Paul Hawkins
The food here is amazing!!! Yesterday I had the blackened halibut sandwich with a side kale Caesar. Everything was delicious. The cook on the fish was perfect. Fresh ingredients. Everything is well seasoned. It was so good, I came back today and got the ribeye steak sandwich. OMFG!!! Banger for sure. Had the arugula salad with that one and it paired so well. The crispness of the apples and the light vinaigrette dressing was the perfect counterpoint to the rich steak sandwich. The staff were super friendly and the atmosphere was nice and welcoming. I’m definitely coming back for more. See you guys tomorrow!
… moreWellness and Food Guide
Taproot – Columbia City’s Heartbeat of Healing & Flavor
Seattle is full of good food—but Taproot Café & Bar in Columbia City is more than a restaurant. It’s a story of nourishment, resilience, and community love.
I first discovered Taproot through my stylists Taco and Roget at Royal Roots—two of Seattle’s best hair artists—back when Taproot was mainly a juice bar. What struck me wasn’t sugar-packed blends, but smoothies made from real fruit, vegetables, and pure intention. Co-owner Tiana, a trained nutritionist, infuses every sip and bite with healing for body, mind, and soul.
And then there’s Anthony. He’s poured his spirit into building a true neighborhood staple. Some locals jokingly call him the “Grumpy Italian,” but his food and perfectly balanced Old Fashioned with Basil Hayden tell a deeper story: authenticity, craft, and care. Together, Anthony and Tiana embody the kind of love and synergy that makes Taproot feel like family.
✨ What makes Taproot global-worthy?
• A wellness-forward menu rooted in real nourishment.
• Craft cocktails that balance tradition with soul.
• Community spirit you can taste in every detail.
• A patio where neighbors (and their dogs!) connect, reminding you why Columbia City is one of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
For me, Taproot is the place I return to after long days at Brain and Body Recess™—a sanctuary of flavor where food tastes like home and drinks carry heart.
This isn’t just dining.
This is Columbia City at its finest.
Seattle—if you want real food, soulful drinks, and a space that feeds your whole being, Taproot is a must. ✨
And when you’re digested and glowing from their fresh magic, follow us at @bbrecess for your next Recess.
#SeattleEats #ColumbiaCitySeattle #TaprootCafe #HealingThroughFood #SeattleInfluencer
… morediamond amil
I recently visited Taproot in Columbia City and ordered the curry chicken salad and Awakening smoothie. Unfortunately, the curry chicken salad did not meet my expectations. The meat was incredibly dry, making it difficult to enjoy and eat. On the other hand, the Awakening smoothie was just as expected, offering a standard smoothie experience. Both items cost about $27 before tax and tip. While my visit wasn’t entirely satisfying, the atmosphere of the place was pleasant.
… moreParker Matthews
Went here for an early lunch on a sunny Tuesday. Server was friendly and attentive, and the food was downright majestic. I had the blackened halibut sandwich (currently a lunch special) with an arugula side salad. More than I usually spend for lunch, but my my goodness it was tasty. The sandwich was all sorts of savory delights, and the fresh fruit and light dressing on the salad made a perfect complement. What a delight.
… moreKweri Mena
There are no words to describe this place. The drinks were next level. I had whisky sour and my wife had spring 75. The food was delicious. The pastrami sandwich is highly recommended as is the blackened halibut with kale caesar.
… morePiper Nash
Have been coming here for a few years and always enjoy the sandwiches, cocktails, shakes and service. Always consistent, great flavors and fresh food. Highly recommend.
… moreAmylicious
The moment you walk in, the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and delicious food instantly elevates your appetite. Although my company at the time was less than stellar, the charming atmosphere, wonderful service, and delicious food made up for everything entirely. The drinks are delightful and perfectly complement the cozy setting. The staff clearly enjoyed working there, contributing to the welcoming vibe of this quaint little spot, which truly feels like a hidden gem. I can’t wait to return for another unforgettable meal!
… moreOlivia Blake
I got the mushroom sandwich and a juice.
The sandwich was really delicious, but extremely messy and not well constructed. The choice of cherry tomatoes as opposed to… any other shape of tomato left me with most of them falling out of the sandwich before I even ate them. Glad they had forks, at least.
I appreciated the decor, and no-nonsense service a lot. If you want a spot that’s more casual and will actually leave you alone to enjoy your meal, this place is great. I personally don’t enjoy incessant tableside service. The juice was really good. I’ll be back to try other stuff.
… moreTerry L
A quaint little place. Very dark inside. The waiter was nice. We were there on a Sunday at 2 pm. We ordered two pastrami sandwiches. We weren’t expecting fast food delivery, but the place only had one other table. It took over 25 minutes before we got our sandwiches. The sandwich was dry and lacking flavor and not much sauerkraut and horseradish. Normally a pastrami sandwich comes with a pickle on the side, but not this one. It came with a bag of chips. It looked like everything was just thrown on the plate.
My pastrami sandwich crust was so hard I couldn’t even break it. The meat was black on the edges. I showed the lady manager. She said it takes 8 minutes to cook it. Was offered no compensation for the sandwich. I won’t be coming back to this restaurant.
… moreD C
Amazing experience! Took our small group and had a fantastic time from start to finish. The service was top-notch—friendly, attentive, and fast. The food was absolutely delicious: the Reuben was perfectly crisp and savory, the arugula salad was fresh and well-balanced, and the halibut was cooked to perfection. The drinks were stellar, too—creative, strong, and beautifully presented.
… more