As the heat and change of weather roll around, there’s nothing quite like an icy yet fruity and tropical sweet treat to match that summer energy. At The Highlander, we’ve explored numerous acai spots throughout the McLean area, aiming to pinpoint our favorite by trying the best acai bowls of each location.
Robeks: Acai Tropical Mango – 4/5
This bowl served as an indulgent trip into the lusciously tropical and golden heaven of acai. The drip of honey and delicate inclusion of sweet bee pollen offered a unique twist to the bowl which paired perfectly with the tartness of the actual acai mixture. Each spoonful provided a tapestry of textures and flavors for our taste buds as the shavings of the coconut flakes nicely contrasted with the ripe and tender mango fruit, transporting you to a warm day in the tropics of the Caribbean. Although the culmination of tastes was exquisite, the bowl could have benefitted from a stronger crunch factor as often, the incorporation of the already soft strawberry and banana slices alongside the mango blended into the more liquid form of the acai, leaving the desire for the crispness of the granola pieces unfulfilled. Overall, the portion size was satisfactory for the price of $13 and the preparation did not take long, placing this bowl among our favorites of all time.
South Block: Nutella Bowl – 3.7/5
What does every chocolate lover dream of? This sweet bowl. South Block’s Nutella bowl encapsulated its flavor and textures perfectly; the granola, strawberries, bananas, and coconut all thickly coated in a smooth zig-zag of Nutella while still letting their individual palates shine in between. The biggest critique of this serving, however, was that the acai appeared more watered down as a richer consistency would have been more favorable. On the other hand, a noticeable difference between the other bowls and South Block’s was that every element seemed to be sized bigger as the fruit was even cut into bigger chunks when compared to the thinner slices of the other establishments. This bowl was the most filling out of the line-up, acting in place of a true meal. We also deduced that it was worth more as it stood at a much bigger portion size for not nearly $1 more. All in all, we would not recommend this bowl to anyone unsure of their appreciation for cocoa beans.
Playa Bowls: Pura Vida – 4.2/5
Although Playa Bowls is located farther out in the Fairfax area, it is definitely worth the visit. Their curation of the pura vida bowl stayed classic with toppings of blueberry flax granola, strawberries, blueberries, and a drizzle of honey, yet achieved a perfect harmony where neither the toppings nor the acai overpowered each other. The fresh fruit and frosty acai refreshed our palates, truly being the tropical treat we love. Additionally, it was noticed that the acai at Playa Bowls stayed icy for longer, retaining its consistency and resisting the quick melting that often plagues other acai bowls. This ensured a more enjoyable eating experience, as the bowl maintained its refreshing texture from start to finish. More so, Playa Bowls caters to diverse preferences similar to South Block which provides “not acai” bowls, offering options like oatmeal bowls for those who may not want acai. This inclusivity makes it a great spot for groups with varying tastes. The price was on par with the other two eateries.
