Happy hours with margaritas and mojitos are great, but here in SoCal, we also love our healthy fruits and greens. In Santa Monica, you can trade your margarita for a spinach smoothie, and your tequila shots for a couple of quick glugs of wheatgrass. Check out these popular smoothie and juice bars around Santa Monica. Your body will thank you for taking it easy on the hard stuff.
Nekter Juice Bar
Peanut butter, banana, housemade cashew milk, pea protein, agave and ice—Nekter’s “Health Nut’ smoothie packs the perfect, protein-rich punch to get you through your mid-morning bout of hanger. Nekter Juice Bar: 1422 2nd St.; 310-862-8585.
The Hive
Don’t freak out, but The Hive has a $25 acai bowl on the menu. It’s topped with hemp seeds, bee pollen, cacao nibs, manuka honey and fresh berries. If you’re looking for something a little bit more low key, you can build your own decadent bowl for just $11. The Hive: 606 Broadway; 310-899-6298.
Renovo
Stocked with salads, small vegan snacks and smoothies, Renovo is a go-to neighborhood spot for wholesome, healthy meals. The shop’s owners pride themselves on offering meal replacement options that keep you fueled no matter how active your lifestyle. Renovo: 2200 Colorado Ave; 310-828-7267.
Juice Served Here
The smoothies, like the Brotein Shake and Berry Be Good, are delicious, but we’re also big fans of this little shop’s juice flights. For just $8, you can explore a wide variety of juices and wellness shots, served in tiny ceramic cups on a bamboo tray. Juice Served Here: 631 Wilshire Blvd.; 310-395-3700.
