Mashroots Mofongo Bar in College Hill

If you’ve ever been to Puerto Rico, you are probably familiar with Mofongo– a dish of fried plantains paired with meat. Unfortunately, I have not yet been to Puerto Rico, but would love to visit. In the meantime, I will just pretend to by hanging out at Mashroots in College Hill.

Mashroots started with a couple of friends wanting to bring the taste of Puerto Rico to the midwest. What began as a partnership with Findlay Market Kitchen, where they were able to develop their concept, is now a bright brick-and-mortar restaurant in College Hill. We’ve dined in and gotten carry out. It’s always delicious.

Opening in 2020, Mashroots is a Mofongo Bar. It’s a fast-casual and contemporary play on the popular Mofongo dish. When ordering, you start your bowl with a root of choice: plantain, yuca, sweet potato, or taro. I love the yuca. The root gets smashed to create a well for all the other goodness about to come. Next, you add meat: steak, pork, shrimp, or chicken. You can also do a vegetarian option with beans. I cannot tell you how each of these meats is cooked; however, I can tell you I’ve tried the pork and steak and the marinade for both is delicious and original. Next, you pick from veggie toppings and slaws finished with a variety of sauces. It’s filling, fresh, and full of flavor.

They also have some interesting sides like Empanadas, Plantain Cups (filled with meat, veggies, and sauce), Sweet Plantains, and Yuca Frita (better than french fries)! I’m always a fan of empanadas, but I also really like these Plantain Cups.

For dessert, don’t leave without trying sweets such as chocolate treats, coconut flan, and my favorite: passion fruit mousse. Mashroots serves desserts from all over Latin America. If you’re full, get a variety box for the road.

GO THERE (MashRoots)! TRY THAT (Build a bowl with yuca, pork, and avocado lime sauce; Passionate Fruit Mousse)!