Parakeet Cafe - La Jolla — Restaurant in San Diego

I have been going to parakeet for a year. I get one smoothie and it’s pretty good but this time I tried the acai smoothie. Most of the smoothies on the menu have long complicated ingredient lists but this one was simple, acai, some juice and a couple scoops of frozen fruit. I asked if the juice was sweetened with sugar and the woman taking our order leaned back and asked the woman behind her, who clearly said loudly and from a few feet away from us standing right in front of her, “yes, I think lightly.” The first woman that was taking our order then looked at us and said, “it’s unsweetened”. It’s the type you could easily make at home yet stays the same price. I got the smoothie and noticed it was not the size I paid for and asked if they charged for the larger one to confirm before I asked for them to remake/fix it. They did charge for the large and I asked if they wouldn’t mind taking the small back and replacing it for a large. They said it was no problem and I saw the woman, take the smoothie to the sink, get some tap water and blend it again. When it came out it was obviously the wrong texture since she added warm tap water. So she put a scoop of ice in it and then blended it again and handed it to me. It had no flavor, she added basically two cups of water. How could I complain, she knew I was watching, I was standing a few feet away. There is no intention to make a solid product here. It was a terrible terrible experience. A waste of money, a waste of good energy on a warm day. The smoothies and their very best are just average. I recommend green door cafes smoothies...

Atmosphere is fine but generic in that west side LA / upper east side NY, alo/lulu brand type way. Food is good but a bit overpriced. Basically it's a good place for influencers...

With that said, I HAVE been a few times without issue, but last time there were major service issues. Three of us went, and the two people who ordered coffee drinks didn't get their drinks for over 45-60 minutes. We were all done with the food and then the drinks came as we were just about to leave (and ask to have them taken off the bill on our way out). They explained that they were understaffed, but did not offer to comp or discount. The kicker is that when we put the drinks in to-go cups, turned out it was they gave us the wrong drink.

If you're going to the run of the mill $7 latte place, that's one thing. But for the price you pay here, the expectation to get things out orderly (&/o to communicate when it...

Oh, Parakeet Cafe, you adorable haven of all things scrumptious! 🐦💖 Our mystery picnic date led us to your charming little corner, and it was love at first sip! The lemonade was a refreshing dance on my taste buds, while the lattes sent me to creamy coffee paradise. I may have stolen my husband's latte (because, let's face it, he likes a little coffee with his sugar 😂☕), but both were a hit in my books!

The muffins—oh, the muffins! Gluten-free and yet so perfectly fluffy that they had us chirping with joy all afternoon. 🧁😁 And while I can’t recall the exact name of the salad, its deliciousness left a lasting impression—an orchestra of flavors that made us want to take a bow!

Parakeet Cafe, you quirky gem, your culinary wonders have captured our hearts and taste buds. Until we meet again for more delightful feasting and caffeine...