Bloodroot

- 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport, CT 06605

For decades, Connecticut has been home to culinary institutions that are as much about community and philosophy as they are about food. In Bridgeport, Bloodroot stands as a truly iconic establishment. Operating as a unique feminist collective, vegetarian (and now largely vegan) restaurant, and bookstore since 1977, Bloodroot offers an experience that is deeply rooted in history, warmth, and delicious, wholesome food. This is not just a place to eat; it is a cultural landmark in the state, offering a cozy, casual, and historically significant space where visitors can enjoy Scratch-made meals and browse an adjacent bookstore.

Tucked away in a beautiful, historic location, Bloodroot’s approach to dining is refreshingly unique and community-focused. The menu, which frequently incorporates seasonal and local produce, is an exploration of international flavors, delivering what the founders describe as "really delicious ethnic food that tastes like comfort food," rather than strictly "health food." This commitment to flavor and quality has earned the establishment a fiercely loyal following among Bridgeport residents, visitors, vegans, vegetarians, and those simply seeking a memorable, homey dining experience. The experience is self-service—customers order at a desk, pick up their food at a counter, and bus their own tables—fostering a relaxed and egalitarian atmosphere.

Bloodroot is a revered institution located in Bridgeport, CT, renowned for being a long-standing feminist collective that seamlessly operates as a Vegetarian restaurant, Vegan restaurant, and a Bookstore. The founders and cooks focus on creating incredible, scratch-made comfort food with an ethnic flair, all prepared without meat. While offering a wide range of vegetarian choices, the kitchen has increasingly emphasized Vegan options over the years, including house-made nut cheeses and non-dairy ice creams.

The atmosphere is a distinct blend of Casual, Cozy, and Historic, making it a popular destination for Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining. Patrons often enjoy browsing the adjacent bookstore with its comfortable seating before or after their meal. The menu changes regularly, ensuring a focus on freshness and seasonality, with daily specials posted. Beyond the food, Bloodroot is a fully accessible space, with options for seating inside or enjoying the fresh air on the Outdoor seating area.

Bloodroot is located in a somewhat secluded but charming spot in Bridgeport, making the journey part of the unique experience. Its address is easily navigable by GPS and sits near the water, though it relies heavily on word-of-mouth rather than heavy foot traffic, contributing to its "local secret" feel.

Address: 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport, CT 06605

Accessibility is a key priority, ensuring all patrons feel welcome. The location offers excellent accommodations for those needing assistance:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Providing easy access into the facility.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Dedicated parking spots are available for convenience.
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Ensuring comfort and accessibility for all guests.
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating: Providing comfortable and accessible dining options within the restaurant.

Furthermore, the venue provides a Free parking lot, an amenity that is highly valued by Connecticut diners, making the experience stress-free from arrival to departure.

Bloodroot offers a variety of service styles that align with its communal and self-serve philosophy, while also providing modern convenience for those on the go.

• Dine-in: A self-service model where patrons order at a desk, pick up their food at a counter, and bus their own tables, promoting a casual and collective atmosphere. Seating is available indoors.
• Outdoor Seating: Enjoying a meal on the outdoor patio in good weather adds a lovely dimension to the dining experience.
• Takeout: Meals are available for pickup, with most items packaged for optimal freshness and designed to last. Instructions for reheating entrées are often included.
• Onsite Services: The combination of the restaurant and the adjacent feminist bookstore allows for a unique dual experience, perfect for browsing and relaxing.
• Beverage Options: Offering a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including Beer, a small but select cellar of Wine (often organic/sustainable), Coffee (noted as Great coffee), and various juices and sodas.
• Dietary Flexibility: The menu is rich in Vegan options, Vegetarian options, and often features Organic dishes, with staff happy to address dietary restrictions upon ordering.

The food at Bloodroot is celebrated for its scratch-made quality, international inspiration, and dedication to plant-based deliciousness. Key menu features and highlights include:

• Seasonally Changing, Ethnic Entrées: The menu is dynamic, but consistently features globally-inspired comfort food. Examples include Spicy Thai Coconut-Pineapple Curry, Jamaican Jerk "Chicken" (tofu and seitan), Mid-East Lentils and Rice, and Chilled Vietnamese Summer Rolls, ensuring an exciting experience with every visit.
• Exceptional Homemade Desserts: Known for its "Great dessert," the restaurant offers decadent vegan options like Chocolate Devastation Cake, Jamaican Rum Cake, Chocolate Silk Pudding, Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie, and House Made Vegan Bourbon Vanilla or Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Pints of Oatly vegan ice cream are also available.
• Appetizers and Small Plates: Delicious starters perfect for sharing, such as Mushroom Walnut Paté, Vegan Carrot Lox (served with vegan cream cheese), and a Vegan Cheese Taster featuring house-made and Conscious Cultures Creamery cheeses.
• Fresh, Scratch-Made Breads: The commitment to making everything in-house extends to the bread selection, which includes hearty options like Potato Rye, Oatmeal Sunflower Seed, and Whole Wheat bread.
• High-Quality Takeout: The preparation methods are designed for longevity, with soups that can be stored for a week, and salads where the lettuce and dressing are packaged separately to maximize freshness. Entrées come with reheating instructions.
• Historic and Welcoming Vibe: The overall atmosphere is lauded as Cozy, Historic, and often described as Romantic or Trendy, attracting both local groups and tourists seeking a memorable Connecticut dining spot.

To contact the collective, inquire about the menu, or place a takeout order, Connecticut locals and visitors can use the following information:

Address: 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport, CT 06605

Phone: (203) 576-9168

Mobile Phone: +1 203-576-9168

While the restaurant may operate with limited or specific hours (which often involve being closed early in the week and having separate lunch/brunch and dinner services), it is a dedicated and long-standing presence in the community. It is highly recommended to check the official website or call ahead for the current daily menu and operational hours before visiting.

Choosing Bloodroot is opting for a unique and historically rich Connecticut dining experience that transcends the typical restaurant visit. It is worth choosing for the unmatched quality of its Vegan and Vegetarian comfort food. The focus on seasonality means the menu is always fresh and evolving, rewarding repeat visits with new international flavors and daily specials.

For individuals, it is an excellent choice for Healthy options, Organic dishes, and a truly comfortable Solo dining setting. For groups and families, the casual atmosphere, dedicated children's amenities like High chairs, and the large, comforting portions make it a welcoming destination. Most importantly, Bloodroot offers an atmosphere of profound character—a place where you can enjoy an award-worthy Chocolate Devastation Cake, a glass of organic wine, and browse feminist literature, all under one historic roof in Bridgeport. Its longevity since 1977 is a testament to its quality and its importance as a community hub in Connecticut.

Bloodroot

85 Ferris St, Bridgeport, CT 06605, USA