DENReview

Root Down image

Root Down

AmericanVegetarian

Highlands

$$$$Perfect For:BrunchEating At The BarOutdoor/Patio SituationSmall PlatesVegetarians
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Root Down has been serving up seasonal fare since 2008, back when they were really one of the first restaurants to make some noise up here in the Highlands. But things have changed. Long an island onto itself, Root Down has a ton of competition these days. Trendier neighbors like Old Major, Uncle, and Williams & Graham get more shine, but Root Down just keeps puttin’ in work. And we here at The Infatuation are big fans.

All the things we love about Root Down have remained the same since they opened. The decor is elegant (for a former gas station), but relaxed. Service is excellent without being stuffy. And the patio is still one of the best in town, featuring great views of downtown. Most importantly, though, the food is always really good. Root Down is now a Denver staple, and regardless of the newer, flashier restaurants that will surely continue to surround it, this restaurant will be a staple for years to come.

There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and/or gluten-free options on the menu at Root Down, and while that's much of what they made their name on, you don’t have to be someone who pretends to like the taste of chickpea flour to enjoy a meal here. As a matter of fact, one of the better things here is a $31 short rib, and the cocktails are always strong and creative. Nothing like a stiff drink to wash down a whole sh*tload of brussels sprouts and legumes. And while dinner is the focus, brunch is also an extremely popular and reliable move. The mole breakfast burrito alone is worth a visit. You can even substitute in "Soyrizo" if you like, and we might even try that once we know what it is. Then again, no we won't.

Food Rundown

Root Down image

Kale & Brussels Sprouts Salad

Salads can be exciting and this is the proof. A ton of texture and flavor makes this dish a must order.

Carrot & Thai Red Curry Soup

One of the mainstays on a constantly changing menu for a reason. It’s delicious. The apple/pear chutney at the bottom is a bright surprise.

Seared Colombian Arepas

We could eat these cheesy, griddled corn cakes all day. And we sometimes do.

Spinach & Ricotta Gnocchi

While the gnocchi themselves are a bit bland, the overall flavor is strong when combined with plums, bleu cheese, and romesco sauce.

Sweet Corn Risotto

An absolutely delicious bowl full of fall flavors that’s plenty big enough for two. We loved the kale pesto and highly recommend throwing on a couple of seared scallops.

Veggie Burger Sliders

Nicely griddled patties that are still juicy thanks to the jalapeno jam. The sweet potato fries are also crazy good.

Strawberry Nectarine Crisp

Not a bad happy ending. Warm strawberries and cream with nectarines and a millet crumble that reminded us of bag cereal (in a good way). If you’re looking for something smaller, try the “Local Ritual Chocolate”, which we assume is prepared by Druids atop a stone altar.

FOOD RUNDOWN

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