The Root Note — Restaurant in La Crosse

I'm going to start with the good and move to the ehh...

The good: it is AMAZING to have The Rootnote back, it has been a long couple of years without them. They still have the same great coffee, teas, and the new craft cocktails are a nice touch! The larger bar is a plus and I would assume the updated kitchen alleviates stress from the previous set up. The rotating craft beers are still pretty good too, but it's lacking the finesse from prior. I'm sure that once they've been back up and running this will go back to normal too. The CHILI - this chili is still amazing and some of the best I've had! If you haven't tried it, go now!

The ehh: The bright, white, lack of color wasn't The Rootnote I knew and loved... There is nothing wrong with it, but the draw to The Rootnote was the dark and moody ambiance that was unpretentious and showcased local art. It used to be dark and eclectic with lots of different tables, chairs, funky lights, etc., you always felt cool and mysterious just being there. I'm assuming the local artwork will come back, but I wish they would have renamed this place if they were giving it a face-lift. It just doesn't FEEL like The Rootnote anymore. It seems commercialized and a bit basic in comparison to how unique it previously was. I was disappointed with how small the crepe menu had become. Why can't I get a savory crepe after 3pm and have to settle for the banana and cinnamon sugar one or vice versa, ya know? It just seems odd to section off the menu like that. Last, the layout with the stage and new kitchen didn't seem to flow as well either. Who knows if they are planning to continue with the different trivia and open mic nights they used to have, but something to consider!

With all of that said, I will obviously be back, but it's definitely not the fun, rustic spot it once ways, the charm that La Crosse embodies. Still a decent spot and I am sharing purely based on someone who has lived in La Crosse for...

I stopped in La Crosse for the night on my way to a funeral. There are a few coffee shop options in the city, but this looked most like my style based on my online search. The menu is unique, but also has the classics. I bought 3 different beverages (all for myself 👀👀 because i couldn't decide on just one). My favorite was the Green Glow, which was matcha, lavender, chamomile, and tonic. All 3 were absolutely delicious. There was oat milk available, which i appreciate as someone with a milk intolerance. The barista was very friendly and helpful. We had a great chat while they made my drinks. I thought the atmosphere was nice in the shop. Lots of windows and the natural light was complimented by the white walls. There's lots of space to sit. There were a couple of tables outside as well. The space was recently remodeled, so everything was in great shape. There is plenty of street parking right outside. The only thing I would change is having the current menu available for viewing on their website/social media. I'm the kind of person that loves to analyze a menu and decide what I want before i go in. (Thanks anxiety!) However the barista was patient and very willing to help me find the right beverage.

I also really appreciated that all of the employees i saw were wearing masks! 💚💚💚

If I'm ever in the area again, The Root Note will be my...

I want to love this place - there's so much potential. BUT every time we go in there's one thing that's screwed up. Last time the espresso machine was broken AND they were out of brewed coffee. Somehow they made us a couple of decent Americanos (maybe it was just the steam wand that was broken?). This time it was just a long wait. We ordered two coffee drinks (cortado and a cappuccino) and a couple of glasses of sparkling water. Waited 20 minutes for the coffees to come out, but still no water. When I went to the counter to ask about the waters a frazzled barista said 'we're working on that'. Not sure what that meant.

Honestly, the Root Note has great coffee. My cortado was perfect and my wife's cappuccino was as well. Its my impression that the staff is doing the best that they can given the circstances, but there's just a handful.of things in the place that need some attention (espresso machine maintenance, etc.). We'll still go there for coffee, but its hard to recommend to anyone else with higher...