Cocoa Grinder
“Plus if you're a peanut butter fanatic such as myself, definitely try the "nutter butter" protein shake!”
“This location is very convenient to the subway and shopping area, and a stones throw away from several gyms and health clubs (NYSC…”
“The counter person seems extremely indifferent but she made my smoothie well and wished me a nice day so I'm not deducting any stars for lack of zeal.”
Cocoa Grinder
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
4 reviews
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Healthy, tasty and convenient? That's the thinking behind Cocoa Grinder's juice/smoothie bar and healthy food concept in Bay Ridge (86th & 4th shopping area), and after having been here several times, it's my go-to for my smoothie, or coffee fix (no, sorry I'm not into protein shakes X/ ) when I'm not on a Starbucks-fueled binge.
I've long sought after a juice bar within walking distance of the subway. Now that it's available, I can grab-and-go eat/drink to complete my errands fast. Perfect for those always Oscar-Mike (On-the-Move)! Long walks down 3rd/70s to Nature's Grill and Fuel Energy are a thing of the past (Too far).
Open nary 3 months ago, heralded by founder Abdul who himself is very health-conscious. They keep it simple… Breakfast and lunch. Sure, you can make do with plenty of tasty choices like McDonald's, etc., drop $5 and walk out seemingly a winner, but as with all things, you get what you pay for. For a dollar more I can eat healthier… and yes, it's just as tasty.
Plus: Breakfast available anytime, day or night. Omelette, french toast, pancakes… winnn!
Don't get me started about coffee. Besides Dunkin', Starbucks, and Monaco (Bakery), I like Cocoa Grinder's Italian dark roast blend too. Prices for coffee/espressos, etc. are on-par with the nabe as is the baked goods, which are standard fare: croissants, bagels, muffins, and cookies when you're fiend-ing for a snack… but yes, they make a mean wrap/panini too. There's seating for 3 inside and a counter outside.
If you have complex nutritional requirements, they've definitely got something for you. That's ultimately important enough for me to stomach. Because of the tight location, it's overall a 4.5
Cocoa grinder is a tiny, hole-in-the-wall health food joint right off the 86th street shopping district on fourth avenue and 86th street.
This place is exactly what I would've wanted, way back when I worked in this area.
They carry soy milk AND almond milk (huge plus in my book) though they do not carry avocados. Apparently avocado doesn't do well in this location – go figure.
The place is tiny, so it's really mainly for ordering out but there is a narrow bar alongside the wall with 3 high chairs and very little elbow room for anything else except to enjoy a smoothie or a muffin and window watch.
The counter person seems extremely indifferent but she made my smoothie well and wished me a nice day so I'm not deducting any stars for lack of zeal.
All in all this is a good smoothie joint with health fare like eggs, fresh juices, protein shakes, wraps and paninis, in addition to an array of assorted baked goods like raisin bran, chocolate chip and banana nut muffins.
This shall be my go to lunch spot when in shopping sprees in the area.
Industrial glass windows from ceiling to ground; exposed pipes and brick wall; wood slab tables; and a juice bar. All signs of hipster invasion. Although the café offers a breath of fresh air to the neighborhood, nothing about it really stands out that makes me want to come back for more. They have a lot of overpriced sandwiches but if you're in this neighborhood, there are so many other things to eat other than sandwiches. I suppose it's a good sit down spot to grab a cup of coffee. I can't vouch for their coffee as I haven't tried it yet but their juices are just ok. Sure, all juices are freshly made and they come in cute little mason jars. But it's not all that amazing. .
The place is super tiny, though there are a few bar seats. Don't think you're going to hang out here and work, not only is it cramped but the wifi is horrible.
Nevertheless, there is a great variety of healthy meals, snacks, smoothies, and fresh juices. I like the options offered and the fact that you can create your own. Thank you can also purchase granola bars and bottled juice. I love the protein choices- vegan, natural whey, and more. There are good add-ins too (spirulina, moringa), but the employees don't always know the uses. Tip for the owner- train your staff a little bit better or at least have a cheat sheet behind the counter. The coffee is decent. Perk- best punch card for coffee or smoothies around- only 6 and the next is free!
Definitely worth a stop for a quick energy boost or healthy reset.