Roots Cafe

Spoke to our waitress and told her I was GF for celiac disease. She was very knowledgeable and explained that 99% of the food is cooked on the same grill. The only thing cooked in their own pan are the omelets (protein like bacon or sausage is cooked on the grill top though). She explained that even the potatoes have a chance of cross contact with gluten containing foods. I was impressed with her knowledge and kind nature when talking with me about GF. Didn’t have a reaction and would come back if wanting an omelet.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch

I was nervous to eat here after reading reviews, but they are all old, so I gave it a chance. And the GF Utah FB page showed some positive experiences. I told the waitress I had celiac and asked what would be the safest dish. She suggested the Huevos Rancheros, which is cooked in its own little dish, and then skipped the corn tortillas. Not a huge fan of those. It was delicious….not super filling. Coffee was great and so was service. I didn’t get sick, so I would try again.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

My husband has celiac and when talked to the server about gf pancakes she said they were cooked on the same surface as regular pancakes. So we went over menus options that she said were cooked in a stainless steel pan. He had there chicken piccata with polenta. He is now sick 5 hours later. I don’t think they understand celiac disease at all.

Celiac friendly?

No

I stopped going after being cross contaminated the last 4 times I went there.

Celiac friendly?

No

Tough call. Good food, but they brought our gf salad out with croutons. They were great about making a new salad, but there are definitely opportunities for cross contamination and it’s hard to communicate well when it’s loud and busy. Probably won’t risk it again. That said, we didn’t get sick. Probably won’t risk it again.

helpful staff, gluten free pancakes. never been sick

Not many options for gluten free. They have a gf menu but my options weren't good. Also worried about contamination.

Celiac friendly?

No

Celiac friendly?

No

Great food but cross contamination should be a concern if you're a celiac

Celiac friendly?

No

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Roots is a cute restaurant of the hipster variety, and it's a solid choice if you don't have to worry about cross-contamination. Unfortunately, no matter what the menu says, the staff aren't worried about it either.

Celiac friendly?

No