You’ve committed to eating healthier this year, but what to do when you’re on the go? Well, how about reaching for some portable, palatable, liquid libations? Yelp has rounded up the most highly-rated smoothie and juice bars in San Diego’s North County – local places that whip up abundant, fresh selections daily, pressing that juice and blending those berries to give you that health boost. Drink up.
Beach City Smoothies (Carlsbad)
This charming little corner shop in the Carlsbad Village has been serving 100 percent vine-ripened fruit smoothies, organic wheat-grass and fresh juices for more than seven years. The smoothie shop offers free Wi-Fi and a menu that features acai, pitaya, berries galore and the option to substitute soy or almond milk if needed. Make sure you try the “Moonlight Beach Mango Smoothie,” which includes fresh mango, pineapple, strawberry and bananas. Or, drink your way to fit and sexy with a “Beach Body” blend made with carrot, celery, cucumber, spinach, parsley, beet and apple.
Fountain Of Youth Juice (Encinitas)
Home of the famous “WOW” shot and the must-try, immune-boosting, toxin-flushing “3-Day Cleanse,” this juice joint may be tiny, but it sure is mighty. Get your juice on with a wide range of drinks boasting memorable names such as the “Curse Reverse” or the “Green Goddess.” Many regulars swear by the V4-V10 organic veggie juices. There is an entire menu devoted to dairy-free smoothie options, too. By the way, their 3-Day Cleanse may be arguably one of the best cleanse deals in San Diego: $65 for the package, which comes out to 64 ounces of juice per day.
Juice Nation (Solana Beach)
Located in sunny Solana Beach on the Coast Hwy, this blending business is a one-stop shop for nutrition. Beyond the healthy foods offered daily, patrons can drink a whole “Veggie Patch,” a detoxifying concoction featuring cucumber, celery, beet, carrot, parsley, cilantro, kale and spinach. For a post-workout treat, the “Tropical Piña-Mango” is the perfect smoothie to combat sore muscles and deliciously packed with pineapple, mango, coconut oil, raw coconut, banana and agave. All juices are 100 percent organic, raw, vegan and gluten-free.
bBar Superfood Vitality Bar (Del Mar)
Home of Beaming brand cleansing products, this place is more of a gourmet superfood experience than a juice bar. Here, each juice is hand-crafted and cold-pressed with a focus on delicious. The smoothie menu is extensive, with selections like the “Bootie Burn,” an anti-inflammatory and fat burning concoction created with whole grapefruit, pineapple, coconut nectar, chili flakes and ice. Plus, you can add a boost of bee pollen, coconut butter and camu camu – an exotic fruit that grows in flooded areas of the Amazon rainforest in parts of South America. Check out the raw menu items too. We love the coconut ceviche!
The Stable’s Corner Juice & Smoothie (Poway)
A mom & pop place at its finest! Whether you’re out east hiking the Mount Woodson Trail or simply a local in the know, this is the juice joint to frequent. Known for their eclectic barn-themed décor and reasonable prices, you’ll find a range of smoothies and juices to help you cool off and energize without breaking the bank. For example, the “Happy Night Energy” smoothie – which includes almond, walnut, coconut, banana and sesame – is a steal at $6.50 for 32 ounces. If you prefer fresh juice as your drink of choice, try the “Tomato It Up,” a mash-up of tomato, apple, parsley and garlic all in one cup, or their classic “Orange Carrot” juice, both between $3 and $4.
Trish Sanderson is the community manager and marketing director for Yelp North County San Diego. She leads the local community of Yelp reviewers both online and off.
