As a West Coast girlie who hasn’t had Tropical Smoothie Cafe in her life before, the addition of the smoothie shop to downtown State College was an exciting development that begged to be tried.
The website claims that Tropical Smoothie Cafe “was born on a beach,” where the founders “learned a better way to live.”
After tasting several items from the menu, I’m inclined to agree.
If you’re like me and need a smoothie at any and all hours of the day, you’ll also be pleased to hear that you can acquire the drink from 7 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday.
Location
I have often complained about the high density of restaurants on the west side of downtown State College. I live in Eastview Terrace, as far east as you can get, so this distribution doesn’t work in my favor.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is located on 132 S Garner St., just up the road from McLanahan’s and The Waffle Shop.
While there are some savory options in the vicinity like Kokoro and Carter’s Table, sometimes you need something refreshing.
It’s also relatively near campus, just a straight shot up Shortlidge Road to class or a short walk to the Blue Loop bus stop, making it convenient for when the between-class hanger hits.
Speed
Tropical Smoothie Cafe must pass the test of time. I can now say, after visiting four times in one week, that the service is speedy, even when there’s a crowd or line.
The time between ordering and having a smoothie, bowl or flatbread in hand is very short, making my stomach very happy.
While the employees are very kind and quick, there’s a limited amount of space in the building, which can make it feel very crowded at times.
Smoothies
This is what we’re really here for.
I take my smoothies seriously, so I tried five flavors. While each of them was delicious, there was a clear winner for me.
The Beach Bum can be ordered with white or dark chocolate, making it a more customizable option for those with strong chocolate opinions.
I made a tactical error when ordering, unprepared to be asked if I wanted white or dark chocolate. Immediately after paying, I regretted my decision because I knew the white chocolate would taste better. However, the dark chocolate was still a delicious smoothie.
To correct my error, I had to go back and try the Beach Bum with the white chocolate to see if I was right. I was. While both ways are delicious, white chocolate has a rare edge over dark chocolate in this smoothie.
The Pomegranate Plunge was the first smoothie I tried, and the tart blend was just right with the chicken pesto flatbread. I would order that pair together any day.
While each flavor was delicious, the Bahama Mama flavor was so popular that it was made into a bowl so consumers could enjoy it in two forms. The white chocolate takes the refreshing flavor to new heights.
I’ve tried the strawberry edible straw, and I don’t recommend it. The taste was okay, but the texture was just wrong.
Sunrise Sunset: 9/10
Bahama Mama: 10/10
Beach Bum with Dark Chocolate: 8.5/10
Beach Bum with White Chocolate: 9.5/10
Pomegranate Plunge: 9/10
Savory bites
There’s just something about a savory wrap or flatbread in one hand and a smoothie in the other that hits different.
As a pesto enthusiast, I think more foods in this world should center around the holy trinity: cheese, chicken and pesto. Add a carb, and you’ve got the chicken pesto flatbread and joy in your heart.
The Cali breakfast flatbread was also top-tier and an item I will definitely return for regularly.
The quesadillas are solid, with enough cheese to make anyone lactose intolerant cry just thinking about it. However, the salsa it comes with is mid.
A top-tier quesadilla deserves a top-tier salsa.
Chicken Pesto Flatbread: 10/10
Southwest Wrap: 9/10
Cali Breakfast Flatbread: 10/10
Sausage, Egg & Cheese ‘Dilla: 8.5/10
3 Cheese Chicken ‘Dilla: 8.5/10
Bowls
You’ll notice there are no bowls in this food review, and there are a few reasons for that.
The Bahama Mama smoothie was a 10/10, so a bowl with that as the base is automatically a winner.
However, most of the other bowls have a base of Greek yogurt. If you know yourself as a person, you know if you like Greek yogurt or not.
Standing in a shop with the word “smoothie” in its title means you order a smoothie. You might grab something extra, like the chicken pesto flatbread, but you walked in for a smoothie.
If Tropical Smoothie Cafe wants to change the world, more bowls should have smoothie bases.
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