Pura Vida Miami — Restaurant in Dania Beach

UPDATE 1/6/2025: The establishment responded and mentioned that their staff member should have helped me choose another item... I already explained that the staff recommended another item but I did not want avocado.... In addition, the food items that this company suggested in this post contains the exact CREAM CHEESE that I did not want in the New Yorker... So what was the problem with not including the cream cheese in the New Yorker? Clearly there wasn't... This establishment didn't even recognize that the coffee was cold... Interesting... Thanks but no thanks... Party of three arrived at around noon on 1/5. We sat down to review the menu and we found it to be creative and attractive. We were excited to eat our meal. I ordered my mother’s meal and my mother in laws meal. When I placed my own meal, I found it to be a complete disaster. To start with, I have a dairy ALLERGY and it’s not a preference. I really wanted the New Yorker but was told that I cannot order this without the cream cheese. I explained that I have an allergy. The cashier added that they cannot modify this order. I asked if the meals are premade and was told, no. She asked that I can get the avocado toast and add the smoked salmon (so, you’re telling me I can add to the presentation but not remove from the presentation). However, I did not want avocado. I continued to wonder why the cream cheese must be added on to my meal. The cashier spoke to her coworker (a different cashier) and she continued to tell me that it cannot be done per the policy. Finally, the manager (or what looked like one) came over and explained that due to presentation that they must add the cream cheese to the meal. I responded, if you’re worried that I will take a picture and post it, I promise I won’t do that. She responded, no. Once again, I explained that I have a dairy allergy and the manager told me that the most she can do was use the “plain cream cheese”. (Foolishly enough I became excited) So I asked if the plain cream cheese was dairy free, and she responded “no”. Pretty dumb question if the issue at hand is that I have a dairy allergy and I need the cheese to not be added to the New Yorker. I really tried to find another sandwich but after looking at the ingredients I noticed that it also contained cheese which meant they would not be able to modify the order due to presentation. After all of this, I opted for a banana nut bread which was delicious. Not my choice for a breakfast but since my moms wanted to eat there I had to choose something simple. They both got the avocado toast and the entire meal was dry. The macchiatos were COLD. I understand that there are vegan and gluten free options but in this day in age, modifications are needed. You can’t have someone with an allergy only choose from a selected list. I also understand the work behind working in the food industry as I’ve worked in that industry as a simple staff member and as a manager, so there’s no excuses.

This place is not dietary restriction friendly.

If you guys want real coffee and delicious meals (not just a loaf), I suggest you try Bule Green in Oakland Park.

Thank you but...

OUTRAGED BY HORRIBLE TREATMENT. During our visit, my 2-year-old niece asked for the cookies and her mom bought for her. The cashier saw my cousin open the bag and attempting to hand the cookies to my niece. As she began eating it she started to cry.

It was only then a server approached them and informed us that the cookies were actually FOR DOGS. While he was apologetic and directed us to speak to the manager, the situation only got worse. My cousin, who doesn’t speak English well, had missed the small sign indicating the cookies were dog treats. When we approached the manager, she refused to help us, refused to offer a refund, and refused to even provide store credit.

When I later called to discuss the matter, the MANAGER WAS COMPLETELY DOSMISSIVE. She LITERALLY told me that " MANY PEOPLE COME HERE TO BUY DOG COOKIES AND EAT THEM THEMSELVES BECAUSE THEY ARE GLUTEN FREE,” as if that somehow justifies their failure to act responsibly. She repeatedly refused to apologize or acknowledge their role in allowing a child to eat a dog treat right in front of their staff.

This isn’t about the money—it’s about basic human decency. A child ate a dog treat in full view of their staff, cried, and their management couldn’t be bothered to show a shred of empathy. The manager’s heartless attitude and refusal to make things right are absolutely appalling, especially for a café that positions itself as an upscale establishment.

The complete lack of care or accountability from this place is...

I am a loyal customer of Pura Vida and visit various locations across Florida on a weekly basis. I appreciate the brand for its delicious, healthy food, excellent service, and overall great experience. However, my recent visit to the Dania Beach location did not meet the high standards I have come to expect.

From the start, there were issues with my order. The cashier was not focused and mistakenly gave me a cappuccino with oat milk instead of whole milk. Additionally, I ordered a chocolate croissant (rugla), which I never received. While waiting for my food, my partner began feeling unwell, so I asked a waiter if my meal could be packed to go. He assured me that it would be taken care of. However, when I later inquired at the food counter, another employee informed me that I would need to pack it myself since it had already been served on a plate.

As I was packing my food, I overheard this employee speaking in Spanish to a colleague, making inappropriate remarks about me—assuming I would not understand. This was an unfortunate and unprofessional interaction that left a negative impression.

I will continue to support Pura Vida at other locations, as I truly enjoy the brand. However, based on this experience, I will not be returning to the Dania Beach location. I hope management takes this feedback seriously to ensure a consistent and welcoming experience for...