3.5 overall 4 stars: Service was welcoming. 3 stars: Flavors were good. I can't say I notice any passion fruit flavor in the açaí though. The only part that was strange is the granola, which was overly sweet and largely consisted of rice crispies ... never had that before. Other than the rice crispy-based granola, I enjoyed it. The best bit was the friendly service. They have such a large selection of açaí, so I'll return to try a different version that either doesn't have the granola or ask them to leave it off. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Smoothie is great! However, if you're looking at the online menu through yelp and see the price of a smoothie at $8.75, be prepared that same smoothie in store will run $19.25. The staff (possibly the manager) stated that an old price and they can't update it (cough cough not sure how that's possible. Please get the yelp menu that's linked to your business updated in pricing so it's not misleading to your first time customers. In closing, staff was nice, and the smoothies is good. The interior is decked out in wall to wall plywood shapes to give it a overly rustic vibe. I recommend giving this place a try but don't believe the online prices. Also, be ready to have $0.25 charged for any disposable cup that contains liquid (another tax). read more

I am glad that I finally tried their açaí. I'm from Brasil and I used to have Acai almost every day. I'm very picky when it come to Acai. I loved their variety and creativity using names of artists and famous people in their Acai. I had the zuzu angel and my husband had Da Silva bowl. I picked zuzu angel because it comes with cupuaçu and I was missing that flavor so much. I felt like home there. It tastes so delicious! The place is very cool and the girls are friendly and welcoming. I can't wait to take all my friends there. read more

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Samba rock was recommened a friend who studied at UCSC. It used to be good and had great texture and flavor. We got the original acai. However the texture was not acai at all? Instead of like a smoothie flavor it was like layered ice with a melted slurry. Even after 5min it basically melted into just a watery drink almost like we had to slurp it. Flavor was good overall but sad by the texture. I personally wouldn't go back if this is the expected texture read more

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Sorry my picture is so bad! I was so excited to have this bowl two days back to back that I just started going to town and forgot to take the photo! I try to get to Samba anytime I'm in Santa Cruz. They do close a little early and sometimes I'm not able to make it, but I was spending the night out in Santa Cruz so this was an extra treat for me. I do love the Carmen Miranda bowl, and sometimes I tweak the toppings a little bit. What I love about this place is it's not overly sweet fake açai. I believe blending frozen açai freshly for bowls. The spotted self is tiny, but perfect for a quick bite. There are a couple of tables and chairs set up. I read some reviews about folks finding one of the cashier ladies to be a little unpleasant. I had a similar experience where it seemed like my questions were bothering her, but I ended up looking past it because I love this place that much. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Carmen Miranda with Graviola Cream - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Samba Rock brings me back to my college years, hanging out with friends at UC Santa Cruz going to the beach and chillin out! I have always loved Samba, they are a no frills acai spot with a funky menu, a few tables and that's about it! The bowls are huuuuge and loaded with fruit and for the price that makes sense! They have amazing coconut cream and peanut butter açaí! Love you Samba read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Menu - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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This place was pretty meh, the acai was icy and frozen, which was pretty weird. Tasted okay. The granola was way too sweet and tasted cheap.

The food was good but the service was slow. There was only 1 person working here. I decided to share my bowl with my child to reduce waste and cost. We got 4 açaí bowls for 5 people. It was over $50 and then they ask for a tip on top of that. Ok whatever everyone does that even if you have to order at the counter and get up to get the food when it's ready. I gave her a tip. Here is where I was a little upset. I asked for 1 more spoon to share with my child. The lady said it was $0.25 extra for a spoon. Ummm I just paid over $50 and a tip. Then she said it wasn't her, it was California law. No lady! You are wrong. The law is there to reduce waste. By sharing I am reducing waste. I was just annoyed as I handed her the quarter and she gave me the spoon. I will not be coming back. What a scam. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - The California law to reduce waste. - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Terrible acai and terrible customer service. The Item I ordered on the menu included 3 fruits one of which (the strawberries) wasn't available. I asked for blueberries instead as a replacement which she said she had to charge me for (which was like 2$). She said it wasnt her fault though, but im confused why I paid for price for something when 1/3 of the fruit one it wasnt gonna be included, and then i had to pay to put something on it instead? Onto the acai, terrible just terrible... frozen and icy. The owner has stated multiple times in the reveiws they "do this on purpose" which is a great attempt at covering up for the fact you make terrible acai. Acai isnt supposed to be frozen and they say you just have to stir it to make it smooth and creamy but if you stir it, youll only see it melt not turn creamy. They pretend they make it icy and frozen on purpose but that is clearly preposterous, nobody purposely makes there food bad and unlike traditional acai. They say they make it frozen bc "many people like to take it with them and dont want it to melt" stop having delusions... Also look how sad our acai's looked, for comparison we ended up getting acai from this other place and look at how beautiful and delicious it was and guess what? It was cheaper!! read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Samba rock frozen acai - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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If I could eat an Ayrton Senna bowl (large, extra peanut butter obviously) every morning for the rest of my life, I would be a happy, happy man. I'm sure the other bowls are just as fantastic but I can't ever pick anything other than my regular! Small, cozy, and colorful layout with laid back employees and the chillest vibe. The service is great and speedy considering how busy these folks get. Don't let the long lines fool you, it moves quickly! Also, I don't mind the pricing here! Yes, it's pricey but you're paying for high quality ingredients. Hats off to the owners because Samba Rock consistently hits! read more

A passive aggressive response from management made me delete my last review, but after reading some others thought it would be helpful to mention. I went up to order and the initial attitude was already hostile. I received my bowl and it was BARLEY a quarter of the way with Acai. I didn't want to come off as demanding, so I asked if I could possibly pay extra, to add on an extra scoop of acai. The woman I believe to be the owner, along with another employee, started actually yelling at me. It was kinda scary and really uncalled for. I was confused especially since I approached them kindly, knowing they were already in a hostile mood. I ended up walking out as they continued to yell at me, and ever returned... The responses I've seen from management are pretty immature and aggressive. Don't let them bully you! Bad business practice :( I prefer terra superfoods downtown read more

Consistently excellent! Prices have definitely gone up (a kids bowl is ~$11 and regular and large around $15 and $17 respectively) but quality and taste are still there. These bowls are always so fresh, and I love the varied bases. We had a Cartola with pineapple base and Zuzu with p&b base and added banana slices. Service was kind and generous. Our bowls came out so quickly! We loved enjoying them in the vibey indoor seating (now open) while watching it rain outside. Samba Rock is unpretentious and down to earth. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Updated menu and prices December 2023 - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Best acai I've ever had! Warm, authentic atmosphere, friendly service and great acai. Shame that most of the bad reviews claim the acai is too icy, when that is the way it should be! Meant to be mixed until no longer icy, then its perfect! read more

Idk if I've been to a worse restaurant in years. Not only is the acai MELTED AND THEN REFROZEN (hence the ice crystals) the service is TERRIBLE. Who wants acai with ice crystals in it? It should be creamy, because acai has all that delicious healthy fat in it, and its supposed to be emulsified. It basic food science that anyone running an acai place should know. The acai from this place is the exact same texture as ice cream that has melted and refrozen--because it basically is exactly that! The menu is also completely baffling. No idea how this place is still in business. Go to literally any other acai cafe if thats what you want -- SC has some great ones. We went go Terra Superfoods after throwing our acai from here in the trash. read more

I've only been once, but the Acai bowl I shared with my kids was definitely tasty. My daughter claimed it wasn't as good as the ones at Cafe Brasil - but I don't think I agree with her. It was a little different than theirs, but just as good. I'd like to go back and try more of their combinations, as we just got the basic one - they even have one with chocolate! Good sized portion. Fresh fruit seemed fresh. A little bit of a grungy shop I suppose, but did't bother us in anyway. (maybe it's just that it's not very bright inside?). read more

**Samba Rock is simply the best!** My wife and I are regulars here, visiting every weekend without fail. I always go for the regular Ayrton Senna with peanut butter on top--it's the perfect choice for peanut butter lovers. My wife, on the other hand, opts for the regular Pele with honey, which is ideal if you have a sweet tooth. So, why is Samba Rock the top acai spot around? 1. **Perfect Sweetness:** The acai isn't overly sweet like a dessert pretending to be healthy. It strikes the perfect balance. 2. **Perfect Acai-to-Topping Ratio:** Samba Rock gets it right with a 50/50 ratio. You never find yourself with a bowl of plain acai as you get closer to the bottom--each bite has the right mix of toppings and acai. 3. **Ideal Serving Container:** Unlike most places that serve acai in a "frozen yogurt cup," Samba Rock uses a more traditional bowl. This makes it so much easier to mix everything together, ensuring you get the perfect bite every time. If you're serious about your acai bowls, Samba Rock is where you need to be! read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Back: Regular Ayrton Senna w/ Peanut Butter on top Front: Regular Pele w/ Honey on top - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

This is a regular size Cartola bowl. Generally, the size is okay though I expected slightly more given comparison to the bowl size. My biggest grievance is not having the quality of strawberries. If I am paying over $15, I expect fresh strawberries, especially from a place that specializes in acai bowls? I had to toss out ¼ of my strawberries before eating. It seemed the strawberries were cut the day before. I don't recommend going early in the morning. I might give it a shot in the afternoon. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Cartola Bowl - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Açaí bowl was good but they use to put blueberries on it with strawberries and bananas.

My favorite acai spot. Always have to grab a da Silva bowl when I'm in the area. I usually add cacao nibs to my bowl. The portions are good and the flavor is so refreshing. It can be a bit icier than other places but it tastes really good. Friendly workers and they have some tables to enjoy the acai in the store. Their hours can be off at times though. Sometimes they close earlier than the posted time. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Ayrton Sienna large bowl for the kids and me,. Thoroughly enjoyed and good vibes inside with fun decor. Just rolled in on the ramp and parked our cargo bike inside the store was great! read more

Samba Rock Açaí Cafe is a total vibe! I had the Ayrton Senna with papaya, strawberries, bananas, kiwi, cacao nibs, and almond butter--so fresh and yummy. The ladies at the counter were the sweetest (I especially loved a bit of the accent!), and the cafe itself is a perfect spot to kick back. The interior has this laid-back, organic feel with tables lining the walls and plenty of space to chill. Think earthy tones, cool decor, and a welcoming energy that's hard to beat. Easily the best açaí bowl experience in Santa Cruz! Also I'm really glad it's icy because by the time I get to where I need to go, the bowl is nice and creamy :) yummm wish I could have more right now read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I always pass by this spot and I love acai so I'm so excited I got to try it today! It was a bit disappointing as it was almost $14 for a regular bowl and there wasn't much acai. It was about 30% acai and 70% fruits and granola. I've had a lot of acai in different spots and this one was too icy for my taste. It wasn't smooth and rich in flavor. It tastes like I was eating slices of ice? Perhaps the other bowls are better but this was a popular item on the menu! i would recommend pressed juicery for more quality tasting acai! read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Acai Base Blended with Banana Pele Regular - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Have tried many acai bowls across the bay area, and nothing hits quite like Samba Rock. The Ayrton Senna is still my go-to, and they don't shortchange you on all fruit and toppings. They're now open an hour later on most days too. read more

Got the celebrate life smoothie. It had good flavor but it was very runny and not very cold. It was still good and did the job.

I decided to try Samba after many recommendations! Overall, I was extremely excited as I heard many great recommendations from the locals around. Ordering was very confusing at first, but the staff was super nice and helpful in helping me determine what I wanted to order and what my preferences were. Pricing is a bit pricier at Samba for an acai bowl but it was worth the experience. As a preface, I prefer more frozen foods! Therefore, this review may not resonate if you prefer the opposite. The acai was a bit more on the lukewarm side and had room temperature fruit. Thus, it wasn't too much for my preference. However, the strawberries and bananas were extremely sweet and paired well with the base. The base had a great flavor to it, however, it wasn't to my taste as it was a bit too warm for me. Overall, I'd definitely come back to try the other bowls, but I may request for a more colder base and fruit. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Service: Friendly and relaxed staff make sure you get what you want. They have lots of choices for bowls so they can help you find the right one. Ambiance: Very Santa Cruz on the inside with different wood paneling and a few places to sit. Food: Hands down the best Acai bowls in the city and possibly anywhere I've been. The Acai is a rich purple color unlike some that are lighter and not as full flavored. Definitely a must try when you go to Santa Cruz. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Front of the business - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

SERVICE - located close to downtown Santa Cruz - street parking nearby - a few tables and chairs to sit indoors - order at counter and find a seat or take to go - menus posted on walls - workers are very welcoming and friendly which is the main reason I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 - bowls made quickly MENU - smoothies, juice, acai bowls - well priced ($12 for a medium 16oz bowl) FOOD - Carmen Miranda bowl (2/10): acai banana base topped with granola, banana, pineapple, papaya, and mango. This bowl was visually more appealing because of the variety of fruits. I liked how the fruits were freshly cut as it made them less watery and stale. The main issue I had was with the acai. It was so icy when I took a spoonful I had to crunch on it. I could evidently see shards of frozen pieces throughout the smoothie making it quite unpleasant to eat. - Tom Ze bowl (1/10): acai peanut butter base topped with granola and coconut pitaya cream. We had asked for the zuzu Angel bowl that comes with cupuacau cream but got this instead. I was not being super picky so decided to stick with it instead of asking them to remake it. I thought that the peanut butter would make the base less icy but unfortunately that was not the case. I also was not a huge fan of the overpowering coconut flavor in the cream. WOULD I COME BACK? I had high hopes for these bowls considering other reviewers thoughts. I might try a smoothie next time since I saw the barista blending them fresh. read more

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Wow! This place is just amazing!. The employees are so helpful and cheery. The acai bowls are out of this world you have to try. It's a must try. Love love love this place. I give it 10 thumbs up!! read more

Have loved Samba Rock in the past! Great menu, creative and fun all while tasty. I have come from San Jose for their bowls for a long time and recommended it to friends for the reasons above! So my review really just centers around and is for people who appreciate service and connection when being a customer or employee of any sort. Recently, more often than not, I have experienced and sadly heard from peers that the customer service has been subpar. Wether it's the occasional employees but recently the owner. The lack of kindness as soon as you step foot into the business shows. Not being acknowledged with a simple hello or even being notified of you order being ready. You simply get dismissed by the staff once you pay. Coming back from a time of disconnection like Covid lockdown and social distancing it is even now more important than ever to feel welcome and invited into businesses. But even over the phone the staff are rude. So it really isn't even worth showing up to pick up or order. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe is a MUST for any acai enthusiast out there. One of the most refreshing treats I've had and a bit more heart healthy than your typical dairy ice cream or cookie. During the pandemic, their hours are limited to 10:00 - 15:00 on most days so be sure to call and check to see if they are open. I ordered the Carmen Miranda (large - $11) substituting with their passion fruit base. On top, it includes house granola, papaya, mango, and pineapples. My friend had also recommended adding coconut shavings to top to really give it a tropical feel, like if you were drinking a pina colada. SUCH a good decision was made here. The acai bowl was one of the best I've had in a very long time. It was huge so I had it for two meals, so I think a kid's size would have been more than enough for the visit. Absolutely refreshing fruit blend loaded with fiber and natural sugars. If you're watching the added sugar however, I'd recommend going without the granola, but it was certainly a treat to enjoy with this bowl. It stayed crunchy for a while even after mixing everything together which does not always happen with packed acai bowls. Everything is made to order which meant our wait time was a bit long (about 20 min), but it was well worth the delicious bowl. Even dropping in an hour before closing, they were still just as busy with phone and walk-in orders. Whether you're a local or dropping into town for a bit, they are a must have in your Santa Cruz itinerary. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Carmen Miranda (large - $11) - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

[IN A NUTSHELL] great acaí bowl, pelé bowl is a recommendation [VERDICT] - APPROVED [RUN-DOWN] A nice place that specializes in acaí bowls and I really enjoyed this place. If you want some fresh acaí bowls, I would come here. It is a great place to pick up on the go especially for a day at the beach near the Santa Cruz area. [SCORE & ORDER] OVERALL: 4.25/5 * Pelé Acaí Bowl $12.49 -Regular (4.25/5) -This was a great acaí bowl that came with: banana, strawberry, blueberry, and granola. The acaí part was super icy and was not too sweet to taste. It was a great banana acaí blend. I really enjoy acaí bowls because they're cold and they also have a fruit flavor. This is a great refreshing bowl if you want a snack or dessert. I would also recommend not getting honey because my friend got it and it was too sweet. [SERVICE & ATMOSPHERE] (not reflected upon review score): During COVID, they are not opened and everything is take out. There is usually somewhat of a line so it takes the time. The waitress was also super nice and was helpful. Parking is also in the street so it is limited. read more

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Açaí is honestly the perfect food and snack for summer. Samba rock cafe has a variety of açaí bowls, smoothies to quench your thirst in the summer heat. I loved the açaí bowl. It melted quite fast but still tasted good even then. The wait was quite long on a Friday 2pm, though the lady did tell us it would take 20min upon ordering. I'll be back to try the other açaí bowls for sure! read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Acai Base Blended with Banana Pele Regular - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Getting dinner for tonight before leaving Santa Cruz. It was busy! 2 regular Samba Rock Da Silva açaí bowls with peanut butter on the side ordered to go. Masks worn by workers. Fun music playing. No bathrooms. Clean, safe and practiced. Waited a while to receive order, but they were busy! Definitely a different açaí bowl place in comparison to other places. Took even longer! The worker was really kind once they were ready and they looked delicious! Worth the wait! ;)~ The worker asked if I wanted a box since they charge 25 cents for a bag and I said yes please. It was handed over in a box after that along with good day wishes! Dinner time! It was absolutely worth the wait! Delicious açaí bowl with fruit and granola! The peanut butter made it even better! Fantastic! Mother felt the same way. Great service and delicious açaí bowls! Highly recommended! read more

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Samba Rock Acai Cafe has been around for many years and their longevity is a testament to the quality of their product and their operations. Last month, I decided to take a drive over into Santa Cruz to momentarily get away from being essentially locked up in my own house. After parking around the corner from their front entrance on Water Street, a young friendly Miss greeted me and asked me if i was ready to order. I had to reacquaint myself with the menu and I immediately noticed there was a hand written menu on the small table to the right of her. There were 4 bowls to choose from, and a list of options on the sheet to the right of the menu. I decided to go with the Ayrton Senna(Peanut butter base acai with organic granola, bananas, and strawberries). After placing my order, I was told it would take approximately 10 mins, so I went back to my car to wait. When I went to pick up my order, the same young Miss again greeted me with a beaming smile and after handing my order to me, she belted out a thank you and have a wonderful day. I immediately proceeded to devour my Acai bowl in my car right then and there, and the blend of crunchy with icy and smooth, balanced against the tart fresh fruit made for a satisfying light meal. The quality of their bowls is as I remember from a few years ago, and a reminder that when I'm in town, I will always make an attempt to stop through here. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Ayrton Senna Açaí Bowl(regular size) - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I have been stopping into Samba Rock Acai Cafe in Santa Cruz off and on over many years so this review is long overdue. A few weeks ago, I needed to get out of the house as I was going stir crazy. I thought a nice drive to Santa Cruz on a sunny Saturday to pick up a treat to-go would lighten me up. I parked off to the side of their building and when I walked to the front door there was a table blocking the door and a nice friendly young lady that greeted me. There is hand written menu on the left side table and this menu looks like a shortened version of their regular menu. I decided to go with the Pele(Banana base acai with organic granola, bananas & strawberries, and blueberries on top). I really liked they had a child size on top of their Regular and Large sizes. I decided on the child size and it was more than enough for a small treat for me. Samba's Acai bowls have been consistent, fresh, and always delicious over the years. My most recent experience tells me nothing has changed and I'm very happy to say that I will be back again soon. read more

Bowl was very yummy and refreshing. Staff very nice and friendly. Too bad they weren't able to make smoothies this day but I definitely will back. Great place to hang out, eat, and relax enjoying a great acai bowl. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Zuzu Angel with PB base and banana. - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Yuck! Some of the worst food I've ever eaten. Service was fine. But the food was in fact so gross. It wasn't that it just wasn't great, it was actually terrible. The açaí was a weird texture, like icy. The granola was worse than flavorless....it was a bad flavor. So expensive and overpriced too. Was hoping to find a great Açaí place in town and this is not it. If you're ever in the San Diego/San Clemente area....go to Aloha Açaí!!! The most amazing açaí that there is! read more

My FAVORITE açaí bowl place ever! Used to go here almost every month when I was in university, even in the winter. Nothing hits the spot like a delicious, cold, fruity bowl of açaí on a hot summer day after a day of hiking or being at the beach/boardwalk. Parking is an issue since the parking lot by the store is shared with the next-door building and street parking is very scared and paid. Since COVID, there is no more interior seating so all orders are basically take-out. I have been here multiple times and always had great service experience except once, when I was told I need to present my voucher card prior to being prompted to pay. I understand it was probably an annoying moment for the cashier, but I obviously did not know any better and didn't appreciate her tone. Obviously I understand the stress of the rush and don't want this single experience to overcast my overall great experience here. My go to bowl is the Mussum bowl (banana based). It comes with a delicious chocolate topping that brings so much sweetness and richness that balances the bright fruity bowl and topping very well. Pele is also a favorite second and is what more people think of what thinking of an açaí bowl. I've tried peanut butter base before, not my favorite since I think it mellows out the fruity flavor of the açaí too much. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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I typically get the peanut butter açaí bowl, but decided to try something new today. I really enjoyed the bowl and I probably should've asked for some honey or agave on top of it too. My friends ended up getting smoothies and they also enjoyed it. Overall, this place is great and would highly recommend it to anyone. It's the perfect thing to eat when it's hot out. Also just a fair warning, they don't have a bathroom. Another fair warning, there is limited parking. read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Pelé Açaí Bowl - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Really cute shop I highly recommend checking out. They were totally Fine splitting some smoothies into two cups for my kids. I ordered the Joe Carioca and I read the ingredients and knew what i was ordering but damn it was gross. Hard to Choke down. The tropicalisimo was delicious! read more

Samba Rock Acai Cafe - Acai Bowls Near Me - Santa Cruz, California