Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: coffee (18) good (13) great (11) menu (9) atmosphere (8) staff (8) shop (7) friendly (7) Crosse (6) drinks (6)
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  • 3/5 Melissa Berberich (. 2 years ago on Google
    I'm so happy to have the Rootnote back! The new decor is much brighter, which takes some getting used to. It's beautiful, but I loved the darker ambiance of the original, so I'm biased there. The same great coffees, teas, and beverage menus, but the food is cut wayyyyyyy back. Great vegetarian choices. They've done away with most of crepes except the Cremlin and the cinnamon sugar, which saddens me deeply. I have a bit of trouble finding something I enjoy as a pickier eater, but my daughter (a vegetarian with a broader palate than mine) always finds something yummy.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere! Wonderful place to spend a Saturday morning, and the biscuits are amazing!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jenna I. 2 years ago on Google
    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 awhile (5+ years).
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patrick F. 1 year ago on Google
    traveling through for work and stumbled into this gem of a coffee shop. double espresso - perfect, biscuit sandwich- extremely tasty, and music set list from the only ones to the replacements along with fugazi and new order couldn't have made my morning more enjoyable. sit on the stage if you can (as long as no band playing) staff is top notch!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Nash �. 1 year ago on Google
    The location is great right off the river near the park. The food is decent and prepared quickly. I'm not a fan of self-serve. The roasted bean juice is the best part. Not a big fan of the interior change, the past setup had a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Though I like the hosted local art.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sid M. 1 year ago on Google
    A trendy cafe in downtown La Crosse, this place exudes hip vibes. While the breakfast portions may be on the smaller side, their delightful taste makes up for it. Moreover, this cafe offers a wide range of coffee drinks and an impressive selection of craft beers, ensuring there's something for everyone's taste.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Allison K. 1 year ago on Google
    The costumer service was phenomenal! For how busy they were, they asked us if we wanted water and if we needed anything multiple times. The staff went out of their way to accommodate our large group. The menu is vegan and vegetarian friendly with limited options, but still good options. All the food we ordered was delicious! Definitely recommend the chili. It is super cute and aesthetically pleasing inside the cafe. The bathrooms are gorgeous and clean. I especially love how they are contentious of the environment. On a final note, I highly recommend The Root Note!

  • 5/5 Nathan R. 11 months ago on Google
    Some of the best pour over we’ve had as well as a delicious blueberry lemon poppyseed scone. We sat at the bar and the Baristas were very friendly and chatted about the beans they sourced and were trying. Great coffee food atmosphere and service!

  • 5/5 Mamie G. 10 months ago on Google
    Chill vibes, delicious food and great coffee. I had the Cremini crepe which was soooo good and the dill pickle potato salad (who doesn't love the sound of that!) which was OK. I love a basic americano to really taste the espresso flavor and this cafe did not dissappoint. Bold flavor profile without any burnt aftertaste. Limited outdoor seating allowed me to dine in the perfect sunny weather.

  • 4/5 Greg K. 10 months ago on Google
    Visited at 10:30 on a Sunday morning, the place was hopping! That said, there were tables available and the wait was short. The staff was friendly, and the coffee was good. The only downside is that it is a rather noisy environment, with brick walls and nothing to absorb sound.

  • 5/5 Kayla L. 1 year ago on Google
    If you're looking for a different experience try this place. You order at the front counter, pick your food up once they call your number and then you clean up after yourself by putting your dishes in their dirty dish bin. The atmosphere is great. The food was very tasty!

  • 5/5 Melanie Hine (. 1 year ago on Google
    I was in town for my husband’s conference and went to the Root Note on our first full day in La Crosse so that I could get some coffee and work. I ended up coming back the next 2 days and spending most of the day there working because I loved it so much. Chill atmosphere, good food and coffee, friendly staff, and plenty of outlets along the bar to plug your laptop into.

  • 5/5 Sophie N. 11 months ago on Google
    Cool coffee shop and cafe with good vibes and good food/drinks. Stopped in for lunch while in LaCrosse for the day. I had a lavender chamomile latte and the cremini crepe, both of which were very good. Their beer selection was pretty extensive and they appear to have a well-stocked bar for cocktails. The space is very open yet inviting and the staff were all friendly and professional. Will definitely stop by next time I'm in town! I have my eye on a biscuit sandwich 👀

  • 5/5 Jonathan S. 1 year ago on Google
    My wife and I about given up on where to go for outstanding coffee. We were pleasantly surprised when we came to try The Root Note. The care and attention from the atmosphere to the flavors. I had a Breve and I can confidently say my favorite coffee in all the Coulee Region. Also their crepes are something that I would expect to come out of a Top Chefs kitchen. Thank you to all the staff for a great coffee date with my wife.

  • 5/5 Madison 1 year ago on Google
    The food and drinks were spot on, would definitely be a regular if I lived in the area. Syrup was house made, and there were gluten-free and vegan options available. The staff was gracious and helpful with questions and recommendations (they even switched the esspeso in a drink, so the flavor profile would match my meal better!) The espresso and tonics were light and refreshing; I wish more shops offered this as an option.

  • 5/5 Tiffany Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Great (and beautiful) coffee. The cinnamon sugar crepe was fantastic too.

  • 5/5 Patrick H. 1 year ago on Google
    I hadn't been in this shop for a couple of years, so the remodel was a bit of a surprise. A fairly standard alt coffee shop is now a bright, clean, open space that manages to avoid being cold. There is a simple menu of hot food as well as alcoholic offerings. My breakfast biscuit was delicious. A perfectly-flavored, soft biscuit that didn't fall apart, with a nicely-cooked easy egg and tasty meat and sauteed mushroom for seasoning. I don't usually expect something this good from a coffee shop, honestly. The scone was better than average, too, with bits of fresh fruit and a good balance between sweetness and pockets of butter/salt. The coldpress was bright and fruity, as it should be, and every person who helped me was friendly. Overall, much more than I was expecting (in the best way).

  • 2/5 Victoria H. 1 year ago on Google
    Normally I’ve had great experiences with dine in, the food quality is always amazing, but I got some of their chili to go because it’s really good. The sizes used to be cup or bowl and when I first asked for cup the cashier said it changed to one bigger size. So I posted a picture of what I got. I called and complained that I thought this wasn’t fair for how much the chili costs for the “bigger” size. They Just said someone made a mistake and they will let the kitchen know but I wish they would’ve offered me a refund it’s not like someone should still pay as much as they used to ask or maybe offer two sizes. This seems like cutting corners to me. My first food jobs I was always taught the real point is to make sure people are getting what they paid for at the very least. To-go shouldn’t compromise quality and I hope that improves so I can be happy ordering again and not feeling ripped off.

  • 5/5 Diana 1 year ago on Google
    Delicious drinks that turned my morning around! The staff were a great delight too! I asked for recommendation for something refreshing but not too sweet, and the recommended tonic espresso hit the spot. We also tried the herbal tea with blueberry and it was refreshing as well. The interior is tasteful and huge with a lot of seating. I hope to stop by again to try other items!

  • 5/5 Rich and Jess B. 6 years ago on Google
    Hip coffeeshop with light vegetarian fare, loud music, and lots of students. The menu is short, consisting of crêpes, soup, salad, granola, coffee, tea, beer, and cider. I love that it’s so local/organic/fair-trade focused. Haven’t been here for a show but hear the live music is great.

  • 5/5 C.S. S. 1 year ago on Google
    The Root Note is still one of the best places in La Crosse! Will always love going there. It's better than ever since it reopened this year! Amazing food, beautiful remodel.

  • 5/5 Brian J. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent coffee, well made healthy food, and nice atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Kayla B. 2 years ago on Google
    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 first stop. ☕💜

  • 5/5 Austin S. 2 years ago on Google
    Best London fog/Earl Grey latte in town by a wide margin. Espresso drinks and menu are also amazing (got the fork- and knife-worthy Toast - highly recommend). Good people, excellent vibes, so glad they're back.


Call (608) 782-7668 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed outside
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Happy hour food
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
    • ✓️ Good for working on laptop
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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