Roots Cafe 639 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215

"Roots has great coffee, great espresso, great food and great pastries, but more than all of that greatness it is a place that has dedicated itself to being a sanctuary for many different kinds of people, and for promoting arts, help and communal gatherings: practices which I have found to slowly be dwindling away in NYC over the years. The owner Trish is extremely open and receptive to ideas and is constantly bringing a light of expression and acceptance and color to this cafe, and there is an ongoing calendar of open mics and discussions and events that my heart in the midst of so much gentrification had been yearning for. As soon as you walk into this space you no longer feel like a drifter but like a person who has been welcomed into a large inclusive mealtime and I have found it easy here for my inner muse to find her space and flow with any work or writing projects that I had come with my laptop to complete."

"Roots is more than just a coffee shop - it's a community. Not only are their food and drinks delicious, this is a place you can come to connect with people and feel at home. The vibe is laid back and welcoming, and the staff are so friendly and kind. Roots also does so much to give back to the community, including collecting coats, school supplies and food for their neighbors of Brooklyn. I highly recommend visiting (or making it your regular spot!)."

"Found this place on Happy Cow, seemed okay from Google Maps and I was really excited to order from here because I’ve been hungry! and wanted to start my morning off right but unfortunately, this place was extremely disappointing Literally some of the worst vegan food I’ve ever had The tofu scramble has dill in it, completely unnecessary and disgusting The wrap was supposed to have avocado and salsa and it was missing, on top of overcompensating with the black beans it’s basically a black bean wrap This food was just not good! Never again! Also for the price I paid ($32) and it tasted awful along with missing ingredients My partner also did not like their food, however they cook their eggs is not good I don’t recommend, eat at a real food place instead of Roots Cafe"

"Perfect music, damn perfect coffee, an ideal setting for a quick bite and chat, or just to wind down. I don't visit often because I'm out in Long Island now but between the Americano and the blueberry muffin, it's worth the occasional trip."

"What an adorable little cafe, giving back to the community during this time with a free food panty and serving delicious Raspberry hibiscus iced tea, YUM! I am told the sandwiches are delicious and there was a small line of folks excited to get some. Owner was friendly and gave me tips on making espresso at home, Ha! Appreciate it!"