Playa Bowls: Your Slice of Summer at Penn Station

Playa Bowls Introduce

Introduction / Overview

In the bustling hub of Penn Station, where New York's fast pace is on full display, Playa Bowls offers a refreshing and healthy oasis. This health food restaurant is your "slice of summer, anytime," providing a delicious and nutritious alternative to typical fast-food options. Inspired by the founders' surf trips to exotic beaches, Playa Bowls brings the laid-back, vibrant energy of the coast to the heart of the city. Their menu is built around a variety of superfood bowls, each with a different base like acai, pitaya, coconut, green, or mango. The concept is simple yet effective: serve healthy, fresh, and visually appealing food that fuels an active lifestyle without compromising on flavor. The bowls are a true treat, packed with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, making them a much healthier choice than ice cream or a slice of pizza. For New Yorkers constantly on the go, Playa Bowls is a go-to spot for a quick yet wholesome meal that leaves you feeling energized and renewed. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, with bright, spotless interiors that make the space feel inviting and clean. It’s a popular spot among college students, groups, and tourists, and for good reason—it’s a place where you can find a healthy and delicious meal that is customizable to your liking. Whether you're a seasoned acai bowl enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of superfoods, the friendly and helpful staff are ready to guide you through the extensive menu and help you craft the perfect bowl or smoothie.

Playa Bowls is a perfect embodiment of New York's evolving food scene, which increasingly values both health and convenience. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every bite. Their diverse menu offers something for everyone, whether you are in the mood for a rich and creamy Nutella Acai bowl or a crisp and refreshing Green Room juice. The bowls are fully customizable, allowing you to choose your base and an array of toppings, from fresh fruit and granola to various drizzles and seeds. Beyond the bowls, they offer a wide selection of fresh juices, smoothies, and even oatmeal, making it an ideal destination for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The brand’s ethos of providing healthy, sustainable, and community-minded food resonates with many New Yorkers who are looking for conscious dining options. Its multiple locations across the city make it a convenient and reliable choice, ensuring that a healthy and delicious meal is never too far away. The blend of a vibrant, beachy atmosphere and a genuinely healthy menu makes Playa Bowls a standout spot in the city's crowded culinary landscape.

Location and Accessibility

The Playa Bowls at Penn Station is located on the LIRR concourse level at 1 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10119. This strategic location makes it incredibly accessible to commuters, travelers, and anyone passing through one of the city's busiest transportation hubs. Situated directly within Penn Station, it's a convenient spot to grab a healthy breakfast before your commute, a quick lunch on a break, or a revitalizing snack after a long day. The location is easily reachable by various subway lines, LIRR, and NJ Transit, making it a prime spot for a quick and wholesome bite. The restaurant also features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all customers can easily enter and order their food. While the address is in a high-traffic area, the convenient access to public transportation and the fast-paced nature of the restaurant make it an efficient stop. For those looking to enjoy a healthy meal on the go, Playa Bowls at Penn Station is an ideal and easily accessible choice, providing a welcome change from the typical food court offerings.

Services Offered

LI Dine-in: While designed for quick service, Playa Bowls offers a casual dining experience with counter-style seating. This allows customers to enjoy their bowls and smoothies right on-site, perfect for a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the station.

LI Takeout: As a quick-service spot, takeout is a primary service offered. All items are available for convenient takeout, making it easy to grab a healthy meal and eat it on the train, at your desk, or on the go.

LI Delivery: Playa Bowls provides a delivery service, allowing you to enjoy their healthy bowls and smoothies without leaving your home or office. This is a great option for a convenient and fresh meal delivered right to your doorstep.

LI Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: The restaurant offers a wide range of options suitable for any time of day, whether you are looking for an energizing breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a light dinner. Their oatmeal bowls are a popular choice for breakfast, while the acai and pitaya bowls are perfect for any meal.

LI Quick bite: The menu is specifically designed for quick service, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite when you are short on time. The fast and efficient staff ensures that you get your order promptly.

Features / Highlights

LI Wide Variety of Healthy Options: The most significant highlight of Playa Bowls is its extensive menu of healthy and fresh options. With seven different bases—acai, pitaya, coconut, green, mango, banana, and oatmeal—and a vast array of toppings, customers can create a unique and nutritious bowl every time. The menu also includes smoothies, juices, and cold brews, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The availability of vegan and vegetarian options further highlights their commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

LI High-Quality Ingredients: Playa Bowls uses fresh, high-quality, and often plant-based ingredients. Many of their bases, such as acai, pitaya, and coconut, are organic. This focus on wholesome ingredients ensures that every bowl is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits like antioxidants and fiber. They also offer a variety of gluten-free options, including granola and other toppings.

LI Customization: A key feature is the ability to fully customize your bowl or smoothie. You can choose your base and add a variety of toppings like fresh fruit, granola, nut butters, and more. This customization allows customers to tailor their order to their specific dietary needs and taste preferences, ensuring a perfect meal every time.

LI Casual and Trendy Atmosphere: The restaurant’s atmosphere is casual, trendy, and bright, with a beach-themed aesthetic that evokes a sense of summer. This vibrant and clean environment makes it a pleasant place to visit and adds to the overall experience. The decor, with its colorful fruit displays and beachy vibes, is inviting and fun.

LI Great for a Quick Meal: Playa Bowls is known for being a perfect spot for a quick, healthy, and convenient meal. Its location in a major transit hub and its fast service make it an excellent choice for a satisfying bite on a busy day, whether for solo dining or for a quick grab-and-go with a group.

Contact Information

Address: LIRR concourse level, 1 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10119

Phone: (646) 351-6401

Mobile Phone: +1 646-351-6401

What is worth choosing

For New Yorkers and commuters passing through Penn Station, Playa Bowls is an outstanding choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. What is most worth choosing about this restaurant is its unique combination of convenience, variety, and health. The sheer number of options, with multiple bases and countless toppings, means that you will never get bored. Whether you're in the mood for the popular Nutella Acai bowl for a sweeter treat or a protein-packed Power Acai bowl to fuel your workout, the menu has something for every taste and need. The ability to customize your order ensures that you can always get exactly what you want, catering to everything from simple preferences to specific dietary requirements. The commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in the taste and texture of every bowl and smoothie, making the slightly higher price point feel completely justified. In a city where quick food often means unhealthy food, Playa Bowls provides a refreshing alternative that is both fast and genuinely good for you. The casual, trendy, and clean atmosphere, coupled with the efficient and friendly service, makes the entire experience a pleasure. For a healthy, delicious, and convenient meal that brings a taste of summer to your day, Playa Bowls is a top-tier choice in the city that never stops.

Playa Bowls Menu

Mango Bowls
Mucho Mango $16.59
Playa Mango topped with blueberry flax granola, pineapple, banana, coconut flakes & honey
Mango Berry $16.59
Playa Mango topped with blueberry flax granola, strawberry, blueberry & honey
Goldie Mango $17.63
Playa Mango topped with blueberry flax granola, strawberry, banana & Nutella®
Custom Mango Bowl- Includes Blueberry Flax Granola $11.50
Custom Mango Bowl- includes blueberry flax granola
Mango Power $17.63
Playa Mango blended with vanilla protein topped with blueberry flax granola, banana & peanut butter

Green Bowls
Pacific Green Bowl $16.59
Kale blend topped with granola, strawberry, banana, shaved almonds, chia seeds, and honey.
Lola Green Bowl $16.59
Kale blend topped with granola, pineapple, mango, coconut flakes, and honey.
Hemp Green Bowl $16.59
Kale blend topped with granola, banana, blueberry, hemp seeds, and agave.
Green Power Bowl $17.63
Kale blend with vanilla protein topped with granola, banana, and almond butter. Green bowl blended with kale, pineapple, banana, and coconut milk.
Custom Green Bowl- Includes Blueberry Flax Granola $11.50
Custom Green Bowl- includes blueberry flax granola
Ocean Ave Green Bowl $16.59
Kale blend topped with banana, granola, and honey.

Pitaya Bowls
Pink Power Pitaya Bowl $17.63
Playa Pitaya with vanilla protein topped with blueberry flax granola, banana, and honey
Pink Flamingo Pitaya Bowl $16.59
Playa Pitaya topped with blueberry flax granola, banana, and honey
Dragonberry Pitaya Bowl $16.59
Playa Pitaya topped with granola, strawberry, blueberry & honey
Custom Pitaya Bowl- Includes Blueberry Flax Granola $11.50
Custom Pitaya Bowl- includes blueberry flax granola
Goji Pitaya Bowl $16.59
Playa Pitaya topped with granola, banana, pineapple, goji berries, coconut flakes & honey
Electric Mermaid Pitaya Bowl $16.59
Playa Pitaya topped with blueberry flax granola, pineapple, mango, kiwi, coconut flakes, and honey
Nutaya Bowl $17.63
Playa Pitaya topped with granola, banana, blueberry, cacao nibs, coconut flakes & nutella

Juices
Mermaid Fuel Juice $12.43
Kale, pineapple, apple, and mint.
Ding Repair Juice $12.43
Cucumber, carrot, apple, beet, and spinach.
Ground Swell Juice $12.43
Kale, apple, and spinach.
Dawn Patrol Juice $12.43
Orange, carrot, and apple.
Green Room Juice $12.43
Kale, apple, cucumber, mint, and lemon.
Endless Summer Juice $12.43
Carrot and ginger.
Beach Break Juice $12.43
Pineapple, carrot, ginger, and lemon.

Smoothies
Green Smoothie $12.43
Kale, pineapple, banana, and coconut milk.
Aloha Smoothie $12.43
Banana, mango, pineapple, and coconut milk.
The Dang Smoothie $12.43
Banana, wheat grass powder, peanut butter, cinnamon, and almond milk.
Acai Energy Smoothie $12.43
Playa Acai, banana, strawberry & coconut milk
Matcha Smoothie $12.43
Matcha green tea, banana, pineapple, and coconut milk.
Kowabunga Smoothie $12.43
Banana, strawberry, blueberry, and coconut milk.
Dolce Smoothie $12.43
Banana, chocolate protein, peanut butter, and coconut milk.
Orange Power Smoothie $12.43
Orange, vanilla protein, pineapple, and coconut milk.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie $12.43
Strawberry, banana, and coconut milk.
Booster Smoothie $12.43
Banana, vanilla protein, flax oil, spirulina, peanut butter, and cashew milk.
Pink Pitaya Smoothie $12.43
Playa Pitaya, banana, pineapple & coconut milk

Acai Bowls
Pura Vida Acai Bowl $16.59
Playa Acai topped with granola, strawberry, blueberry & honey
8th Ave Acai Bowl $16.59
Playa Acai topped with granola, banana & honey
Tropical Acai Bowl $16.59
Playa Acai topped with granola, pineapple, banana, honey & coconut flakes
Custom Acai Bowl- Includes Blueberry Flax Granola $11.50
Custom Acai Bowl- includes blueberry flax granola
Nutella Acai Bowl $17.63
Playa Acai topped with granola, strawberry, banana, nutella & coconut flakes
Power Acai Bowl $17.63
Playa Acai with chocolate protein topped with granola, banana & peanut butter

Coconut Bowls
Nutelloco Coconut Bowl $16.59
Playa Coconut blend topped with granola, banana, strawberry, coconut flakes, cacao nibs & nutella
Custom Coconut Bowl- Includes Blueberry Flax Granola $11.50
Custom Coconut Bowl- includes blueberry flax granola
Coco Coconut Bowl $16.59
Playa Coconut blend topped with granola, banana & honey
Coco Berry Coconut Bowl $16.59
Playa Coconut blend topped with granola, strawberry, blueberry & honey
Coco Power Coconut Bowl $17.63
Playa Coconut blend with vanilla protein topped with granola, banana, almond butter & coconut flakes
Coco Craze Coconut Bowl $16.59
Playa Coconut blend topped with granola, banana, mango, pineapple, coconut flakes & honey

Banana Bowls
Costa Bowl $16.59
Banana blend with vanilla protein topped with granola, banana, Nutella, and fresh mint.
Olas Bowl $16.59
Banana blend topped with granola, banana, blueberry, coconut flakes, chia seeds, and almond butter.
Custom Banana Bowl- Includes Blueberry Flax Granola $11.50
Custom Banana Bowl- includes blueberry flax granola
Tide Bowl $16.59
Banana blend topped with granola, pineapple, mango, kiwi, goji berries, and honey.
Nica Bowl $16.59
Banana blend topped with granola, banana, cacao nibs, walnuts, strawberry, and peanut butter.

Coffee Specials
Coconut New Orleans Smoothie 20oz $9.99
Banana, peanut butter, chicory coffee concentrate, chocolate protein, and coconut milk
Coconut New Orleans Smoothie 16oz $8.99
Banana, peanut butter, chicory coffee concentrate, chocolate protein, and coconut milk
Playola Cold Brew 20oz $5.50
Chicory Coffee Concentrate (New Orleans Style)
Playola Cold Brew 16oz $4.50
Chicory Coffee Concentrate (New Orleans Style)
Dolce Latte Smoothie 20oz $9.99
Banana, peanut butter, chicory coffee concentrate, chocolate protein, and coconut milk
Dolce Latte Smoothie 16oz $8.99
Banana, peanut butter, chicory coffee concentrate, chocolate protein, and coconut milk

Annual Specials
Booster Bowl $17.63
Booster Base: Banana, spirulina, peanut butter, vanilla protein, flax oil, cashew milk. Topped with Granola, banana, peanut butter, and chia seeds.
Stupid Cupid $17.63
Base: Banana, strawberries, coconut milk. Topped with granola, strawberries, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, nutella, and white chocolate.

Oatmeal Bowls
Maple Syrup And Brown Sugar Oatmeal Bowl $12.43
Steel cut and organic.
Strawberry, Banana, Coconut Flakes, And Nutella Oatmeal Bowl $12.43
Steel cut and organic.
Blueberry, Strawberry, And Sliced Almonds Oatmeal Bowl $12.43
Steel cut and organic.
Custom Oatmeal Bowl- Steel Cut And Organic $8.05
Custom Oatmeal Bowl- Steel cut and organic
Banana, Cinnamon, Figs, And Walnuts Oatmeal Bowl $12.43
Steel cut and organic.
Banana, Peanut Butter, And Chocolate Protein Oatmeal Bowl $12.43
Steel cut and organic.

Cold Pressed Juices
Orange Surf Quencher $8.99
100% all natural fresh oranges // good source of vitamin C
Elderberry Shot $7.00
Apple, organic lemon, elderberry and cayenne pepper // helps to boost immunity and reduce inflammation
Daylight Detox $8.99
Filtered water, organic lemon, simple syrup, dragon fruit puree, ginger, fo-ti root, cayenne pepper, hibiscus, and himalayan salt // high in fiber and promotes a healthy gut
Blue Mermaid $8.99
Filtered water, organic lemon, simple syrup and blue spirulina // rich in antioxidants and protects the skin
Wellness Warrior $8.99
Apple, carrot, lemon, ginger, beet, turmeric and cayenne // helps to boost your immune system
Ginger Bomb $7.00
Orange, ginger, lemon, himalayan salt and oregano extract // improves digestion and boosts immunity
Green Barrel $8.99
Pineapple, apple, chard, celery, kale, ginger, spirulina and wheatgrass // eliminates toxins and boosts your metabolism

Playa Bowls Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Groups
Tourists

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Playa Bowls Photos

Playa Bowls Location

Playa Bowls

New York New York County New York Pennsylvania Plaza

LIRR concourse level, 1 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10119, USA

Playa Bowls Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 327 user reviews.

acai bowltrainfruitpricesmusicnutellablueberrieskoshercommutestraw

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

It's called Playa Bowls “playa” being Spanish for “beach” and indeed, the brand has a motto that states: “Playa Bowls is your slice of summer, anytime.”Playa Bowls was created by our founders Rob and Abby because they wanted a healthier option after a long surf sesh.What the most popular Playa Bowl is the Nutella Açaí bowl!! The Nutella bowl consists of açaí base, blueberry flax granola, and is topped with strawberries, bananas, coconut flakes and NutellaPlaya Bowl has a variety of options. They offer 7 different bases: acai, pitaya, coconut, green, mango, banana, and oatmeal. Each base category offers a variety of fruit options.Acai bowls can be a healthy breakfast or snack option, especially when prepared with wholesome ingredients. They're rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, offering potential benefits for overall health. However, they can also be high in added sugar and calories, depending on the toppings and base useThe reason why people like Playa Bowls is that everyone can vividly taste the fresh fruit and plant-based products, leaving you feeling healthy and renewed.Acai berries are deep purple fruits that grow from acai palm trees. These trees are native to the rainforests of South America. Research indicates that acai berries may have antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may help reduce oxidative stress.Bowl meals are a great way to include a variety of vegetables, protein sources and whole grains into your diet and are perfect for meal planning. Playa Bowls are a healthy treat full of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants as opposed to ice cream or a big slice of pizza.
May 25 · Danny Hyun
I stopped by Playa Bowls at Penn Station and tried the “Green Room” juice with kale, cucumber, green apple, and lemon (I skipped the mint, not a fan) made fresh in front of me. The juice was refreshingly crisp, perfectly balanced with a prominent flavor of cucumber (which I love), and it was just what I needed to recharge. The location is bright, spotless with a kind and helping staff that’s constantly on the move crafting fresh, healthy orders with speed and care. Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-up or a wholesome takeout option, Playa Bowls definitely delivers. It leans toward the sweet side of taste (with a great variety of vegetables and fruits) which is a guaranteed fresh and healthy treat! With a wide range of kosher and vegetarian-friendly choices, all customizable, it’s a spot worth returning to and they also have multiple locations all across the City. If you’re looking for a healthy option Playa Bowls is the one for you!
April 08 · Ivan Ottavian
Refreshing fruit bowls in Penn station. It’s like a smoothie but elevated. If you have time waiting for your train and want something light different it’s Defenitly recommended over the other fast food options. Tons of choices as well!!
August 17 · Daniel Maros
Just stopped there to get something quick before my 11.41 train. I was quite excited to try playa bowls at it was my first time. I ordered the bowl called “mucho mango”1- the biggest problem was it had a dead fly on the bowl and i just realized that when i was almost done with the bowl2- the taste was VERY mid. I didn’t like the food at all but that’s not the reason why i give 1 star as u can imagine.I asked for a refund obviously but they said that they can’t do that. Seriously? Do you think it’s ok for me to pay for a fly-bowl playa bowls???
August 19 · Mehmet Şeker
I got the “açaí energy” smoothie in the 20z size this time but I always come to this location out of all the playa bowls in NYC they’re the best, they truly know the science of smoothies - very refreshing, consistency was thick and flavor is potent, perfect just how I like it! 💕
June 09 · Kiecha Lee