Rooted — Restaurant in Minooka

Rooted in Manooka is more than just a dining spot; it’s a standout gem in the farm-to-table scene that bridges the gap between sophisticated dining and heartwarming hospitality. Even for someone hailing from the culinary-rich San Francisco Bay Area, this place makes a memorable mark.

The atmosphere at Rooted immediately sets a welcoming tone, with a bar scene that beautifully balances elegance and accessibility. Meghan, our bartender, crafted cocktails that were not only a treat for the eyes but also exquisite on the palate. The extensive bourbon selection is particularly impressive, catering to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Chef Eddie, who is also the owner, personally served each dish, adding a remarkably personal touch to our dining experience. The visual presentation of each course was stunning, and the flavors were even more impressive. The appetizers were a delight; the pork belly with grits and burnt honey offered a perfect sweet counterpoint to the savory richness, while the burrata with pumpkin seeds introduced a creative crunch. The beet salad was perhaps the best I’ve ever had, with its perfectly cooked beets providing a delightful bite.

The main course of pappardelle with oxtail was a true masterpiece. The pasta, freshly made, held onto a light yet flavorful sauce, with tender oxtail that melted in the mouth—a testament to Chef Eddie’s skill in flavor balance.

Dessert, often an afterthought for me, was transformative. The green apple crème brûlée balanced delicate sweetness with a refreshing tartness, and the sourdough brownie was so fluffy it could bring a tear of joy. These desserts were not just enjoyable but discussed enthusiastically long after they were devoured.

Service throughout the evening was impeccable. Meghan ensured our culinary journey was smooth, mirroring the thoughtfulness that went into each dish and drink. Rooted in Manooka is a true culinary leading light, unassuming yet exceptional, where Chef Eddie’s passion, culinary magic, combined with heartfelt service, makes Rooted an...

Best burger I have had in a long while. Atomosphere is small town with gourmet undertones in the food. To stamp your restaurants name on your burger is a bold move, showing pride in your work.

Atmosphere was okay, small town bar feel, and someone brought a guitar in? They weren't really performing, just strumming and such, were they hired for entertainment? There was a lady that also would bump into my chair as she was sliding hers back while she was chatting with guitarist and friends.

Now to the service. We were asked if it was our first time at Rooted, it was. First impressions matter a lot. I don't know if it is this one server we had but we had a completely different server fill our water after we were asked if we wanted tap or spring etc after an odd wait. That's fine I suppose. However when the server was explaining the menu to us, a couple that the server knew was behind her surprised her and she just.. turned around. She talked for like two minutes. Lol what?! I looked at my date and both of us where so confused. Anyway food eventually came out, and was good. But that wall you have next to the bar that the servers were behind. HOW are we suppose to flag someone down when we need water when there are no servers in sight?? We luckily had a server fill ANOTHER TABLES glasses and flagged him down.

I would understand completely if there was bad managers or server burnout but that clearly wasn't it as a ?patron? Seemed to be chatting up servers or whoever was on the otherside of the wall.

The check then comes AND WE WERE DOUBLE CHARGED for our cheesecake.

We had it corrected, paid and left.

So what is Rooted? A small town bar trying to break the mold with specialty dishes. Which with the food they provide, they most definitely do. But with this service, it doesn't matter if it is the best burger I've had (it was), first impressions REALLY matter for a new business.

"Is this your first time here?"

Yes it was our first time at Rooted, and it will also...

Rooted in Minooka is the best thing to happen to the food scene in this area in a very long time. The service staff is extremely friendly and the bartenders are both highly talented and hospitable! Speaking of talent, Chef Eddy and his kitchen crew are dishing out some phenomenal fare that is both creative and delicious! I am always excited to see a restaurant that features a smaller menu with expertly curated dishes and focuses on a few menu items and doing them right, rather than having many menu options and doing them just good enough to get by, especially when working with high-end ingredients from locally sourced suppliers! At Rooted, everything is done RIGHT, from their culinary delights from the kitchen to the hand-crafted cocktails from the bar. Everything is delicious, but the Gnudi is ridiculously good and the NY Strip was the best I ever had! But for a lighter bite, definitely get the scallops! However, you will not regret any decision you make in regards to their menus.

In addition, I cannot forget to mention Brenda and her front-of-the-house team that is killing it with top-notch hospitality. Though all of their bartenders are great, Monica is my favorite of the bunch! She is very knowledgeable on many aspects of her craft and does a fantastic job of offering recommendations and cocktail/food pairings. I enjoy watching her create these classic speak-easy cocktails; however, I enjoy drinking them even more! She is a true rock-star behind the bar over there at Rooted.

If you haven’t worked your way over to Rooted by now, you are truly missing out on a great dining experience. Whether you visit them on a night where they are featuring live music, or just stopping in for a quick bite and cocktail, you will not be disappointed! Rooted is my new favorite spot in this area and beyond! Make yourself a reservation or just pop in. They will take very good...