Playa Bowls

- 2841 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

In a city that never stops, finding a place that offers both speed and health can be a game-changer for New Yorkers on the go. Playa Bowls, with its location at 2841 Broadway, provides a refreshing and vibrant answer to this need. Stepping inside this health food restaurant feels like a mini-vacation, with its casual, trendy atmosphere bringing a "slice of summer" to the Upper West Side. The concept, born from the vision of two surfers from the Jersey Shore, is built on using the freshest, highest quality ingredients to create healthy and delicious bowls and smoothies. It’s a favorite spot for the local community, especially for the college students from nearby Columbia University, who often seek out convenient, nutritious, and quick bites. The menu is a colorful and creative one, offering a wide array of options that are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. From the classic acai bowl to the more exotic pitaya and mango bowls, there's a world of superfoods to explore, all topped with a generous selection of fruits, granola, and other delicious toppings. This commitment to fresh, wholesome ingredients and a fun, beachy vibe is what sets Playa Bowls apart in the bustling New York food scene.

The menu at Playa Bowls is a true highlight and a major reason for its popularity. It is categorized by a variety of bases, including Acai, Mango, Pitaya, Banana, Green, and Coconut, ensuring there is a bowl for every preference. The Acai Bowls, a signature offering, come in a range of options, from the protein-packed Power Acai Bowl to the indulgent Nutella Acai Bowl. For those looking for a different flavor profile, the Pitaya Bowls, with their vivid pink color and tropical taste, are a popular choice, and the Coconut Bowls offer a rich and creamy alternative. Beyond the bowls, the menu is extensive, featuring a variety of smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and even oatmeal bowls for a warm, nourishing breakfast. The ability to customize each bowl and smoothie is a key feature, allowing customers to build their perfect meal from a wide selection of bases and toppings. This level of personalization is highly valued by customers who have specific dietary needs or preferences, including healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options. While some customers have experienced issues with service and order accuracy, as with any busy establishment, the overall consensus from many patrons is that the bowls are "pretty standard" and "consistent" with other Playa Bowls locations, which for a loyal fan, is a great thing. The fact that they offer a student discount is also a big draw for the collegiate crowd in the area.

The service at Playa Bowls is generally known for its speed and efficiency, making it a great option for a "quick bite." The atmosphere is casual and designed for both solo diners and groups, with "plenty of indoor seating available" as noted by a customer review. This makes it an ideal spot to sit down, relax, and enjoy a healthy meal in a vibrant setting. The restaurant’s accessibility features, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance, are important in catering to a diverse clientele. While one review highlighted a disappointing experience regarding customer service and accessibility for a first-time guest with a vision impairment, the company has a strong public commitment to digital accessibility, and many customers praise the staff for being "super friendly and gracious." This contrast in experiences underscores the importance of communication between the customer and staff, and the brand's potential to improve its in-store experience to match its broader accessibility goals. The fact that the restaurant is popular for "lunch" and "solo dining" and is "good for kids" shows its versatility and ability to serve a wide variety of customers in the neighborhood, from a college student grabbing a quick breakfast to a parent and child enjoying a healthy treat.

Location and Accessibility

Playa Bowls is located at 2841 Broadway, New York, NY 10025. This address places it in the vibrant Morningside Heights neighborhood of the Upper West Side, a bustling area with a high concentration of students, families, and professionals. The restaurant is highly accessible via public transportation, with the 1 train stop at 110th Street just a few steps away. For those in the neighborhood, it is an easy walk-in destination. The location also offers the convenience of both free and paid street parking, which is a significant plus in New York City. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that the space can be enjoyed by a diverse range of customers.

Services Offered

• Takeout: Customers can place an order at the counter for a quick grab-and-go meal.
• Delivery: The restaurant offers delivery services through various third-party apps, providing a convenient option for those who prefer to have their food brought to them.
• Dine-in: There is a casual and trendy dining area with "plenty of indoor seating" for customers who wish to enjoy their food on-site.
• Catering: Playa Bowls offers catering services for events and groups.

Features and Highlights

• Wide Variety of Bowls: A key feature is the extensive menu of acai, pitaya, mango, coconut, banana, and green bowls, each with a range of topping options.
• Healthy and Customizable Options: The menu is a highlight for those seeking healthy, vegan, and vegetarian choices, with the ability to customize ingredients to personal taste and dietary needs.
• Trendy and Casual Atmosphere: The decor and vibe are often described as beach-inspired and trendy, creating a relaxed and pleasant environment.
• Fast Service: Known for its quick service, Playa Bowls is a great option for a fast and healthy meal on the go.
• College Student Discount: The restaurant offers a discount for college students, making it a particularly popular spot for the Columbia University community.

Contact Information

Address: 2841 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

Phone: (646) 410-2800

What is worth choosing?

Choosing Playa Bowls is a decision for anyone in New York who is looking for a nutritious, flavorful, and fast meal. The most compelling reason to visit is the quality and variety of their superfruit bowls. The ability to choose from a wide array of bases and toppings means that every visit can be a new and exciting culinary adventure. The commitment to using fresh, quality ingredients ensures that each bowl is a delicious and healthy choice, making it a worthwhile alternative to more traditional fast-casual options. The consistent quality, as noted by a customer who finds the bowls to be "pretty standard" and as good as locations in New Jersey, speaks to the brand's reliability. The fast service and "convenient" location, especially for those in the Morningside Heights and Columbia University area, are major benefits. While there can be occasional service issues, the general atmosphere is friendly, and the staff is often praised. For college students, the student discount is a significant added value. The restaurant’s atmosphere is also a draw, providing a cheerful and casual escape from the urban environment. Ultimately, for a delicious, healthy, and customizable meal that feels like a taste of summer, Playa Bowls is a great choice. It is a reliable option for a quick bite, a satisfying lunch, or a healthy dessert, all served in a setting that makes you feel like you are at the beach, even on a busy New York day.

Playa Bowls

2841 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, USA