Root: Allston Vegan Café

Last spring a much-loved vegan pizzeria, Peace O’Pie, closed in Allston. Its loyal fan based found itself deprived of yet another place to find local vegan food. The open space did not go to waste, however, when Root opened in July 2013 as a café and juicery with an entirely vegan-friendly menu. It’s under the same ownership as vegan ice cream café, FoMu, and is just two shops down.

I finally visited yesterday during its brunch hours (Sat. & Sun. 9:30am-2:30pm) and though I fully intended getting breakfasty things, I just could not resist trying the Root burger. It’s listed on the menu as a “house made black bean and quinoa burger with Boston lettuce, tomato, crispy onions, and garlic aioli.” I chose a side of herbed fries, which were good, but not anything to rave about. The burger was both delicious and unique. I’m full and I still want another.

My friend Jaimee decided to get the Po’ Boy, a sandwich with crispy cauliflower, spicy house rémoulade (French tartar-like sauce), sweet pickles, lettuce, and tomato on an Iggy’s bun. Jaimee said, “If all vegan food was like this, I’d give it a try.” She even likes Root’s version of the Louisiana classic better than the original.

I’d say the food, being local and vegan, was reasonably priced with full meals ranging from $7-9. The café was crowded when Jaimee and I got there so we were lucky to get to barstool seats facing the street. It took about 20 minutes for our food to come out after we ordered, but the wait was definitely worth it. Considering neither of us are vegan and were still drooling at nearly everything on the menu, Root is a great café for anyone to go to. Jaimee and I already started a list of things we have to come back to try, like the donuts and hushpuppies.

Does anyone have an alternative experience at Root? What other items from the menu would you recommend?