Açaí bowls have been on my mind all week; every time I ran into my friend, Vasilisa, she almost always carried a bag with her açaí bowl. It’s been a stressful week for many of us due to midterms, but who would have thought that something as simple as an açaí bowl could be the perfect remedy to help cool our brains? So there I was, embarking on my journey to Playa Bowls on Hudson Street, soaking up the food scenes of Hoboken, the seemingly endless restaurants and streets. On my way there, I debated whether to try one of the seasonal fall flavors or stick with a favorite I knew I’d enjoy. The fall options sounded tempting, with cozy flavors perfect for the season, but I couldn’t help but think back to the Nutella Bowl and the Stupid Cupid Bowl a friend had recommended earlier. After some back and forth, I ultimately chose the classic Nutella Bowl. There’s something unbeatable about a classic choice; it’s always comfortingly delicious. As I’m writing this after finishing my Playa Bowl, I can confidently say I don’t regret picking the Nutella açaí bowl. The Nutella’s hazelnut and cocoa add a smooth, slightly rich layer to each bite. The açaí base itself, with its subtle tart and berry notes, gives a refreshing contrast, and even though it turned a bit slushy when I got home, every bite reminded me of chocolate-dipped berries. The naturally sweet banana slices, crunchy coconut flakes, and strawberries on top took it to another level. This bowl has tropical flavors that bring a satisfying depth to every spoonful.
Okay, enough about the bowl; I know I get too passionate about food! The menu was so mouth-watering that it took me forever to decide what to order. Between their smoothies, fall specials, and the variety of Playa Bowls, it was tough to settle on just one. I wanted to order three, but my Duckbills already run out every week at an alarming rate. The Fall spell special includes Apple Turn Up Açaí Bowl, Jack O’ Lantern Açaí Bowl, Pumpkin Pie Smoothie, Pumpkin Sweet Cream Cold Brew, and Pumpkin Protein Bites. The milkshake looks the most tempting to me, with the caramel drizzle on the sides of the cup and the frothy smoothie. This smoothie combines sweet banana, rich pumpkin butter, and a touch of vanilla protein for smoothness, with pumpkin flax granola and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice for a warm, spiced finish balanced with oat milk. The two seasonal açaí bowls were enticing with their autumn flavors. The Apple Turn Up Açaí Bowl is packed with different food elements like fresh apple slices, blueberry flax granola, and peanuts with apple butter drizzled on it, while the Jack O’ Lantern Açaí Bowl is more like pumpkin pie with pumpkin butter, pumpkin flax granola, and pumpkin spice.
Besides the tropical-flavored menu featuring mango, pitaya, and coconut bowls, the shop gives off a relaxed coastal vibe, starting with its chalkboard menu framed in weathered wood. Inside, the light wood and blue color scheme are beautifully complemented by woven light fixtures and surfboards hanging from the ceiling, creating a laid-back atmosphere. One detail that caught my attention was the anchor wall art displaying “Playa Bowl Hoboken” as you enter, which, along with the wooden chevron-patterned floor, enhances the beachy essence of the place. The service was kind, further contributing to the welcoming vibe. Considering their pineapple logo, I anticipated a calming coastal theme, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was incorporated into the shop’s interior. My only critiques are the high prices and the fact that there’s less açaí and more fruit in the bowls, but I suppose that’s par for the course with açaí bowls, which tend to be on the pricier side. Overall, it’s a popular spot that captures the essence of coastal living, making it the perfect escape during midterm week.
