Local Roots - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Victoria Evans

I finally tried Local Roots yesterday. It was fantastic! Very fresh. I had chicken with tons of green leafy veggies on pita bread. My friend had a BLT which she said was wonderful too. Fast casual place, you order at register. A very nice employee took our order and brought it out to us on the covered veranda. Decor is white, minimalist-modern, clean. Inside there are some stools at a bar, a few picnic-style tables with benches, and a few other tables with chairs and booth seating. Great central location, I especially liked the outdoor seating. Even though it is right on McFarland Blvd and in a busy shopping area by the Tuscaloosa Galleria, we could hear just fine to chat outside. Oh-- they even have a drive-through. We'll be back!

Brian Richey

Chicken Caesar piadine and fries were both very good. First time I had tried Local Roots and I will return when back in the area. Staff was friendly, restaurant was very clean, and food was fresh. All very reasonably priced and generous portions served as well.

Mayy Harriell

I've had Local Roots three times now and each time never disappoints. I've tried their burger and their BLT and both boast fresh flavorful tastes. You can really tell that they source their veggies locally. I dream about the granddaddy fries and that aioli sauce. It's divine and I'm not a big sauce person. It's a little pricey and I wish they had combo pricing instead of everything being a la carte. However, it's definitely worth it and the wait times have never been super long. The establishment itself always seems clean and I don't fear touching anything sticky on the tables which is nice. The outside seating area is small, but well decorated and well maintained. All in all, if you're looking for a new place to try and want delicious food at a Chickfila price, try Local Roots. It's so much better than Chickfila. 10/10

Kelley Elmore

It all starts with the friendly happy faces when you walk in and continues through the delicious food and wonderful music! The portions are huge, especially for the price you pay. The flavor and freshness of the food is outstanding. I will keep coming back!

Richie Legler

The food here is fantastic. I'd suggest dining in, the fries are great when they're fresh but they don't travel very well.

Chelsea

Husband and I were traveling from our day trip in Birmingham back to Meridian and found Local Roots along the way where people raved about the place and the was drive thru. So we gave it a try!

Experience: 5/5 from the online mobile ordering experience that was very easy to navigate and order, to also having it ready to pick up through the drive thru.

Time: We placed ours 10 mins out and it was ready in 10 minutes exactly upon arrival. They also send you texts which is nice!

Food: 10/10 the best “fast food” we’ve ever had on the road. Everything is high quality and excellent! We ordered 2 root burgers, grand daddy fries, a chocolate and vanilla milkshakes. Portions are plenty and truly great quality for the price.

To be honest we said we could totally split a meal next time lol.

The recs: Roots Burger, Grand Daddy Fries, and get extra ranch!! So good. Their local sauces are all pretty good, but the ranch was one of the best. As for the milkshakes, both very good as well! You can’t go wrong with any of them.

If you’re passing through Tuscaloosa, visiting the area, or just exploring I encourage you to give Local Roots a try!

Slade

Reading the mixed reviews for Local Roots I had to try it out for myself and give an honest review. After visiting and trying their food I walked away with mixed emotions.

I will start with the food. Taste and quality I will give Local Roots 4 stars. The burger was great, not the best around but still on the upper level of burgers. My daughter had the Chicken Ceaser Piadine. She enjoyed it but thought Zoe's version was better. We also both felt the meals were incredibly messy. If you are a messy eater you better wear a bib. The fries were good, but not great.

Next I will cover price which I give 2 stars. The burger is an outlandish $9.00 with no sides. The Chicken Ceaser Piadine $8.00, an order of fries which we split was $3.50, and 2 drinks at $2.00 each. Total meal was almost $30.00. The quality I would argue would lead to a higher price point but I still believe they are overpriced by about $2 on the burger, $1 on the fries, and $1 on the Piadine. Would have helped if the place had a bit of ambience which leads me to my last point.

The place has 0 ambience. Nice tables, a few outside seats, and bar seating that runs alongside a window (not an actual bar with bartender, just row seating with stools). The staff while capable was not overly friendly. I prefer the Chik-fil-a experience with the staff over Local Roots. The only decor I saw is what appeared to be a merchandise wall for Local Roots branded products. I have to give the place a 2 on ambience. It was clean, it was clinical. The interior has the charm of a waiting room.

Overall it has good food if you want a burger and have the money to burn. Don't expect an experience or you will be dissapointed.

C Porter

BLT some hummus & Flatbread ice tea.12 -5-22 Chili fries and grilled cheese sandwich with 2 desserts and a smoothie on the way.12 -19-22 Got the famous Burger and fries with a grinch milkshake. 01-04-23 me and my wife.9-17-23, and family.