10 of the best places to cool down with smoothies and smoothie bowls this summer
Can’t beat Charlotte’s unbearable heat this summer? Good thing the Queen City is home to these 10 juice and smoothie bars that will not only have your Instagram summer aesthetics looking on point, but are the perfect places to grab a cool treat.
Green Brother’s Juice Co.
Opened by brothers Josh, Jacob and Jason Norris, Green Brothers offers a variety of juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls and wellness shots all made from local and organic ingredients. I love their distinct giant straws.
What to get: The Green Hornet. Broccoli may not sound very appetizing in a smoothie, but when blended with peanut butter, banana and almond milk, you will get your healthy fix of greens in a cool and delicious way.
Rico’s Acai
This fun food truck is the perfect stop for your acai bowl fix. At Rico’s you can indulge without (too much) guilt, while also getting creative with their numerous amount of toppings ranging from coconut oil to Nutella.
What to get: Make your own! Rico’s gives you the option to customize your smoothie bowl to your liking. Pick from their list of fruits and toppings to create your very own healthy, rainbow masterpiece.
The Lights Juicery and Cafe
16631 Lancaster Highway Ste. 107
The Lights wins in the most aesthetically pleasing category. From the perfect avocado toast, to the lovely succulents on the tables, to the modern art hanging on the walls, The Lights’ atmosphere is almost as refreshing as their smoothies.
What to get: The Islander. Pineapple, mango and Thai coconut are the perfect summer mix that will transport you right to the beach (that Charlotte sadly doesn’t have).
Clean Juice
With multiple Charlotte locations, Clean Juice is a convenient go-to stop for a quick refresher. Clean Juice serves smoothies, juices, wellness shots and bites and promotes a message of healthy body and strong spirit.
What to get: Craving a frappuccino, but don’t want the empty calories? Try out the Coffee One. This smoothie is blended with organic cold-brew coffee, banana, almond butter and dates.
Nekter Juice Bar
1109, 2725 South Blvd., Suite B
This California-based chain serves a variety of natural inflammatory juices, packed with nutrients and vitamins. You can also make your own blend by choosing a base and add-ins. On top of juices, Nekter also serves smoothies, acai bowls and their signature frozen treat, called Skoop.
What to Get: Try out their Skoop. This non-dairy frozen treat is Nekter’s very own version of frozen yogurt made with cashew milk and clean, plant-based ingredients.
Smooth Monkey
1801 Commonwealth Ave.
Smooth Monkey is hard to miss with its funky exterior of fruit and monkey murals. This smoothie and acai bowl shop opened in Plaza Midwood at the beginning of March. From Oatmeal Raisin to Peanut Butter Bacon, Smooth Monkey’s smoothie flavors are different and fun.
What to get: Try out the Acai Choco Razz. It has Nutella in it — need I say more?
[Related: Hip smoothie and açaí bowl shop to open in Plaza Midwood by the beginning of March]
I Love Juice Bar
I Love Juice Bar can be distinguished by their adorable green logo with a heart. This juice bar serves juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, wellness shots and heartier foods (like quinoa bowls and sandwiches). They are currently serving limited time summer smoothies that are almost too beautiful to drink.
What to get: Beat the Charlotte heat with their Summer Beet smoothie. Apple juice, ginger, lemon, strawberry, and beet juice make for a healthy summertime refresher.
Living Kitchen
Living Kitchen not only serves amazing plant based meals that are almost too good to be true (health-wise), but also serves a delectable variety of smoothies and cold-pressed juices.
What to get: Try out their Mint To Be smoothie for a raw take on a mint chocolate chip shake.
Juice Box
3100 N Davidson St #101
The Juice Box is a fruit and vegetable bar that features all-natural ingredients and essential oils. Located in NoDa, Juice Box serves fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, essential shots and smoothie bowls.
What to get: Try the acai parfait and enjoy layers of frozen acai berries, granola, chia seeds and fruit.
Carolina Smoothies
1408 East Blvd Ste D
Carolina Smoothies opened their first location in South Charlotte in 1996. Now located in Dillworth, this local favorite serves a wide-range of smoothies for a reasonable price. Smoothies are made with real fruit and fresh ingredients.
What to Get: The Chia Almond Dream. This frozen drink is blended with ground chia seeds, vanilla, almond milk, almond butter, banana and non-fat frozen yogurt.
This story was originally published July 2, 2018 at 12:00 AM.