Roots Natural Kitchen

Bustling atmosphere on Ohio Campus area.
First time there.
This quick-serve restaurant reminded me of a slower version of Bibibop.
While Roots is slower with production, its food was very flavorful.
I loved the BBQ tofu.
If you're a non-OSU student like myself, I recommend ordering online, having it delivered, or picking it up.
Otherwise, you have to find parking or have someone watch the vehicle.
Don't expect a quick in and out, unkess you're picking up.It's not like Chipotle or Bibibop, where you step and point to what you want.
Either you pick a specialty or tell them exactly what you want up front.
I think online will allow less pressure and easier guidance if you want to build your own bowl. The other people in the background were fixing pre-order foods.

Owner response

A good, healthy, quick option.
Only 4 stars because it’s nothing out of this world, but I’m so glad I went and the flavors were good.
I’ll definitely be back when I’m running low on time and want a quick, healthy bite to eat.
Their bowl sizes are good, you get what you pay for.
The staff is friendly and helpful.
The space is nothing special, just table and chairs for a quick sit down.
I was excited by the idea of Roots, thinking the inside would be all cutesy, but it was more of a fast-food/Chipotle style feel.

Owner response

I was excited to try this new place.
I think it has some rough edges that it needs to work out. The space is sort of minimalistic/open and airy but the entrance also cuts the Dino g room in half and created an environment that is a bit closed off.
The decor feels a bit IKEA, and a bit empty. The food needs to be a bit mire defined.
The options all felt a little similar- bowls, salads, etc pretty similar components and the pricing was a little awkward.
I got a bowl with chicken and the chunks of chicken were really big.
I liked that it was real chicken the cook right there but it should be more finely chopped. The mixing of the ingredients I’m it sure if it’s inexperience but the workers put the take out container inside the main bowl which was odd.
Overall this place is like sweet greens but less refined.

Owner response