Ever since I started visiting The Bowl when the cafe opened in 2016, I have kept my order mostly the same: the Islamorada, a pitaya-based blend topped with granola, pineapple, strawberries, coconut shreds and honey. Back then, it was a single counter on Pine Ridge Road; now there are three locations across Southwest Florida, and the 8 a.m. crowds still wind through the beach-themed cafes most mornings.
A decade in, wellness fads have come and gone, but The Bowl remains a staple thanks to its focus on health-conscious eating that doesn’t feel restrictive.
Growing up with a nurse for a mother, I learned that good nutrition is the key to sustained energy. Instead of turning to junk food when I hit a 3 p.m. slump, I reach for peanut butter-stuffed dates or Greek yogurt and berries loaded with the vitamins, fiber and healthy fats that I know will give me a proper boost.
Over the years, I’ve tried nearly every smoothie shop around town, in search of a satiating on-the-go option. The Bowl continues to stand out for its organic sourcing and consistent freshness, with acai and pitaya bases blended from scratch daily to avoid freezer burn and added sugar often found in store-bought mixes.
The Bowl began as an at-home kitchen experiment, with owner Kylee Brinkman mixing and matching acai, bananas, berries and nut butters until she came up with six signature fruit blends that she sold at farmers markets. Ten years later, she has expanded with a menu of nearly 30 organic, vegan and dairy-free options.
When I’m craving a richer treat, the Dirty Milkshake—made with acai, cacao, dates, bananas and almond milk—offers the sweetness of its ice cream-based counterpart but with a fraction of the sugar (33 grams for a 16-ounce drink compared to 140 grams in a 12-ounce drink at a national ice cream chain).
With the combination of a cool, creamy base, crunchy granola and chewy coconut, their bowls deliver the carbs, fiber and hydration I need post-workout. After a hot Pilates session at Sunform, I head to the Central Avenue location and grab my go-to. Even a decade later, it hits the spot every time.