Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe – Astoria Queens

Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe, located at 32-18 Steinway Street, presents a curious case for the discerning customer. While its name proudly proclaims a focus on smoothies, a deeper look at customer experiences and its extensive menu reveals that its true strength lies elsewhere—specifically in a decadent and highly praised selection of desserts. This establishment operates with a dual identity: it is both a vibrant juice bar offering health-conscious options and a destination for indulgent, eye-catching sweet treats that draw significant attention.

The cafe offers a wide range of services, including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, making it a flexible option for various needs. Its operating hours are a major advantage, staying open until 1:00 AM most nights and 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. This makes it a standout late-night spot for those seeking something other than typical bar food or fast food, catering to dessert cravings that strike after dark. The interior is often described as pretty and clean, creating a pleasant atmosphere for patrons who choose to dine in. Patrons have noted the space can feel larger and less condensed than other branches of the chain, with ample seating available even during busier periods.

The Celebrated Dessert Menu

Where Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe truly excels, earning rave reviews, is its dessert menu. The item that generates the most buzz is the "Dubai chocolate crepe." Customers consistently describe it as exceptional and "out of this world." This signature item, along with a pistachio crepe praised for its balanced sweetness, points to a sophisticated approach to dessert creation. The menu also features a "Dubai Strawberry Cup," another dessert leveraging the popular "Dubai chocolate" concept, which appears to involve rich chocolate and possibly pistachio and kunafa for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile. These offerings are not mere afterthoughts; they are the main event for many visitors and the primary reason for their five-star ratings.

Another highlight is the croffle, a hybrid pastry combining the flaky layers of a croissant with the crisp texture of a waffle. This trendy item is well-executed here, with at least one customer noting that the Astoria location's version is superior to other branches—specifically, that it is cleaner and less messy to eat, enhancing the dining experience. With options like blueberry cream cheese, these croffles provide a unique and satisfying texture-flavor combination that stands out in a crowded cafe market.

What to Expect from the Sweets

• Dubai Chocolate Crepe: A must-try item that receives almost universal acclaim for its rich, unique flavor.
• Pistachio Crepe: Noted for being delicious without being overly sweet.
• Croffles: A well-made pastry hybrid that is both trendy and satisfying, praised for being less messy than at other locations.
• Variety: The menu extends to waffles, mini pancakes, and elaborate fruit cups, ensuring a wide array of choices for dessert aficionados.

The Smoothie Situation: A Point of Division

Given its name, one would expect the smoothies to be the star of the show. However, customer feedback on this front is notably divided. While some patrons find the shakes and healthy smoothies to be consistently "legit," others express disappointment, suggesting they are passable but not remarkable. One review pointedly advises to come for the crepes but "pass on the smoothies," stating that several they tried were not that great. This inconsistency is the most significant drawback for an establishment positioning itself as a smoothie shop.

The menu does offer a wide variety of beverage options. There are classic fruit smoothies like the "Pick-Me-Up" (strawberry, banana, mango) and more complex creations. For those focused on wellness, the cafe provides a selection of fresh juice combinations targeting specific goals, such as "Weight Loss" (carrot, celery, cucumber) and "Green Health" (kale, spinach, celery, apple, cucumber). The menu also lists power smoothies and protein shakes, including the "Lean-Machine" with peanut butter and banana. Furthermore, a broad selection of acai bowls, pitaya bowls, and coconut bowls are available, catering to the demand for healthy, meal-replacement options. Despite this extensive selection, the mixed reviews on the core smoothie products suggest that while the variety is present, the execution may not consistently meet expectations, especially when compared to the high standard set by their desserts.

Service and Atmosphere

The service at Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe generally receives positive marks. Staff members are often described as attentive and kind, with instances of employees going the extra mile, such as serving an order directly to a customer's table. This level of service contributes to a pleasant overall experience. The ordering process, which utilizes a kiosk system, is modern and efficient, though customers should be prepared for a potential wait of around 10 minutes for their order to be prepared, which is a reasonable expectation for fresh items.

The atmosphere is another strong point. The bright, clean, and aesthetically pleasing interior makes it an inviting place to sit and enjoy a treat. The combination of good service and a pleasant environment makes it a comfortable spot for a casual outing with friends or a solo dessert indulgence.

Key Considerations for Potential Customers

• Pricing: With a moderate price level (indicated as 2 out of 4), it's not the cheapest option, but most customers feel the quality of the desserts justifies the cost. However, some have noted that certain items, like the acai bowls, can feel overpriced for the portion size.
• The Main Attraction: It is crucial for new customers to understand that this is arguably a dessert cafe first and a juice bar second. If you are visiting primarily for a world-class smoothie, your experience may vary. If you are there for a unique, high-quality dessert, you are unlikely to be disappointed.
• Late-Night Convenience: The extended hours are a significant benefit, offering a quality dessert and drink option late into the evening.
• Dietary Options: The availability of vegetarian options and a wide range of fruit and vegetable-based drinks makes it accessible for various dietary preferences.

Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe on Steinway Street is a strong contender in Astoria's cafe scene, but with a notable caveat. It has mastered the art of the decadent dessert, offering unique and highly praised items like the Dubai chocolate crepe and well-crafted croffles that make it a destination worth visiting. The pleasant ambiance and friendly service further solidify its appeal. However, the inconsistency in its smoothie offerings—the very product featured in its name—is a point of weakness that potential customers should be aware of. It's a place of delightful contradiction: a smoothie shop whose most memorable products are not smoothies at all.