Marc Aka Max H.
Yelp
So, we checked out Raw Juice within a few weeks of its opening, and were met by Michael, who said he was the manger, who eagerly welcomed us, asking if we had any questions, and wanted to try a sample. He was a bundle of high energy, in a not pushy way, and made us feel welcome, especially since the majority of people who are there are about 1/3 our age, in work-out clothes, looking way too healthy and buff for me [only kidding, I like to look :)].
I didn't write a review after the first encounter, but did post a bunch of pics, and even asked Michael if he knew about Yelp, and to my surprise, he said "no". Well, I did my duty as a Yelp Elite, explained it to him, and when he said "I'll tell my manager and get us listed on Yelp", I replied, "I'll list you, and Yelp will contact you to make sure the information is accurate." Michael likely doesn't recall all of that, but that's cool, as there are a lot of people who are now frequenting this location. And that's great. Successful business. Lots of people. And all 5 minutes from our hood.
The corner location is inviting, with huge windows which fold open to Federal Highway, and while it can be noisy with the cars racing by, it also creates a nice vibe - you can sit by one of those open folding windows, feel the fresh air, whether its warm or cool, and listen to the loud music which is not overwhelming, but does create a feel that is inviting. The exposed ceilings, all the rage these days [folks, I've been seeing exposed ceilings and lighting and HVAC vents since the 1980's in Manhattan...] give you a great sense of openness. I like it. A lot.
Leather oversized chairs are plentiful, with little tables next to them to place your juices, smooth-elixirs, or acai bowls. The place is immaculate. Those behind the counter always wear plastic gloves when preparing anything. They change them. A lot. And when I have observed staff emptying the garbage cans, they properly take those gloves off, toss them, before returning to prepare any items. Sweaky clean men's room is a plus! Good sanitary controls in place, thanks!
Note, I'm not a healthy food addict, don't seek out organic this or that, or raw this or that. I gravitate to Raw Juice cause what they have prepared is delicious, not only the smoothies, but I've now had a bowl, the Berry Hemp Banana, as well as Rawlmond Energy, Big Ox and Popeye [my childhood hero!].
So, yeah, it's a plus that it is organic and raw, spanking clean, great loud music, and yes, the STAFF, all of them young and hip but not in an obnoxious look-at-me-I'm super hipster-tatted way. And they SMILE. And say HELLO, and really appear to mean it, and appear HAPPY, as opposed to some other places selling the same stuff where the staff looks like they are doing you a favor showing up to work, and are grumpy.
And, to boot, they have about 6 reserved parking spaces in the garage attached to their building, accessible from the side street. Otherwise, you cannot find on street parking.
Go there. See if I'm right, I would not steer you wrong fellow Yelpers, you know I'm a straight shooting BocaGayBoy.