With summer quickly approaching, those sticking around The Swamp for the next few months may already have plans to make the most of their time in the sun. Whether spending a day at Lake Wauburg or tanning by the poolside, acai bowls might offer the perfect treat after the sunscreen wears off and the temperature grows unbearable.
Acai stores have grown in popularity since their beginning in the early 2000s, with the first stores in Hawaii and Southern California made for surfers. Now, these shops are popping up everywhere in Gainesville. Here are a few restaurants to check out to refresh, recharge and escape the summer heat.
Playa Bowls
Playa Bowls opened on Southwest Fifth Avenue in Gainesville in 2024. Since then, it’s rapidly become one of the most popular spots for acai near campus. From its beachy summer aesthetic to its extensive list of bowls and smoothies, Playa Bowls has become a fan favorite in Gainesville.
The shop’s distinct aesthetic sets it apart from others, with its colorful and beachy wall painting and decor. Playa Bowls truly makes its customers feel like they're on a tropical vacation when they step inside, despite Gainesville’s location an hour and a half from the nearest beach.
Beach vibes aside, its acai bowls are delicious, and the acai base is comparable to those of beachside acai stores. Each bowl comes with two to three fruits. Toppings include granola, honey and coconut flakes, along with Nutella, peanut or almond butter.
Rush Bowls
Located inside the Standard Apartment Complex on West University Avenue, Rush Bowls opened in Gainesville in 2023. Its location is only a brief walk from UF campus and many other apartment complexes.
Unlike Playa Bowls, this shop offers a more smoothie-based acai bowl, mixed with various juices and fruits. The acai bowls do not come with as many toppings; bowls include granola, honey and one topping of choice. Additional toppings can be added for a dollar each.
Rush Bowls is designed to be a more health-based acai shop. Sections of its menu promote endurance and wellness, making its bowls appeal to a post-workout audience.
GainezVille Hub
A secret downtown gem, GainezVille Hub opened on Southwest Second Street in 2022.
Its menu consists of protein-based acai bowls that are low in calories and sugar — but extremely tasty and nutritious.
A family business owned by Melanie Floyd, GainezVille Hub offers a family-oriented, cozy interior for lunch, studying and socializing.
Vale Food Co.
Vale Food Co. is located on Southwest Archer Road, where it opened its doors to Gainesville in 2017. It is a health-based, wellness-oriented food spot that serves acai bowls in addition to rice bowls and wraps.
The shop’s acai bowls are nutrient-packed and delicious. Vale offers multiple serving sizes for its acai. Its largest size, a “super,” is big enough to serve up to three people.
Vale advertises a giant list of toppings for customers to add to their bowl’s existing toppings. The acai texture is thick and not watered down, and the fruit and granola are fresh and high in vitamins.
Shake Smart
With two locations on UF campus, Shake Smart opened in Southwest Recreation Center in 2020 and the Reitz Union in 2021. The shop was founded by two college students, Kevin Gelfand and Martin Reiman, who wanted healthy, fast and reliable food options that fit their busy lifestyle.
Shake Smart’s acai bowls are made fast and are quick to order for on-the-go students needing a bite between classes. The shop offers many protein add-ons for the bowls, which are targeted toward students and athletes.
Contact Madelyn Hassey at mhassey@alligator.org.
