Yes Juice

Located at 30-13 30th Ave. in Astoria, Yes Juice was a compact, walk-up counter that has since permanently closed its doors. For several years, it served as a go-to spot for locals seeking quick and healthy options. Its physical presence was unique and somewhat inconspicuous; it shared its small footprint with the Dawa Threading Salon, separated by a simple glass wall, with orders taken directly from a street-side window. This unusual setup meant that many passersby might have missed it entirely, nestled under the awning of the salon. Despite its small size, Yes Juice attempted to offer a surprisingly diverse menu that went beyond typical juice bar fare, leading to a varied and sometimes inconsistent customer experience.

The Core Offerings: More Than Just Juice

At its heart, Yes Juice operated as a classic juice bar. The menu featured a wide array of fresh juices and healthy smoothies, catering to the health-conscious crowd in the neighborhood. Patrons praised the quality of specific items, with the green juice receiving particular acclaim for being tasty and refreshing. One of the standout features noted in early, glowing reviews was the ability for customers to customize their own smoothie creations, blending fruits like strawberry, blueberry, and mango to their exact preference. This flexibility was a significant draw, allowing people to craft their perfect healthy drinks. The business also served breakfast items and salads, positioning itself as a convenient stop for a full, nutritious meal on the go.

An Eclectic and Unexpected Menu Expansion

What set Yes Juice apart from competitors was its ambitious menu that ventured into unexpected culinary territories. Alongside the standard juices and salads, the shop introduced both poke bowls and acai bowls, tapping into popular food trends.

Success with Poke, Struggles with Acai

The poke bowls were generally well-received. Customers found them to be a bargain, especially in a pricey city like New York, with one popular option featuring raw salmon, pineapple, orange, and carrots over seasoned rice with a sweet mango sauce. The ingredients were consistently described as fresh. However, a recurring point of mild criticism was the portioning, with several customers wishing for a more generous amount of salmon for the price. Despite this, the poke bowls remained a solid and popular choice. In stark contrast, the acai bowls were a source of significant disappointment for some. One highly critical review described them as "lackluster," citing an extreme stinginess with toppings—a few thin slices of fruit were all that accompanied the base. For an item where abundant, fresh toppings are a key part of the appeal, this was a major letdown and a notable mark against the establishment's consistency.

The Mystery of the Himalayan Momos

Perhaps the most surprising addition to the menu was the appearance of Himalayan momos, or Nepalese dumplings. This offering was discovered by a customer via the shop's Instagram page and was also praised in a few other reviews, with one highlighting delicious vegetarian rainbow momos. This unique item distinguished Yes Juice from any other juice and smoothie bar in the area, creating a point of intrigue. However, this offering also highlighted the shop's operational inconsistencies. While some were excited to try them, another customer reported that the momos were not available or listed on the menu during their visit, leaving their status uncertain and adding to a sense of unpredictability.

The Customer Experience: Highs and Lows

The experience at Yes Juice was a mixed bag, heavily dependent on when you visited and what you ordered. On the positive side, the staff was frequently described as incredibly friendly and nice. One reviewer shared a story of the staff staying open late just to make them a smoothie after seeing their disappointment at finding the shop closed, a testament to excellent customer service. Older reviews painted a picture of a welcoming cafe with great air conditioning and Wi-Fi, suggesting it was once a comfortable spot to relax or work. The prices were also consistently noted as being reasonable.

On the other hand, the business struggled with consistency across its menu, as seen in the disparity between the poke and acai bowls. The tiny, walk-up nature of the storefront, while quirky, could also be a drawback for those seeking a more traditional cafe experience. Its affiliation with the nearby Green Juice Bar and Café was noted by patrons, suggesting it may have operated as a satellite location, which could potentially explain some of the menu experiments and inconsistencies. Ultimately, while Yes Juice provided many positive experiences and unique healthy food options, it was not without its flaws.

With its permanent closure, Astoria has lost a unique and quirky food establishment. It was a place that aimed high with a diverse menu but sometimes struggled with execution. For its fans, it was a cherished spot for a friendly chat, a refreshing juice, or a surprisingly good poke bowl, leaving a small but distinct void in the neighborhood's culinary landscape.