I’d heard my family mention Urban Roots positively a few times but never actually stored the information anywhere I could retrieve it (code for: I can’t remember stuff like this until I actually go and even then its touch and go). Anyway on Hallowe’en, our last night of it staying light until 6pm, I walked with my husband the scant 10 blocks it takes to reach this restaurant. They were in a position to expand their outside seating into a side parking area and they’ve made the most of it (without making it difficult to park). We were greeted outside by our masked host who explained the drill: go briefly inside to wait in line (with masks on of course) and then order food and proceed to table with one of those little numbers on it that allow the wait staff to know where to take bring our orders.
Given that I avoid wheat, dairy and meat, I was skeptical that a restaurant with an “urban soul food” menu would be able to accommodate me. Atypically, I chose 3 sides as my dinner: Rustic slaw, potato salad and burnt end beans. My husband ordered the pulled pork full meal which came with cornbread, rolls, salad, pickled veggies and a choice of side. I think he picked whipped yams along with some fancy Bourbon-inspired brew.
We proceeded to the table in the back parking lot because on halloween saturday the front outside was full. There was still plenty of room on the side and they had really done their best to make it feel festive and fun back there as well.
We waited barely at all for our food even on a busy night, it came right away. Normally when I am consigned to sides while meat eaters get lots of other goodies I feel a little sorry for myself and have trouble enjoying the meal. In this case, however, every single bite of what could have been the most boring possible barbeque sides–slaw, potato salad and beans–was memorable. And the 3 together made a full meal, they really did. My husband had TONS of food and enjoyed all of it very much as well. Truly, I can still taste the savory delicious beans, the crisp bright slaw and the perfectly spiced potato salad. There were salads and veggie burgers and other things I could have eaten on the menu as well that i look forward to trying next time.
So I have to admit I was wrong. I guess what puts the “urban” in “urban soul food” in this case is that it not only accommodates all diets but makes us very happy. I’ll be back, although probably not at night until it warms up (unless they have heaters, need to check)–takeout and daytime for sure until then. Keep this place open, people!!!
