The Root Note

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).

The Root Note has the best mochas I have ever had. <3 they have dinner crepes that are so yummy. The last time I was there I had fresh from the oven granola with steamed milk and raw sugar. It was so good.
It is a creative environment and often has live music. <3
It's a wonderful place.

Stopped here one morning for some breakfast and computer work during a two month road trip. This place seems to have it all, great food, atmosphere, and music! Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any music that day, but the crepes were great, and the place felt very homey and relaxing.

Would definitely recommend you stop in and check out the root note! One of our favorite coffee shops we visited across the country.

Good music on Jazz nights. Great time to go with friends. The trivia night is always lively and fun. The drink selection is wide and delicious. Great food always. Great quick service in a fun quirky atmosphere. I always run into someone I know and it just feels like a second home for a lot of people in La Crosse.

We really enjoyed our crepe and the atmosphere, it is a neat unique place.

However, we both agreed the cocktails were not good at all (were hoping they would be more like the amazing ones The Mint had, since same ownership). It looks like they know what they are doing with coffee, but not on the cocktails.

We also had to pay a cover charge to get in even though the (so-so) music ended not long after we got our drinks and food. We didn't expect a cover charge in the first place, and wouldn't have paid if we knew when the music was ending.

We miss The Mint and were hoping this would be a replacement in our local lineup ... but it just didn't do it for us, and it just didn't feel like it was a fit for us.

Beautifully presented and tasting lunch and great coffee, would definitely come again, no photo of my lunch as it looked too good to wait!

Fantastic hang! Whether having a meeting, listening to live music or just trying to get work done...this little cafe is a true local gem! And the food? Wonderful and just off-center enough to be unique! Oh...and the salads are made with clearly fresh ingredients. I love how intimate this place is and still tell my guests not to miss this gem! Thanks for being my office away from home!

Cozy and unpretentious. And great savory crepes; at least The Cremlin, for sure, is extremely tasty.

Such a friendly amazing place to relax and have a cup of coffee. If your hungry you must try their crepes theres nowhere else that compares. Very friendly staff and all around a comfortable place to unwind I highly suggest checking out the root note. I usally grab a coffee by myself and always feel welcomed and greeted instantly by the very friendly staff. What an amazing coffee shop for is to enjoy in downtown lacrosse.

I would recommend this cozy, eclectic and hip organic Cafe to anybody visiting this area. They have a delicious crepe menu with both Savory lunch crepes and sweet dessert crepes. They are made fresh to order. You do need to order at the bar, then they bring it to your table. They also have great options for organic alcoholic beverages.