Roots & Rye

Well priced, good value, lots of options, build your own bowl including lots of options for bases and toppings. Not many seating options but overall worth a visit if you are in the mood for a bowl 😊

Best açaí bowls around, no extra charge for toppings, and no extra charge to make creative bases! Highly recommend a base of Açaí, Young Coconut, and Chia Pudding. Best combo imo.

Love this place and definitely will be back. The small bowl was so filling, and unlimited toppings? Yes please!! Delicious. (My picture doesn’t do it justice!) Can’t wait to return, and also to try their toast. 😊 The two ladies working were also very nice!

Being 2 minutes away, I wanted to try it. It's usually a long wait but the straw that broke the camel's back came yesterday. It's the fact they will take your order online 30 minutes before closing, then give you an estimate beyond closing time. To boot, you cannot get anyone on the phone. I got there at EXACTLY 7:00 p.m. They've charged me for the order already. But there's NO way to refund. Hard Pass! Doubtful anyone reads this. Waste of $$$.

Went back to their usual awesome service. We tried other acai and the taste doesn't compare. *** Update: Their acai are still good, its just that they increased the price and then skimp on the ingredients. You can almost count the amount they put of the granolas and nuts you selected as toppings. I mean fine, increase the price but don't cut on the ingredients. It should be either or, not both. **** Their Acai has a good consistency. Thr selection of ingredients are very good. The flavours of any of the mix is delicious. They have no outside seating.

Not a big fan of açaí bowls in general but this wasn’t bad at all. The place is pretty sure and in an alley. Not many seats inside so most likely you will be eating out.

Hands down my favorite breakfast in the world. The açaí bowls here are on another level! They just hit different. 🫐🍌🍓 Personal fav: Young coconut, acai, green matcha, chia seeds, toasted coconut, banana, blueberry, goji berries, cocoa nibs, honey & peanutbutter. 🤩

11/10 spot! I could never say enough nice things about this place. They have the best options and so many toppings...which you can get unlimited of!! I wish I could go here every day/week!! Definitely my favorite acai bowl spot in all of LA.

Huge fan of this place. Whenever I come into town before or after spa, this place is perfect for a light pick me up. Their avocado toast is heavenly and perfectly seasoned with salt, pepper, everything, and chili pepper flakes. The acai bowl base we got included the acai, coconut, and blue majik. The bases were not too sweet and the coconut was very creamy and flavorful. Everything is fresh and the service is always friendly.

Quick and easy build your own acai bowl spot. The service was super quick and they gave a generous serving of toppings. Heads up it's a grab and go place-- small shop and no place to sit inside. There's a bench in the front if you absolutely have to sit though.

Solid place to get your Açai bowl! The base is creamy. It is a little sweet but not too overwhelming. They have a wide variety of toppings and load you up with lots of nut butter. The shop is located in a cute alley with some seating from neighboring coffee shops. So far our favorite location for Açai in old town.

Nice quality. All four of us enjoyed our bowls/smoothie Note the small is very generous. Limited seating.

This is hands down the best Açaí bowl place I've ever tried. Delicious bases, plus fresh and complimentary toppings. The staff were friendly and they assemble the açaí bowl in minutes per your direction. Ambiance is more of an order and pick up as they do not have indoor or outdoor seatings. Highly recommended!

It was my first time and I love it here! The employees were so nice and helped me choose the açaí bowl toppings as I wasn't used to choosing my own. I wish there was a location closer to me. I would drive out here to get this though!

Definitely some of the best açai bowls in LA. Fruit are fresh and they have good sizes. It's in an alley, so not easy to walk by. The interior is bright and there is some seating inside.

Yummyyyyy açaí and blue majik base with hemp hearts, blueberries, hemp, almond butter, and raw coconut. I wanted a light lunch treat and this was simply perfect. It was nestled between a few cute spaces in an alley off the main road, clean, quick flow of service and average prices. The bases are premade in time for the staff to scoop into your bowl. That's fine although i wasn't able to see if they have lots of added sugar or not. I live how this space is simply toast m, smoothies and bowls. I will definitely return.

I love this place! A go to spot for a lovely mid morning açaí bowl or smoothie! I love that you can customize the bowls anyway you like them! The staff are helpful and friendly!

Local favorite breakfast spot. I find these jam packed açaí bowls especially comforting during this heat! I love the açaí base, chia pudding and loaded fresh fruit. Lots of toppings to choose from. Staff is friendly and nice.

Got myself a refreshing smoothie with boosts of nutritional flavors. It was what I was looking for after a run in a hot day.

The location is pretty park around it's close to impossible to find a parking spot on the street because it's a very densely populated area. I recommend parking in the structure close by, it's $1 to park. I ordered a small bowl with a blue majik base and chia pudding. I loved the blue majik, it was not too frozen and not too sweet. I added banana and strawberries as my fruit topping. For my crunchy toppings I added almonds, vanilla granola, cacao nibs...and of course topped it with peanut butter. I love having a variety of toppings to choose from because it allows your bowl to have more textures and flavors. The fruit was sweet too! There's not much seating room inside so if you're with a group you'll have to find somewhere else to gather. It's very quiet inside so if it's empty it could be a good spot for a solo date!

Absolutely delicious and fresh! This is in downtown Pasadena and you can put as many toppings as you can fit inside the bowl! Would definitely come visit again! They had a vast selection of everything to put into your Acai bowl and they let you sample the bases. Yum!

What else is better than eating a bowl of cold Açaí on a beautiful yet chilly day in LA? Incredible taste, more on the sweeter side, but damn good if you want something packed as a treat. Pros: - Easy-to-read menu - Allow you to taste bases - Customer service - Fair pricing - Fruits were fresh - Hip-hop from the 90s playing Side Notes: - Opens at 9 AM - Parking near the area or streets - Website has all ingredients - Limited seating inside - Order in advance avail - Next to a quaint coffee shop What We Got Done: - Blue Majik Açaí - Activated Charcoal Coconut Açaí It's a great spot to pick up an Açaí bowl, but do not try the toast or smoothie. They just opened as we arrived at 9 AM on Sunday, so they were still prepping and opening, and we sat at the bar to people-watch in the alleyway where there are a few other cool spots. Hours: 9 AM - 7 PM, all day, every day. Wait: No, we got there right when they opened. Parking: It's in the alleyway off W Colorado Blvd, called Mills Pl. Several parking garages are nearby, or you can park on the streets. They monitor parking meters very closely, so be sure to check the signs, as they differ in certain areas (see here for more information around Pasadena: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/transportation/parking-info/find-public-parking). Customer Service: The fellas behind the counter were chill and gave us free samples as it was hard to decide which one to get. 90s hip-hop was playing, but not at a club level where it was hard to hear (I almost wanted them to play it a bit louder). He knew the products sufficiently, so we asked him to help, and he did it with a smile. What We Loved: The bowls were incredible. It felt like we were cheating, as it was filling, and the base tasted like a piña colada. There are a ton of toppings (https://www.ourrootsandrye.com/menu) to choose from, but I'm glad the menu was straightforward to understand. Blue Majik is damn good, but maybe too good, as it felt like we were having a cheat meal, hahaha. Opportunities/Misc: Parking when Pasadena is busy can be a pain, but walking is good for you, so get out there and shop around. The views are of Mills Pl., in this alleyway off Colorado, so it's not the most people-watching if it's not crowded (not off the main street on Colorado). It would be great if they had the fly/gnat swatters we've seen at certain spots to keep the fruit flies away, as their toppings and more can attract many of them. I would love to have a less sweet option, and perhaps what toppings would be a good balance of sweet to sweeter ratio based on the base. We love it there, and if we are craving a bowl of Açaí when in PAS, we'll be back!

While wandering around Old Town Pasadena, I wanted something small to eat. So many places are getting so pricey these days, so I was pretty excited when I came across this spot. It's a bit hidden and you'd probably walk by without noticing it. I got a small Açaí Bowl ($8.95) where I was able to mix and match 3 bases. The guy helping me even let me sample some flavors, which was nice. I ended up choosing the Blue Majik (kind of like a pina colada flavor), Young Coconut, and Matcha Green Tea. The toppings are unlimited, so take your pick. Compared to some of the other açaí bowls I've had before, it wasn't presented as pretty, but it's still yummy. It's healthy, refreshing, and tasty. I saved some for later after freezing it and it was even more delicious. It's perfect as an healthier ice cream alternative.

Got the small acia bowl and it was filling and delicious! Couldn't stop eating it. Good service and cute atmosphere.

Horrible. Placed an order on ChowNow to find out the store is closed. Yet my pickup time says 7:25 Update: The owner reached out and gave me a refund due to their error. None the less I appreciate their efforts to rectify the problem and inconvenience

I came here with my sisters on a Sunday afternoon and the girls working there were so rude. They did not want to be there and made my overall experience poor. I will not be coming here again... The açaí bowl was ok, I didn't like how it melted very fast. Not many options for toppings.

Even though I am a savory type of breakfast guy, I decided to try a healthier breakfast option out and Roots & Rye was the perfect choice! The staff was very nice and the restaurant was clean and welcoming. I totally winged my order since I'm not used to eating at places like this; I got a bowl with half overnight oats and half açai and I added bananas, honey granola, blueberries, strawberries, and almonds. I ate it at the restaurant so It would be as fresh as possible and boy was it a treat. My random choices paired perfectly to make a blend of sweet, sour, and nutty flavors. I took the rest home and finished every last bit! Highly recommend!

Really good acai here! They have different flavors and they load up their bowls with toppings! The service is good, and the interior is small but okay to sit and eat if needed. Parking on street or in the back free parking structure

Top tier acai bowl. Any place with multiple bases and unlimited toppings is 5/5 stars. Not to mention the employees, Paul and Jeremy, were super personable, helpful, and just awesome. It is tucked away in an Old Town Pasadena alley, and I much prefer to the Sunset location since it's easy to get to, not as much traffic. Thank you, Roots & Rye! I will be back

Choose your own adventure acai bowl. Unlimited toppings! I enjoy the acai base with chia pudding. The base isn't too sweet, and is a little icy sometimes, just needs a little mixing/time to melt a bit. Add honey if you want a bit more sweetness. Chia pudding is so good, love the texture it adds. I also like to add coconut flakes, gruit, granola, and almond butter. This place hits the spot after working out at the nearby Planet Fitness, Barry's, or SoulCycle. Convenient parking located in the lot behind the businesses. Friendly workers who are willing to answer questions, since there are so many different choices.

$8.95 for a small bowl? Pressed Juicery has refined sugar free acai froyo priced at $8.50 for a large. A nice treat on a hot day but I wouldn't come here if I'm the 'health conscious consumer' they market to on their website. Some reviews already mention, their bases have added and refined sugar... I eat it all but when coming to a place like this I pay more for natural foods otherwise I'd get an ice cream or Jamba Juice. All the marketed health benefits of acai, coconut charcoal, spirulina, etc on the menu don't matter if they're sweetened with refined sugars. They don't disclose ingredients but really should. I asked which base had least added sugar and they said blue majik which was delicious but so sweet, like a pina colada.

Love the choices and amount of toppings you get for the price. Everything was delicious and there is bar seating available by the front window and a bench outside. Service was nice and accommodating.

This place is such a hidden gem!! They have build-your-own smoothie bowls and toasts (avocado/nut butter) with unlimited toppings, which is actually amazing in this economy. Their smoothie bases taste very fresh and are really refreshing -- I've had the pitaya/dragonfruit base as well as the matcha before, and loved both. The colors are also so vibrant, and the smoothie bowls turn out almost too pretty to eat. I love getting mine with chia pudding, a bunch of fresh fruit, peanut butter, and toasted coconut. It's a perfect mid-day treat while wandering around Old Pasadena! Seating is pretty limited but Pasadena is always nice outside so we always take our bowls out to eat on the bench outside. Service is quick and efficient -- you just tell them what toppings you want and you're out of the door, ready to enjoy :D

Food was great and the lady who worked there was sweet. Unlimited toppings and lots of choices great place to sit and hangout in small but cute.

I stumbled upon this acai bowl spot after shopping at the Rose Bowl Flea market. I have high expectations for my acai bowls, and Roots & Rye exceeded my expectations. I ordered a small bowl with matcha, acai, and chia pudding bases. For toppings I selected strawberries, blueberries, bananas, honey almond granola, matcha powder, and agave. The bases were so flavorful and had the most perfect consistency. The toppings went well with the bases and tasted amazing. The small bowl was VERY affordable ($8) and filling. Although Roots & Rye is a small acai spot, they make good use of their space. There's seating inside and outside, and I chose to sit on the benches outside to soak in some sun. The service was great, and the employee was patient as I took quite some time to choose my bases and toppings. I had a great time at Roots & Rye and I'll be sure to revisit if I'm ever in the Pasadena area.

My go to place for Açaí bowl in Old Town. Price (for small $9.95)is reasonable for the size and unlimited toppings. For a small it's a good portion size and very filling. The açaí and toppings are tasty and fresh.

Location Old town Pasadena Near Cheesecake Factory and sunright boba in the alley Park in the parking structure across the street from Cheesecake Factory First 2 hours is $1 Some seating is available... not good for large parties Make your own bowl with unlimited toppings! Delicious, healthy, and fresh!! Workers were friendly! I'll definitely have to come back the next time I'm in Pasadena!

Awesome place with amazing açaí bowls! They serious pack it and offer unlimited toppings that are really the good stuff. Worth the price and would come here again, especially on a nice Saturday morning. It's tucked in a little alley way, so hopefully you'll find this hidden gem :D

Simple, yummy, delicious! I love that this place is focused on just letting you build your own acai bowls however you like; way simpler than other places with overly complex menus. Picking up online orders here is easy as well. I will say I always feel bad that there only seems to be one person working the store -- that's a lot to manage! That said, the folks who work here are always professional and juggle their customers as best they can. The shop is in a cute alleyway in old town, right near a bunch of other things to see and do.

Good custom bowl w really good Açaí! Very light lunch type serving with healthy choices and would definitely recommend it for lunch or after a good workout or snack meal

Just recently found this spot and I'm sooo glad. Replaced my unhealthy froyo cravings lol. It's totally customizable and so satisfying

I ordered an açaí bowl but with coconut base... it arrived and when I took it out of the bag k noticed two small hairs on the container. I thought it was from my cat and my hand when taking the bowl out of the bag so I grabbed a tissue to wipe it off... and it did t come off. I wiped again and no luck. I looked further and THE HAIRS WERE INSIDE! DISGUSTING! The last time I ever order and urge all those that see this to look at the pictures to make your decision.

This place used to be good, but i'm not sure on what happened. As you can see the bowl is so messy and they literally did not care on how they made the bowl. the acai itself was frozen and it's not fresh at all. i'm not sure how this place is lasting when everything taste awful. also as i was eating the bowl, there was a piece of hair in my almond butter. the service was also bad as you can tell that non of the staff cared about enough to apologize for wasting my money here. it's also very dirty, the tables are sticky and you can tell they don't wipe the counters after. the place itself is really small and there's not much seating area. overall DO NOT COME HERE.

Not a big fan of açaí bowls in general but this wasn't bad at all. The place is pretty sure and in an alley. Not many seats inside so most likely you will be eating out.

Another great experience. Been here a few times, friendly staff, good portions and who wouldn't want multiple bases and unlimited toppings. Great gem tucked away in the alley in old Pasadena.

Quite literally the best acai bowl place ever!!!! It was soo yummy, good portions, and best of all they're not stingy with their serving. The place was clean and the staff were sweet. 10/10 I would recommend & come back

Pretty good, but I'm just picky about my acai. All the bases have some sweetener added to it which takes away the actual taste of the base. I personally didn't like the acai here because I tasted a lot more of the add-in's than the actual acai. The blue majik base was probably my favorite! I do love the chia pudding here. Overall, I love the variety of toppings and bases they have here! It's fun to craft my own bowl! There are a good number to choose from too!

Awesome bowls. Got the Blue Majik and Matcha base. They loaded up the toppings which were extensive and very fresh. Highly recommend!

Any açaí place that has unlimited toppings has my heart ! Bye uba tuba, hello ROOTS AND RYE! No matter what you choose to put in your bowl, there are no extra charges. I love an acai and over night oats base. with some almond butter on top YUM

I really liked being able to choose every component of the bowl. A lot of other places have the pre-determined bowls with names, but sometimes there's just a few items within those bowls I don't want to include, so Roots and Rye offers a nice alternative! I just got a small bowl, but it was very filling. The chia pudding is an especially nice base to add - gives it a little bit of a tapioca texture. I thought it was really nice how they cut and laid out the whole fruit and portioned the toppings in a balanced way even though it's an unlimited amount of toppings. If I were to go ahead, I think I would share a medium bowl with my husband. It was a pretty big portion! There was also only one table and set of chairs outside, so either plan to come early to get that spot or plan to walk and eat.

Hands down best açaí bowl place in the area. There's a place in orange called blue bowl and I thought no one would ever even come close to them, but roots & rye is just as good. Why? Because you get to choose WHATEVER you want to put in your bowl. You have an option of UNLIMITED toppings. Or as much as the bowl can fit. You can choose from 3 sizes. Either a 12oz - $7, 16oz - $9, or 24oz $13 (Prices may have changed during Covid). Honestly I think the 24oz is the most worth it because of all the toppings you can put in. You really do want the big one to fit all the things you want.

The smoothies are really delicious but it's always inconsistent in whether or not you get your cup filled or if there will be a decent amount of space from the top.

don't come here. The quality sucks and the customer service is even worse. Just now I ordered from two girls Friday at 1015 am. Literally acted like I was bothering them by coming into the store. I walked in and they just looked at me and didn't even greet me and the fat white girl said "what do you want?" And the girls are talking to me in the rudest way barking their questions at me with no ounce of kindness or simply respect whatsoever. A gentleman was behind me and they treated him completely different. I did absolutely nothing to these girls for them to treat me so terribly to the point where I felt uncomfortable telling them my order, because they rolled their eyes and threw their hands at their side as if I was causing an inconvenience to them. the fat Asian girl was even worse and literally was throwing my açai across to me didn't give or offer a receipt or anything she walked away before I can even even finish with my payment. These girls definitely had targeted discriminating behavior and it's absolutely disgusting that this is going on in 2024 as a black woman I feel completely embarrassed. if you don't like working, simply don't work. Dear managers, look up the footage in your store cameras. It is blatant acts of discrimination

Roots & Rye is definitely my go-to spot in the 626 for acai bowls. I've come a bunch of times since COVID began, and it's consistently hit the spot with quality, flavor, and portions. I'm a huuuuuge fan of the blue majik base and highly recommend it (they were out the day I took this picture). The bases are all very creamy & smooth without being too sweet, and all the toppings are always fresh. I love that they don't limit the toppings; it makes it so much more fun to create your bowl, and the employees often even suggest additional toppings. I also love watching them cut up all the fruits + drizzling the nut butter / honey on top; such a satisfying experience! This location in particular is pretty easy to get to with the free nearby parking structures. Highly recommend stopping by here if you're in Pasadena!

I stopped by Roots & Rye and the staff was okay. It was my first time and they didn't seem to explain anything to me and even looked at me like "What how do you not know what to do?" The açaí bowls there overall were good but nothing special in my opinion. The inside was very clean and there was not a wait. Me personally will not come back again because you need to pay for street parking and then the staff isn't very friendly. If you are starving in the area though the food is not terrible

Good flavor and healthy options - did seem pricey ($10 for a smoothie). Service was friendly and helpful. Location is down an alley

Love açaí bowls and truly appreciated the 'create your own!' Sweet and savory creation!