As a self-identified lover of all things basic, I feel pretty confident in holding high standards for my açaí bowls. However, spending the summer in San Francisco, the nation's hub for trendy food, has given my experienced spoon a run for its money. The Bay Area boasts some of the freshest bases and toppings in the nation, all blended and arranged to create the perfect Insta post. Being an acai-aficionado, I thought I'd be sweet and share my favorite spots for the best bowls in The Golden City.
1) Basik Cafe
Location: 1958 Polk Street, San Francisco
The Juicy Details: All blends, drizzles, and toppings considered, Basik Cafe is the best acai bowl I've had in San Fran. To top off the super cool vibe inside, each ingredients tastes fresh and has the perfect balance of granola crunch and sweet, juicy fruit. Featured above is what I ate (okay, devoured): The Puna Bowl. Topped with granola, strawberries, banana, organic hemp seeds, fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey, this bowl was everything an acai bowl should be and more. I'll admit that these heavenly bowls are a liittttle pricey ($14 for the larger size) but the quality and flavor are worth it.
Pro tip: The line gets ridiculously long on weekends so be prepared to outlast your hangry phase - it's worth it!
2. Earthbar
Locations: (1) 301 Pine Street - FiDi, (2) 2055 Union Street (3) 747 Market Street - All attached to Equinox gym
The Perfect Blend: After a grueling spin at Soul Cycle, it seemed a natural and necessary next step to visit the refreshing Earthbar, attached to Equinox on Union Street. After extracting every last drop from the bowl, I can truly say that these blends are off the hook. I went basic (duh) with the original acai bowl, or acai blended with banana & hemp milk and topped with fresh strawberries, banana, & house-made gluten-free granola. This cult favorite spot offers a massive bowl for a reasonable price, which is much appreciated after an expensive workout class. I will definitely be returning next time I break a sweat.
3. Bowl'd Acai
Location: 14 Mint Plaza, San Francisco (also on DoorDash and Postmates!)
The Bowl: Bowl'd is probably the healthiest food truck you will find in San Francisco. In addition to making the DOPEST acai bowls, they also serve smoothies, poke bowls (which look amazing), and cold-pressed juices. Pictured above is the Original Gangster - an acai, strawberry, and banana blend topped with One Planet gluten-free granola, banana, strawberry, blueberry, coconut shavings and honey.
4. Blue Hawaii Acai
Location: 2 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
The Bottom Line: Blue Hawaii Acai Cafe is right in the core of the FiDi, offering delicious, reasonably priced acai bowls. I ordered the Classic Bowl which comes with strawberries, bananas, blueberries, granola and honey. I also opted to add a scoop of almond butter which I highly recommend doing. The texture was perfect, likely due to the original concoction of granola on the top AND bottom of the bowl. Looks like I'll be coming here more often, especially on warm SF days.
5. Project Juice
Locations: (1) 2234 Chestnut Street (2) 506 Castro Street, (3) 364 Hayes Street, (4) 1355 Market Street, (5) 790 Valencia Street
Project Just What I Needed: Wanting to feel better about myself after a weekend of indulging my cravings, I sought out Project Juice to fuel my body with a healthy, hearty breakfast. This small restaurant serves superfood smoothies and bowls as well as ready-to-sip juices and cleanses. I tried the Acai Superberry Bowl (pictured above, right), which is a blend of House-Made Almond Mylk, Pure Unsweetened Acai topped with blueberries, strawberries, banana and granola. The bowl tasted super fresh and was pretty filling! Would def recommend.
6. Toasty SF
Location: 2760 Octavia Street San Francisco
The Hidden Gem: Self-described as San Francisco's first avotoast bar, Toasty is a tiny restaurant that specializes in aesthetically-pleasing toasts. But as with most trendy spots in SF, this gem goes above and beyond, serving incredible and equally appealing acai bowls! The signature blend is made with acai berries, blueberries and bananas and topped with strawberries, bananas, granola, coconut flakes and honey. Fresh, healthy, and full of antioxidants (win, win, triple win)!
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself to the West Coast (Best Coast?), embrace the #basic, and dip your spoons into the best acai bowls in San Francisco!