very knowledgeable and conversational. One reason you shouldn't come here is because I want to get a table right away. But really you should come here because it's sooo good!

Roast beef sandwich was really good. Veg sandwich with mushroom was pretty good too. Nice people.

We went here on seafair weekend and the owner/bartender needs some training when it comes to the customer service industry. We have no issue with his decision, but rather the way he went about it. Poor customer service.There was about a group of 7 of us and we pushed together two tables to sit (bars suggestion). Please note, the place was half empty. There's a large booth open right in front of us. 4 of us ordered something, and the remaining 3 were seated with water. We were chatting, I was talking about waiting to eat at the seafair (I wanted a lobster roll, perhaps chatting about this triggered the man) and then we were just busy on our phones or talking.The bartender comes up to us and tells us that this wasn't a park and he was running a business (condescending rather than polite, we aren't a bunch of children). It took me a minute to register his grumpy aged face was kicking us out but he was hiding in the back by then, and all he did was create an uncomfortable atmosphere at the table. Again, this place is half empty. the salads and menu are probably why, my friend ordered the salad and it looked pathetic for $16 but you know what? we can wait outside. We have no issue with that! He never told us we were being too loud, or talking too much or anything. We had no problem leaving (he is running a business, after all), but did us leaving fill in those chairs that were empty? it's with our table, we just wanted to sit with our friends. Bad vibes. He could've simply said the tables were reserved for paying patrons only, kindness doesn't hurt. Surprisingly enough, we were still hungry after seafair and walked by the establishment again. If the place had half decent food or good customer service we could have returned. Rude service and over-priced food is NOT worth it. Why frequent an establishment that brings bad vibes from the owner himself? Plenty of nicer places nearby like the tex-mex spot or something... at least they smile at you.

Amazing Every Time!!!!The drinks are made with love and the food is ALWAYS delicious. I usually go around late lunch / early dinner time for appetizers or a meal with a cocktail or two. Staff is the sweetest and the atmosphere is always a vibe. I usually end up stuffing my face before remembering to take a picture . NOTHING was left behind, literally good to the last drop. Also, the smoothies!!! Get a smoothie!!!!

I would say Taproot is a solid neighborhood cafe. Their salads, soups, and sandwiches are pretty decent and I like their green juice/smoothie. They're also one of the few places that are open for lunch on a weekday in Columbia City! You can generally walk in and get seated without a wait. I've heard mixed things about the service, but it's generally been fine the few times I've gone. It can be a little slow/you have to catch their attention, but I don't mind.

The drinks were great, the food was pretty good. (The food would have been better on better plates - not the tiny clear cafe plates they were served on .... but now I'm just being picky) The staff was nice enough, although we went in specifically to sit at a booth. It was early in the evening so the place was pretty empty- we were told no to our booth request, that we would need to sit at a two top table. No biggie, we rolled with it - I did however notice that the restaurant did not fill up while we ate our meal and as we left there was a couple (of 2) eating at one of the booths. Which felt a bit like maybe it was random who gets told 'yes' to the request to sit at a booth and who is told 'no go sit over there' ... it's better to let people sit where they want

The cuban panino sandwich is my new favorite!Really nice dark, evening atmosphere. Casual, neighborhood spot. Service is a bit uneven but totally fine if you don't let it get to you. Amazing list of cocktails. Really great apple tart dessert. Could Be Better: 1-2 more vegan options and pls implement a noise reduction strategy. (!!)

I went back to Taproot. It was great, as usual. Here's what I like: 1. The food is very good - consistently2. The prices are reasonable3. It seems to be a local gem. I see regulars, repeat customers4. It's intimate and cosy dining. If you sit at the bar, other customers usually are friendly and talk. 5. Speaking of the bar, the bartenders are knowledgeable about both liquors and wines.I'm a local. Happy to have this in my backyard!

Cocktail goodService mehFood overpriced/underportionedDogs NOT ALLOWED (they lyin)

We visited Tap Root with our foreign exchange student from South Africa. Her ID was denied without explanation siting management rules regarding foreign identification. When she asked why given a foreign ID is a legal document she was told, "I'm just following the rules." We would have loved to visit this location regularly and are now unable. I find this policy xenophobic and rude.