"So I’m walking past Metro State and the Dayton’s Bluff library, looking for somewhere to kill time that doesn’t involve fluorescent lights and despair. Found this place tucked into a corner like it was hiding from the world. Roots Cafe, indigenous roots, not the trendy plant kind, though they’ve got plenty of those too. I walk in and immediately know this isn’t corporate coffee theater. The community wall is actually messy and alive, covered in real stuff from real people. Artwork rotates through like it matters. The merch looks like someone with taste designed it instead of a committee. I’m scanning the menu and see coffee. I see boba. But no coffee boba situation. So I ask the barista if she can make something happen. She lights up and suggests this brown sugar latte with boba combo that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. The whole place feels intentional without trying too hard. Plants everywhere but not in that curated-for-Instagram way. Soundtrack that doesn’t make you want to flee. Random Pac-Man machine in the corner because apparently someone here gets it. You can tell they mean what they say about community. It’s not branded virtue signaling, it’s the real thing, hiding in plain sight where you’d never think to look. St. Paul needed this. Go find it before the rest of the world catches up.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​"

"A hidden gem in East St. Paul, Roots Cafe offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and exceptional coffee. This local cafe is committed to bringing the community together, regularly hosting events and showcasing work by diverse local artists. As a regular, I can attest to the inviting vibe and friendly, attentive baristas. Whether you need a quiet workspace or want to support a community-focused business, Roots Cafe is worth a visit."

"Nice place with good service, but it was dead quiet when I was there which made conversation feel a bit awkward. I'm not sure if that was a one time thing but still. Felt like talking in a library. Otherwise like I said the service and beverages themselves were definitely good 🫡"

"Came here for a market and stopped at the cafe! The prices are reasonable and what they make tastes amazing! The people working there are also very kind."

"Was really hoping for better Took about 20 minutes to make my drink, after the barista got done with other orders. Mine was a quick Boba tea and by the time she got to it, it could’ve been made in 30 seconds. Very bland and not good for seven dollars. Would not recommend"