A solid experience with great friends. I agree with fellow yelpers that the waiting and seating process is a bit of a CF. BUT, once inside, the atmosphere is tranquil, the waiters are fabulous, and the food is pretty awesome. We enjoyed a pair of whole fish prepared "Hong Kong style" (I was dubious), which meant a little seaweed and sesame salad drizzled over a lightly fried whole fish. The entire organism was laid to rest on a bed of basmati rice. I would've liked a little more of the, well, let's just call it "Hong Kong salad," but other than that the entree was very very good. Would've loved to stay for dessert, but for the siren's call of cupcakes...
(4)
Law R.
Went to The Roost this past Tuesday for dinner and a drink around 7:30 p.m. Every time I walked by it appeared very crowded (always a good sign) so I wanted to check it out. I'm new to the area and this was the first place in downtown Greenville I checked out. I didn't put two and two together at the time that this is the hotel restaurant for the Hyatt, but I definitely wasn't the only non-guest eating there. Given the time, it wasn't that busy (at least outside) with the exception of a few other solo diners like myself, about one or two couples, and a 6 or 7 person group. Everything started out great--my server was a cool guy, very polite, and explained the place's concept--all local food and beer--well. The view from my table on the outside patio was lovely, and my server let me try their featured beer for free. I asked him various questions about the specials and beers, and he gave me plenty of great information. Annnnnnd then it went downhill, especially for service. After ordering my first drink (a local pumpkin beer, the one I tried), the server showed up with another waitress and said "i'm being pulled from the floor but ___ will take care of you." Shift change I guess, whatever, that's cool. She noted I had ordered my beer and that it would be "coming"--at this point I had ordered it about a minute or two ago--and took my food order. Well, at least 5 more minutes passed by until my beer arrived. And as good as it was, I didn't get why it was such a long wait--it wasn't busy at all. And I forget the context but she called me "buddy" at one point. Wasn't a fan of that. My soup eventually arrives--french onion--and it was decent. Broth was good but the cheese was so-so and the bread consisted of one slice of french bread that just soaked up most of the broth. Waitress was missing again for awhile and showed up when my soup was finished and my beer about halfway done. At that point she asked if I wanted another beer, and I did, but said once I finished this one. She said she'd bring it by later. More time passes by--about another 5 minutes at least. First drink done at this point and no showing from the server. The expediter brings out my ravioli and asks if there's anything else I need. I say that I had ordered a beer awhile ago and wondered if I could get that. He said "oh, I can't take drink orders" and just walked away from me. I see him go inside and talk to another waiter--maybe mentioning what I said, I hope--but nothing came of it immediately. Not sure how many minutes passed but my entree--mushroom ravioli--was nearly gone when my waitress finally shows up again, beer in hand. So the message obviously got to her somehow. But I was nearly done my entree, so the timing of the drink was not ideal. No apology at all for the delay in bringing the drink or her disappearance. At this point, though, she was much more attentive and nice, and I think realized the amount of her tip was rapidly diminishing, so I give her kudos for that. The ravioli itself was mild and pleasant; it was served in a butter and pimento sauce and was tasty enough. The portion was perfect for me, but might be too small if you don't get a salad or appetizer/soup. I even took my suddenly-attentive waitress's recommendation and got the creme brulee for desert. Tasty but a bit too thick. Overall quality of good was satisfying but nothing to write home about. The inattentive and nonexistent service for the vast majority of my meal is what prevents me from giving this place a good rating. Judging from other reviews, poor service is not a new issue for this place. Someone needs to train them better. I still have to give my waitress props because it was clear she eventually realized she had to put in some face-time, but it would have been nice to have that quality service the entire meal. And as for the busboy/expediter, he should have done more than just say "not my job" and let it go. He should have made it his priority, even if he himself cannot take drink orders, to see that my waitress took care of it. So food itself: promising, but not amazing. Service: poor.
(2)
Phil Y.
Two great meals so far. Beautiful and bustling. Farm to table makes for some great choices. The mimosa / Bloody Mary bar at Sunday brunch lets you be creative. Really enjoyed the yardbird and dumplings.
(5)
Emme W.
The Roost has a great atmosphere and that's why I gave it 2 stars. Other than that the food is not good. It's cheap food that's overly priced. The food seems to not be flavorful or a reflection of the Greenville Culture. I do like the cocktail list.
(2)
Mike H.
My girlfriend and I were looking for lunch outside as the weather this Saturday was absolutely perfect. Seems everyone else in downtown Greenville had the same idea. We walked north on Main St, came upon Roost and decided to give it a try. There was one empty table on the patio but we were told it was reserved. They offered us seats at the bar and we accepted because it was 2pm and we were both hungry. The people behind the bar seemed busy but there didn't seem to be that many people sitting at the bar. We sat down at an area where dirty dishes had just been cleared and the bar surface hadn't been cleaned very well. I ordered an Arnold Palmer to drink and the lemonade was carbonated and came from the bartender's beverage gun. Not the drink I had been anticipating. We studied the menu, set it aside and waited quite a while before anyone acknowledged we were hungry and wanted to order food. My girlfriend ordered a caesar salad and the mussels and clams. I ordered the split pea soup and the cobb salad. After the food arrived, we had no silverware. The bartender asked the hostess to bring some to her. The hostess appeared a couple minutes later and placed the silverware 5 feet away from us and after waiting another minute, I went and retrieved it myself. I feel I am a rather positive and optimistic person but I can find nothing good to say about the food. The caesar was not much more than hearts of romaine. My soup tasted like a handful of earth had been thrown into it. If that is "farm to table" it's not for me. At least 4 of the mussels/clams were closed rendering them inedible. My cobb salad came without the avocado or the chicken. When I asked the bartender for a glass of water, she had someone else make me another Arnold Palmer. I was ready to end this painful experience and before tip, it cost me $50. Roost, your ambiance and architecture is appealing and beautiful. But you all FAIL in every other aspect. Greenville is becoming a destination for Foodies. With so many other better choices, we won't even consider coming back.
(1)
Janice H.
Excellent service and food. Thanks for a great evening. Requested table was ready upon arrival. Enjoyed all the activity at Noma square as we dined. Waiter was very responsive to our needs and wishes. Grilled salmon over risotto was fabulous.
(5)
Alan S.
Everyone was friendly but sadly, the service could not have been any worse at Roost. We came here with a party of 6 on Sunday morning. Everything took forever, which is never good when you are dining with hungry little ones. And it couldn't have been because the place was busy ... there was no one there! Server delivered tea but didn't bring the mug. Didn't come back to refill coffee. My girlfriend ordered eggs with avocado, tomato, toast, and a little cheese on the eggs. No avocado, no toast, and no eggs came out. Had to keep following up to see if the rest of the items were going to be brought over. The food was ok. I got the ham and cheese omelet. Nothing special. The portions felt somewhat small for $11 price tag. Very disappointing.
(1)
Scott B.
Nice atmosphere. Unfortunately the food is sorely lacking and over-priced. One time dining there is enough for me.
(2)
Jennifer L.
Visited Roost on Saturday night when main was bustling about the Final Four. The restaurant space is very pretty and HUGE! We really loved the idea of farm to table and were very excited about the overall concept and menu. We sat at a nice table on the patio and immediately things went wrong. First, it took 20 minutes for someone to come by and take our drink orders. The patio area seemed very short on service for such a busy night as it became evident that we were not the only table short of service. When our server finally came by, we ordered drinks and apps. They did not have any bread or crackers at the table - which would have been fine if we did not have to wait another 15 just to get the drinks we ordered. The apps finally came and the server took our order. We ordered the Korean Chicken wings - nice and spicy, but cold; and the Mussels. The Mussels & Clams where delicious and served in a large bowl with two slices of Crostini for dipping in the broth (the best part). We immediately realized that 2 little pieces of bread would not be enough for a large bowl of Mussels for a party of 4 so we ordered more bread. The bread never came, and so our yummy warm bowl of broth sat there getting ice cold. For the main course we ordered the cobblestone roasted chicken, flatbread for the vegetarian, and pork chop. The dark meat chicken was COMPLETELY over cooked. I have never had dark meat chicken that was so tough and dry. If you are going to have a farm to table concept, and the chicken was raised humanely, why would you disrespect that bird and overcook it like that? I suspect it was sitting under the heat lamp next to the poor pork chop for a LOOONG time as both plates were scorching hot when they arrived to the table. We could not even touch them to position them in front of us. The greens on both dishes were tasty, but very chewy. The tomato mozzarella flatbread got good reviews. We returned the chicken and were offered dessert. We ordered two for the table - Tennessee Mud & Cheesecake. Well that did it for us, the Mud came in a canning jar - but was coated with an abundance of dry chocholate crumbs and the mouse seriously lacked chocolate flavor. The cheesecake came out drizzled with some kind of fruit sauce and honeycomb on top. The fruit sauce destroyed the already bland cheesecake. The flavor was off-putting and unidentifiable. They best part was the honeycomb. Really wanted to like Roost simply on the concept, but unfortunately it turned out to be a very pricey disappointment with a very short-handed waitstaff. Will definitely NOT be returning to Roost.
(1)
Sunny A.
The service was great, Ben our bartender was just awesome, but the food was so bad, we had to send our dish back. It was so salty that my taste buds were burning, not to mention that it was swimming in oil. As nice as the place and atmosphere were, we won't be back. Great craft beers, nice patio and lots of screens to watch march madness... but for "mindfully sourced" food, I expected local farm fresh ingredients that don't need to be drenched in gooey crap to taste good. The food needs major work.
(2)
Beatrice W.
had been looking for a new place for breakfast...so decided to try the roost. My husband and I went to this morning. First when we got there, we were told to go to the hostesses, who told us to go back and sit anywhere. So we went back and were seated by our waiter who seemed quite surprised by what they said and apologized and told us that they had been busy with alot of managers earlier. The place had emptied out by the time we had gotten there. He explained the buffet to us and also the menu. We opted for the buffet. The eggs, potatoes and grits were all lukewarm at best. But for the price of the food not sure that we would go back a second time for breakfast. Might give lunch a try next time. The waiter was very attentive. The atmosphere was nice.
(2)
Mike A.
They really need to work on their speed of service here. The food is pretty good and the location has tons of potential. Both times I've been (one time for lunch, once for dinner) the service was slow. Step it up guys, we'd like to see you make it.
(3)
Kellie K.
The fella and I went to Roost for breakfast on a Sunday morning and sat on the atrium side. The place itself seemed huge - the atrium was bright and airy with windows everywhere, and the other side seemed a little more sleek and sexy. They were offering a $16 breakfast buffet, which looked good, but neither of us was hungry enough for that, so we ordered off the menu - yogurt parfait for me and two cage free eggs for the fella. Mine was fine (pretty hard to mess up yogurt and fruit), but the fella's came without the potato and caramelized onion hash listed on the menu, and he was too nice to say anything... and then it wound up being just okay. Service was a little spotty but friendly.
(3)
Stephen S.
I keep giving this place another chance and each time I get disappointed with the food and quality. Service is always great though!
(2)
Louise M.
One of the highlights of my Greenville trip other than doing hot lap at the BMW Performance Center in an M6 at over 100 mph, was sitting at Roost's patio sipping pink mojito. It was such beautiful day - the sun was shining, cool breeze. I put my feet up as I stared at the fountain pool overlooking Main Street as I sipped my drink. Though my team and I were eating there because we needed a quick dinner before going back into working on our presentation, it felt like a perfect getaway from the all day stressful meeting we endured that day. I was having a zen moment and felt like a happy little bird tucked in a roost. I wanted to go to High Cotton and try their shrimps and grits. However el Jefe thought we shouldn't dick around and just eat quick at the hotel restaurant. Roost is half inside Hyatt Regency Greenville and half is outside on Main street. I didn't get any bodily symptom on being excited at first about eating there. However me agreeing to it was based on that perhaps I could try their shrimps and grits as my other teammate who also dined with us said the hotel's s&g was the best he had. However as soon as we sat in that patio, I forgot about everything and was so happy we were there. It was truly a nice ass patio. My boss teased me like I would jump in that pool in a minute. Not sure how then we got into discussing lakes from talking about pool/pond until I started yelling Lake Titicaca and I made two grown men giggled. We started with fried green tomatoes. It was my first in a long time and first in this trip. After trying several, this was the best. The thick cut pancetta along with the goat cheese really made this tomatoes awesome. The goat cheese was so mild that I thought that goat was drinking cow's milk. It was good though as it resembled sour cream, but better. My boss ordered the bean soup that looked like chili. Then, he ordered chicken chili. So he ate two bowls of chili pretty much. He said it was good. I said that was stress talking. Lake Titicaca! Jason ordered a caesar salad. Wtf. He said he wanted something light tonight. Yeah it had lettuce, but caesar dressing is nothing I'd consider light. Plus, it's caesar salad. This big bearded crush your hand if he shakes it guy likes fancy cuisine usually. He surprised me when he said he liked goat cheese, fig, dates, and Chai Spiced Latte because he looked like beer or Mountain Dew type. That was why I was disappointed he was eating "light." I was the man in that table and I ordered the shrimps and grits. It was my second. I had Soby's the other night. This was more creamy and had lighter colored sauce. It tasted pretty amazing and so much different than last night. Turned out, it was different than what Jason had at room service. However, I still really liked it but I ranked this third out of the four I had on this trip. The only one I hate was my fourth. I wish I was talking one night stand instead of shrimps and grits. But, NO. From checking in on Yelp, I received a free dessert. My boss wanted chocolate though it was MY free dessert. Since he is my boss and I was nice, I obliged and ordered the black forest torte. All I could say was nom nom. ..and did I mention pink mojito? I usually don't like mojito or pink drink. However that mojito in that patio really made my night. It was really refreshing and delicious. We worked till midnight and was so exhausted. However that hour break at Roost was necessary and it was a good time with my teammates. Don't diss Roost because you think they're just a hotel restaurant. It's definitely more than that.
(4)
Maggie B.
Not sure why Roost has 3 stars. I have been several time since they opened for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons why I love Roost is the sheer flexibility of their spcae. 1)As hotel guest... convenient and worth staying in vs. getting breakfast at many of Greenvilles hot breakfast places! 2) Bringing a group of retirees. They accommodated our large group easily as we came to look at the festival of trees. 3) Events on Noma Square. Came with husband to sit and listen to music/yappyhour/etc. Lovely! Great view of Main Street, Music, and excellent porch atmosphere. There are so many ways to take advantage of this key downtown establishment. I especially love the community and vibe they are fostering in NOMA square. What a great addition to what people love most about Greenville: walk-ability.
(5)
Rob J.
This has become one of my favorite lunch destinations. I cannot speak to much of the menu as I typically get the Harvest table lunch which includes salad bar, two soups, and flatbread pizza. The salad bar has a lot of variety and includes diced chicken breast. The soups have always been amazing. My favorite so far is the Irish stew. Great seating out on the patio that overlooks main street. Give it a visit!
(4)
Laura G.
Just not what I expected
(1)
Shanen C.
Went for brunch on Sunday. Huge buffet with every brunch food item you can imagine. We had wonderful service and I can't wait to go back and try their dinner menu.
(5)
Veronica H.
Stopped by this place with the family for lunch, to be honest I thought it was going to be a lot more expensive than it actually was. They had a soup, flatbread, and salad buffet for $10 - salad fixings looked fresh, they had two soups to choose form and two types of flatbread. A few people ordered this and so we were very surprised when literally 5 minutes after we got a salad they notified us that there was only 5 minutes left for the buffet. Yes, it says it ends at 2pm on the menu but seriously with a party of 9 with kids I am not looking at the fine print and I felt that the waitress should have notified us when we placed the order. Other than that, the food was very good. I actually ordered a burger and I was very happy with the quality, it was tender and cooked just right (medium) and very flavorful. The sweet potato fries were crisp. I very much enjoyed the meal. I checked in and got a free dessert so we all tried the Tennessee mud pie - WOW it was so good (it is rich) but when you are only having a bite or two it is terrific.
(4)
Gailen D.
Had the bread pudding French toast and bacon pancakes and tasted others as well
(5)
Alex G.
Really liked the outdoor seating overlooking Main Street. The omelette with goat cheese, spinach, and roasted tomatoes was excellent. Specifically, the addition of the roasted tomato created a nice outlet for what would otherwise have been a traditional and somewhat boring omelette. On the other hand, the yogurt parfait was blah and could have used Greek yogurt instead of whatever the generic yogurt was and also a tad of honey would not have hurt.
A great place for date night, with many yummy vegetarian options. The chocolate torte is my favorite dessert!!
(5)
Melody A.
If you are wanting to be an elite restaurant the food and service should be beyond reproach. We has 2 orders that were incorrect and our 3 orders of fried chicken were overcooked. The trout and meatloaf were fabulous. The service wasn't fabulous, we waited 20 minutes for bar service. The nonchalant attitude of our server really ruined our evening.
(2)
Steve G.
My wife and I ate here for breakfast yesterday. ..we did the buffet. I really enjoyed it. There was a decent assortment. Everything was fresh and got. Notable mention was the grits...they were seasoned and really good. Bacon was crisp. BUT...The croissant we had was the BEST ever had! It was that good. Almost worth the $16 for the buffet. Also, the coffee is really good too!
(4)
Will G.
Wow. On something like my tenth visit here, I've realized that this is consistently one of the best restaurants in Greenville. Tonight we came as part of restaurant week & the standouts were the osso bucco and the bananas foster pudding. Thank you, Roost!
(4)
Mali C.
I have loved everything from the service to the food. This place hasn't let me down yet. The Korean wings are a must.
(5)
Betsy M.
Limited menu. Great waitstaff. Food was unmemorable and extremely overpriced for the quality. They need additional choices for a side vegetable, not everyone loves brussels sprouts.
(1)
Trey D.
First review on yelp! I'm afraid I can't adequately relay how disappointed I was at this restaurant. We would have loved to experienced more of the menu but couldn't get service. Hangar steak was cooked perfectly. Everything else was sub par.
(2)
Willie J.
Excellent food and service! John was a fantastic waiter. Check out the wedge salad, pork tenderloin, and sea salt and garlic fries!
(5)
Marina S.
Farm to table, but not made to order. I had a flatbread with chicken on it. The chicken was cold and hard... Like precooked. For $11. Next time, at least zap your fancy organic rubber in the microwave before you serve it. Very nice inside with good service, but when you're trapped in the Hyatt because it's raining, get delivery instead.
(1)
Laura S.
Just visited Roost last Sunday for first time. LOve, love outdoor atmosphere. Food was good, hope service next time better. Place to be seen in Greenville downtown.
(4)
Dana R.
The service was great but it is a Monday night so it wasn't very busy. We started with a basket of sweet rolls...nothing fancy. We had the black bean hummus topped with cojita and charred corn relish served cold with blue corn tortilla chips. The flavors was very refreshing. Then I was served the Chicken Chili. Very thick and too much of a tomato paste rather than soup. With a hint of chicken and some red beans. When I think chili I think southwestern...it lacked the zest of those seasonings of chili powder, paprika, & cayenne Then came the cranberry & apple stuffed chicken. It was moist but had no flavor except for the sweetness from the apples & cranberry. Served with a cheesy risotto that helped cut the sweet of the stuffing. Sides were Parmesan truffle shells & cheese and sea salted garlic fries...these were disappointing and uneventful for my taste buds. Last the waiter recommended the Irish cream cranberry cheesecake which was very tasty and made the taste buds happy! I gave it two stars because I have eaten at all the fine dining downtown and compared to Rick Erwin's, Larkin's, & High Cotton the flavors just can't compare however the atmosphere was nice. I would go back to try other items on the menu.
(2)
Aaron H.
I frequent Greenville for business often, and we went here for dinner a couple weeks back. It's a very large space right in the heart of downtown. They probably have the one of the best outdoor seating areas in the city... many tables, large water feature, and it's right on the strip. The service was very good, but the food was average. We started with the Imperial Crab Baked Green Tomato Croquettes (3 for $13). They were decent. One colleague ordered the Duck Confit Street Tacos - fresh feta, salsa verde, avocado crema ($12) for her meal. I believe there were 3 small tacos which looked good. It's a starter, and I think the portion is too small if you want to order for your main course. I had a simple Farmers Salad ($5) which was good. They have a house-made lemon vinaigrette that I would recommend trying. I had the Shrimp and Grits - Adluh mills grits, smoked bacon and garlic pan "gravy" ($23). It was ok, but not the best shrimp and grits I have experienced. It is a massive portion, but it was very heavy... oily grits & gravy. I think Roost is a solid choice if you want a good seat outside to people watch and enjoy a decent meal, but for me there are so many other options that I would rather try in Greenville.
(3)
DeAndre J.
Really good food. Definitely recommend the Twice Fried Korean Wings and the Roost Burger. Server was really friendly. My only gripe was that it took FOREVER to get food to our table. Considering I could count the number of guests that were in the restaurant on two hands, there is really no excuse for it taking almost an hour just to get our appetizer to hour table. I'd definitely recommend this place but only if you have ample time on your hands lol
(3)
B K.
Only left 3 stars because I only ate from the breakfast buffet, so service wasn't really relevant. Though the service I did get for coffee and water was quick and friendly. The breakfast buffet was good, one of the better selections of cut fresh fruit I've seen in a while, and very nice selection of "breads", (bagels, English muffins, etc.) I had fruit, bacon, scrambled eggs, and tried the biscuits and gravy. Bacon seemed microwaved but was pretty lean, the eggs were a little over done but tasty none the less. The biscuits and gravy were just okay, gravy was a bit "doughy" but was still able to finish my plate. If you're staying at the Hyatt on business and need a quick breakfast you probably won't find anything else around there better. I will add it was one of the best hotel buffet breakfasts I've had, if that's saying anything. I will also add that the outside bar area looks like a really nice spot to unwind and enjoy a cocktail after work.
(3)
Sarah D.
Check out my review on Roost! AMAZING service and exceptional food. forkfuloflife.wordpress.…
(5)
Diane F.
Great ambience but the management, staff and food are definitely not worth the pricey price! Glad I had the experience, doubt I'd go back.
(2)
Alan R.
Had a quick night out with the wife for the first time in what seems like forever without the kids.! Great atmosphere outside the Hyatt on Greenville's north end! First off, Brandon our server was a cool dude. Very personable and attentive and didn't push is to make a quick decision on dinner esp once we told him we hadn't been out in ages. Korean wings for an app had a good kick. Had the flat iron steak cooked to medium rare, very tasty and in a good portion, not too big and not too small. Espresso seasoning? Whatever it was I'd eat it again. The wife had the shrimp and grits and enjoyed it as well. Chocolate tort with a cherry compote topping for dessert was like the inside of a truffle. Wow. And as a bonus it was free for using our Yelp app! How cool is that!?! Overall great dinner out and would easily come back if we can break free from the kids again! Ha. (On a side note remember your ID if you want a drink. An older couple sat for dinner next to us and the server was not able to serve the wife because she had no ID. Not the servers fault at all. SC SLED is crazy tough on underage drinking and you must have ID no matter your age or else they will nail the establishment and/or server. To the servers credit he didn't back down. Know the law or just drink water! .) Thanks again to Brandon for a nice couple hours out of the house. Peace!
(5)
Ann B.
My husband and I chose this spot for our Christmas Not a lot of choices on Christmas but thought it would be festive with all the Decorated trees. We made reservations well in advance. When we arrived we were seated out in a noisy aisle. When we asked to be reseated due to my hearing disability we were told no there was no where else for us. With no recourse we settled in and ordered a drink. Next came the hurrying waiter who dropped a whole drink of bourbon with most if it splashing on me and my new wool wrap (a Christmas present from my daughter) being saturated. The manager ignored us when we tried to speak with him. Finally we were told that we could leave the wrap to be cleaned and pick it up when we checked out. Of course we were not staying there so we asked if we could be reimbursed for cleaning we were told yes. Its may and we still have not been reimbursed. Unfortunately poor customer service here
(1)
Stephen G.
The Harvest Table Lunch is fantastic. Really good, fresh salad toppings, great soups, and really good Flatbread pizzas. I've had great service every time I have been there as well.
(5)
Cary A.
What is is about the "farm to table" restaurants that makes me feel more comfortable about eating there? Well, nothing really... I love this place, but when it comes to food quality, why limit your supply chain? The food is wonderful and meets the price point that they have established, but i think its because of restaurant location. Do not misunderstand me, I LOVE this place and will be returning soon to sample the rest of the menu. But the farm-to-table prices, which are slightly elevated, are only compensated for by the location and atmosphere. so i think the food is about 6/10, location 8/10... Over all high marks. Service was acceptable, no unusual delays in food or beverages. I especially like sitting outside in the open air at lunch. The dining space is very spacious yet intimate, due to the lower ceilings. i recommend giving this place a try. The menu is succinct yet has enough variety for a table of 6 to be interested in each others plates. Of all the things I've had here I really liked the meatloaf, despite my internal contention about it not being my mom's. However it is wrapped in bacon, and we all know that pork fat can elevate any dish to exceptional. Be sure to enjoy the house made cocktails, they pour them stronger than most places
(4)
Jade F.
I loved the modern ambience, especially the wine cellar (oh-lala). My mother requested to dine here since it was her birthday. Our server, Phil (I think that was his name) was very professional, polite, and even took time to give food recommendation based on my parents dietary restrictions. Since they are vegetarians, my mother had the linguini and my father had the mushroom ravioli. I had the daily special. That day it was tuna, brussel sprouts, and mashed potatoes. I did not particularly like the tuna, but the side dishes and pasta were divine. The food was amazing and the customer service was top notch. Upon my next visit to Greenville I most definitely make it a point to eat here again. I also recommend checking out the plethora craft beers and local wines that they sell.
(4)
Ashleigh H.
I REALLY wanted to like Roost. It's pretty, I would go back for drinks and the view, maybe... Saturday Brunch: Terrrrrrrible service like "oh, you wanted us to wait on you? um ok I guess we can do that...." very boring buffet selection Weekday lunch: the service was fine my sandwich was just ok, nothing else on the menu caught my eye. Come on, Roost - get it together!
(1)
R S.
I have been here several times. I like the outdoor seating and I think that's the only reason that I keep going back. I have found the service always slow. I have been unimpressed with the food. The one thing I found that I did like was the burger. The Rooster Burger is very good.
(2)
Ana O.
I have not tried this place for dinner, but I have been several times for lunch. It is a decent spot downtown to get lunch. They have a lunch menu, with many items from $8-12. I have a friend who swears by the duck tacos. However, you can also just get the soup, salad, and flatbread buffet for around $10. They actually have a pretty nice salad bar, with plenty of great salad toppings and greens (no iceberg lettuce here), as well as delicious premade salad items. They have all the "standard" veggies, plus either turkey or ham and different cheeses (sometimes cheddar, sometimes goat). The salad bar is definitely the best part of this experience. They offer two different soups each day and mix them up quite a bit. I have never had the same soup on the buffet here. They often have vegetarian and gluten free options with the soups, which is nice for people with more restricted diets. Some of the soups are great, but I have had one or two that are pretty medocre. As for their flatbread, they usually have one with just cheese and one with some kind of meat on it. Personally, I am not a fan. I think the crust is a little bland on them. The service has been pretty good for me, but it's easy to be a good server when everyone just orders the salad bar. It is definitely quick as well if you get the salad bar, but lunch entrees can be a little slow. Overall, I recommend this place especially for the lunch salad bar.
(3)
Debra V.
I like Roost but they have so many problems, it's a shame. They have the best made drinks in town with absolutely terrible bartenders. EVERY TIME I go, there is at least one extra drink on my tab or a incorrect charge. I am not a big drinker at all so this is very frustrating. One time I had to call management for them to fix. Another time the bartender acted like I was lying to her. Another time they charged our drinks to a person whom had left the bar!!! This is scary stuff!!!! I have been there when guest leave because of the service. And let me please say these bartenders have the personality of a brick. If you do decide to go to Roost... WATCH YOUR TAB & YOUR BANK ACCOUNT.
(1)
M S.
Decided to see what this place was about in spite of some of the reviews I read here. The reviews seem to be spot on The Good: the food, the idea of local sourced ingredients, the location/atmosphere. The bad: the service; spent 45 min total at the restaurant. I had to flag someone down to get my coffee refilled twice and when I did finally get a refill it was warm, not hot. They ran out of biscuits at 10:30 in the morning toast and gravy really isn't the same. We were not able to sit outside on one of the most beautiful mornings in Greenville. There seems to be a lack of attention to detail here which given the location and initial presentation, isn't going to serve them well in the long run. I want to see places like this do well and thrive, but it doesn't seem they are able to meet the expectation they've set.
(2)
Pawel S.
Great American waffles! Really really tasty. I just wish the fruit selection was better.
(4)
Brian P.
Nice place but pricey as most places associated with Hyatt hotels tend to be. Clean with friendly staff. My wife and I shared a half price happy hour appetizer and one drink each at the bar. The bill was just under $30 with tip. There are soooo many other unique places in Greenville worth checking out rather than the Roost.-With better food and less expensive. Also, No concealable weapons allowed. It's ashame they've been bullied into taking this side of the issue. If you choose not to imbibe and are carrying you are not welcome in the Roost. Hope you don't get mugged on the way to your vehicle in a nearby garage after dining in this "gun free zone." ABSOLUTELY no CWP carriers allowed on premises. We are NOT welcome here. BIG sign on front door. Spend your money elsewhere.
(1)
keeley m.
I like Roost for dinner; chill, trendy atmosphere and locally sourced menu. I recommend the Japanese chicken wings and the wedge salad. Both are noteworthy. Nice to get a table here when events are happening at NOMA Square. Also attended brunch here once and was a great option if you like a buffet style. Tons of options including omelet bar and a ton of pretty desserts I didn't have room for.
(4)
A B.
Roost is definitely my favorite restaurant in Greenville, and we live downtown and frequent all the restaurants often. The food is always excellent. Meals are prepared from fresh, local ingredients with interesting and unique blends of flavors. I've tried many entrees and have been impressed with every meal. The service is also great. The servers are knowledgeable, friendly but not too pushy. Food and drinks have always come out quickly. The prices are extremely reasonable, given the quality of food and service that are provided. Finally, the atmosphere is fantastic. In the springtime, the doors are open letting in the warm Southern air and in the Summer there is live music on the outdoor patio. The outdoor seating surrounded by a beautiful fountain is one of the best places to watch life in Greenville go by. Indoors is beautifully lit, with great spacing between tables and excellent ambiance. We've been here for brunch a few times, and the buffet is amazing! Fully stocked with tons of fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, eggs, salads and desserts. They also have a mimosa and bloody mary bar that is a lot of fun. A lot of people have referred to Roost as the Hyatt hotel restaurant. I understand that it technically is, but I've never felt like I'm sitting in a hotel lobby. The restaurant itself is removed from the Hyatt physically, and I've never entered through the hotel area.
(5)
David S.
My wife and I had lunch here a few days ago as we stopped through Greenville. We did the lunch buffet of salad and soup. Salad offerings were a little limited, but everything was fresh and tasty. We also tried the soups and thought the shrimp bisque was good but nothing special. They also served pizza flatbreads which was a nice addition to an otherwise very normal soup and salad bar.
(4)
Desiree M.
We had a delicious lunch here one rainy afternoon. (Had to sit inside due to rain, but there is a swank outside seating area with a floating fire pit in the fountain surrounding it.) We had excellent service. Although the menu is small, it has an attractive array of bistro meals, an exceptional kids menu beyond the usual fries/chicken strips for healthy yet kid friendly options. They have house made desserts that are amazing, seasonal treats!
(5)
Monica H.
The Sunday brunch buffet is AWESOME! Prepare yourself for made-to-order omelets, steel cut oatmeal with an array of toppings, a yogurt and fruit bar, different cereals, bagels, eggs, and more. The space was very cool and new -- think wood and metal details, a chalkboard with shout outs to the farms that supply its food, and communal tables. My cons are nitpicky and therefore not worth giving much weight. I wish the yogurt bar were a LITTLE higher off the ground so I didn't have to bend so low to reach the goodies in there. The layout is a little weird, but you figure it out quickly. The cereal containers were hard to wrestle cereal from -- I'd prefer something with less thought involved for my morning meal. See? Nitpicky. The food is good. The servers are polite and speedy. They have TVs for watching sporting events. They have outdoor seating for nice days. Their coffee was genuinely yummy. I WILL be back.
(4)
William W.
Just sit and the bar and on the patio. I think the bar food is the best and the beer is cold. I think there is music on Thursday. I really like the patio
(4)
Yong-Yong H.
Yardbird and biscuit dumpings... nom nom nom. My co-workers and I came here in the evening after happy hour. Service was definitely good with my bread basket and drinks tentatively filled. The intimate atmosphere including a great selection of ambient music was very suiting to a relaxing night out with great people. I've only had the opportunity to try the yardbird and biscuit dumplings and I must say, filling and satisfying to the palette. I was not expecting a big portion, but damn it, it was much needed to absorb all of the beer from a beer tasting event! Overall, this will definitely be one of my to-go places after long nights in the office for a well deserved meal and craft beer.
(5)
Will P.
I've been to Roost for breakfast and brunch before. Both were enjoyable. Food was very good and the atmosphere was great. Went in tonight for dessert. Was told they were out of propane (for the heaters) for the outside seating area so we would have to sit at the bar. Sat at the bar for almost 30 minutes without being recognized. The staff was in a hurry, but not efficient. Apparently there was a big take-out order that was causing a lot of confusion. Ended up having to walk out without being waited on.
(3)
Sylvain P.
Love the selection and quality of the food and the service is great. It's the hip new place in town and the patio on Noma Square is well situated for live music with a awesome glass of wine.
(5)
Kimberly M.
Roost is a popular destination and for good reason. The food is fantastic, the ambiance is one of the best in downtown Greenville. Whether you join them for dinner, Sunday brunch or visit for one of their amazing holiday brunches, this is definately the place to take friends family or business.
(5)
Robert L.
Not bad place. Food is above average and price is a little high but not completely out of site. Breakfast was very high and not great which cost them a star.
(4)
Nicole W.
Breakfast at 7am is always good and convenient. Lunch and dinner have been ok but nothing I would come back for.
(3)
Anthony N.
Absolutely Spectactular. I have been in the restaurant industry since i was 15 and have worked in famous restaurants myself in downtown Chicago as a chef and butcher. I would rank this restaurant right along top with any highranking prized restaurant out there. Loved every minute i was there. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Dining room is gorgeous with a very comfortable vibe. I had the Ghost Mule mixed drink which was spectacular. Their local beer list is also very good and compliments alot of their dishes. To start the night we ordered 2 of their flat bread specials, both fantastic combination of flavors. Next we had the smoked Pork tenderloin with collard greens, apple stuffed chicken with risotto, and shrimp and grits (my favorite). All of the proteins were cooked properly and were very moist. Overall very happy with the whole experience and i look forward to going back for more!
(5)
Kristen W.
Delicious, fresh, great service, convenient! The lunch soup, salad, and flatbread buffet is always fresh and has a lot of variety.
(5)
brice b.
Great place to take clients and friends in Greenville. They bend over backward to get you what you want and create some of the best craft cocktails in the upstate. It's a super fun place to come after work or for one of the frequent music festivals.
(4)
Mary D.
I love the atmosphere here, but the food is a little strange. Certain things I have really liked (salad bar at lunch for example), but it's a little of a different menu. However, if you are looking for a great place to grab a drink and possibly listen to live music (depending on the season), then Roost is a great place to do so.
(4)
Whitney H.
Love the atmosphere and location right on Main. Staff was extremely friendly. Menu was unique. Had a great time!
(4)
Joseph P.
Roost is one of my favorite restaurants. Having said that, it is only fair for the reader to understand my profile. I generally visit Roost when in Greenville on a business trip while staying at the Hyatt. Cost is generally not a consideration as I am on an expense budget, and the restaurant is very convenient after a workout and shower. Further, I can maintain my perfect 73 degree F atmosphere as I shuffle from my room to the restaurant. (Remember those cold, cold winter days?) I like the idea of local organic restaurant since we try to follow the same practice at home. The chef's creations are very delicious. My favorite cocktail is the spicy margarita.
(4)
Justine C.
Roost is as good as food gets in SC, unless you're in the mood for bbq or happen to be in Charleston. The atmosphere is nice, but a bit dim in the dining area. I've visited on multiple occasions, on a date and with a friend. The bar has friendly staff and has ample seating with several televisions. I have sampled several of the appetizers, including the chips and one of the flatbreads- both were delicious. The beer selection is great. As an entree, I usually order one of the specials. Last time I had duck breast on a bed of couscous. The duck was well cooked but standard duck. The couscous was great! The wine list is good and well-priced. A gem in Greenville!
(4)
Andrea P.
I decided to try some new (to me) wine. When I didn't like it our server suggested a new one. When I didn't like that one he offered a new drink. I ordered my go-to and went on. I then decided to order a new (to me) dish. I didn't like it. The cook did nothing wrong, the server did nothing wrong; I just didn't like it. I'm picky. The server offered to take care of it for me and asked if I wanted a new dish. I did, and it was very good. We were very happy with our service and look forward to going back!! Thank you to our server! You were fantastic!!!
(5)
Tara F.
Used my free check in dessert coupon to try the delish choc tart! Yum. So decadent. The meatloaf was good. I will go back and try the duck tacos next time.
(4)
Sabina M.
Ughhhh had way too high expectations about this place. I ordered a croissant sandwich with bacon on the side since i dont eat pork. My sandwich came with the bacon in it so i asked to get another one. They brought substitute very fast but my hash brown was cold so it gave me impression they only gave me a new sandwich with the same potatoes. Food was ok, nothing to rave about. My husband says his eggs benedict were delicious. Staff is very nice.
(3)
Erin H.
Finally had a chance to have dinner at Roost. After a brunch fail and a so-so night of cocktails, I was hesitant. But in the end I was pleasantly surprised, so I decided to update my review. We walked in without a reservation and were promptly seated on the patio. Main Street Jazz was going on, so it was nice to sit in the shade of the awning and listen to the music while eating our dinner. Be aware: the music is loud and there is a $25 minimum per head on Thursday and Friday nights. The hostess who seated us seemed a little perturbed when I asked for a high top table instead of the one to which she was leading us, but after she conferred with the other hostess she seated us at the high top. Harrumph. Our server was laid back and helpful. When we asked some specific questions about their excellent list of craft beers, he brought the bar manager out to help direct us. She assisted us in making an excellent choice. That was a classy move on a busy Friday night. We both enjoyed our dinners. My only complaint was that the duck in my duck tacos was not seasoned. All the flavor came from the salsa and avocado served in the taco, which still made for a good dish, but I feel meat should be able to stand on its own. The other dishes, including a flatbread pizza, Caesar salad, and seafood pasta were all quite good. The prices are too high for alcohol, but they are reasonable for food, especially with the assumption that everything is sustainably and humanely raised. But dude, $6 for a 12 ounce bottle of New Belgium beer? This ain't Manhattan's upper East side. I'm happy to see Roost hitting its stride, and I hope they continue to remember to cater to locals, not only hotel guests. With the focus on local food AND local clientele, I believe they will succeed.
(4)
Clint G.
I was in town for business from Missouri and saw Roost got a shout out from Esquire so I thought I'd hit it up. I made a reservation and when checking in with the hostess she wanted to sit me inside. I asked if I could sit outside given the nice weather. She copped an attitude and told me the patio was full after "checking". Given her attitude I couldn't tell if there really was nothing available or she didn't want one person taking up valuable outside real estate. Nevertheless I was seated inside and delighted to see they had several gluten free beers and a gluten free menu. I settled in with a friendly waitress and ordered a gluten free pale ale and some shrimp & grits. The beer was great. The S&G was terrible. The grits had the consistency of soup. I thought everyone pretty much knew that good grits should have the consistency of homemade mashed potatoes or maybe oatmeal. I had another server run down my server and she was very apologetic and admitted the grits were runny today. She offered to get me another plate which was fine. They second serving came out as runny as the first. Now why the restaurant didn't just dump the sub-par batch and start over is beyond me. The server offered to comp my meal which was very considerate of her. I didn't even have to ask. I ate a few shrimp and she came back and offered me dessert on the house. I didn't catch what kind it was but it was gluten free and that was good enough for me. I asked her to box it up so I could hit the road back to the hotel. She brings the dessert out. As luck would have it was ice cream that was already half melted. I signed my receipt and chucked it in the trash as I walked out the door. The only good part of the experience was the gf beer and the kind server.
(1)
Chloe E.
I rarely give 3 stars. I hate middle of the road reviews but this one fell in the middle. The setting is beautiful. Kind of farm house minimalistic meets MoMA. I feel the setting is worth 5 stars. You would NEVER feel like you are in a hotel's restaurant. Drinkies! Delish. Great wine/beer/cocktail selection and the basil mojito, spicy margarita and craft beers were great. Easily 5 stars. Service seemed ok. It was VERY slow when we got there at 11am on a Saturday so I was expecting a little more attention and explanation of the menu but the manager (both of them) came by and that would keep it at 4 stars. Here is where we need to talk. The food. Hmmmm. I had the Pad Thai and it tasted nothing like Pad Thai. Which is fine but not when you want Pad Thai. The flat breads were a little greasy and very small. More appetizer portion than meal portion. The burger looked good but medium was more medium-rare and the pimento cheese was hard to taste over the other toppings. I think they need to get their identity with the food a little better. Presentation was beautiful but I just assumed it would be better. 2 stars. SO- Great place to grab an appetizer and delicious drinkies! Will be back for the basil mojito alone. Cheers
(3)
M D.
In town for work. When I ordered the bacon cornbread, they said they were out because 'the kitchen hadn't figured out how to do it yet.' Twice, they sent drinks and food to our table when we didn't order it. The pastrami sandwich came out later than the other food ordered, and when it did, the fries were missing. The sirloin burger came out well done instead of medium. Coleslaw on the sandwich was overly sweet and from a bag. Fries tasted like they were frozen. Basically an overpriced hotel restaurant (attached to a Hyatt).
(1)
David R.
First time I have tried this restaurant. Slow lunch crowd the day I was their. I was not overly impressed with the menu. It lacked any excitement or anyway of making it standout. I ended up getting a cheeseburger (like I said not anything to exciting on the menu) Overall it was pretty good burger though... but my fries were cold~ hate cold fries. The highlight was our waitress and she was attentive to our needs. I will try it again for dinner some night and see if the dinner menu is any more exciting... Oh... last thought the interior design is early "Wood Pallet's" or at least it looks like it! I was not very impressed...
(3)
Suzie H.
The setting and wait staff were outstanding. However, the food was only middle of the road. I wanted pad thai but they were out so I settled for a flat bread with shrimp ( sorry but the exact name has left me ) my husband ordered the special of salmon, and our two friends both had curry. None of the food was bad nor was is great. I will give Roost another try on the hope that it was an off day. At this point I would not seek out another meal here but if the rest of my group wanted to eat here I would.
(3)
Brenda B.
Went in recently for a breakfast/brunch. A policy not on their website: can't order off the menu after 10:30. Must pay $20+ for "buffet". Server was good, but food was stone cold. Hostess was all but rude. Sorry we interupted your coffee break. We won't go back.
(1)
Jen D.
This was my 4th time coming to roost and the food and atmosphere are always top notch. Wait staff tend to be enthusiastic and thorough. I love to sit outside on the patio, but the area that opens into the Hyatt feels like a patio without having to worry about bad weather which is a close second. For food, I love the duck tacos, cobblestone chicken, and even the meatloaf is surprisingly tangy and tasty with a twist. Also the Mississippi mud dessert is awesome if you like a sweet/salty mix (but I would prefer if the pistachios weren't completely hidden at the bottom). Other aspects of this place need some work though. I called before coming and was told by the hostess that I could park in the garage by the Hyatt or valet at the Hyatt and they would validate parking. FALSE, THIS IS ONLY TRUE IF YOU VALET. Which would have been nice to know ahead of time. We waited quite a while for a valet and finally just went to the garage not knowing about the validation difference. Honestly it's only a few bucks so no biggie. What I had a big issue with was the teenie bopper Roost hostess and her HUGE attitude when I tried to get my parking validated after a great meal. She looked at me like a Martian for trying to get a "garage ticket" validated and took no responsibility for the misinformation I was given over the phone. She even asked how I possibly think validating a garage ticket could even happen "because there are machines and stuff"..... Ummm really?! Hmmm I'm not sure if she has ever left Greenville SC but in the rest of world they often hand you a pre validated ticket that you use when you leave. Then viola! free parking.... crazy concept. I digress, but if you take out a bit of the staff attitude this place is great.
(4)
Jon D.
Over priced and do not have any domestic bottle beer. Service is ok. Don't waste your time or money.
(1)
Akaisha H.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and brunch was desperately needed. We thought we'd give it a try. Ohhhhh, how we were disappointed. Being in the food industry for many years now, I'm well aware of how things need to run and this place was severely lacking in ALL areas. The hostess literally said "Two? You good?" When we asked if we could have a table, she just said "Where?" After we requested outside, she literally pointed, as if we were to seat ourselves. - Strike one. - Once at our table, we only had one menu, no silverware, and no waiter in sight. It took him at least 7 minutes to come talk to us. When he finally did, he didn't ask how we were, if we had any questions, or had we been there before. The only thing out of his mouth - "Anything to drink?" At this point I needed a mimosa, so I ordered one. He took a wooden chip out of his pocket, and put it on the table. No explanation. No anything. I told him "This is our first time here. You're going to have to tell me what to do with that." His response: "Oh. Take it to the bar. She'll get it for you." - Strike two. - Thankfully, the bartender was super friendly. However, you had to pour your own juice (which was sitting out in the open) into the brut. Getting information out of our waiter was like pulling teeth. After we got him to somewhat explain the menu, we ordered. Granite, it was because we told him we would like to, not because he asked. My girlfriend got an omelette with hash, and I got the pork shoulder with hash. The food was decent, and it came out relatively quick, but it wasn't worth the money by any means. Last but not least, it took 15 minutes to get our check, and he barely said thanks. - Strike three. - The Roost is out. Disappointing all around. We won't be back.
(1)
Robyn G.
We tried Roost at Fall For Greenville last year and loved it. We decided to celebrate my hub's first Father's Day at the restaurant. We try very hard to eat as local and sustainable as possible, but still crave all things chicken wings/pizza/etc., Roost seemed to fit the bill. Read the reviews beforehand and tried to go with an open mind, but was a little nervous. So happy to report we had a great experience. We had requested a table on the patio and even though it was PACKED and we were running a few minutes late, our table was there. The first one they had was pub-height, but we had our little man in his carseat with us and weren't comfortable with that. I don't know what they did, but somehow they made a regular table available in record speed with a little area to accomodate the baby. Our view was spectacular, can't say enough about the ambiance. Most important, however, was the food. Hubs is a big microbrew fan and frequents the local beer tastings/craft beer stores, he was very happy with the beer menu. We got the wings, duck tacos (my favorite, amazingx3), mushroom pizza, and fries with smoked salt. Everything was fantastic and, considering how busy it was, came out in a reasonable amount of time. Seems they might have had some kinks to work out when getting going, but they definitely seem to be getting into a groove. Can't wait to head back!
(5)
Heather M.
I went to Yappy Hour at NOMA Square with my dog Otis recently....and Roost was serving food on the patio. I had great service, which I thought was challenging since it was outside and there were about 30 dogs running around. I got a cheesy flatbread which was awesome, and our table shared the herbed hummus with feta that came with some of the best naan flatbread I've ever tasted. Everyone enjoyed it. Roost also had a bar set up outside, and the bartender was friendly and helpful. In addition to my wine, she gave me a pup-tini (chicken broth) for my little Otis. Great experience!
(5)
Andrij S.
Just enjoy a drink before dinner and get food somewhere else.
(2)
David S.
I work and eat downtown. Roost is definitely a hot topic for foodies. After visiting twice, once with a party of two and then with a party of seven, I am underwhelmed. The ambiance and design are wonderful, but a restaurant needs good food and that is where Roost is lacking. The fare is pricey and rather bland. I personally had the chicken baguette and shrimp and grits. My friends were equally unimpressed with their selections. At the end of the day Roost promises a great foodie experience with its soil to city fare and great ambiance, but it fails to deliver on the food.
(3)
Emilie W.
Great service. Healthy delicious gourmet reasonable. New favorite restaurant in Greenville.
(5)
Gary J.
Lame, especially for the price. Staff was slow. Ordered an Arnold Palmer and it was terrible, had to switch to regular tea. Do not order the Appalachian Cuban sandwich, it was terrible. It was so hard I had to cut it with a knife and the flavor was not very good. Don't see myself going back and will definitely warn co-workers. Have to give it at least 1 star for ambiance.
(1)
Patricia B.
Stayed at the hotel for a conference and went there for lunch. Ordered the chicken chili which was ok..but only ordered that BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING ON THE MENU THAT WAS APPEALING! Three out of the 5 apps were flatbreads...really! Also this is pretty much the room service menu and I ordered shrimp and grits and ice tea for 32.00 for dinner. It was okay...but there is no way I would ever stay here again...imagine not being able to get a good steak or burger at a HYATT! It is a beautiful place...but has absolutely no substance as a real restaurant.
(2)
Stuart J.
Ridiculously bad service at the bar. My friend and I went here for drinks after work one day around 6:00 and twenty minutes later we had not been even acknowledged or offered menus/wine lists. We pulled up the menus on our phones instead so we could just order whenever a bartender finally decided to make eye contact. That never happened, so we left and went to one of the many other places in Greenville which seem to be happy to take my money in exchange for food and drink.
(1)
Joanie S.
We went to Roost for dinner last Saturday night. I'm always excited when Greenville gets a new, interesting-looking restaurant, and I REALLY wanted to like this place. I was sadly disappointed. As others have noted, the place is beautiful. Our party of four was seated at a large square table with plenty of elbow room. The bar area was bustling which I always enjoy seeing. Our waitress was very friendly and accommodating - we were with people we hadn't seen for a long time and we took forever to pick up our menus. Once we indicated we were ready to order, she told us the specials and informed us they had no french fries that evening. No french fries? You can run over to Bi-Lo and get some potatoes if you need some! But it wasn't a huge issue for us. 3 of us had salads (the wedge and caesar) which were fine and one of us had the blue crab beignets, which were yummy. So far, so good. For our entrees one person order the shrimp and grits (just ok), one had the strip steak (it was fine), and 2 ordered the fish special - pan seared yellow tail. I can't tell you how the yellow tail was because out came salmon! The waitress didn't say a word that there had been a substitution; when we asked about the salmon, the waitress admitted they had run out of yellow tail. (The best practice would have been to come back to the table after we ordered, inform us that they were out of yellow tail, and ask us to order anew.) The salmon was bland. It was served with a tasty but runny mushroom risotto. When the dessert menus were delivered, my eyes immediately went to the mile-high chocolate cake - just as the waitress announced they didn't have any chocolate cake that night! Running out of things is not a good trend!! No dessert for us. I wasn't terribly impressed with the meal but was willing to forgive and forget until . . . I visited the ladies room on the way out. UGH. It was flooded and dirty. I don't think we'll be returning anytime soon.
(2)
Fred R.
Good service. Great meatloaf. Terrific turkey sandwich. Good Bloody Mary. Nice setting. The Christmas tree presentation in the lobby was wonderful.
(4)
Kait D.
Great concept.... Extremely poor execution. The idea of healthy, local, organic fare attracted me... It's totally my style. My husband took me there for dinner last night and it was nothing I thought it could be. The food was mediocre at best- and then attach a $$$ price tag to it- and it makes it a poor dining experience. I was ready to be wowed. The service was also dismal- for what I expect from a $$$ priced restaurant. I will never go back. XO!
(1)
Leigh B.
Food is just OK. Small portions. Bad service. It took ten minutes to place our drink order, then the waiter wanted to immediately take our food order. We requested that we get a water and our bar drinks before we place our order. About 7 minutes later we finally received our bar drinks, still no water. If we go back, we'll probably just sit at the bar and order appetizers.
(2)
Erin H.
I have dined at Roost twice, once for dinner and the second for lunch. My dinner experience was nice, had great service, the waitress was very attentive. The food was alright, my dad ordered a side of creamy grits with his entree. The entree was good, but the grits were far from creamy. The grit kernels had substance and you could tell there were milled properly, but they tasted like they had been made with water only. Somewhat disappointing as they were supposed to be creamy. I ordered the duck flat bread with a sweet potato base. I was really excited about this dish and so badly wanted it to be as amazing as the description. Unfortunately, it was bland. To sum up this experience; great service, not so exciting food. My second trip to Roost lacked a lot to be desired. My boyfriend and I arrived at Roost around 2:15, after the lunch rush had quieted. We were seated on the patio, which is a great spot. I love patio dining and Roost has an excellent patio. The patio appeared to have 3 servers to take care of 4 to 6 covered tables, which is not at all unreasonable. One of the servers greeted us promptly to take drink orders, then another server showed up and she mentioned he was waiting on our table and passed the orders along. Pretty status quo, no problems. So our server placed our drink orders, one Arnold Palmer one beer. So after waiting about 10 minutes for our drinks our server pops up with my Arnold Palmer and says to my boyfriend, "Oh yeah, your beer is on the way." Well after that he takes our food order; one appetizer, two entrees. Our app arrives quickly, but my boyfriend still doesn't have his beer. I believe the floor manager brought us our app, so I asked her about the beer and she brought it immediately. So we ate, we had ordered the lettuce wraps which were excellent, I loved the lime vinaigrette. Our server had disappeared completely, no sign of him since he had taken our food order. We sat with our apps finished ready to be cleared for a little over 5 minutes. One of the waitstaff was sweeping the patio area while we were waiting to be cleared. She realized we were done ready for next course and asked, "May I get you anything else, would you like to see a dessert menu?" To which, I replied, "We are still waiting on entrees." She said she would check on them and I thanked her. So we waited for entrees. At about 5 minutes to 3 p.m. with no entrees, I got the attention of the floor manager. I politely asked her if we could have our entrees to go because we needed to finish a few errands before plans for that evening. She said that was absolutely fine and made sure it was to go. About 5 minutes later our server brings our order to go. We ask for the check and he promptly takes payment, the only thing that had been prompt about our experience. All we get from our server is an insincere apology. He brings the check back, not a minute later the floor manager come to our table and asks for the check. She rips it up at the table and apologizes for the service we had. She was very nice to us and so apologetic. Our entrees were great! I ordered the open faced sloppy joe on brioche. i do recommend that entree. So, long story short third times the charm. I will go back because the floor manager was exceptionally nice.
(2)
Mandy M.
Good drinks, though a little pricey. Great location downtown.
(4)
Jim K.
Drink menu was very good. The food left a lot to be desired for the prices. I doubt I give this place a second chance.
(2)
Drew F.
The 3rd visit to this restaurant was the final straw for me. Each visit was consistent: ambiance is great but food and service is terrible. This time we complained to the manager. He said he had only been there 2 weeks so I guess they are trying to improve but we let him have it: terrible food (my "yard bird and biscuits" had canned, over salted cream of chicken soup, bland frozen peas and raw biscuit dough, and my boyfriend's pizza was worse than a frozen one), service was terrible, my $10 liquor drink was served half full and the waiter forgot my boyfriend's second beer, sat for 10 minutes after being seated before anybody brought menus or took drink orders, and the waiter, food runners and manager all got our table number mixed up with the one next to us. I gave it 2 stars only because the look and feel of the place is great, but they need to make some major changes before I will consider coming back. The new manager did comp our entire tab and it was obvious that he had heard the same complaints before. Do yourself a favor and wait until this restaurant gets their issues fixed.
(2)
Nefarious F.
Okay, consider this a review about professionalism and great service, more than anything else. Mrs. Nefarious and I stopped in here on a busy weekend recently for a quick drink and a snack. The place was busy, but not overflowing, so we took a comfortable seat at the bar. Had some good drinks and ordered some snacks. So, as it turns out, then there was a Problem with one of the snacks. Not the fault of the server, and not something the likes of which I haven't seen in my years of eating out. I brought The Problem to the attention to the bar staff, who despite being busy, realized that The Problem was not cool, and redirected their attention to us. Things were fixed immediately, apologies were given without descending into obsequiousness, and the manager paid us a calm, professional visit right away. Drinks and snacks were comped, and we left knowing that when we were ready to come back for a full meal, we would have no reservations. So, looking forward to a return visit.
(4)
Brent S.
Very nice atmosphere. Service was at par at best. Disappointed in the food available for brunch though. We didn't take advantage of the custom omelettes, but found the brunch servings lacking in selection, similar to what would be found at a regular complimentary hotel breakfast. Only scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, grits, biscuits and gravy available on the breakfast side. No other meats (sausages, ham, etc). Pulled pork, boiled shrimp and collard greens were available as lunch selections. The bloody mary bar had a couple of olives, a couple of peppers and bacon as garnish selections. The food was good, but it was what you would expect for a $9 buffet at Shoney's or Denny's; definitely not a $20 meal or $9 cocktail.
(3)
Leslie C.
Brunch is fantastic. Great beer selection and the Mimosa/Bloody Mary bar is a very nice touch. Outside seating is beautiful, inside is nice too. If not going for Sunday brunch, try the Korean wings. Truly the best thing in the menu, crispy, juicy and flavorful. Sangria drinks are delicious, refreshing.
(5)
Jeff B.
Bee was great. Fast service. Great wine a nice place to relax on the patio. This girl really has some good knowledge.
(5)
Barbara W.
It's been almost 2 1/2 years since my original review of Roost. Not one to hold a grudge (well, ok, a little bit), we were downtown and wanting a quick snack and a drink, so we stopped into the bar. It was early still, so not crowded (only 3 people actually sitting at the bar), however the bar staff were standing around together talking about how busy it was GOING TO BE for the next few nights...apparently they were taking this opportunity to rest? Although it was 5:45pm, we were told they were only serving off the bar menu, so that's what we did. Anyways, We tried two of their drink specials: a margarita and a gin drink. Both had their 'house sour mix', and both were cloyingly sweet and unpleasant. I opted for a beer instead. For a snack we got the pickled jalapeno queso fondue and the korean wings. The wings were pretty good, and the chips and queso tasted good at the time...but here's the thing... Before you order anything with their 'blue corn tortilla chips', I suggest you pick your favorite internet search engine and search for the terms 'Blue Dye #5' and 'colon' together. The results the next day were startling to say the least, and concerning enough that I called my doctor. The answer 'have you eaten anything with excessive food coloring in it?', which took me a while to figure out. As best as I can remember, I haven't seen any Blue Dye #5 growing in the fields of South Carolina this summer, and certainly expect better from 'soil to city'. Shame on you, Roost.
(2)
Aaron K.
Pleasantly surprised. Stopped in with a group of 10 for Sunday brunch. Had no idea it would be a brunch-buffet until we were seated. Usually I'm anti-buffet, for a multitude of reasons, but this wasn't just good, it was awesome. Custom made omelettes, biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, roasted potatoes, corn chowder, seafood, breads and muffins and salads, seafood, ribs, prime rib, just SO much stuff, and all of it was delicious! Seriously! Super happy we wandered in here, the whole group was impressed, stuffed, and very satisfied.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Valet, Garage, Street, Validated Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Brian P.
A solid experience with great friends. I agree with fellow yelpers that the waiting and seating process is a bit of a CF. BUT, once inside, the atmosphere is tranquil, the waiters are fabulous, and the food is pretty awesome. We enjoyed a pair of whole fish prepared "Hong Kong style" (I was dubious), which meant a little seaweed and sesame salad drizzled over a lightly fried whole fish. The entire organism was laid to rest on a bed of basmati rice. I would've liked a little more of the, well, let's just call it "Hong Kong salad," but other than that the entree was very very good. Would've loved to stay for dessert, but for the siren's call of cupcakes...
(4)Law R.
Went to The Roost this past Tuesday for dinner and a drink around 7:30 p.m. Every time I walked by it appeared very crowded (always a good sign) so I wanted to check it out. I'm new to the area and this was the first place in downtown Greenville I checked out. I didn't put two and two together at the time that this is the hotel restaurant for the Hyatt, but I definitely wasn't the only non-guest eating there. Given the time, it wasn't that busy (at least outside) with the exception of a few other solo diners like myself, about one or two couples, and a 6 or 7 person group. Everything started out great--my server was a cool guy, very polite, and explained the place's concept--all local food and beer--well. The view from my table on the outside patio was lovely, and my server let me try their featured beer for free. I asked him various questions about the specials and beers, and he gave me plenty of great information. Annnnnnd then it went downhill, especially for service. After ordering my first drink (a local pumpkin beer, the one I tried), the server showed up with another waitress and said "i'm being pulled from the floor but ___ will take care of you." Shift change I guess, whatever, that's cool. She noted I had ordered my beer and that it would be "coming"--at this point I had ordered it about a minute or two ago--and took my food order. Well, at least 5 more minutes passed by until my beer arrived. And as good as it was, I didn't get why it was such a long wait--it wasn't busy at all. And I forget the context but she called me "buddy" at one point. Wasn't a fan of that. My soup eventually arrives--french onion--and it was decent. Broth was good but the cheese was so-so and the bread consisted of one slice of french bread that just soaked up most of the broth. Waitress was missing again for awhile and showed up when my soup was finished and my beer about halfway done. At that point she asked if I wanted another beer, and I did, but said once I finished this one. She said she'd bring it by later. More time passes by--about another 5 minutes at least. First drink done at this point and no showing from the server. The expediter brings out my ravioli and asks if there's anything else I need. I say that I had ordered a beer awhile ago and wondered if I could get that. He said "oh, I can't take drink orders" and just walked away from me. I see him go inside and talk to another waiter--maybe mentioning what I said, I hope--but nothing came of it immediately. Not sure how many minutes passed but my entree--mushroom ravioli--was nearly gone when my waitress finally shows up again, beer in hand. So the message obviously got to her somehow. But I was nearly done my entree, so the timing of the drink was not ideal. No apology at all for the delay in bringing the drink or her disappearance. At this point, though, she was much more attentive and nice, and I think realized the amount of her tip was rapidly diminishing, so I give her kudos for that. The ravioli itself was mild and pleasant; it was served in a butter and pimento sauce and was tasty enough. The portion was perfect for me, but might be too small if you don't get a salad or appetizer/soup. I even took my suddenly-attentive waitress's recommendation and got the creme brulee for desert. Tasty but a bit too thick. Overall quality of good was satisfying but nothing to write home about. The inattentive and nonexistent service for the vast majority of my meal is what prevents me from giving this place a good rating. Judging from other reviews, poor service is not a new issue for this place. Someone needs to train them better. I still have to give my waitress props because it was clear she eventually realized she had to put in some face-time, but it would have been nice to have that quality service the entire meal. And as for the busboy/expediter, he should have done more than just say "not my job" and let it go. He should have made it his priority, even if he himself cannot take drink orders, to see that my waitress took care of it. So food itself: promising, but not amazing. Service: poor.
(2)Phil Y.
Two great meals so far. Beautiful and bustling. Farm to table makes for some great choices. The mimosa / Bloody Mary bar at Sunday brunch lets you be creative. Really enjoyed the yardbird and dumplings.
(5)Emme W.
The Roost has a great atmosphere and that's why I gave it 2 stars. Other than that the food is not good. It's cheap food that's overly priced. The food seems to not be flavorful or a reflection of the Greenville Culture. I do like the cocktail list.
(2)Mike H.
My girlfriend and I were looking for lunch outside as the weather this Saturday was absolutely perfect. Seems everyone else in downtown Greenville had the same idea. We walked north on Main St, came upon Roost and decided to give it a try. There was one empty table on the patio but we were told it was reserved. They offered us seats at the bar and we accepted because it was 2pm and we were both hungry. The people behind the bar seemed busy but there didn't seem to be that many people sitting at the bar. We sat down at an area where dirty dishes had just been cleared and the bar surface hadn't been cleaned very well. I ordered an Arnold Palmer to drink and the lemonade was carbonated and came from the bartender's beverage gun. Not the drink I had been anticipating. We studied the menu, set it aside and waited quite a while before anyone acknowledged we were hungry and wanted to order food. My girlfriend ordered a caesar salad and the mussels and clams. I ordered the split pea soup and the cobb salad. After the food arrived, we had no silverware. The bartender asked the hostess to bring some to her. The hostess appeared a couple minutes later and placed the silverware 5 feet away from us and after waiting another minute, I went and retrieved it myself. I feel I am a rather positive and optimistic person but I can find nothing good to say about the food. The caesar was not much more than hearts of romaine. My soup tasted like a handful of earth had been thrown into it. If that is "farm to table" it's not for me. At least 4 of the mussels/clams were closed rendering them inedible. My cobb salad came without the avocado or the chicken. When I asked the bartender for a glass of water, she had someone else make me another Arnold Palmer. I was ready to end this painful experience and before tip, it cost me $50. Roost, your ambiance and architecture is appealing and beautiful. But you all FAIL in every other aspect. Greenville is becoming a destination for Foodies. With so many other better choices, we won't even consider coming back.
(1)Janice H.
Excellent service and food. Thanks for a great evening. Requested table was ready upon arrival. Enjoyed all the activity at Noma square as we dined. Waiter was very responsive to our needs and wishes. Grilled salmon over risotto was fabulous.
(5)Alan S.
Everyone was friendly but sadly, the service could not have been any worse at Roost. We came here with a party of 6 on Sunday morning. Everything took forever, which is never good when you are dining with hungry little ones. And it couldn't have been because the place was busy ... there was no one there! Server delivered tea but didn't bring the mug. Didn't come back to refill coffee. My girlfriend ordered eggs with avocado, tomato, toast, and a little cheese on the eggs. No avocado, no toast, and no eggs came out. Had to keep following up to see if the rest of the items were going to be brought over. The food was ok. I got the ham and cheese omelet. Nothing special. The portions felt somewhat small for $11 price tag. Very disappointing.
(1)Scott B.
Nice atmosphere. Unfortunately the food is sorely lacking and over-priced. One time dining there is enough for me.
(2)Jennifer L.
Visited Roost on Saturday night when main was bustling about the Final Four. The restaurant space is very pretty and HUGE! We really loved the idea of farm to table and were very excited about the overall concept and menu. We sat at a nice table on the patio and immediately things went wrong. First, it took 20 minutes for someone to come by and take our drink orders. The patio area seemed very short on service for such a busy night as it became evident that we were not the only table short of service. When our server finally came by, we ordered drinks and apps. They did not have any bread or crackers at the table - which would have been fine if we did not have to wait another 15 just to get the drinks we ordered. The apps finally came and the server took our order. We ordered the Korean Chicken wings - nice and spicy, but cold; and the Mussels. The Mussels & Clams where delicious and served in a large bowl with two slices of Crostini for dipping in the broth (the best part). We immediately realized that 2 little pieces of bread would not be enough for a large bowl of Mussels for a party of 4 so we ordered more bread. The bread never came, and so our yummy warm bowl of broth sat there getting ice cold. For the main course we ordered the cobblestone roasted chicken, flatbread for the vegetarian, and pork chop. The dark meat chicken was COMPLETELY over cooked. I have never had dark meat chicken that was so tough and dry. If you are going to have a farm to table concept, and the chicken was raised humanely, why would you disrespect that bird and overcook it like that? I suspect it was sitting under the heat lamp next to the poor pork chop for a LOOONG time as both plates were scorching hot when they arrived to the table. We could not even touch them to position them in front of us. The greens on both dishes were tasty, but very chewy. The tomato mozzarella flatbread got good reviews. We returned the chicken and were offered dessert. We ordered two for the table - Tennessee Mud & Cheesecake. Well that did it for us, the Mud came in a canning jar - but was coated with an abundance of dry chocholate crumbs and the mouse seriously lacked chocolate flavor. The cheesecake came out drizzled with some kind of fruit sauce and honeycomb on top. The fruit sauce destroyed the already bland cheesecake. The flavor was off-putting and unidentifiable. They best part was the honeycomb. Really wanted to like Roost simply on the concept, but unfortunately it turned out to be a very pricey disappointment with a very short-handed waitstaff. Will definitely NOT be returning to Roost.
(1)Sunny A.
The service was great, Ben our bartender was just awesome, but the food was so bad, we had to send our dish back. It was so salty that my taste buds were burning, not to mention that it was swimming in oil. As nice as the place and atmosphere were, we won't be back. Great craft beers, nice patio and lots of screens to watch march madness... but for "mindfully sourced" food, I expected local farm fresh ingredients that don't need to be drenched in gooey crap to taste good. The food needs major work.
(2)Beatrice W.
had been looking for a new place for breakfast...so decided to try the roost. My husband and I went to this morning. First when we got there, we were told to go to the hostesses, who told us to go back and sit anywhere. So we went back and were seated by our waiter who seemed quite surprised by what they said and apologized and told us that they had been busy with alot of managers earlier. The place had emptied out by the time we had gotten there. He explained the buffet to us and also the menu. We opted for the buffet. The eggs, potatoes and grits were all lukewarm at best. But for the price of the food not sure that we would go back a second time for breakfast. Might give lunch a try next time. The waiter was very attentive. The atmosphere was nice.
(2)Mike A.
They really need to work on their speed of service here. The food is pretty good and the location has tons of potential. Both times I've been (one time for lunch, once for dinner) the service was slow. Step it up guys, we'd like to see you make it.
(3)Kellie K.
The fella and I went to Roost for breakfast on a Sunday morning and sat on the atrium side. The place itself seemed huge - the atrium was bright and airy with windows everywhere, and the other side seemed a little more sleek and sexy. They were offering a $16 breakfast buffet, which looked good, but neither of us was hungry enough for that, so we ordered off the menu - yogurt parfait for me and two cage free eggs for the fella. Mine was fine (pretty hard to mess up yogurt and fruit), but the fella's came without the potato and caramelized onion hash listed on the menu, and he was too nice to say anything... and then it wound up being just okay. Service was a little spotty but friendly.
(3)Stephen S.
I keep giving this place another chance and each time I get disappointed with the food and quality. Service is always great though!
(2)Louise M.
One of the highlights of my Greenville trip other than doing hot lap at the BMW Performance Center in an M6 at over 100 mph, was sitting at Roost's patio sipping pink mojito. It was such beautiful day - the sun was shining, cool breeze. I put my feet up as I stared at the fountain pool overlooking Main Street as I sipped my drink. Though my team and I were eating there because we needed a quick dinner before going back into working on our presentation, it felt like a perfect getaway from the all day stressful meeting we endured that day. I was having a zen moment and felt like a happy little bird tucked in a roost. I wanted to go to High Cotton and try their shrimps and grits. However el Jefe thought we shouldn't dick around and just eat quick at the hotel restaurant. Roost is half inside Hyatt Regency Greenville and half is outside on Main street. I didn't get any bodily symptom on being excited at first about eating there. However me agreeing to it was based on that perhaps I could try their shrimps and grits as my other teammate who also dined with us said the hotel's s&g was the best he had. However as soon as we sat in that patio, I forgot about everything and was so happy we were there. It was truly a nice ass patio. My boss teased me like I would jump in that pool in a minute. Not sure how then we got into discussing lakes from talking about pool/pond until I started yelling Lake Titicaca and I made two grown men giggled. We started with fried green tomatoes. It was my first in a long time and first in this trip. After trying several, this was the best. The thick cut pancetta along with the goat cheese really made this tomatoes awesome. The goat cheese was so mild that I thought that goat was drinking cow's milk. It was good though as it resembled sour cream, but better. My boss ordered the bean soup that looked like chili. Then, he ordered chicken chili. So he ate two bowls of chili pretty much. He said it was good. I said that was stress talking. Lake Titicaca! Jason ordered a caesar salad. Wtf. He said he wanted something light tonight. Yeah it had lettuce, but caesar dressing is nothing I'd consider light. Plus, it's caesar salad. This big bearded crush your hand if he shakes it guy likes fancy cuisine usually. He surprised me when he said he liked goat cheese, fig, dates, and Chai Spiced Latte because he looked like beer or Mountain Dew type. That was why I was disappointed he was eating "light." I was the man in that table and I ordered the shrimps and grits. It was my second. I had Soby's the other night. This was more creamy and had lighter colored sauce. It tasted pretty amazing and so much different than last night. Turned out, it was different than what Jason had at room service. However, I still really liked it but I ranked this third out of the four I had on this trip. The only one I hate was my fourth. I wish I was talking one night stand instead of shrimps and grits. But, NO. From checking in on Yelp, I received a free dessert. My boss wanted chocolate though it was MY free dessert. Since he is my boss and I was nice, I obliged and ordered the black forest torte. All I could say was nom nom. ..and did I mention pink mojito? I usually don't like mojito or pink drink. However that mojito in that patio really made my night. It was really refreshing and delicious. We worked till midnight and was so exhausted. However that hour break at Roost was necessary and it was a good time with my teammates. Don't diss Roost because you think they're just a hotel restaurant. It's definitely more than that.
(4)Maggie B.
Not sure why Roost has 3 stars. I have been several time since they opened for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons why I love Roost is the sheer flexibility of their spcae. 1)As hotel guest... convenient and worth staying in vs. getting breakfast at many of Greenvilles hot breakfast places! 2) Bringing a group of retirees. They accommodated our large group easily as we came to look at the festival of trees. 3) Events on Noma Square. Came with husband to sit and listen to music/yappyhour/etc. Lovely! Great view of Main Street, Music, and excellent porch atmosphere. There are so many ways to take advantage of this key downtown establishment. I especially love the community and vibe they are fostering in NOMA square. What a great addition to what people love most about Greenville: walk-ability.
(5)Rob J.
This has become one of my favorite lunch destinations. I cannot speak to much of the menu as I typically get the Harvest table lunch which includes salad bar, two soups, and flatbread pizza. The salad bar has a lot of variety and includes diced chicken breast. The soups have always been amazing. My favorite so far is the Irish stew. Great seating out on the patio that overlooks main street. Give it a visit!
(4)Laura G.
Just not what I expected
(1)Shanen C.
Went for brunch on Sunday. Huge buffet with every brunch food item you can imagine. We had wonderful service and I can't wait to go back and try their dinner menu.
(5)Veronica H.
Stopped by this place with the family for lunch, to be honest I thought it was going to be a lot more expensive than it actually was. They had a soup, flatbread, and salad buffet for $10 - salad fixings looked fresh, they had two soups to choose form and two types of flatbread. A few people ordered this and so we were very surprised when literally 5 minutes after we got a salad they notified us that there was only 5 minutes left for the buffet. Yes, it says it ends at 2pm on the menu but seriously with a party of 9 with kids I am not looking at the fine print and I felt that the waitress should have notified us when we placed the order. Other than that, the food was very good. I actually ordered a burger and I was very happy with the quality, it was tender and cooked just right (medium) and very flavorful. The sweet potato fries were crisp. I very much enjoyed the meal. I checked in and got a free dessert so we all tried the Tennessee mud pie - WOW it was so good (it is rich) but when you are only having a bite or two it is terrific.
(4)Gailen D.
Had the bread pudding French toast and bacon pancakes and tasted others as well
(5)Alex G.
Really liked the outdoor seating overlooking Main Street. The omelette with goat cheese, spinach, and roasted tomatoes was excellent. Specifically, the addition of the roasted tomato created a nice outlet for what would otherwise have been a traditional and somewhat boring omelette. On the other hand, the yogurt parfait was blah and could have used Greek yogurt instead of whatever the generic yogurt was and also a tad of honey would not have hurt.
(4)Audrey G.
I took my guests that were visiting Greenville from FL to Roost, thinking it's such a cute spot and always busy...that it must be great. We arrived to a dead restaurant. Only 3 tables including ours. The restaurant was beautiful and I was still excited to be there with good friends. Our entrées were completely underwhelming. The food is not tasty. I ordered the ribs and macaroni and cheese. The ribs were bland and the macaroni was awful. It tasted as if they used imitation cheese. Panera Bread's macaroni and cheese is better than this restaurant's and that's pathetic. I expected so much more from this restaurant. Additionally, our server left us waiting much longer than needed for our check b/c he was busy chatting with another server in a completely empty restaurant. I regretted not going to Sassafras, where everything on the menu is absolutely delicious. Such an embarrassment to have taken our guests here. I will not be returning to Roost.
(1)Caroline B.
A great place for date night, with many yummy vegetarian options. The chocolate torte is my favorite dessert!!
(5)Melody A.
If you are wanting to be an elite restaurant the food and service should be beyond reproach. We has 2 orders that were incorrect and our 3 orders of fried chicken were overcooked. The trout and meatloaf were fabulous. The service wasn't fabulous, we waited 20 minutes for bar service. The nonchalant attitude of our server really ruined our evening.
(2)Steve G.
My wife and I ate here for breakfast yesterday. ..we did the buffet. I really enjoyed it. There was a decent assortment. Everything was fresh and got. Notable mention was the grits...they were seasoned and really good. Bacon was crisp. BUT...The croissant we had was the BEST ever had! It was that good. Almost worth the $16 for the buffet. Also, the coffee is really good too!
(4)Will G.
Wow. On something like my tenth visit here, I've realized that this is consistently one of the best restaurants in Greenville. Tonight we came as part of restaurant week & the standouts were the osso bucco and the bananas foster pudding. Thank you, Roost!
(4)Mali C.
I have loved everything from the service to the food. This place hasn't let me down yet. The Korean wings are a must.
(5)Betsy M.
Limited menu. Great waitstaff. Food was unmemorable and extremely overpriced for the quality. They need additional choices for a side vegetable, not everyone loves brussels sprouts.
(1)Trey D.
First review on yelp! I'm afraid I can't adequately relay how disappointed I was at this restaurant. We would have loved to experienced more of the menu but couldn't get service. Hangar steak was cooked perfectly. Everything else was sub par.
(2)Willie J.
Excellent food and service! John was a fantastic waiter. Check out the wedge salad, pork tenderloin, and sea salt and garlic fries!
(5)Marina S.
Farm to table, but not made to order. I had a flatbread with chicken on it. The chicken was cold and hard... Like precooked. For $11. Next time, at least zap your fancy organic rubber in the microwave before you serve it. Very nice inside with good service, but when you're trapped in the Hyatt because it's raining, get delivery instead.
(1)Laura S.
Just visited Roost last Sunday for first time. LOve, love outdoor atmosphere. Food was good, hope service next time better. Place to be seen in Greenville downtown.
(4)Dana R.
The service was great but it is a Monday night so it wasn't very busy. We started with a basket of sweet rolls...nothing fancy. We had the black bean hummus topped with cojita and charred corn relish served cold with blue corn tortilla chips. The flavors was very refreshing. Then I was served the Chicken Chili. Very thick and too much of a tomato paste rather than soup. With a hint of chicken and some red beans. When I think chili I think southwestern...it lacked the zest of those seasonings of chili powder, paprika, & cayenne Then came the cranberry & apple stuffed chicken. It was moist but had no flavor except for the sweetness from the apples & cranberry. Served with a cheesy risotto that helped cut the sweet of the stuffing. Sides were Parmesan truffle shells & cheese and sea salted garlic fries...these were disappointing and uneventful for my taste buds. Last the waiter recommended the Irish cream cranberry cheesecake which was very tasty and made the taste buds happy! I gave it two stars because I have eaten at all the fine dining downtown and compared to Rick Erwin's, Larkin's, & High Cotton the flavors just can't compare however the atmosphere was nice. I would go back to try other items on the menu.
(2)Aaron H.
I frequent Greenville for business often, and we went here for dinner a couple weeks back. It's a very large space right in the heart of downtown. They probably have the one of the best outdoor seating areas in the city... many tables, large water feature, and it's right on the strip. The service was very good, but the food was average. We started with the Imperial Crab Baked Green Tomato Croquettes (3 for $13). They were decent. One colleague ordered the Duck Confit Street Tacos - fresh feta, salsa verde, avocado crema ($12) for her meal. I believe there were 3 small tacos which looked good. It's a starter, and I think the portion is too small if you want to order for your main course. I had a simple Farmers Salad ($5) which was good. They have a house-made lemon vinaigrette that I would recommend trying. I had the Shrimp and Grits - Adluh mills grits, smoked bacon and garlic pan "gravy" ($23). It was ok, but not the best shrimp and grits I have experienced. It is a massive portion, but it was very heavy... oily grits & gravy. I think Roost is a solid choice if you want a good seat outside to people watch and enjoy a decent meal, but for me there are so many other options that I would rather try in Greenville.
(3)DeAndre J.
Really good food. Definitely recommend the Twice Fried Korean Wings and the Roost Burger. Server was really friendly. My only gripe was that it took FOREVER to get food to our table. Considering I could count the number of guests that were in the restaurant on two hands, there is really no excuse for it taking almost an hour just to get our appetizer to hour table. I'd definitely recommend this place but only if you have ample time on your hands lol
(3)B K.
Only left 3 stars because I only ate from the breakfast buffet, so service wasn't really relevant. Though the service I did get for coffee and water was quick and friendly. The breakfast buffet was good, one of the better selections of cut fresh fruit I've seen in a while, and very nice selection of "breads", (bagels, English muffins, etc.) I had fruit, bacon, scrambled eggs, and tried the biscuits and gravy. Bacon seemed microwaved but was pretty lean, the eggs were a little over done but tasty none the less. The biscuits and gravy were just okay, gravy was a bit "doughy" but was still able to finish my plate. If you're staying at the Hyatt on business and need a quick breakfast you probably won't find anything else around there better. I will add it was one of the best hotel buffet breakfasts I've had, if that's saying anything. I will also add that the outside bar area looks like a really nice spot to unwind and enjoy a cocktail after work.
(3)Sarah D.
Check out my review on Roost! AMAZING service and exceptional food. forkfuloflife.wordpress.…
(5)Diane F.
Great ambience but the management, staff and food are definitely not worth the pricey price! Glad I had the experience, doubt I'd go back.
(2)Alan R.
Had a quick night out with the wife for the first time in what seems like forever without the kids.! Great atmosphere outside the Hyatt on Greenville's north end! First off, Brandon our server was a cool dude. Very personable and attentive and didn't push is to make a quick decision on dinner esp once we told him we hadn't been out in ages. Korean wings for an app had a good kick. Had the flat iron steak cooked to medium rare, very tasty and in a good portion, not too big and not too small. Espresso seasoning? Whatever it was I'd eat it again. The wife had the shrimp and grits and enjoyed it as well. Chocolate tort with a cherry compote topping for dessert was like the inside of a truffle. Wow. And as a bonus it was free for using our Yelp app! How cool is that!?! Overall great dinner out and would easily come back if we can break free from the kids again! Ha. (On a side note remember your ID if you want a drink. An older couple sat for dinner next to us and the server was not able to serve the wife because she had no ID. Not the servers fault at all. SC SLED is crazy tough on underage drinking and you must have ID no matter your age or else they will nail the establishment and/or server. To the servers credit he didn't back down. Know the law or just drink water! .) Thanks again to Brandon for a nice couple hours out of the house. Peace!
(5)Ann B.
My husband and I chose this spot for our Christmas Not a lot of choices on Christmas but thought it would be festive with all the Decorated trees. We made reservations well in advance. When we arrived we were seated out in a noisy aisle. When we asked to be reseated due to my hearing disability we were told no there was no where else for us. With no recourse we settled in and ordered a drink. Next came the hurrying waiter who dropped a whole drink of bourbon with most if it splashing on me and my new wool wrap (a Christmas present from my daughter) being saturated. The manager ignored us when we tried to speak with him. Finally we were told that we could leave the wrap to be cleaned and pick it up when we checked out. Of course we were not staying there so we asked if we could be reimbursed for cleaning we were told yes. Its may and we still have not been reimbursed. Unfortunately poor customer service here
(1)Stephen G.
The Harvest Table Lunch is fantastic. Really good, fresh salad toppings, great soups, and really good Flatbread pizzas. I've had great service every time I have been there as well.
(5)Cary A.
What is is about the "farm to table" restaurants that makes me feel more comfortable about eating there? Well, nothing really... I love this place, but when it comes to food quality, why limit your supply chain? The food is wonderful and meets the price point that they have established, but i think its because of restaurant location. Do not misunderstand me, I LOVE this place and will be returning soon to sample the rest of the menu. But the farm-to-table prices, which are slightly elevated, are only compensated for by the location and atmosphere. so i think the food is about 6/10, location 8/10... Over all high marks. Service was acceptable, no unusual delays in food or beverages. I especially like sitting outside in the open air at lunch. The dining space is very spacious yet intimate, due to the lower ceilings. i recommend giving this place a try. The menu is succinct yet has enough variety for a table of 6 to be interested in each others plates. Of all the things I've had here I really liked the meatloaf, despite my internal contention about it not being my mom's. However it is wrapped in bacon, and we all know that pork fat can elevate any dish to exceptional. Be sure to enjoy the house made cocktails, they pour them stronger than most places
(4)Jade F.
I loved the modern ambience, especially the wine cellar (oh-lala). My mother requested to dine here since it was her birthday. Our server, Phil (I think that was his name) was very professional, polite, and even took time to give food recommendation based on my parents dietary restrictions. Since they are vegetarians, my mother had the linguini and my father had the mushroom ravioli. I had the daily special. That day it was tuna, brussel sprouts, and mashed potatoes. I did not particularly like the tuna, but the side dishes and pasta were divine. The food was amazing and the customer service was top notch. Upon my next visit to Greenville I most definitely make it a point to eat here again. I also recommend checking out the plethora craft beers and local wines that they sell.
(4)Ashleigh H.
I REALLY wanted to like Roost. It's pretty, I would go back for drinks and the view, maybe... Saturday Brunch: Terrrrrrrible service like "oh, you wanted us to wait on you? um ok I guess we can do that...." very boring buffet selection Weekday lunch: the service was fine my sandwich was just ok, nothing else on the menu caught my eye. Come on, Roost - get it together!
(1)R S.
I have been here several times. I like the outdoor seating and I think that's the only reason that I keep going back. I have found the service always slow. I have been unimpressed with the food. The one thing I found that I did like was the burger. The Rooster Burger is very good.
(2)Ana O.
I have not tried this place for dinner, but I have been several times for lunch. It is a decent spot downtown to get lunch. They have a lunch menu, with many items from $8-12. I have a friend who swears by the duck tacos. However, you can also just get the soup, salad, and flatbread buffet for around $10. They actually have a pretty nice salad bar, with plenty of great salad toppings and greens (no iceberg lettuce here), as well as delicious premade salad items. They have all the "standard" veggies, plus either turkey or ham and different cheeses (sometimes cheddar, sometimes goat). The salad bar is definitely the best part of this experience. They offer two different soups each day and mix them up quite a bit. I have never had the same soup on the buffet here. They often have vegetarian and gluten free options with the soups, which is nice for people with more restricted diets. Some of the soups are great, but I have had one or two that are pretty medocre. As for their flatbread, they usually have one with just cheese and one with some kind of meat on it. Personally, I am not a fan. I think the crust is a little bland on them. The service has been pretty good for me, but it's easy to be a good server when everyone just orders the salad bar. It is definitely quick as well if you get the salad bar, but lunch entrees can be a little slow. Overall, I recommend this place especially for the lunch salad bar.
(3)Debra V.
I like Roost but they have so many problems, it's a shame. They have the best made drinks in town with absolutely terrible bartenders. EVERY TIME I go, there is at least one extra drink on my tab or a incorrect charge. I am not a big drinker at all so this is very frustrating. One time I had to call management for them to fix. Another time the bartender acted like I was lying to her. Another time they charged our drinks to a person whom had left the bar!!! This is scary stuff!!!! I have been there when guest leave because of the service. And let me please say these bartenders have the personality of a brick. If you do decide to go to Roost... WATCH YOUR TAB & YOUR BANK ACCOUNT.
(1)M S.
Decided to see what this place was about in spite of some of the reviews I read here. The reviews seem to be spot on The Good: the food, the idea of local sourced ingredients, the location/atmosphere. The bad: the service; spent 45 min total at the restaurant. I had to flag someone down to get my coffee refilled twice and when I did finally get a refill it was warm, not hot. They ran out of biscuits at 10:30 in the morning toast and gravy really isn't the same. We were not able to sit outside on one of the most beautiful mornings in Greenville. There seems to be a lack of attention to detail here which given the location and initial presentation, isn't going to serve them well in the long run. I want to see places like this do well and thrive, but it doesn't seem they are able to meet the expectation they've set.
(2)Pawel S.
Great American waffles! Really really tasty. I just wish the fruit selection was better.
(4)Brian P.
Nice place but pricey as most places associated with Hyatt hotels tend to be. Clean with friendly staff. My wife and I shared a half price happy hour appetizer and one drink each at the bar. The bill was just under $30 with tip. There are soooo many other unique places in Greenville worth checking out rather than the Roost.-With better food and less expensive. Also, No concealable weapons allowed. It's ashame they've been bullied into taking this side of the issue. If you choose not to imbibe and are carrying you are not welcome in the Roost. Hope you don't get mugged on the way to your vehicle in a nearby garage after dining in this "gun free zone." ABSOLUTELY no CWP carriers allowed on premises. We are NOT welcome here. BIG sign on front door. Spend your money elsewhere.
(1)keeley m.
I like Roost for dinner; chill, trendy atmosphere and locally sourced menu. I recommend the Japanese chicken wings and the wedge salad. Both are noteworthy. Nice to get a table here when events are happening at NOMA Square. Also attended brunch here once and was a great option if you like a buffet style. Tons of options including omelet bar and a ton of pretty desserts I didn't have room for.
(4)A B.
Roost is definitely my favorite restaurant in Greenville, and we live downtown and frequent all the restaurants often. The food is always excellent. Meals are prepared from fresh, local ingredients with interesting and unique blends of flavors. I've tried many entrees and have been impressed with every meal. The service is also great. The servers are knowledgeable, friendly but not too pushy. Food and drinks have always come out quickly. The prices are extremely reasonable, given the quality of food and service that are provided. Finally, the atmosphere is fantastic. In the springtime, the doors are open letting in the warm Southern air and in the Summer there is live music on the outdoor patio. The outdoor seating surrounded by a beautiful fountain is one of the best places to watch life in Greenville go by. Indoors is beautifully lit, with great spacing between tables and excellent ambiance. We've been here for brunch a few times, and the buffet is amazing! Fully stocked with tons of fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, eggs, salads and desserts. They also have a mimosa and bloody mary bar that is a lot of fun. A lot of people have referred to Roost as the Hyatt hotel restaurant. I understand that it technically is, but I've never felt like I'm sitting in a hotel lobby. The restaurant itself is removed from the Hyatt physically, and I've never entered through the hotel area.
(5)David S.
My wife and I had lunch here a few days ago as we stopped through Greenville. We did the lunch buffet of salad and soup. Salad offerings were a little limited, but everything was fresh and tasty. We also tried the soups and thought the shrimp bisque was good but nothing special. They also served pizza flatbreads which was a nice addition to an otherwise very normal soup and salad bar.
(4)Desiree M.
We had a delicious lunch here one rainy afternoon. (Had to sit inside due to rain, but there is a swank outside seating area with a floating fire pit in the fountain surrounding it.) We had excellent service. Although the menu is small, it has an attractive array of bistro meals, an exceptional kids menu beyond the usual fries/chicken strips for healthy yet kid friendly options. They have house made desserts that are amazing, seasonal treats!
(5)Monica H.
The Sunday brunch buffet is AWESOME! Prepare yourself for made-to-order omelets, steel cut oatmeal with an array of toppings, a yogurt and fruit bar, different cereals, bagels, eggs, and more. The space was very cool and new -- think wood and metal details, a chalkboard with shout outs to the farms that supply its food, and communal tables. My cons are nitpicky and therefore not worth giving much weight. I wish the yogurt bar were a LITTLE higher off the ground so I didn't have to bend so low to reach the goodies in there. The layout is a little weird, but you figure it out quickly. The cereal containers were hard to wrestle cereal from -- I'd prefer something with less thought involved for my morning meal. See? Nitpicky. The food is good. The servers are polite and speedy. They have TVs for watching sporting events. They have outdoor seating for nice days. Their coffee was genuinely yummy. I WILL be back.
(4)William W.
Just sit and the bar and on the patio. I think the bar food is the best and the beer is cold. I think there is music on Thursday. I really like the patio
(4)Yong-Yong H.
Yardbird and biscuit dumpings... nom nom nom. My co-workers and I came here in the evening after happy hour. Service was definitely good with my bread basket and drinks tentatively filled. The intimate atmosphere including a great selection of ambient music was very suiting to a relaxing night out with great people. I've only had the opportunity to try the yardbird and biscuit dumplings and I must say, filling and satisfying to the palette. I was not expecting a big portion, but damn it, it was much needed to absorb all of the beer from a beer tasting event! Overall, this will definitely be one of my to-go places after long nights in the office for a well deserved meal and craft beer.
(5)Will P.
I've been to Roost for breakfast and brunch before. Both were enjoyable. Food was very good and the atmosphere was great. Went in tonight for dessert. Was told they were out of propane (for the heaters) for the outside seating area so we would have to sit at the bar. Sat at the bar for almost 30 minutes without being recognized. The staff was in a hurry, but not efficient. Apparently there was a big take-out order that was causing a lot of confusion. Ended up having to walk out without being waited on.
(3)Sylvain P.
Love the selection and quality of the food and the service is great. It's the hip new place in town and the patio on Noma Square is well situated for live music with a awesome glass of wine.
(5)Kimberly M.
Roost is a popular destination and for good reason. The food is fantastic, the ambiance is one of the best in downtown Greenville. Whether you join them for dinner, Sunday brunch or visit for one of their amazing holiday brunches, this is definately the place to take friends family or business.
(5)Robert L.
Not bad place. Food is above average and price is a little high but not completely out of site. Breakfast was very high and not great which cost them a star.
(4)Nicole W.
Breakfast at 7am is always good and convenient. Lunch and dinner have been ok but nothing I would come back for.
(3)Anthony N.
Absolutely Spectactular. I have been in the restaurant industry since i was 15 and have worked in famous restaurants myself in downtown Chicago as a chef and butcher. I would rank this restaurant right along top with any highranking prized restaurant out there. Loved every minute i was there. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Dining room is gorgeous with a very comfortable vibe. I had the Ghost Mule mixed drink which was spectacular. Their local beer list is also very good and compliments alot of their dishes. To start the night we ordered 2 of their flat bread specials, both fantastic combination of flavors. Next we had the smoked Pork tenderloin with collard greens, apple stuffed chicken with risotto, and shrimp and grits (my favorite). All of the proteins were cooked properly and were very moist. Overall very happy with the whole experience and i look forward to going back for more!
(5)Kristen W.
Delicious, fresh, great service, convenient! The lunch soup, salad, and flatbread buffet is always fresh and has a lot of variety.
(5)brice b.
Great place to take clients and friends in Greenville. They bend over backward to get you what you want and create some of the best craft cocktails in the upstate. It's a super fun place to come after work or for one of the frequent music festivals.
(4)Mary D.
I love the atmosphere here, but the food is a little strange. Certain things I have really liked (salad bar at lunch for example), but it's a little of a different menu. However, if you are looking for a great place to grab a drink and possibly listen to live music (depending on the season), then Roost is a great place to do so.
(4)Whitney H.
Love the atmosphere and location right on Main. Staff was extremely friendly. Menu was unique. Had a great time!
(4)Joseph P.
Roost is one of my favorite restaurants. Having said that, it is only fair for the reader to understand my profile. I generally visit Roost when in Greenville on a business trip while staying at the Hyatt. Cost is generally not a consideration as I am on an expense budget, and the restaurant is very convenient after a workout and shower. Further, I can maintain my perfect 73 degree F atmosphere as I shuffle from my room to the restaurant. (Remember those cold, cold winter days?) I like the idea of local organic restaurant since we try to follow the same practice at home. The chef's creations are very delicious. My favorite cocktail is the spicy margarita.
(4)Justine C.
Roost is as good as food gets in SC, unless you're in the mood for bbq or happen to be in Charleston. The atmosphere is nice, but a bit dim in the dining area. I've visited on multiple occasions, on a date and with a friend. The bar has friendly staff and has ample seating with several televisions. I have sampled several of the appetizers, including the chips and one of the flatbreads- both were delicious. The beer selection is great. As an entree, I usually order one of the specials. Last time I had duck breast on a bed of couscous. The duck was well cooked but standard duck. The couscous was great! The wine list is good and well-priced. A gem in Greenville!
(4)Andrea P.
I decided to try some new (to me) wine. When I didn't like it our server suggested a new one. When I didn't like that one he offered a new drink. I ordered my go-to and went on. I then decided to order a new (to me) dish. I didn't like it. The cook did nothing wrong, the server did nothing wrong; I just didn't like it. I'm picky. The server offered to take care of it for me and asked if I wanted a new dish. I did, and it was very good. We were very happy with our service and look forward to going back!! Thank you to our server! You were fantastic!!!
(5)Tara F.
Used my free check in dessert coupon to try the delish choc tart! Yum. So decadent. The meatloaf was good. I will go back and try the duck tacos next time.
(4)Sabina M.
Ughhhh had way too high expectations about this place. I ordered a croissant sandwich with bacon on the side since i dont eat pork. My sandwich came with the bacon in it so i asked to get another one. They brought substitute very fast but my hash brown was cold so it gave me impression they only gave me a new sandwich with the same potatoes. Food was ok, nothing to rave about. My husband says his eggs benedict were delicious. Staff is very nice.
(3)Erin H.
Finally had a chance to have dinner at Roost. After a brunch fail and a so-so night of cocktails, I was hesitant. But in the end I was pleasantly surprised, so I decided to update my review. We walked in without a reservation and were promptly seated on the patio. Main Street Jazz was going on, so it was nice to sit in the shade of the awning and listen to the music while eating our dinner. Be aware: the music is loud and there is a $25 minimum per head on Thursday and Friday nights. The hostess who seated us seemed a little perturbed when I asked for a high top table instead of the one to which she was leading us, but after she conferred with the other hostess she seated us at the high top. Harrumph. Our server was laid back and helpful. When we asked some specific questions about their excellent list of craft beers, he brought the bar manager out to help direct us. She assisted us in making an excellent choice. That was a classy move on a busy Friday night. We both enjoyed our dinners. My only complaint was that the duck in my duck tacos was not seasoned. All the flavor came from the salsa and avocado served in the taco, which still made for a good dish, but I feel meat should be able to stand on its own. The other dishes, including a flatbread pizza, Caesar salad, and seafood pasta were all quite good. The prices are too high for alcohol, but they are reasonable for food, especially with the assumption that everything is sustainably and humanely raised. But dude, $6 for a 12 ounce bottle of New Belgium beer? This ain't Manhattan's upper East side. I'm happy to see Roost hitting its stride, and I hope they continue to remember to cater to locals, not only hotel guests. With the focus on local food AND local clientele, I believe they will succeed.
(4)Clint G.
I was in town for business from Missouri and saw Roost got a shout out from Esquire so I thought I'd hit it up. I made a reservation and when checking in with the hostess she wanted to sit me inside. I asked if I could sit outside given the nice weather. She copped an attitude and told me the patio was full after "checking". Given her attitude I couldn't tell if there really was nothing available or she didn't want one person taking up valuable outside real estate. Nevertheless I was seated inside and delighted to see they had several gluten free beers and a gluten free menu. I settled in with a friendly waitress and ordered a gluten free pale ale and some shrimp & grits. The beer was great. The S&G was terrible. The grits had the consistency of soup. I thought everyone pretty much knew that good grits should have the consistency of homemade mashed potatoes or maybe oatmeal. I had another server run down my server and she was very apologetic and admitted the grits were runny today. She offered to get me another plate which was fine. They second serving came out as runny as the first. Now why the restaurant didn't just dump the sub-par batch and start over is beyond me. The server offered to comp my meal which was very considerate of her. I didn't even have to ask. I ate a few shrimp and she came back and offered me dessert on the house. I didn't catch what kind it was but it was gluten free and that was good enough for me. I asked her to box it up so I could hit the road back to the hotel. She brings the dessert out. As luck would have it was ice cream that was already half melted. I signed my receipt and chucked it in the trash as I walked out the door. The only good part of the experience was the gf beer and the kind server.
(1)Chloe E.
I rarely give 3 stars. I hate middle of the road reviews but this one fell in the middle. The setting is beautiful. Kind of farm house minimalistic meets MoMA. I feel the setting is worth 5 stars. You would NEVER feel like you are in a hotel's restaurant. Drinkies! Delish. Great wine/beer/cocktail selection and the basil mojito, spicy margarita and craft beers were great. Easily 5 stars. Service seemed ok. It was VERY slow when we got there at 11am on a Saturday so I was expecting a little more attention and explanation of the menu but the manager (both of them) came by and that would keep it at 4 stars. Here is where we need to talk. The food. Hmmmm. I had the Pad Thai and it tasted nothing like Pad Thai. Which is fine but not when you want Pad Thai. The flat breads were a little greasy and very small. More appetizer portion than meal portion. The burger looked good but medium was more medium-rare and the pimento cheese was hard to taste over the other toppings. I think they need to get their identity with the food a little better. Presentation was beautiful but I just assumed it would be better. 2 stars. SO- Great place to grab an appetizer and delicious drinkies! Will be back for the basil mojito alone. Cheers
(3)M D.
In town for work. When I ordered the bacon cornbread, they said they were out because 'the kitchen hadn't figured out how to do it yet.' Twice, they sent drinks and food to our table when we didn't order it. The pastrami sandwich came out later than the other food ordered, and when it did, the fries were missing. The sirloin burger came out well done instead of medium. Coleslaw on the sandwich was overly sweet and from a bag. Fries tasted like they were frozen. Basically an overpriced hotel restaurant (attached to a Hyatt).
(1)David R.
First time I have tried this restaurant. Slow lunch crowd the day I was their. I was not overly impressed with the menu. It lacked any excitement or anyway of making it standout. I ended up getting a cheeseburger (like I said not anything to exciting on the menu) Overall it was pretty good burger though... but my fries were cold~ hate cold fries. The highlight was our waitress and she was attentive to our needs. I will try it again for dinner some night and see if the dinner menu is any more exciting... Oh... last thought the interior design is early "Wood Pallet's" or at least it looks like it! I was not very impressed...
(3)Suzie H.
The setting and wait staff were outstanding. However, the food was only middle of the road. I wanted pad thai but they were out so I settled for a flat bread with shrimp ( sorry but the exact name has left me ) my husband ordered the special of salmon, and our two friends both had curry. None of the food was bad nor was is great. I will give Roost another try on the hope that it was an off day. At this point I would not seek out another meal here but if the rest of my group wanted to eat here I would.
(3)Brenda B.
Went in recently for a breakfast/brunch. A policy not on their website: can't order off the menu after 10:30. Must pay $20+ for "buffet". Server was good, but food was stone cold. Hostess was all but rude. Sorry we interupted your coffee break. We won't go back.
(1)Jen D.
This was my 4th time coming to roost and the food and atmosphere are always top notch. Wait staff tend to be enthusiastic and thorough. I love to sit outside on the patio, but the area that opens into the Hyatt feels like a patio without having to worry about bad weather which is a close second. For food, I love the duck tacos, cobblestone chicken, and even the meatloaf is surprisingly tangy and tasty with a twist. Also the Mississippi mud dessert is awesome if you like a sweet/salty mix (but I would prefer if the pistachios weren't completely hidden at the bottom). Other aspects of this place need some work though. I called before coming and was told by the hostess that I could park in the garage by the Hyatt or valet at the Hyatt and they would validate parking. FALSE, THIS IS ONLY TRUE IF YOU VALET. Which would have been nice to know ahead of time. We waited quite a while for a valet and finally just went to the garage not knowing about the validation difference. Honestly it's only a few bucks so no biggie. What I had a big issue with was the teenie bopper Roost hostess and her HUGE attitude when I tried to get my parking validated after a great meal. She looked at me like a Martian for trying to get a "garage ticket" validated and took no responsibility for the misinformation I was given over the phone. She even asked how I possibly think validating a garage ticket could even happen "because there are machines and stuff"..... Ummm really?! Hmmm I'm not sure if she has ever left Greenville SC but in the rest of world they often hand you a pre validated ticket that you use when you leave. Then viola! free parking.... crazy concept. I digress, but if you take out a bit of the staff attitude this place is great.
(4)Jon D.
Over priced and do not have any domestic bottle beer. Service is ok. Don't waste your time or money.
(1)Akaisha H.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and brunch was desperately needed. We thought we'd give it a try. Ohhhhh, how we were disappointed. Being in the food industry for many years now, I'm well aware of how things need to run and this place was severely lacking in ALL areas. The hostess literally said "Two? You good?" When we asked if we could have a table, she just said "Where?" After we requested outside, she literally pointed, as if we were to seat ourselves. - Strike one. - Once at our table, we only had one menu, no silverware, and no waiter in sight. It took him at least 7 minutes to come talk to us. When he finally did, he didn't ask how we were, if we had any questions, or had we been there before. The only thing out of his mouth - "Anything to drink?" At this point I needed a mimosa, so I ordered one. He took a wooden chip out of his pocket, and put it on the table. No explanation. No anything. I told him "This is our first time here. You're going to have to tell me what to do with that." His response: "Oh. Take it to the bar. She'll get it for you." - Strike two. - Thankfully, the bartender was super friendly. However, you had to pour your own juice (which was sitting out in the open) into the brut. Getting information out of our waiter was like pulling teeth. After we got him to somewhat explain the menu, we ordered. Granite, it was because we told him we would like to, not because he asked. My girlfriend got an omelette with hash, and I got the pork shoulder with hash. The food was decent, and it came out relatively quick, but it wasn't worth the money by any means. Last but not least, it took 15 minutes to get our check, and he barely said thanks. - Strike three. - The Roost is out. Disappointing all around. We won't be back.
(1)Robyn G.
We tried Roost at Fall For Greenville last year and loved it. We decided to celebrate my hub's first Father's Day at the restaurant. We try very hard to eat as local and sustainable as possible, but still crave all things chicken wings/pizza/etc., Roost seemed to fit the bill. Read the reviews beforehand and tried to go with an open mind, but was a little nervous. So happy to report we had a great experience. We had requested a table on the patio and even though it was PACKED and we were running a few minutes late, our table was there. The first one they had was pub-height, but we had our little man in his carseat with us and weren't comfortable with that. I don't know what they did, but somehow they made a regular table available in record speed with a little area to accomodate the baby. Our view was spectacular, can't say enough about the ambiance. Most important, however, was the food. Hubs is a big microbrew fan and frequents the local beer tastings/craft beer stores, he was very happy with the beer menu. We got the wings, duck tacos (my favorite, amazingx3), mushroom pizza, and fries with smoked salt. Everything was fantastic and, considering how busy it was, came out in a reasonable amount of time. Seems they might have had some kinks to work out when getting going, but they definitely seem to be getting into a groove. Can't wait to head back!
(5)Heather M.
I went to Yappy Hour at NOMA Square with my dog Otis recently....and Roost was serving food on the patio. I had great service, which I thought was challenging since it was outside and there were about 30 dogs running around. I got a cheesy flatbread which was awesome, and our table shared the herbed hummus with feta that came with some of the best naan flatbread I've ever tasted. Everyone enjoyed it. Roost also had a bar set up outside, and the bartender was friendly and helpful. In addition to my wine, she gave me a pup-tini (chicken broth) for my little Otis. Great experience!
(5)Andrij S.
Just enjoy a drink before dinner and get food somewhere else.
(2)David S.
I work and eat downtown. Roost is definitely a hot topic for foodies. After visiting twice, once with a party of two and then with a party of seven, I am underwhelmed. The ambiance and design are wonderful, but a restaurant needs good food and that is where Roost is lacking. The fare is pricey and rather bland. I personally had the chicken baguette and shrimp and grits. My friends were equally unimpressed with their selections. At the end of the day Roost promises a great foodie experience with its soil to city fare and great ambiance, but it fails to deliver on the food.
(3)Emilie W.
Great service. Healthy delicious gourmet reasonable. New favorite restaurant in Greenville.
(5)Gary J.
Lame, especially for the price. Staff was slow. Ordered an Arnold Palmer and it was terrible, had to switch to regular tea. Do not order the Appalachian Cuban sandwich, it was terrible. It was so hard I had to cut it with a knife and the flavor was not very good. Don't see myself going back and will definitely warn co-workers. Have to give it at least 1 star for ambiance.
(1)Patricia B.
Stayed at the hotel for a conference and went there for lunch. Ordered the chicken chili which was ok..but only ordered that BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING ON THE MENU THAT WAS APPEALING! Three out of the 5 apps were flatbreads...really! Also this is pretty much the room service menu and I ordered shrimp and grits and ice tea for 32.00 for dinner. It was okay...but there is no way I would ever stay here again...imagine not being able to get a good steak or burger at a HYATT! It is a beautiful place...but has absolutely no substance as a real restaurant.
(2)Stuart J.
Ridiculously bad service at the bar. My friend and I went here for drinks after work one day around 6:00 and twenty minutes later we had not been even acknowledged or offered menus/wine lists. We pulled up the menus on our phones instead so we could just order whenever a bartender finally decided to make eye contact. That never happened, so we left and went to one of the many other places in Greenville which seem to be happy to take my money in exchange for food and drink.
(1)Joanie S.
We went to Roost for dinner last Saturday night. I'm always excited when Greenville gets a new, interesting-looking restaurant, and I REALLY wanted to like this place. I was sadly disappointed. As others have noted, the place is beautiful. Our party of four was seated at a large square table with plenty of elbow room. The bar area was bustling which I always enjoy seeing. Our waitress was very friendly and accommodating - we were with people we hadn't seen for a long time and we took forever to pick up our menus. Once we indicated we were ready to order, she told us the specials and informed us they had no french fries that evening. No french fries? You can run over to Bi-Lo and get some potatoes if you need some! But it wasn't a huge issue for us. 3 of us had salads (the wedge and caesar) which were fine and one of us had the blue crab beignets, which were yummy. So far, so good. For our entrees one person order the shrimp and grits (just ok), one had the strip steak (it was fine), and 2 ordered the fish special - pan seared yellow tail. I can't tell you how the yellow tail was because out came salmon! The waitress didn't say a word that there had been a substitution; when we asked about the salmon, the waitress admitted they had run out of yellow tail. (The best practice would have been to come back to the table after we ordered, inform us that they were out of yellow tail, and ask us to order anew.) The salmon was bland. It was served with a tasty but runny mushroom risotto. When the dessert menus were delivered, my eyes immediately went to the mile-high chocolate cake - just as the waitress announced they didn't have any chocolate cake that night! Running out of things is not a good trend!! No dessert for us. I wasn't terribly impressed with the meal but was willing to forgive and forget until . . . I visited the ladies room on the way out. UGH. It was flooded and dirty. I don't think we'll be returning anytime soon.
(2)Fred R.
Good service. Great meatloaf. Terrific turkey sandwich. Good Bloody Mary. Nice setting. The Christmas tree presentation in the lobby was wonderful.
(4)Kait D.
Great concept.... Extremely poor execution. The idea of healthy, local, organic fare attracted me... It's totally my style. My husband took me there for dinner last night and it was nothing I thought it could be. The food was mediocre at best- and then attach a $$$ price tag to it- and it makes it a poor dining experience. I was ready to be wowed. The service was also dismal- for what I expect from a $$$ priced restaurant. I will never go back. XO!
(1)Leigh B.
Food is just OK. Small portions. Bad service. It took ten minutes to place our drink order, then the waiter wanted to immediately take our food order. We requested that we get a water and our bar drinks before we place our order. About 7 minutes later we finally received our bar drinks, still no water. If we go back, we'll probably just sit at the bar and order appetizers.
(2)Erin H.
I have dined at Roost twice, once for dinner and the second for lunch. My dinner experience was nice, had great service, the waitress was very attentive. The food was alright, my dad ordered a side of creamy grits with his entree. The entree was good, but the grits were far from creamy. The grit kernels had substance and you could tell there were milled properly, but they tasted like they had been made with water only. Somewhat disappointing as they were supposed to be creamy. I ordered the duck flat bread with a sweet potato base. I was really excited about this dish and so badly wanted it to be as amazing as the description. Unfortunately, it was bland. To sum up this experience; great service, not so exciting food. My second trip to Roost lacked a lot to be desired. My boyfriend and I arrived at Roost around 2:15, after the lunch rush had quieted. We were seated on the patio, which is a great spot. I love patio dining and Roost has an excellent patio. The patio appeared to have 3 servers to take care of 4 to 6 covered tables, which is not at all unreasonable. One of the servers greeted us promptly to take drink orders, then another server showed up and she mentioned he was waiting on our table and passed the orders along. Pretty status quo, no problems. So our server placed our drink orders, one Arnold Palmer one beer. So after waiting about 10 minutes for our drinks our server pops up with my Arnold Palmer and says to my boyfriend, "Oh yeah, your beer is on the way." Well after that he takes our food order; one appetizer, two entrees. Our app arrives quickly, but my boyfriend still doesn't have his beer. I believe the floor manager brought us our app, so I asked her about the beer and she brought it immediately. So we ate, we had ordered the lettuce wraps which were excellent, I loved the lime vinaigrette. Our server had disappeared completely, no sign of him since he had taken our food order. We sat with our apps finished ready to be cleared for a little over 5 minutes. One of the waitstaff was sweeping the patio area while we were waiting to be cleared. She realized we were done ready for next course and asked, "May I get you anything else, would you like to see a dessert menu?" To which, I replied, "We are still waiting on entrees." She said she would check on them and I thanked her. So we waited for entrees. At about 5 minutes to 3 p.m. with no entrees, I got the attention of the floor manager. I politely asked her if we could have our entrees to go because we needed to finish a few errands before plans for that evening. She said that was absolutely fine and made sure it was to go. About 5 minutes later our server brings our order to go. We ask for the check and he promptly takes payment, the only thing that had been prompt about our experience. All we get from our server is an insincere apology. He brings the check back, not a minute later the floor manager come to our table and asks for the check. She rips it up at the table and apologizes for the service we had. She was very nice to us and so apologetic. Our entrees were great! I ordered the open faced sloppy joe on brioche. i do recommend that entree. So, long story short third times the charm. I will go back because the floor manager was exceptionally nice.
(2)Mandy M.
Good drinks, though a little pricey. Great location downtown.
(4)Jim K.
Drink menu was very good. The food left a lot to be desired for the prices. I doubt I give this place a second chance.
(2)Drew F.
The 3rd visit to this restaurant was the final straw for me. Each visit was consistent: ambiance is great but food and service is terrible. This time we complained to the manager. He said he had only been there 2 weeks so I guess they are trying to improve but we let him have it: terrible food (my "yard bird and biscuits" had canned, over salted cream of chicken soup, bland frozen peas and raw biscuit dough, and my boyfriend's pizza was worse than a frozen one), service was terrible, my $10 liquor drink was served half full and the waiter forgot my boyfriend's second beer, sat for 10 minutes after being seated before anybody brought menus or took drink orders, and the waiter, food runners and manager all got our table number mixed up with the one next to us. I gave it 2 stars only because the look and feel of the place is great, but they need to make some major changes before I will consider coming back. The new manager did comp our entire tab and it was obvious that he had heard the same complaints before. Do yourself a favor and wait until this restaurant gets their issues fixed.
(2)Nefarious F.
Okay, consider this a review about professionalism and great service, more than anything else. Mrs. Nefarious and I stopped in here on a busy weekend recently for a quick drink and a snack. The place was busy, but not overflowing, so we took a comfortable seat at the bar. Had some good drinks and ordered some snacks. So, as it turns out, then there was a Problem with one of the snacks. Not the fault of the server, and not something the likes of which I haven't seen in my years of eating out. I brought The Problem to the attention to the bar staff, who despite being busy, realized that The Problem was not cool, and redirected their attention to us. Things were fixed immediately, apologies were given without descending into obsequiousness, and the manager paid us a calm, professional visit right away. Drinks and snacks were comped, and we left knowing that when we were ready to come back for a full meal, we would have no reservations. So, looking forward to a return visit.
(4)Brent S.
Very nice atmosphere. Service was at par at best. Disappointed in the food available for brunch though. We didn't take advantage of the custom omelettes, but found the brunch servings lacking in selection, similar to what would be found at a regular complimentary hotel breakfast. Only scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, grits, biscuits and gravy available on the breakfast side. No other meats (sausages, ham, etc). Pulled pork, boiled shrimp and collard greens were available as lunch selections. The bloody mary bar had a couple of olives, a couple of peppers and bacon as garnish selections. The food was good, but it was what you would expect for a $9 buffet at Shoney's or Denny's; definitely not a $20 meal or $9 cocktail.
(3)Leslie C.
Brunch is fantastic. Great beer selection and the Mimosa/Bloody Mary bar is a very nice touch. Outside seating is beautiful, inside is nice too. If not going for Sunday brunch, try the Korean wings. Truly the best thing in the menu, crispy, juicy and flavorful. Sangria drinks are delicious, refreshing.
(5)Jeff B.
Bee was great. Fast service. Great wine a nice place to relax on the patio. This girl really has some good knowledge.
(5)Barbara W.
It's been almost 2 1/2 years since my original review of Roost. Not one to hold a grudge (well, ok, a little bit), we were downtown and wanting a quick snack and a drink, so we stopped into the bar. It was early still, so not crowded (only 3 people actually sitting at the bar), however the bar staff were standing around together talking about how busy it was GOING TO BE for the next few nights...apparently they were taking this opportunity to rest? Although it was 5:45pm, we were told they were only serving off the bar menu, so that's what we did. Anyways, We tried two of their drink specials: a margarita and a gin drink. Both had their 'house sour mix', and both were cloyingly sweet and unpleasant. I opted for a beer instead. For a snack we got the pickled jalapeno queso fondue and the korean wings. The wings were pretty good, and the chips and queso tasted good at the time...but here's the thing... Before you order anything with their 'blue corn tortilla chips', I suggest you pick your favorite internet search engine and search for the terms 'Blue Dye #5' and 'colon' together. The results the next day were startling to say the least, and concerning enough that I called my doctor. The answer 'have you eaten anything with excessive food coloring in it?', which took me a while to figure out. As best as I can remember, I haven't seen any Blue Dye #5 growing in the fields of South Carolina this summer, and certainly expect better from 'soil to city'. Shame on you, Roost.
(2)Aaron K.
Pleasantly surprised. Stopped in with a group of 10 for Sunday brunch. Had no idea it would be a brunch-buffet until we were seated. Usually I'm anti-buffet, for a multitude of reasons, but this wasn't just good, it was awesome. Custom made omelettes, biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, roasted potatoes, corn chowder, seafood, breads and muffins and salads, seafood, ribs, prime rib, just SO much stuff, and all of it was delicious! Seriously! Super happy we wandered in here, the whole group was impressed, stuffed, and very satisfied.
(5)