I walked into Playa Bowls today honestly feeling pretty low. One of those days where everything just feels “off,” and I just needed something to pick me up. The second I stepped inside, Soe greeted me with the sweetest smile, and I swear my mood instantly shifted. She recommended I try the Pura Vida bowl without honey and add pineapple instead—and OMG, best decision ever.
The vibe in here is super chill, like a little island getaway right in the middle of Durham. My bowl was fresh, colourful, and exactly what I needed to feel human again. It seriously helped turn my whole day around.
If you’re having a rough day and want something healthy, delicious, and made by people who genuinely give good energy, this is 100% the spot. Highly, highly recommend. 🌴✨
Ryan Shilpin
Nov 30, 2025
5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Playa Bowls – Durham
Playa Bowls in Durham honestly surprised me in the best way possible. The place has this laid-back, beach-town energy that makes you forget you’re steps away from campus and not actually on a boardwalk in Jersey. Everything feels super fresh — like they actually care about what they’re serving, not just scooping fruit and calling it a day.
The bowls are generous, the toppings are balanced, and the fruit tastes like it was cut five minutes ago. The staff deserves a shoutout too: genuinely friendly, patient with first-timers, and always willing to recommend their favorite combos without pushing anything. You can tell they take pride in what they do.
It’s one of those spots where you walk in for a quick snack and leave feeling lighter, happier, and a little bit spoiled. Whether you’re grabbing an açaí bowl after a workout, chilling with friends, or just looking for something fresh in Durham, Playa Bowls hits the spot every time.
Allison Kojima
Oct 24, 2025
4
Playa Bowl is located on 9th street and has a very beachy/colorful vibe when you walk in. There are so many different options to choose from and because my sister and I are indecisive, we decided to get the mixed bowl where you can choose 2 different bases. We ordered the following:
Acai and Coconut base w/ Pura Vida topping (granola, blueberry, strawberry, and honey)
Pitaya and Coconut base w/ (I forgot the name of the topping but it had banana, mango, granola, blueberry, and coconut flakes)
Both bowls were very refreshing and I appreciate how they stuff the bowl to the brim with the base and toppings. My personal favorite was the coconut but honestly, everything was delicious. I also love how they sprinkle some granola on the bottom of the bowl and it maintains its crunchy texture even if it sits under the base for a while.
Playa Bowls are definitely not cheap but if you sign up for their membership (just via phone number), you can collect points and/or receive discounts. Aside from the delicious treats, the staff members were friendly and were very quick!
Jasmine Morris
Oct 7, 2025
5
playa bowls is always good it’s a good place to go with your lover or family to get it i recommend it all the way live love playaaaa
beck lam
Sep 28, 2025
5
I had a great first experience at this place thanks to Soe. She was very helpful, friendly, and polite. Her positive energy and attitude made my time here enjoyable and wanting to come back in the future. The freshness of the ingredients and fruits hit the spot and the atmosphere of this place was relaxing. Overall, excellent service!
Maddie M
Sep 27, 2025
5
I had such a great experience at Playa Bowls on 9th Street! The bowls were fresh and delicious, and the service was excellent. A special thank you to Naomy Diaz for being so friendly and helpful-she made my visit even better. Highly recommend!
Space Ze
Sep 27, 2025
5
Naomy was a pleasure to interact with. Very knowledgeable and kind. Made my experience amazing. The PB and Jammin acai bowl was delicious. The fruite was so fresh and delicious. I would highly recommend visiting.
Shamya Cates
Sep 25, 2025
5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had an excellent experience at Playa Bowls thanks to Zoe. She provided outstanding customer service, she was efficient and attentive from the moment I walked in. Her professionalism and positive attitude created a great atmosphere and made my visit enjoyable. Zoe is a great representative of the Playa Bowls team, and I truly appreciate the high level of service she delivered.
Daniela Ventura
Sep 24, 2025
5
Sarah Y knew all about the differ bowls and have a great recommendation! So sweet! Best acai bowl I’ve ever had
I H
Aug 18, 2025
5
I stopped in with my siblings having just flown in from new jersey. Always great to land and be greeted with Southern hospitality as was the case with Dave and his team. First time eating at a Playa Bowl and I'm hooked! Great food and great service!
Mary Hendrix
Jul 10, 2025
5
I received a bogo coupon at an event and used it during my first visit here. I ordered the Mango Berry Bowl and the Electric Mermaid Bowl and took them home for my fiance and I to try. Both bowls were absolutely delicious and a wonderful, healthy treat on a hot day. The service was great and the atmosphere was just what I would expect at a place like this. I will definitely go back!
maria Arellano
Jun 14, 2025
5
i had such a great experience at playa bowls thanks to anezka! she was so sweet, super friendly, and gave amazing service. you can really tell she cares about the customers. definitely made my day better thank you, anezka! 💛
Patty Shoaf
Jun 13, 2025
5
Janet is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met in food service. She always has a smile, and is extremely pleasant to all the customers. I have seen her by herself making every bowl fresh and ready to eat. Even if it is busy, the wait is always worth it!
I have eaten bowls from various places, and I would be embarrassed if I were those places. Yours are the best! Please don’t change!
Uriel Soto
Jun 3, 2025
4
They had a great selection and I was there solely for a smoothie. I felt like they could’ve had a little bit more variety on the smoothie and ingredients. Overall great atmosphere, great service, and got my smoothie quick and it was tasty. Would absolutely stop by again and try a bowl or something else next time.
Lesly Vasquez
Jun 1, 2025
5
Vielka and Melanie gave 10/10 service! They were so kind. We got 8th Ave and Nutella bowls and they were pack with goodness and per usual. Definitely recommend coming here.
natalia
May 18, 2025
5
Sophia was incredible during my visit to Playa Bowls Durham! She was super friendly, patient, and made the whole experience feel welcoming and easy. You can tell she really cares about what she does—she made sure my order was exactly how I wanted it and had great energy the entire time.
My bowl not only tasted amazing but looked like something off Instagram. Thanks to Sophia, I left with a smile on my face. She’s a real asset to the team, and I’ll definitely be coming back!
alixce sucks
May 18, 2025
5
I had an amazing experience at Playa Bowls Durham thanks to Sophia! From the moment I walked in, she greeted me with a warm smile and genuine enthusiasm. She was super helpful walking me through the menu and even made great recommendations based on what I was in the mood for. My bowl came out perfect—fresh, beautifully presented, and delicious.
Sophia’s customer service was top-notch—friendly, fast, and professional. It’s clear she cares about making sure every customer leaves happy. I’ll definitely be coming back, and I hope she’s working when I do!
Sebastian Rodriguez
May 18, 2025
5
Sofia went above and beyond—her friendly attitude and warm smile made the visit feel extra special. She created a welcoming atmosphere that turned a quick stop into a memorable experience. Highly recommend
Helena
Feb 25, 2025
5
Quick easy and friendly staff + nice decor it’s all perfect. I’ve tried a lot of açaí bowls before but when I went there for the first time I got the ocean avenue bowl and it’s amazing now it’s my go to order and have ordered it so many time!
