stale kettle corn literally tasted like fabulouso cleaner .. drinks were very mid like don't even waste your money .. also they don't have their prices listed so.. read more

I was having a craving for some delicious Hawaiian shave ice so I placed an inquiry in Yelp Talk. A kind Yelper was nice enough to tell me about Pura Vida Shaved Ice. He said it was pretty close to the real thing so I bookmarked it and made the trip out today! First, let me say that I had my hopes and expectations up high. I had asked others about this place and got rave reviews, so I was super excited to try it. I ordered the small Tigers Blood & Orange with ice cream and sweet cream and my husband got the coconut, horchata, piña colada. While we both felt that the shaved ice was good, it wasn't great. I would imagine that if you have never been to Hawaii, this place is awesome. However after having been to Hawaii and having real authentic shave ice, it left a lot to be desired. Although I don't have much to compare it to out here (aside from snow cones), I really think it comes down to the quality of ingredients. While the ice had a good texture, the syrups were pretty standard snow cone syrups, the flavor was nothing out of the ordinary. If they stepped the syrups up it would definitely set them apart. The sweet cream was good, but the ice cream wasn't the best. It tasted like the ice cream you can find in one of those large tubs at the grocery store that are more watery than creamy. They could definitely step up the ice cream as well. Again, don't get me wrong, this place IS good, I was just expecting more. On the plus side the prices are reasonable and the portions are large. I got the small and it was really filling. The staff is super nice and they greeted us on our way in and again when we left. Right now they are also offering a 5% off check-in deal which is pretty neat. Unfortunately, I checked in AFTER I paid. Doh! The dining room and restrooms were kept clean. There is seating outside which is nice on a warm summer night. They also have a drive-thru which is pretty neat, but I personally cannot eat shaved ice and drive. ;) Overall, I would come back if I was in the area. Definitely a good summer treat! read more

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I'm not much of a shaved ice person. I usually opt for boba, or fro-yo to satisfy my sweet tooth. I came to this place kinda on whim because my little brother wanted some shaved ice. But OMG was I glad I came. SOOOOO YUMMY! They have three steps to creating your dessert. 1. Pick your size. The small is around $2.50 and the medium is $3.25 (I think). But the portions are gigantic. You can definitely split a medium between 2 people. 2. Choose your flavors. Each bowl of shaved ice can have up to 3 flavors. There's soooooooo many to choose from. We took a really long time to decide but the staff was really nice and patient. They explained the flavors that had funky names and even let us try some of them. 3. Add your extras. You can add vanilla ice cream to the center, sweet cream, marshmallow or sour stuff. I haven't tried all of them yet, but the ice cream is really good. I think each add-on is 50 cents. Just a tip: Your creation will most likely be very yummy, but eat slowly and savor each bite because if you don't, you WILL get a brain freeze. I speak from experience. read more

Was gonna get some shaved ice, waited in the drive thru for close to 10 minutes only to discover that the lady working the window wasn't wearing a mask. So I left. It's a law to wear a mask right now and you especially need to be wearing one while working with the public! read more

Pura Vida.... the sweet nectar of the gods. Especially in those 100 degree days where seemingly nothing can remove me from an air conditioned house. Yet somehow I find myself starting my car that's been sitting in the heat, with the temperature reading over 110, and before I know it I'm pulling up to the drive through and getting my fill of this glorious shaved ice drenched in sweet cream. Oh yeah, sweet cream is a must. If you haven't tried it, for ever reason, TRY IT. Makes your ice that much better. It's fun to mix and match flavors, but for first timers I suggest the "Red, White, and Blue"-- Cherry, lemonade, and blue raspberry. You can not go wrong with it. Not to mention it's Patriotic. And Who doesn't love 'Murrrica? read more

Pura Vida - Hot - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Modesto, California

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Literally terrible service I live 35 minutes away from this location and normally love it. We showed up a little bit before 15 minutes to closing and we're denied service. The young girl working there didn't even have the decency to open the window to tell us that they were closed. Instead she just shook her head and lifted up money. Very disappointed to have wasted my time driving all the way there for her to just turn us away without even saying a word! read more

Stopped here after blueberry picking last month and had to write a review so I remember where we stopped when we are back in the area! So cute and SUPER FRIENDLY teen employees who were helpful, patient, and seemed like they really enjoyed their job! Will definitely be back! read more

Awesome staff very clean inside you guys rock the Shaved is great so many flavors to choose from read more

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When I originally reviewed Pura Vida they were just opening and it had great potential, but who knew. But now...they are a well-known landmark in Modesto. Ryan and Jenna are the owners/operators and they are continually adding additional items. It is more than shaved ice, which is truly excellent in the Hawaiian Shave Ice tradition, with coffees, popcorn and it seems like a continual mix of different treats that work for breakfast, a snack or especially as a retreat from the heat of the Central Valley. And they are nice people to boot. Children are thrilled and you adults will be too as this is the way shave ice should be. Give it a shot. read more

It's been a long time since I've had a good snow cone. My guilty pleasure during the summer was frozen yogurt from yogurt mill but now that I've sadly just discovered Pura Vida, I truly believe this will be my new, old time, favorite obsession! The place is small but staff is courteous and there are lots of flavors go choose from & mix :) I ordered a small cinnamon with cream, the cream just made it funky as it tasted like icing and the ice was super soft & fluffy. Loved this place! I hadn't reviewed and finalized my original post as it was a draft made on my phone - glad I didn't post right away as I had originally ranked this location a 5 star rating. I went again to Pura Vida 3-4 days after my initial visit and got a sugar free watermelon, the ice wasn't nearly as soft as the first time (but that's okay, I prefer not so fluffy ice..) and the taste just wasn't there. It tasted like sugar water mixed into shaved ice. But, sadly, not only was the flavor not there, the customer service was not. I went in with two other girlfriends. I was the first to order, and my friends were second. They got their order before I got mine (which, okay, isn't a big deal, there was more than one person making these little treats) But then.. I'm sitting there and orders are going out to customers in the cars (Drive thru times.. yadda yadda yadda)... and I'm waiting.. patiently. Next thing I know, the couple behind the group of friends I went with, had ordered a smoothie and a shaved ice.. got theirs before I got mine... more started going out to their drive thru customers... my friends were HALF WAY through their medium sized flavored ice before I got mine. I'm willing to give this place another try, simply because.. well.. after you've lived in the valley for so long, you'll do anything for a summer treat and to cool down and with as many flavor options as this place has, I'm not willing to give up on their customer service yet. We shall see what the future holds. read more

Pura Vida - Classic Cherry & Cinnamon (who knew it could be yellow) + Cream! Light and fluffy ice. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Modesto, California

One hot sunny day few summers ago when I first moved back to Modesto, I was craving shaved ice since they are one of my favorite treats. I looked on yelp and seen Pura Vida and the name didn't sound like a shaved ice business but went anyway. Living on beach coasts majority of my life, I am used to the perfect shaved ice. Pura Vida came through with a perfectly smooth, icy texture. The drive thru is small but the service is fairly quick (5 min usually) and the customer service is cheery and polite. There is inside and outside seating, but I've only used the drive thru. When I come to Pura Vida I enjoy getting the "Red, White and Blue" Or the "Rainbow" I am not a sweet cream fan, but they do offer sweet cream or ice cream to go inside of your shaved ice as well. Pura Vida also serves coffee and tea, though I have not tried either. Overall, great place to fulfill your shaved ice cravings and I will be coming back as this is the best shaved ice around my neighborhood! read more

A nice selection of treats and drinks. A bit pricey, but definitely yummy! The shaved ice offers a cream topping, a fun addition. We had the shaved ice and kettle corn, both of which were fresh and tasty. read more

Always a great place to support. Today i came for coffee. Great alternative to the large green coffee place. Support the small business person read more

The shaved ice are so perfect lately, because of the weather. I enjoy the variety of flavors. Their Javalanches are also very yummy and the price on these seem fair. However, my boyfriend and I are averaging $50+, a week on SHAVED FLAVORED ICE, over $5 for a large. While overpriced, this place is definitely worth taking a visit to once in awhile. Make sure to get one of their stamp cards, after 10, you get a free one. read more

Pura Vida - Orange, Tigers Blood, and sweet cream! :) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Modesto, California

There shaved ice is really good and so is there dole whips and there frappe's and there drinks, and sundaes, and there popcorn. There stuffs great read more

In love with Pura Vida! Tiger blood with ice cream is the best. I only wish there was a closer location to me! read more

Wasn't expecting so much attitude and sass when I politely asked for hot water. Cute location for a nifty little café but they sure do gotta revamp their employees customer service. I felt unwelcomed as a first time customer, I don't think I'll ever be back again. At least they have the ability of smiling .... read more

Pura Vida - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Modesto, California

I tried one of the popular combos grape & pink lemon sour with ice cream & it was delicious. Friendly staff & cute little hangout shop.

Jill was extremely helpful and amazing help for my daughters birthday. She welcomed us all and allowed me to throw my daughter an amazing 10th birthday. The treats were sweet!!!!! The staff were great and patient. And it couldn't have been any better. Thank you for making her birthday a special one. read more

Pura Vida - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Modesto, California

Great customer service and yummy stuff!!! Our kids love coming here after a day of swimming. Will definitely return for many years to come.

The drinks and shaved ice are amazing but the only complaint I have is they keep messing up on the change. The other day they shorted me $1.25 and the next day they shorted me a few dollars! My friend said the same thing happen to her so now I'm questioning if this is being done on purpose. If you go here make sure they are charging you correctly. read more

LOVED IT!!!! Went for our first time on Monday. I have never had shaved ice so soft in my left. It was so good. We will definitely be going back. They have so many options-flavors. My daughter had a Hot Chocolate and even that was good. The place is small and they have a drive through which makes it convenient for people that just want to get it and go. read more

When it's scorching out and you just spent 6 hours on the hot pool deck, hoping for a starting splash, watching your kids swim and wishing you could cool off, but knowing the meet has 32 more events... yes, that's when you dream of Pura Vida. Shave ice saves the day, cools you off and brings you back to the land of the living. AND it can be a life saver when your kid is sick, feverish, and can't keep anything down. Thanks Pura Vida. The drive thru is a blessing and your staff is always friendly. We'll be back again and again. read more

Pura Vida - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Modesto, California

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This place has good shaved ice but unfortunately you can never rely on them being open or taking orders during the listed business hours. I got here 5 mins before closing and there was a sign behind the last car in the drive thru preventing you from getting in line. If your ordering hours are different then the listed hours please state that somewhere because im sick of wasting gas driving over to your business and not being able to order. Besides tonight ive come 3 times an hour before closing and the place was closed. read more

I drove through today from the Bay Area with some friends who have never been and they are absolutely obsessed. Hands down the best shaved ice spot around. The guy in the Tye dye shirt who took our orders today in the drive thru is honestly the best. Thanks for the great experience. Will always be back. read more

Small store front, but lots of variety for your shaved ice. I couldn't decide so I ordered the rainbow shaved ice and it was yummy. Price is very reasonable for the three different sizes. Environment: small storefront. There's tables inside and out front. There's a restroom and a drive-thru. I feel for such a small front, it's pretty accommodating and clean! On a hot day, they still work quickly to get your order to you. It's not Hawaiian shaved ice on a beautiful beachfront, but I still enjoy this place. 4 stars because of a bias. I had higher expectations but you get what you pay for. I wills be visiting again soon! read more

Pura Vida - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Modesto, California

I had no idea that this place had more than shave ice! They also have coffee drinks and Red Bull infusions! I had a peach smoothie, which was quite peachy! The workers were efficient and seemed happy to be working there. read more

Best place to go during summer! Everything on the menu is fair/ cheap pricing. I had the lime, watermelon, and mango while my BF had the blue raspberry and cherry. We both loved it! The only reason why I wouldn't give them 5 stars is because it was kinda sticky and dirty there. Plus the bathroom was out of order :/ overall good experience!!! Will be there again ! read more

Pura Vida - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Modesto, California

Tried the rainbow shaved ice and added the sweet cream, my first time trying the sweet cream, it was very good. Hubby had the dole whip which was just like Disneyland's! I love this place, especially since they have a drive thru. read more

Love this family friendly place! Occasionally I pick my granddaughter up from school and this is the only place she wants to go for a special treat. read more

Ayeeeee yoooo! Always down for shaved ice reminds me of the islands chaaaooo! I ordered the shaved ice with melona and strawberry with sweet cream. I regret not getting ice cream and the sour topping with it. I will def come back for more. If you are ever in the area make sure to stop by and enjoy it! It even has a drive thru option if you don't want to leave your car. read more

Pura Vida - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Modesto, California

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Well I stopped in on a Thursday at 2:30 and the place was very busy! The poor girl behind the counter was run ragged as she was the only one working. The drive through had three cars and there was 11 people inside!! What kind of food/drink business only has one person working? The shaved ice is great and the Javalanche is pretty good too, but the wait was soooooooo long! read more

Excellent customer service! Employees are very friendly and they are consistent. You can always count on enjoying the perfect shaved ice with every visit. read more

DOES NOT FOLLOW COVID 19 SANITATION RULES THIS PLACE DOES NOT WEAR MASKS/GLOVES. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!! TOO bad there is no option to give this place 0 Stars. I've been coming here for years and after today I will not be doing business here any longer. I have a 2 year old which requires more precautions and efforts to make. If someone can't simply have the common courtesy to wear a mask for the comfortability and ultimately the safety of others, not knowing their health conditions (if they have asthma) etc, I find that very unprofessional and disrespectful. I'd rather make my own shaved ice than to risk getting exposed to careless people. If you think COVID does not exist, that's your right to believe whatever it is you choose. But from a business standpoint, have some integrity and do it for the customers. Because without the customers you wouldn't even be a business. Sadly, as a business this is a spit in the face to customers. Gloves aren't even worn here. Can you imagine, if the employees aren't wearing gloves, Lord Knows the other safety measures they aren't taking. Too much of a risk to even risk wasting your money here. If you have kids I'd stay away from here and go somewhere else. Somewhere where the business actually cares about others. It is pretty Outlandish what this world has become. read more

Best shaved ice around. We visit Pura Vida all summer long for shaved ice! In the colder months they serve excellent coffee/ lattes/ cappuccinos! read more

I stopped going to Pura Vida earlier last year because the staff members did not wear masks. When I went back at the behest of my children about two months ago, I was pleased to see the staff member wearing a mask. Tonight I went back with my youngest, and as I waited in the incredibly long line - the experience took over 40 minutes - I noticed the young man at the window was not wearing a mask. When it was finally my turn, I politely asked him to put on a mask. He sighed and hesitated, then asked me to hang on and disappeared into the back room for several minutes. When he came back he informed me that he did not have a mask and that they were not required to wear them. I asked another question about that and told him that it does matter to me, he told me he wasn't afraid of the virus and that I could "stay home". I will never give my business to Pura Vida again and I will tell as many people as I can about how they treat customers who ask for common courtesy during a pandemic. It's really a shame because I want to support local businesses as much as possible. read more

New (back) to town and miss my So Cal shaved ice so came here to beat the heat and cure my homesickness. Friendly and helpful staff, clean, and yummy cherry/Coke ice cream icee read more

Pura Vida - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Modesto, California

Awesome place. I live close by and come here often to get a shaved ice with sweet cream. The sweet cream is delicious and the workers are always nice. read more

Place is good, but must be under new management...... i completely understand the whole covid situation but employees here dont even wear a mask and on top of it they take an hr. For 2 small shaved ice cups.... definitely not returning here read more

My favorite place to go! The shaved ice is so soft and not clumpy. It is not a snow cone! Snow cone are hard! These are amazing!