Chelsea Acai Cafe — Local services in New York

Chelsea Açaí Café brings a splash of tropical color to the middle of Manhattan, but the experience didn’t fully justify the bill. We ordered the Almond Butter Açaí Bowl ($13.99) gluten-free and the Strawberry Banana Smoothie ($10.95), plus tax and tip, for a total of $38.33.

The açaí bowl was beautifully presented, with creamy base and fresh toppings, but felt a bit undersized for the price. It leaned heavily on the açaí itself rather than striking a balanced mix with fruit and granola. The smoothie, while refreshing, tasted more like a sweet Icee than a fresh fruit blend—pleasant but leaning artificial.

Service was warm but marked by small oversights. The gluten-free request was missed the first time, so the bowl had to be redone, which delayed things. For two people, only one spoon was initially provided, and we had to ask for another. Minor issues, but noticeable at this price point.

The café itself is small but inviting, with a tropical vibe that makes it a cheerful stop. Still, given the portion sizes, service slips, and overall quality, the total cost felt steep.

Chelsea Açaí Café is worth a try if you’re nearby and craving something light and colorful, but it may leave you wishing for a bit more value.

#NYCFoodie #AcaiBowlNYC...

The service and staff were super nice and accommodating. So what I’m about to say sucks.

However, the açaí was prolly one of the worst I have ever had. I am used to being spoiled with authentic, Rio açaí, so although I did have reasonable expectations about the fruit here in America, this crapola far underwhelmed my expectations. It was highly artificial, completely bland and almost flavorless. It was a muddy color and had zero texture (which a real bowl would). It was abhorrent but it is right next to Radio City Music Hall, so if you want to be able to walk right in and get food it with zero wait in line prior to your concert, it may be the...

The açaí bowl was absolutely awful. It was watery and grainy and had no taste. The granola was extremely crunchy in an over fried and over sugared way and I asked for no coconut flakes but got them anyway. I went because other reviews said the açaí was creamy but it was more watery than anything else. It was pretty horrible and I suggest you avoid the place. There is also nowhere to sit and if you want a place to eat your bowl you have to stand. Bowls aren’t like drinks where you can take them and consume them while walking. Silly to say you’re an açaí place but not give a place to be able to eat it properly. Waste of...