The Alternate Root Cafe — Restaurant in Uralla

Have previously visited this Café and enjoyed the food and drinks, today left us a little confused and very disappointed. After a long drive we arrived at 2:00PM the waiter asked if we were dining in or just coffee and cake, my response was dining in, the waiter then informed us the kitchen closed at 2 PM and only coffee, toasted sandwiches or cake were available. I pointed out it was 2:00PM. Surely, they could make one last order. Their response was very curt and reaffirmed only coffee and cake, this is when we should have left and found somewhere else to have a meal. My wife was hungry, so she settled for a ham and cheese croissant with a hot chocolate. Both were okay. It would have been nice if they used ham off the bone instead of heavily processed ham. My coffee was nice and creamy but had a strange taste to which I was unable to detect the flavour, not very enjoyable. I did ask the staff if my coffee was made using FC milk and, yes, so it must have been the coffee beans. This is a greatly appointed restaurant in a heritage building, shame there is no flexibility with their service. The waiter didn’t even approach the kitchen to ask if they could prepare one last lunch. Had we walked in five minutes earlier would it have been the same response? There is a lot of room for improvement in their staff’s attitude; we never saw any of the waiters smile once, while their response was always short and sharp. Would we dine there again? Probably not. Would we recommend them to our traveling friends? Probably not. With this review I may come across as a whiner, however when you have just driven 500km all you want to do is take a decent brake, have a nice meal not have toasted sandwich before continuing. If you check any of my other reviews I've always tried to find positives in any place when making poor reviews of any...

I never ever post reviews. That’s how you know this place is special

This is the best place for any occasion.

I would give it 11/10 across the board

For more details, see below.

We’ve been coming to the Root 2-3 times a month for 6 years. We have never EVER had a bad meal, or bad service. The staff are all lovely and friendly.

The coffee is the best. Not the best around, not the best nearby, but THE BEST. Shout out to the baristas for their incredible latter art, almost makes it a shame to drink it but it tastes so good you just can’t bring yourself to regret destroying their work.

The food is always amazing, the chefs make the most of every flavour in every dish. The menu usually has something for everyone and the specials are truly special meals. 9 of the top 10 meals I’ve had in my life have been here, with 1st place being obligatorily saved for my fiancés’ cooking.

The atmosphere is beautiful day or night. Location is fantastic, not only worth a drive from Armidale but I would drive from Tamworth for their Eggs Benny. (I would fly in from Los Angeles for their fried chicken burger)

The prices are always fair, we always say we are going to cook more and not go out as much, but one meal at the root is filling enough for a whole day so we like to think we are making the economically smart choice as well as the delicious one!

An amazing place for any occasion at all.

Thank you Andy and everyone who has worked there for being the best part of our weekend for 6 years. This local business has all of our support and always will If you ever start catering weddings please let us know and we will get divorced so you can cater...

I have become a regular visitor to The Alternative Route in Uralla, as indicated by the numerous photos I've taken during my visits. What draws me back time and again is not only the charming ambiance but also the consistently high quality of their offerings. From their expertly brewed coffee to their rich and indulgent hot chocolates, every drink on their menu is a treat for the senses.

Speaking of senses, the atmosphere they have cultivated within their establishment is truly inviting. The cozy and comfortable setting creates a perfect backdrop for unwinding, whether it's catching up with friends or enjoying a moment of solitude with a good book.

What truly completes the experience, though, is the remarkable service provided by their staff. Each encounter has been marked by attentiveness, friendliness, and a genuine passion for ensuring customers leave with smiles on their faces. It's clear that the staff takes immense pride in creating a positive and memorable experience for everyone who walks through the door.

In a world where consistency can be hard to come by, The Alternative Route stands out as a beacon of reliability. It's a place where you can confidently expect not only a delightful culinary journey but also an atmosphere that feels like a warm embrace. As I reflect on my numerous visits, I'm reminded of the old adage that says, "Good things come to those who wait." In my case, it's more accurate to say, "Great things come to those who return," and The Alternative Route in Uralla is a shining...