Surf City Squeeze

Something about Surf City Squeeze always makes me feel nostalgic. Probably because I frequently came here with my Auntie growing up and she let me get the cookies and cream smoothie (or is it a shake?) — something my Mom wouldn’t let me indulge in.
I’ve been here a handful of times over the past 10 years, but that’s about it. Sometimes my smoothies have been horribly blended, other times they’ve been warm. I’m sure a different juice bar would make a better drink!
On a whim my sister and I indulged in a cookies and cream smoothie (I thought it was Oreo before. Don’t want to pay for the brand name, Surf City?!) last time we were at Lakeside. The cashier didn’t seem to interested in her job.
Because this is a smoothie place it is a bit noisy with all the blenders. The downfall of this is you can’t get a refund or exchange it if they make your drink wrong. Whatever happened to making it right? That sign rubbed me the wrong way.

2 stars instead of 1 because the smoothies ate tray and they are made quickly. Otherwise, I’m so disappointed they, on a number of occasions, so that their smoothies were dairy free, when in actuality, they are not!
The base had Sodium Caseinate, which is derived from milk. When I visited, I confirmed that our was again, and still, dairy free and they again said yes. Then, out of curiosity, I asked if they had an ingredient list so I could see. When I saw the milk ingredient, which literally says «a milk derivative,» I said it isn’t dairy free. She instead changed her tune and said that it is «lactose free.» I said lactose free isn’t the same as being dairy free so that is a problem for people like vegans and those with food allergies. I don’t remember her response but it didn’t acknowledge that it was a legitimate problem and certainly not apologetic in the least.
If I had not been told several times that their smoothies were indeed dairy free and by several different people then they would earn more stars from me.
Thank God I never gave his with my highly allergic son!

Situated right next door to Coffee Bean Plus on the lower level. In terms of food options, it’s in close vicinity to Mrs. Field’s cookies, Auntie Anne’s, and Panera Bread. There’s also some tables and chairs right across the way if you fancy sitting down. I’ve come here a handful of times and have always received prompt efficient service.
I personally like their smoothies way better than Panera Bread’s and Lifetime Fitness’s café for the price and taste. Workers here are typically high school kids and they all were friendly enough. I like that no matter who’s working, my smoothie comes out tasting the same.
I’m super boring and always just get the blueberry banana smoothie so I can’t speak for any of the other flavors but they have a ton to choose from. The blueberry banana actually tastes like blueberries and very much of banana. It’s a thicker smoothie and you can see the bits of blueberry skin in it too so I highly recommend checking your teeth after drinking it. Speaking from experience here.
$ 4 credit card minimum.