Bloodroot is an amazing woman owned restaurant that is almost 48 years young. Nestled on the edge of the Brewster Cove, the views have always been my favorite part of our visit. We have been lucky enough to have been coming for over 40 years. Earlier this year, one of the founding owners passed away. Sadly, the restaurant is closing in December 2025. Despite yourself a favor and make a reservation now. You will have to wait in line to order, but you will be guaranteed a seat. Come prepared to do your part. Starting with picking up your meal and then by clearing your table when you are through. While dining, be sure to peek at the great collection of vintage pictures that cover the walls. There is so much history in this building. On this visit Mom and I ate well, as always and we left full. I had an amazing Bloodroot (vegetarian) burger and mom tried the "chicken" sandwich. Both came with salads, a pickle and kettle chips. We had an amazing last meal and shared a lot of sweet memories. If only they were closer, we would be here everyday. read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - The Bloodroot Burger - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

Founded in 1977, Bloodroot is nearing its 50th anniversary. It also will be commemorating its legacy. For this historic restaurant that has created its own recipes both for its menu planning and for its business plan, 50 years is an enviable achievement that marks a milestone. Bloodroot began stirring feminism into food during an era when feminist cafés and bookstores sprang up all across North America. Bloodroot has outlasted them all. And through its four vegetarian cookbooks, Bloodroot has contributed to both the feminist and the vegetarian movements beyond Connecticut's borders. The restaurant has defied convention in many ways, even in its location on a dead-end street of a peaceful residential neighborhood. Its secluded site provides a spacious yard, ample parking, and a waterfront view. Picnic tables in the yard and patio foretell of informal and leisurely dining. Indoors, this historic landmark looks like a museum. The olden furniture may have been sourced from antique shops. Tapestries hang from the rafters. Chandeliers simulate candlelight. An entire wall is decorated with dozens of framed black-and-white vintage photos of females, all looking like the faded portraits of your great-grandmas. Bloodroot is all about Mom. The food, "like mother used to make," is akin to grandma's and mom's home cooking. Not haute cuisine, but not crunchy-granola health foods either. To my disappointment, white flour, white sugar, and white rice rule the day. The mostly conventional fare with an ethnic flair simply omits the meat. Until ten years ago, Bloodroot was stuck in the last century, still clinging to cow's milk products on its menu, thereby supporting a dairy industry that cruelly exploits the females of the species. This feminist collective's transition into veganism was long overdue. I have dined at Bloodroot over thirty times in the past 40-years, during which the building and décor have little changed. Historic indeed. Its menu, however, changes both seasonally and almost daily depending upon what produce is available. On some occasions, I have been treated to memorable meals that rival even the most expensive vegan restaurants of Manhattan. But sometimes the food did not rise above the level of my own home cooking, so I was better off staying home. You just need to choose wisely. One change in décor has occurred in its adjoining bookstore. In the age of Amazon, it has morphed into more of a reading library with comfy couches that encourage you to browse through the books. On one table and one shelf, some used books, mostly pertaining to the subjects of feminism or vegetarianism, can indeed be purchased, but that selection is small compared to the other shelves crowded with books intended only for perusal. While the three earlier Bloodroot cookbooks are out of print, its current volume is in print and so offered for sale. Another change. In the past, you were usually greeted by Selma Miriam, who cofounded Bloodroot with her business and life partner, Noel Furie. But Selma won't be greeting us anymore. She died last February at age 89. Tributes and obits filled Connecticut news media, and she was accorded a lengthy obituary in The New York Times. I would be remiss if not sharing an ill-fated personal anecdote. Under the guise of required membership to some obscure historical society, this feminist collective used to reserve one night a week for admission to women only. On one such members-only night in 1988, a luminary of the animal rights movement and I had arrived right after broadcasting his animal rights talk show on WPKN-FM on which we announced we were heading to Bloodroot right after the show, essentially promoting the restaurant on the noncommercial radio station. Selma knew us both, but cordially turned us away. Despite our begging, she refused to serve us even outside and out of sight. I felt like a Black in Jim Crow South denied a seat at the lunch counter. While I don't recall the woman after whom the historical society was named, it should have been called, The Jim Crow Historical Society. Presently filling roles both at the front and the back of the house, Noel (in my photo, depicted standing) is one busy woman. And Bloodroot is beginning a new chapter in its CookBook of Life. In case you're wondering about the meaning of its sanguinary name that may seem contradictory for a vegetarian restaurant, the bloodroot is a wildflower native to New England whose roots sprout up all around it with flowering shoots. But this iconic Bloodroot in Bridgeport stands alone. read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - interior with Noel depicted standing - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

All successful restaurants are the product of passion, innovation, and fearless vision, but in the case of Bloodroot in Bridgeport, CT, it was radical feminism that came before the food. Founded over 40 years ago, Selma Miriam and Noel Furie made a statement by planting this seed of rebellion before such progressive concepts hit mainstream awareness. Part bookstore, part community center, the menu is as diverse as the people drawn to this vegetarian bastion. Established right by the water's edge in a residential neighborhood, small sailboats bob just beyond the grassy parking lot. You'd be forgiven for thinking you walked into someone's home by accident, but that comforting vibe is entirely intentional. Fluffy cats laze around on bookshelves alongside obscure texts, purring contentedly in the quiet moments between the clanging of pots and pans. Offering refuge along with solidarity and nourishment alike, the unconventional business model is one that shouldn't work on paper, and yet, Bloodroot remains firmly established, feeding the masses with an ever-evolving bill of fare that reflects seasonal and local produce. Famous for their soups, "Tightwad Tuesday" is a favorite incentive for a midweek visit, when a generous bowlful is ladled out with a side of salad and a hearty chunk of their homemade breads, chewy loaves dotted with seeds and whole grains, at an affordable price. Escarole & Garlic, Lima Bean with Lemon & Parsley, Tomato & Fennel, among many others, never fail to soothe the soul. Worldly inspirations color the eclectic assortment of dinner options, such as meatless Jerk Chicken with Coconut Rice, Mexican Mole, and Grilled Greens-stuffed Tofu Pockets, just for starters. The flavors bring a taste of the world to any table, but the ladies keep no secrets to their success. Literally an open book, all the recipes are detailed in their numerous cookbooks, and sharing is explicitly encouraged. That openness and generosity is the true key to Bloodroot's success; it takes a village to support such an unconventional business, just like bold objectives it seeks to achieve. Here, enjoy a side of acceptance with a drizzle of equality, right next to your Szechuan Peanut-Sesame Noodles. read more

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Enjoyed a dinner with friends at this cute little spot hidden away near the water in Bridgeport. They had this fun little book nook for us to browse while we waited for our friends. The service was very hands off (you picked up your food at a window at the front) but super quick! We ordered the vegan cheese plate to start, which was tasty and I got the ginger beer while my friend got the pineapple coconut, both of which were tasty! For dinner I got the coconut pineapple curry which was delicious (I cleaned my plate!) though not spicy. I also tried my friend's Jamaican jerk "chicken" and that's what I will order next time! Thanks for the friendly folks there for a nice dining experience. read more

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Ive been driving to Fairfield for 2 years, why haven't I found this place any sooner? Real food, honest service. Ambiance Will I get a moment of the history? I will try. read more

This a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Bridgeport. They also have a feminist book store there. They have a dining room, an outdoor area, and there's a pretty beach outside and there's seating there, too. They're popular for takeout, too. They sell a cookbook, it's a calendar. and have some cool things you can buy. Give yourself time to look around! The desserts are great. They have foods from different ethnic groups, too. You can meet the owners and learn about the history. Highly recommend you visit. Unique place! read more

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Wow, what a find. Esoteric, eclectic, exotic -- amazing -- feminist bookstore / vegan restaurant that has been serving the larger community for decades. I learned about it from the cookbook I purchased many years ago. If you're anywhere near Bridgeport, CT, take a trip to Bloodroot (aka Sanguinaria canadensis)! Delicious and healthy! read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - Bloodroot cookbook from the Bloodroot Restaurant - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

For many years we have enjoyed the feminist vibe, good food, self-service, bookstore, ambience. A bit far from Manhattan.

We loved he food and the ambience. It was a unique experience. Every item on the menu is well thought and delicious. read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - Dining room - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

Ordered the Cambodian Kanji Soup and Injara Dinner. Also had the local apple cider. Everything was delicious. The Injara dinner is authentic Ethiopian food. The soup hit the spot and perfect for the cool temps. So good that we finished everything. There's hot water, room temperature water and lemon wedge that you can self serve. Also perused the bookstore. It had a lot of gems (good books) and photo albums of the owners. Also was able to talk to the owners and friends of the owners; it felt like talking to old friends. Such good conversations. The whole place felt homey. Wish we had enough time to visit again during our trip. Will be back next time! read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - Cambodian Kanji soup, Injara Dinner, and local apple cider - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

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I'm not vegetarian. This is hands-down one of the best restaurants in Connecticut. Whenever non-local friends visit me from now on, this is where I'll take them. I was blown away by everything I tried -- the new "burger", mushroom quiche, and the Brazilian couscous for dessert. I felt like I could TASTE the skill of the cooks -- the flavors and textures of everything were just perfect! I literally bought their vegetarian cookbook before ordering dessert. Again, I'm not vegetarian! It's THAT good. The outdoor seating is by the water and it has a great atmosphere on a sunny spring day. The inside of the store is so full of history and I enjoyed browsing the little feminist bookstore. I really hope Bloodroot is here to stay for decades to come! read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - New "burger" and mushroom quiche -- both delicious! - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

This place is wonderful for people are looking to stray from the mainstream eateries. I found this place to be nurturing to both my mind and stomach. The food was freshly cooked by hand by the amazing cooks in the kitchen. I enjoyed the avocado toast and the best chocolate mousse I ever had. This place has a rich charm and even has a space to look around at secondhand books. If you have a chance to visit this place I would highly recommend it. Just as a heads up to others in a similar situation, I tend to be very tasty to mosquitos and since this place was next to the water I had to spray myself down with mosquito repellent! Otherwise it was a great trip. read more

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Very funky counter-service vegan spot that is attached to a feminist bookstore. I got their vegan jerk "chicken" but what I got did not resemble chicken at all. In fact, I was not at all impressed with the food that I got, and I felt like I could easily have cooked it at home Probably the best part of this place were the very friendly older women who ran it, but that was still not enough for me to give them a better review Another good thing about this place is that it is right on the water, and you can sit outside overlooking the water Menu is on a whiteboard above the counter where you order 5.5 read more

Delicious food and amazing vibes! The best spot in Fairfield County for unique, creative, and totally vegan dishes. You get to enjoy incredible flavors without harming any lives. The chefs are true artists, crafting special meals with unforgettable taste. Great service too! Just try it once, and you'll be hooked! read more

My family and I were kicked out of this place in the most rude and verbally aggressive way possible. I am a woman and a feminist-- This is the last place I was expecting to be treated like that. We came in 20 min before the restaurant opened with the intention of checking the bookstore that's attached to the eatery. The incredibly rude host even shooed my child out. She continued to yell at us when we were out. We were having such a nice day and this experience put a damper on an otherwise great day. I will not be coming here and neither should you. read more

Bloodroot is an absolute institution. I have been coming to this feminist enclave with my mother and aunt for years. Delicious vegan food and perfect ambiance! Try everything, and make sure to get the bread sampling! read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - a tray of food - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

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Hilarious to have 1 check in at a restaurant I've been frequenting since 16. So happy they are going strong. So interesting how so many are on the vegetarian bandwagon these days. Geez, back then I was considered a freak and one boyfriend's mother thought I was an elitist snob for preferring a vegetarian diet. Such silliness... Today's dining adventure included escarole soup, homemade bread and butter and a bottle of Italian Orvieto wine while explaining to Mom how mind control works and may be a component for much of what we see in the alleged news these days. Can't think of a better lunch than that on a rainy day at the water. Continue supporting these pioneer women please. They rock! read more

The Food Is Amazing! ... healthy, hearty, filling, Fresh, affordable, Vegan, Vegetarian Atmosphere Is Comfortable, Inviting, books to read There Or Purchase Seating For Outside / Inside The Owners are Present ... either in the kitchen and/or conversing with you ... I am definitely going back ... possibly on a regular read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - soup, bread, and salad - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

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I have been eating at Bloodroot for 25 years. Dining there is like eating in your best friend's kitchen. Always full of delightful vegetarian surprises and a changing seasonal menu. I have eaten in vegetarian restaurants around the world and I have always told Selma and Noel that their Harvest Feast in November is the best meal I have eaten anywhere. And leave room for dessert. They are all delicious. read more

This is such a cute place. I came here with my dad and was surprised by the home like, almost quaint feeling. The staff are so nice! We really had a nice time. I did not eat because I had already eaten and this was a spontaneous trip. But I had coffee and watched my dad eat..LOL. He is a picky eater! He LOVED his food! It seems everything is made from scratch here. I plan to go back and next time have a meal! The re is plenty of parking here and for People seeking Veg choices this is a great option! read more

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Outstanding vegan place!!! Best ever the vegan cheese plate is perfection. This has an authentic 1970's granola cruncher vibe and I mean that with sincere respect . If you are a vegetarian youn MUST give this place a turn. read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - Dining area - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

Food is tasty but the portions have gotten much smaller. The service is okay but they aren't friendly like they used to be. The ambience is what it has always been. read more

I cannot explain the surrealness and almost overwhelmingly "experiential" nature of this incredible place. So I won't try. I will simply say, disregard the other reviews for and against and visit for yourself. Do so respectfully and with an open mind. I am a restaurateur and meat eater and often, I admit, prone to more than slight arrogance. The fabric of this place is more than a restaurant and beyond the concept of veganism or vegetarianism. And it's humbling. If I tell you the long haired Maine coon sat proud in a little armchair at the door as foreboding chamber music echoed through the stark hall, you might be inclined to laugh or at least find it strange. But when you're there, you understand. I hesitate to even describe Bloodroot as a "restaurant" per se. Rather, it's a diorama of the life and livelihood the owners have crafted and though they are welcoming you into it, they are not "serving" you. They're showing you another way. And in Yelp terms, yes, the food is quite good. read more

Love coming to eat here! This is a meeting spot for when a few of my family members get together. The food is great and the service is as well. Brunch time gets busy on Sunday's (at least when we were there) but luckily had a reservation. Be sure to take a photo of the cats that roam the place! Will also be checking out the bookshop portion. read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - Poached eggs with spinach - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

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I used to live nearby and I haven't been to Bloodroot in a while, but I wanted to give a shout out to this amazing place! My daughter still talks about our meal there years ago! It's so refreshing as a vegan not to worry about the menu. And the food is wonderful. The restaurant itself is charming as are the owners and staff. read more

Bloodroot Burger Wild Mushroom Quiche Spicy Thai "chicken Jamaican Jerk Cookbooks Caramel Coconut Cake read more

A lovely experience. The warm staff, open space and relaxed vibe made our stop a pleasant way to have a late lunch. I enjoyed the lentil and Swiss chard soup and a pot of tea. My wife loved the of so classic chocolate cake. My young son enjoyed watching the cat. I wasn't enough in the know what this place represents to its core clientele but I got the vibe of going up the mountain to meet the guru. When one of the founders of the place stopped by our table to chat I found the guru in this case to be a curious and friendly lady. Very calm and human. The menu or the politics might not be for everyone but I think anyone could appreciate what they have created here. I find spots like this more precious now that I live in NYC where life is too busy/expensive/stressed for this minded thing to flourish as much. read more

I WILL make a special trip to Connecticut just to come here and dine. The women who run Bloodroot are some of the most wonderful souls I've encountered over a short period of time. You can see (and taste) their labor of love. When a place this magnificent is still in operation and thriving after 35 years, you know something is going right. This is a vegan's paradise. Most of the dishes are vegan and those that are not can most times be made as such. I was in town for 3 days and ate here twice (the only reason I didn't come a third time was because I arrived in town too late on day one and left too early on day three). IGNORE THE COST and indulge. Think of it this way - A. You're in Connecticut - everything is pricey. B. You're supporting a fantastic establishment who, in turn, supports some wonderful causes. C. Nearly everything is made from scratch - the blueberries in my blueberry pie were grown in the backyard of Bloodroot. I now rank Bloodroot in my top ten places for vegans to dine. My only regret is that it isn't in my own backyard to enjoy on a regular basis. Keep up the truly brilliant work. read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

Love love love the owners the people the cause everything about this place is just amazing thank you to everyone there :)

A customer at my job bumped into me by chance one day at a vegetarian supermarket in New Haven and the next time I saw her, she asked me if I'd ever been to Bloodroot. My answer was no. Since then, she must've asked me at least 5 additional times if I'd been since the last time I saw her. No. I had plans to meet up with a friend for what I believed to be a "date" and I suggested Bloodroot because it was half way between us and because that friendly woman hammered "Bloodroot" into my head. I first pulled in and I liked the place immediately. It's right on the water and there were shady spots and flowers all over the place...and a sign that reads "NO FISHING". That made me smile. I waited in my car for my frienddate to arrive and then we both went inside. The lady at the desk inside was very pleasant and asked if we'd ever been in before. The answer for us both being no. She explained how everything worked and we both ordered the Bloodroot Burger and one slice of Chocolate Devastation cake, which, upon ordering, the woman suggested two forks. Very observant on her part and a nice touch. The menu is very easy to read and the few items which are not vegan are clearly marked. Sometimes I get nervous at vegetarian places. A friend of mine was once served cow sour cream on his vegan burrito at vegetarian place in another town. Luckily we discovered this before he took a bite, but you can never be too careful. This doesn't seem to be a concern at Bloodroot - the menu is simple and straightforward. While waiting for our food, we looked around and checked out all the signs, stickers, and books. The Bloodroot Burger was great, the spicy red sauce was pure magic. The quantity of food was a little light, but I encounter this issue at virtually every restaurant I go to because I eat a lot. The slice of cake was a little pricey, but I suppose I find that to be the case anywhere I buy single slices of vegan cake. We sat at a table outside and ate and talked for four hours while a friendly kitty cat purred in a chair at our table. It was one of the best "dates" of my life. I had high hopes of eating at Bloodroot a few more times before writing this review, but it looks like my plans fell through. It appears there will be no further "dates" between us, effectively eliminating my reason for driving to Bridgeport. It's very unfortunate. Luckily a group of us occasionally do activist work out in Bridgeport, so I hope to return to Bloodroot soon. read more

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This place is our absolute favorite! The food is superb and it's cruelty free! I wish I could eat here every night!!!!! The ingredients are always fresh and exploding with delicious taste because of the Chef and her team's dedication and passion to make everything a surprise and satisfy even the most unsuspecting patrons! The atmosphere is unique in its feminine elegance wrapped in earthy comfort. The woman who greets you at the door is a gentle person who you place your order with and on most nights will stop by your table to check in. Bloodroot is a Jewel and Noel & Selma, it's creators and Mages of keeping magic going in a world where it seems impossible to maintain such a place as theirs, seeped in time past, yet visits and their food is always a welcomed new experience!! read more

Who would ever guess a fantastic, vegan/vegetarian restaurant would be sitting at the end of a quiet street, right by the water! Superb location and outdoor setting is so serene and soothing. This place is so unique, quaint and friendly. And then the food! It's fresh This was my first visit and I so enjoyed the spicy lentil soup. The presentation of the avocado, endive, and watercress salad was beautiful and it tasted just as great! And a slice of the chocolate cake was the perfect ending to a body and soul satisfying meal. Each person there was kind and accommodating. I had such a wonderful experience all the way around. I am looking forward to visiting again soon and trying more of the menu items. read more

This place has been here forever! That should tell you all you need to know. Casual good comfort food and nice atmosphere to hang out with friends. There is a reason they have been here so long. read more

Neat atmosphere, nice people and great food. We really enjoyed meeting the owner and looking around at all the pictures. They have a nice menu (not too big) and the food was delicious. We made a special trip to stop by here and we're not disappointed. read more

They are a covert arm of the meat industry trying to make vegetarian food seem so bland and unappealing and boring that no one would want to try it ever again thus driving up sales of pork. (expensive too.) Like, a "special of the day" was 4 small unseasoned wheat dumplings, stuffed with unsalted wheat, with a side of blanched cabbage is an actual meal that my friend ordered for, like, an entire large wallet full of dollars. The food has no flavor and no soul and no creativity. It looked like a small pile of grey widowed sadness with shredded grey sadness on the side. She shared one of the meager anemic lumps with me and it was like eating chewed bread. No thanks. I've been dragged here by fans of this dump enough to know to eat ahead of time and just get dessert. (Which is always decent, but, in the same way a box cake baked by your lonely neighbor and left half eaten with crooked tinfoil on top and a note in orange marker saying "hey, baked this and can't stop eating it. Lol! Please help. ---Helen" can be described as decent) The only real food here is the bread and butter. Hard. Pass. EDIT: Selma, I TRIED MY FRIENDS FOOD THATS HOW I WAS ABLE TO REVIEW IT WITHOUT WASTING $18 on that dismal "special" and have eaten whole plates of your bland food myself enough times over the course of 20 years to recall any number of other awful attempts. Your food is miserable. K. Thanks. read more

Very cordial atmosphere, almost like stepping into a time machine and going back a few years. I did get lost in admiration for the style. The staff are very pleasant. Which I believe is so important when people prepare your meals. Glad I chose this place to break my fast. Although I had food to go, didn't get the full experience, while I waited for my food I enjoyed the library. Next time around I would love to eat in. As a true foodie, I will definitely be trying more of the menu. Being it was the weekend, I had their homemade vegan ice cream, which is exceptionally good. It for sure made my soul dance. Thank you for the experience! read more

a nice place to sit and have a wholesome meal. my mom was friendly with Selma and Noel, so I grew up eating here a handful of times a year. there's something on the menu for most everyone, and their cookbooks are excellent. If you're reading through negative reviews, take this as a sign that you should visit Bloodroot! read more

We did come back on a Sunday and sat outdoor. We enjoyed the brunch and two beautiful cats company. The "smoked salmon" over toast and lox was incredible. Soy patty was moist and full of flavor. We also tried a glass of wine. The entire experience was peaceful and delightful. read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - Gloria - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

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Such nice people and food is amazing. Right in the water. Outdoor seating. Reasonable prices. What's not to like ! read more

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant - View from table outdoors - Vegetarian Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

I love this place, the early feminist vibe, the well made food, and the fluffy kitties.