Playa Bowls

Playa Bowls
Bay Head
68 Bridge Avenue  
732-556-6897

Open: One menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

Price: $  BYO

Style: Organic, vegan grain-and-fruit bowls, plus smoothies in a colorful, beachy atmosphere.

The Scoop: In 2014, Belmar surfer friends Rob Giuliani and Abby Taylor opened the first Playa Bowls in Belmar, after Taylor fell in love with acai fruit in her travels. Since then, they have added locations in Long Branch, Manasquan and Bay Head, plus a Belmar-based Playa Bowls truck.

The Menu: Each bountiful organic Acai Bowl (an antioxidant-rich fruit from South America) begins with frozen, blended Sambazon acai, banana and granola. Then come toppings: The 8th Ave (left) gets sliced bananas, honey and more granola. The Power Bowl mix adds chocolate protein topped with natural peanut butter and honey. Green Bowls start with blended kale. Then there are four different Pitaya (dragon fruit) Bowls. For liquid refreshment, try a coconut-milk or almond-milk smoothie; the Aloha whips banana, mango, pineapple, coconut shavings and apple juice with coconut milk.

Heads Up: The place is small and popular. You may have to wait.