Roots

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devrider

Joined 6 years ago

Great New Restaurant! Locals Need to Find This Gem!. I have been to Roots now a few times and have had a great experience each visit. I first went because they offered a great happy hour special (buy a drink and get a free appetizer). I had an amazing tuna tartare and since I eat ahi at any restaurant I can find it, I can tell you, this one is fantastic!!! On my other visits, I decided to try the dinner menu. Both times I have had great meals. The salads are wonderful, as are the soups. And the main courses were also great. I had a filet special one night that was incredible! The next visit I had a halibut that was also delicious. I really like that they only use organic meats and produce too. It makes everything so much tastier.

If you go in just for drinks, make sure to try the spicy almonds. They are absolutely addicting! Yes, they make you want to drink more, but since the bartender is so cool, it is a nice place to spend some time. The other patrons seem to be guests of the hotel, but even they have been friendly and I've found myself there for hours at a time when I only planned on going in for one drink.

The manager is super friendly and makes sure everyone is happy. He goes out of his way to be nice and make everyone feel "at home". Both of my servers were also knowledgable and friendly. Even the doorman and front desk guy were really cool and friendly. All in all, the staff is just great and unassuming.

I have to disagree with the other reviewer about the music. It isn't great jazz, but cheezy muzac elevator music. The first time I was there for drinks, it was funky-ish club beats. The other times I have been there, it has been horrible music. Luckily it isn't too loud so you can ignore it when sitting at the bar.

I would highly recommend you try Roots! Locals really should find out about this place and check it out. I also disagree with the price rating. I would only give it 2 $$, not 3. Go check it out for yourself. You will not be sorry!

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cschroder

Joined 6 years ago

Best FlatIron steak anywhere. The entire experience was great; Chef Russell came out and dicussed the menu and made reccommendations. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and was a delight through out the evening. She sold me a desert when I was too full to eat it. The coconut carmel is to die for, althought the chocolate tart looked sinful. The over all ambience of roots was inviting, comfortable and unrushed. I would reccomend this as a must do in San Francisco.

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sliki

Joined 6 years ago

GREEN...and 10 Points for sure!!!. At first I was a bit skeptical about the whole concept...environmentally conscious / green / organic...so much has been made of it lately. But, after I tried it, I have to say, Roots is REALLY GOOD!!!

Drinks: Have a Martini. the Zentini is incredible. Trevor is a great bartender. Full of stories, very educated, always teaching, it seems. With dinner, have an organic Zinfandel from the Foothills. Totally not what you'd buy in a store - and so worth trying!

Soup: Different soup every night, I think. Made from scratch. I tried the French Onion Soup (very tasty).

Salad: Endive/Smoked Trout. Sooooo good!!! The warm spinach and tofy salad with spicy almonds was perfect for my partner. Would order both again.

Main course: OK - you HAVE TO HAVE the Flat Iron Steak. Better than a Filet Mignon, I swear. The coriander-crusted Ahi was awesome, too.

Dessert: Ask for the chocolate tart. If they have the chocolate bread pudding, take that, too. Unbelievable!!!

The decor: Lots of cream and green. Very "Zen". Some live plants, and some very cool wrought iron (bronze?) artwork. Nice jazz music in the background.

Staff: Trevor was outstanding. So was Fritz. Short guy with a great smile! Very entertaining. Adrienne also helped at our table. Super nice. And, last but not least, Chef Russell Rummer came out on numerous occasions. Loved his demeanor (calm and humble) as much as his food.

I'd go back in a heartbeat...