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Backyard Bowls
331 Motor Way, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 845-5379

  • Category: Smoothies
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 7AM-6PM, Saturday + Sunday 8AM-6PM
  • Price: < $10
  • Serving: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Reservations: No
  • Map
  • Web Site
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Reviews by the General Public

Awesome!, 10/9/2009
Reviewer: Ryan from Santa Barbara, CA
Some friends introduced me to Acai bowls when I was visiting them in San Diego and from the first bite I was hooked. I spread the word to everyone I knew about Acai bowls, but had trouble convincing anyone since there wasn't an Acai bowl shop in Santa Barbara. Backyard Bowls fills that void with some of the best Acai bowls I've ever tasted. The service is good, but I really like seeing the owners doing the dirty work. It's good to see local business succeed because of the hard work of the owners. Backyard bowls is now a regular stop several times a week.
I could eat this every day!, 9/22/2009
Reviewer: Caterina from Santa Barbara, CA
A friend suggested we try Backyard Bowls after a spinning workout this past Sunday. I had no idea anything like this existed! It so amazingly delicious, and it makes me feel good to know it is healthy whole food. I ordered the Backyard Bowl, which only comes in large (yes I ate the whole thing.) Brimming with fresh fruit, goji berries, bee pollen, and granola. YUM! I was satisfied without being stuffed. I plan to be a devoted customer for as long as they stay open which I hope will be a long time!!!
Addictive, 9/21/2009
Reviewer: Nirasha from Santa Barbara, CA
I love the Island Bowl. It is my favorite. The cool, creamy, acai in the bottom makes me a very happy woman. The fruit on top is always fresh and beautiful. They take pride in good product. Please keep it up. I grab breakfast here about twice a week. Wish I could go more.
When I'm not eating Backyard Bowls, I'm thinking about it, 9/1/2009
Reviewer: Alley from Santa Barbara, CA
The first time I had Backyard Bowls, my husband brought me a bowl as a Sunday morning treat. Since then, I have made it a weekly tradition. There is something about the combination of sweet berries and honey, tangy yogurt, and crunchy granola that keeps me coming back for more. Plus the service has always been prompt and friendly. I like that the to go cups and spoons are earth friendly too. My only suggestion is that they get their website completed so I can find out the nutritional content of their foods.

Excellent, 9/1/2009
Reviewer: Mike from Santa Barbara, CA
This place is great. Their bowls are as good and fresh as can be. Just one gripe, the dude that was making the bowls was grabbing the bowls from the inside, so anything on his hands was where the food goes, who knows what he was touching before that and after. Please grab the bowls on the OUTSIDE, not where the food goes!
So good it's scary, 8/6/2009
Reviewer: Sarah from Santa Barbara, CA
Can't say enough about this place. Sooooooo good.

Backyard Bowls is the best!!!, 7/27/2009
Reviewer: Alexis from Santa Barbara, CA
I love backyards bowls, everything is so fresh and healthy and tastey! The service is great too. I will always keep going back to Backyard Bowls!

i am NEVER DISSAPOINTED!, 7/19/2009
Reviewer: Jeanette Rogers from Santa Barbara, CA
these guys take the time to make sure every order is made perfectly. i believe all the workers there are well trained. plus, it helps that the owners are always there... they make sure things are running just the way their supposed to be. i always tip them, because they deserve it. the service is so friendly. sure, it takes a little while sometimes for the order to come out, but no more then 4 minutes. i can watch them do it, and it only takes that time, because they want to make sure all their bowls and smooties are consistantly delicious. they know how important it is to follow recipes. try the ginger smoothie. great on a hot summer day. try the spinich bowl. yummy.. you really cant taste the spinich much.. but you know your getting those vitamins in. acai is delicious... and i am glad this company is making it in today's economy!
Amazingly Healthy and Delicious Meal or Treat, 6/16/2009
Reviewer: Lynn from Santa Barbara, CA
I have walked by Backyard Bowls several times in the past few months and have never stopped in. Boy, what a mistake! On the recommendation of my older daughter, my husband, my son and myself gave it a try. WOW! I am a bit of a foodie, especially high quality, whole foods which are hard to find in Santa Barbara in the quick, inexpensive category. The bowls are just awesome! They are full of high quality, whole foods that are loaded with anti-oxidants, protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and wonderful flavors. One our first visit, Pete, one of the owners approached our table and asked how we liked it! He really "gets it" about what now passes for food in our country. While you are there pick up a copy of Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food. Backyard Bowls is all about defending real food! I am now a dedicated regular. My son, who is 9, is too.
Carefully Crafted Healthy Delcicious Food, 6/9/2009
Reviewer: Dan from Santa Barbara, CA
I go to Backyard bowls very often lately because I can't resist the delicious, fresh taste that the bowl offers me. Some people say it is a little pricey, but it is worth every penny. Every bite is so amazing, and healthy too! My sister enjoys the Island Bowl, while the Original is a classic I enjoy everytime. The service is excellent. Sometimes it takes a little longer than expected, only because you see them perfectly adding the honey onto the masterpiece. Also, enjoying this at the actual restaurant is nice and relaxing and they play music too! Overall, a GREAT place!

fav, 5/22/2009
Reviewer: Nia from Santa Barbara, CA
my favorite thing about outrigger canoeing, aside from the canoeing part, is the acai bowl after!!!! stuck on the green bowl. will eventually branch out to the others..maybe in a year or so :)
Tastes just like the acai bowls in Brazil, 5/13/2009
Reviewer: Jane from Santa Barbara, CA
Backyards Bowls is a great addition to Santa Barbara. Their acai bowls are delicious and taste just like the ones in Brazil! Thank you for making healthy smoothies and bowls that use all natural ingrediants and for having many dairy free options as well! Often times I wake up and crave your "Island Bowl," it is so tasty and gives me tons of energy! Thank you for changing your hours so that now I can enjoy an acai bowl after an early morning run.

LOVE IT!, 5/13/2009
Reviewer: Caroline from Santa Barbara, CA
I looooove backyard bowls! Its amazing! I only wish it was open later! Especially during the spring/summer when it is light later in the day. They should be open till 7 in the summer!

Please Open Earlier!!!!!!!!, 4/3/2009
Reviewer: Katie M. from Santa Barbara, CA
The acai bowls are absolutely amazing...the honey, the granola, the strawberries! But, PLEASE, I am begging you Backyard Bowls, you've gotta open up earlier than 8am! I frequently want to stop by on my way to work, but unless I want to be late, Backyard Bowls isn't an option for me. So many people have to be at work by 8am, so opening up at 8 is too late. I love this place, but I'll only be able to visit on the weekends.

Backyard Bowls writes: As you wish! Starting Monday April 13, Backyard Bowls will be opening at 7AM Monday-Friday. Thank you for your feedback!
YUMM, 3/26/2009
Reviewer: LMG from Santa Barbara, CA
So good! Discovered this place about three weeks ago and I have gone almost every day since! I literally find myself craving it and having to make the drive from Goleta just to satisfy myself! The only problem is that they are really slow, and I understand that the workers are trying to make it perfect but sometimes I just want to be like okay hurry up!! Also the prices are a little bit too high! Two smalls for 11 something just seems like too much!

Backyard Bowls writes: If you are ever in a hurry, please feel free to call your order in ahead of time. 5 minutes notice is usually all we need, and your bowl will be ready and waiting! Thanks, see you tomorrow!
Delicious, Healthy, and Afordable!, 3/20/2009
Reviewer: Matt from Los Angeles, CA
...what more could you want? Oh and they have a great half indoor/outdoor seating area to relax in while you enjoy a bowl. The horse paintings are kinda wierd,but the rad surf ones make up for it. I constantly battle the urge to drive up from L.A. just for lunch!!!
website info?, 3/16/2009
Reviewer: Becky from Santa Barbara, CA
Your website is under construction and says to check back in the near future..By near future, do you mean several months to a year? I am interested in checking out the website before I make the trip there, so maybe you could speed up the website process?

LOVE this place!, 3/11/2009
Reviewer: Chrissy from Goleta, CA
I tried backyard bowls a couple of months ago and I am hooked! All the bowls I have tried are delicious! They are so healthy for you and they fill you up as any meal would. I always tell people about this place and I have never met anyone who has been there and not liked it! I go there almost everyday for lunch and Jessica has GREAT customer service skills! She is always awesome every time I go in there! :)
Ok food/service, 3/3/2009
Reviewer: Glenn from Buellton
I guess I don't see the big draw with adding granola, honey and bananas to basically a shake/smoothie but interesting. I think better eaten for breakfast then at other times(bowl at least).

I'm hooked!, 3/3/2009
Reviewer: Victoria from Santa Barbara, CA
My 30-something, very healthy daughter took me here for my first time several weeks ago, and what a treat! I'm working my way down the menu, but so far, the apple bowl is my favorite. Parking is so easy in the city lot, I know I'm feeding my body with the best possible yummy ingredients, and I have made it my "go to" spot for lunch because I work downtown. I also love the oatmeal bowl, and my grandchildren love the smoothies for their after-school snacks. Try it; you'll be so glad you did!
the best, healthiest food in town!, 2/17/2009
Reviewer: Monica Puccini from Santa Barbara, CA
Everyone is so nice, great service, happy people working there make amazing healthy bowls! They are very green w/ recyclable bowls,utensils etc.. I am completely addicted! it's an any-time meal.
Excellent, 2/17/2009
Reviewer: Morena from Santa Barbara, CA
Great addition to SB. The Acai bowls are delicious. Great treat after a hard workout. Customer service was amazing! Keep up the good work! Beleza!
The only AUTHENTIC acai bowls I have found in the US!!, 2/16/2009
Reviewer: Marcus from Santa Barbara, CA
All of the employees are very friendly and will carry on conversations with you if you so please. I have gone there weekly since moving to the downtown area and I would say this is one of Santa Barbara's best kept secrets. I have introduced a few friends to acai bowls and they also fall in love with them instantly. Try them once and you will be hooked!
YUMMY!!!, 1/28/2009
Reviewer: Michele from Santa Barbara, CA
What a nice addition to our Community! I had the Backyard Bowl and it was awesome. I can't wait to go back and try the other options. The guys who own it are super cool and they also carry my favorite Kombucha drink. Do yourself a favor and check it out!

Bowl a perfect score, 1/21/2009
Reviewer: Bonnie Burgess from Santa Barbara, CA
Great, fresh food served by happy people. Love the Acai berries. I have gone back twice now (in one week!) and the only flaw I see is that there aren't more locations! I hope their business thrives!

Ah! I'm hooked on acai, 1/17/2009
Reviewer: Elizabeth from Santa Barbara, CA
First time trying acai and it was absolutely delicious-tangy, flavorful & sweet! Very informative & helpful staff. The berry bowl was a refreshing lifesaver in this hot weather. Really good for you too. Can't beat all the nutritious benefits. You have to eat it at a reasonably fast pace or it will melt. Ah, I'm in love with acai!

Yum, that's all that needs to be said, 1/12/2009
Reviewer: Nicole B. from Santa Barbara, CA
SOOOOO good, and filling! I was unfamiliar with the bowls and the guy at the register was totally helpful, friendly, and patient. I had the berry bowl and can't wait to go back to try the others!
De-li-cious, 1/7/2009
Reviewer: L from Santa Barbara, CA
Backyard Bowls is my new favorite find. It is delicious, filling but not heavy, and I crave it often. Every bowl that I have tried has been amazing and has a good balance of crunchy, soft, cold, and sweet. It is healthy, works for breakfast or lunch, and they are open later now as well! The outside patio is nice for relaxing and the parking lot that is right across the street is very convenient. If you are in a hurry calling ahead is helpful as they make each bowl fresh. I recommend it to all. Such a treat.
You made a regular out of me!!!, 1/7/2009
Reviewer: Megan (=From TTA =) from Santa Barbara, CA
Ever since my first bowl when they open I am hooked! I go at least twice a week (usually more). This is a very "sin" free way to have breakfast and lunch. The prices aren't bad concidering you would spend the same any fast food place on lunch! My favorite is the Island Bowl with extra honey! =) AND if you dont have alot of time to wait for your "TLC" Bowl you can call in the order and pick it up! Also everyone there is very nice and pleasant. I just love it! Highly recommened over any other "smoothie" place around!
Was just like Brazil !!!!, 12/18/2008
Reviewer: Max H. from Santa Barbara, CA
For a long time I was looking for a place with true acai flavor and finally we got one in SB! BB brought the true flavor of acai, make me feel like I am having one from Brazil keep it up and add Natural Guarana and will be like haven! Good job guys!!
refreshing and exotic!, 12/10/2008
Reviewer: chee from Santa Barbara, CA
these acai bowls are fabulous! I got the small berry bowl, which was just enough for breakfast, but kind of pricey (about $7.50). I could totally see how people could have a large bowl--once you start eating, you basically want to inhale everything. granted, the ingredients are so light and fresh that I just feel healthier shoveling them down! the service was a bit slow, but that's probably because the staff are putting so much TLC in making the bowls just right. I'm going to try more exotic bowls in the future...once I scrounge up enough money to make this a more frequent dining experience!
What a great find!, 12/8/2008
Reviewer: Julia from Santa Barbara, CA
I just went for the first time a couple weeks ago. I had no idea what an Acai bowl was, but the guy was very helpful, and explained to us all about it and the different flavor combos. He even came outside to where we were to see if we enjoyed it! Great customer service. The bowl was amazing too. It was fresh, filling, yet light. The granola on top was perfect. I can't wait to have another one!
sooo delish!, 12/4/2008
Reviewer: Jackie from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been meaning to try this place since they opened. I finally got a chance to visit and fell in love with it immediately. It's not only an acai bowl, it's more like heaven in a bowl. It was amazing! The service isn't phenomenal but accommodating enough. I will be frequenting this place for more acai bowls! yummm :)
I love this place, 11/27/2008
Reviewer: Melissa Ninen from Santa Barbara, CA
These Acai bowls are wonderful! I eat them almost daily because they are light, yet feeling. I’ve had Acai bowls at other places in Santa Barbara, but those don’t compare to these. The others ones had way too much ice in them, which lost the delicious Acai flavor-- BB has found the secret of consistency! I highly recommend backyard bowls.
Super Delicious!, 11/26/2008
Reviewer: Liliana from Santa Barbara, CA
I really enjoyed the berry bowl, it was delicious and berry uplifting=D...thank you, Liliana
TASTES SO GOOD AND IT'S GOOD FOR ME TOO!, 11/21/2008
Reviewer: Sandy from San Jose, CA
I've had the Acai bowls both for breakfast and lunch when I have visited Santa Barbara. Unfortunately, I do not live here. I would eat these awesome bowls everyday if I could. They are absolutely wonderful and on top of all that, they are good for us. Acai is one of the superfoods of the world and it’s like having dessert for breakfast and lunch. My favorite is their signature bowl… the Backyard Bowl and the second runner up is the Island Bowl. Mmmm! Service is great too! Can’t you open a store in San Jose, CA!

Great way to start the day
Reviewer: ROB from Santa Barbara, CA
I came here for breakfast and the original bowl was awesome. I really enjoyed it so much I'm going back tomorrow and trying another bowl. Everything was fresh and healthy.

Awesome.
Reviewer: J from Santa Barbara, CA
This place is awesome, but the hours suck! 7:30 to 4:30 = work hours. It is, however, worth the extra effort to get there. Please stay open later!!!
Good stuff!
Reviewer: Eric from Montecito
I had breakfast there this morning - my only disappointment was not seeing more people in there! I found the berry bowl very satisfying. Motor Drive you say? It's unfortunate they couldn't simply have a State Street address as that would make them easier to find. its really pretty simple though, State and Gutierrez in the City lot. I expect to go back soon :-) EMI
New Favorite Spot
Reviewer: Cait from Santa Barbara, CA
My boyfriend and I have been awaiting the opening of Backyard Bowls. We stopped by yesterday and were so impressed by both the quality of the food and service. Staff is very welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable and the food was healthy and delicious. Everything was so good that my "meat and potatoes ONLY" boyfriend went back by himself today to try another bowl! We will be frequenting this spot and bringing more people with us.
New Healthy Alternative for breakfast
Reviewer: Palmer Jackson from Santa Barbara, CA
I went to Backyard Bowls this morning after my morning workout. I was impressed. I ordered the backyard bowl -- I think it was called the original. It was really good. I ordered the small size and it filled me up, but wasn't too much food. I'm going to go back again soon.

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