Taproot OLD MILL CAFE — Restaurant in Salem

Love the atmosphere of this place, but the service needs work, and while most of the food is fufilling, today, my food was a huge disappointment. I almost never write reviews, but this was bad and others in the party agreed.

Most people in our group got what they paid for, and it was hearty. I got the (3) Taproot Tacos which are described as having "arugula, onion, cilantro, and molé" and cost $12. When they arrived, there was about 1-2oz. of chicken (approx. 5-7 little cubes) on each, literally a couple leaves of arugula, a small dash of molé, and no cilantro or onion. The only side was a 1/2 full, small cup of salsa.

When I asked for more molé, the onion that should come with it, and some extra tomato to make a heartier breakfast, they did provide it. However, when the check came, they charged me $2 for a total of $14. This was per the "chef" according to the waitress. This ended up being (2) decent tacos after I added fried brussels sprouts and potatoes from others in the group. So, $7 per taco. Ouch.

Plus, we have been going here once a month, every month, for at least a year and they suddenly want a reservation. I understand they want to staff appropriately, but we never know if it will be 4 people or 10. So, our group has decided to look elsewhere after the experience today. Love Tap Root in general, just not going back to this...

I had heard positive remarks about this location and was looking forward to a pleasant brunch. However, the server seemed to be having a difficult time. When a member of our party requested bacon instead of Canadian bacon on the eggs Benedict, she mentioned she was hesitant to ask the cook due to his “mood.” Upon insistence, she took the modified order but swiftly returned stating they were “out” of eggs Benedict. The next menu item included country potatoes with bell peppers. When requested to omit the peppers, the server once again hesitated, inquiring if it was due to an allergy or personal preference. After clarifying it was a personal preference, she expressed fear again about asking the cook to modify the dish. Eventually, when the food arrived, it was well-prepared, although the over medium eggs were served over easy. The server was apologetic while handing us the check. As we exited the restaurant, we overheard the cook sternly discussing menu substitutions with the server. Despite well-prepared food, the unwillingness to accommodate simple menu modifications and the palpable tension between the cook and the server significantly marred the...

I want to be clear that my review is NOT a reflection of the staff, they were absolutely trying their hardest. We had a terrible dining experience here. When we arrived we were told they were short staffed and running a bit behind. We were happy to sit for coffee as we were told it would only be a 20 minute delay, and there were only a couple other tables present. While we had coffee the one waitress on staff began openly crying by the register and had to be sent on break. Backup did arrive, and like I said, she did her best with the dumpster fire she had been handed. Orders were missing items, our food was stone cold when we got it, one of our party had to wait for her equally cold food for an additional 10 minuted after we got ours. Some of our food was brought out by the cook himself because they were so short staffed. We decided to stay after being told they were short staffed and that part is on us, but that the owner allowed this level of short staffing is appalling, especially on a Sunday morning. Better to close for the day than to allow your servers to take that kinda heat. Will not...