MAIN SQUEEZE: DOWNTOWN JUICE BARS
Downtown New York City is a mecca for incredible juice and smoothie spots where terms like “organic,” “cold-pressed,” “vegan,” “fresh,” “healthy,” and of course, “delicious” are part and parcel. Sure, there are plenty of outstanding New York and national chains—Juice Press, Juice Generation, and Liquiteria to start—but don’t miss out on these under-the-radar local favorites and their signature liquid creations.
Decked out in colorful calaveras (clay skulls) and Frida Kahlo portraits, this cozy, family-owned juice bar and café puts a Mesoamerican spin on, and authentic Mexican ingredients into, its brightly flavored offerings. Get your morning kick with an Aztec iced coffee or hibiscus iced tea (aka agua de jamaica), or add a ginger shot kick to your juice. There’s an all-day breakfast menu and full range of solid lunch fare: the gluten-free huitlacoche truffle corn quesadilla is an earthy, satisfying delight.
Drink This: the Salud Special, with refreshing Mexican alfalfa mint, pineapple, and spring water, or the richly satisfying Lucha Libre smoothie with Salud’s own handmade chocolate, banana, peanut butter, and rice milk.
107 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012; T. (646) 398-8615
While founder Heather Tierney’s mission to serve New York City’s best avocado toast may be the genesis of her veggie-centric cafe, she also has a deep passion for juicing (which she previously exploited at her popular Chinatown bar, Apotheke). With locations in both NoLIta and the West Village (and take note bicoastals, LA’s Venice), plus menus for morning, afternoon, and evening, Butcher’s Daughter offers pre-made juice blends, smoothies, elixir shots, and even cold-pressed mimosas. Tox and detox in one sitting. Ingredients are legitimately global, too—from cactus pear to lavender flower to Asian citrus yuzu.
Drink This: the kickin’ Hangover Killer with cold-pressed young Thai coconut, yuzu, pineapple, chili, evening primrose oil, and cilantro.
19 Kenmare St, New York, NY 10012; T. (212) 219-3434
Madhufalla Organic Juice & Smoothie Bar
The scent of Chinese herbs, medicinal teas, and vitamin supplements hit you upon entering this old school-style Mulberry Street health food shop and juice bar. The liquid offerings are scrawled on an oversized chalkboard in pastel colors: juices, smoothies, and 20-ounce “house specials.” Everything here is non-GMO, organic, vegan, and gluten-free, and you can go sweet or savory.
Drink This: the Superfood Blast with goji, blueberries, banana, cacao, chia seeds, spirulina, and moringa leaf powder (which looks like matcha and reportedly packs more benefits than kale or spinach).
183 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013; T. (212) 226-8927
Juice Vitality
This clean and bright grab-and-go East Village venue’s Acai bowl earns “best I’ve had” raves on Yelp, but it’s their variety of bowls, smoothies, and juices made with bright magenta-colored pitaya—a sweet, mildly flavored Amazonian dragon fruit packing loads of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, Vitamins B, C, and fiber—and non-dairy Taiwanese bubble teas that make Juice Vitality worth going out of your way for.
Drink This: The Dragon Pitaya smoothie with organic pitaya, pineapple, banana, coconut milk, and agave.
192 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10009; T. (212) 477-0071
Beach Street Eatery
Local office workers crowd this TriBeCa deli for its hearty, freshly crafted sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast items, and a compact yet wonderful selection of smoothies. While vegan, omnivores can add yogurt, protein, or both to their fruity concoction.
Drink This: the creamy and dreamy Cantaloupe Craze with cantaloupe, banana, coconut cream, and soymilk.
57 Beach St, New York, NY 10013; T. (718) 440-4636
Words Lawrence Ferber
