Hot Days, Cool Bites
Skip the heavy lunch and grab a bowl instead—especially when it’s 97° and feels even hotter. Nothing hits on a hot day like a cold, fruit-packed blend of goodness. These grab-and-go bowls are light, refreshing, and just filling enough to power you through the afternoon. Bonus points if it comes with granola and a spoon.
One spot that’s figured this out? Playa Bowls, a bright and beachy bowl shop that’s popping up across Florida. If you’ve seen one, you probably already know what’s up. They’ve built a following by turning blended fruit into something simple, satisfying, and refreshing for the hottest summer days.
Playa Bowls: Pineappleland in a Paper Bowl
Walking into Playa Bowls feels a little like stepping into a beach day you forgot to plan. The walls are bright, the pineapple energy is strong, and the menu reads like a heatwave survival guide: icy bases like açaí, pitaya, mango, and coconut, piled high with fresh fruit, flax granola, nut butters, and the occasional drizzle of Nutella—because balance.
You can keep it light with banana and honey or get adventurous with cacao nibs, bee pollen, and enough coconut flakes to count as sunscreen. And while it’s definitely health-forward, it doesn’t come with a side of smug. Playa keeps it casual and crowd-pleasing, with smoothie blends, oatmeal options, and cheeky bowl names like Electric Mermaid and Mucho Mango that make healthy greens feel a little more fun!
They’re big on sustainability and community, too—working with organic producers and keeping the ingredient list refreshingly short! And with new Florida locations coming soon in Lake Worth, Winter Garden, Vero Beach, and Sarasota, there’s a good chance your next favorite bowl is closer than you think.
Other Bowls, Same Energy:
Playa isn’t the only spot blending up chilled bowls worth craving—Florida’s full of places serving that same cool-and-crunchy magic!
- 3Natives – Born in Tequesta and now all over the state, this fast-casual favorite keeps things simple and fresh: house-made proteins, fair-trade açaí, and daily produce runs. Bonus points for bowls that come with optional Nutella and no side-eye.
- Vitality Bowls – With a focus on allergy-friendly kitchens and superfood everything, this place skips the fillers and lets the ingredients shine. Their Dragon Bowl with bee pollen and goji berries is basically the overachiever of the group—in a good way!
Call It a Snack, Call It a Survival Strategy
Whatever your base of choice, these bowls are made for Florida life: hot days, short breaks, and a need to eat something that won’t leave you groggy and regretting your choices. It’s food that feels good and tastes even better when the heat index hits “are you kidding?!”
Bet you’re hungry now! Check out www.guidetoflorida.com/food-drink for more to chew on this summer...
