Northside Shack - North Park

I had a hankering for an acai bowl, which I had last week in Escondido, and it helped my body recover from a wave of fatigue that hit me the week before. Looking on here, I found this place in the middle of North Park. Its list of fruits for their bowls really appealed to me. I'm not crazy about pineapple, but mixed in with other fruits, I don't really mind.It's pretty basic inside the shop. There aren't any tables or a proper seating area, which I think is a small demerit. And it seems like the majority of their customers give off a young hipster vibe, though that can be said of most restaurants and cafes in North Park these days.The large container to hold my coconut sorbet "bowl" was more like a large cup. With that much fruit, it really should've gone with an actual large bowl with a wider base so that it can hold both the sorbet and the fruit. It was literally falling onto the plate when I unwrapped it. Having something like that also makes it difficult to drive with so that it doesn't spill out everywhere.It was still good, though. It hit the spot. Having the coconut sorbet instead of the Acai kind of dents the strong fruity and citrus flavors. What I don't understand is burying the sliced bananas at the bottom of the "bowl."

Açaí was good. Not too sweet, not too artificial. Skip the mango coconut, even though it was recommended we all kind of found it just ok.The protein one was very heavy, creamy and cinnamony. It was good but not wow. Next time just go with the açaí.

We've been coming here FOREVER for their amazing acai bowls but have been coming more often for their smoothies.Each one slaps! Highly recommend their Stressed one. It's sweet but flavorful.Vitamin C is the citrus thing of your dreams. Think an orange Julius! All in all just a perfect spot for breakfast whatever that may be.This is family ran and you can always tell that it's managed with care. Everyone that works here rocks.Parking - there's a little parking lot attached and although it can be busy just hold a moment and you'll get a spot.

Good bowls! Fresh fruit and very filling. Parking can be tight and limited. Otherwise good experience.

We ordered an açaí bowl and a smoothie. I was so impressed with how loaded the bowl was with so many fruits! They had so many options to choose from which was great. The ambiance is cute and doesn't really have seating. The service was great as well and they were kind and fast. Would go back!!

I LOVE acai bowls and was pleasantly surprised by Northside Shack's variety of toppings. The bowls are expensive, as many are these days, but the large ($17) was great to share between two people. You can have as many bases (acai, pitaya, or coconut) as you'd like with unlimited toppings. There are some additional toppings available for a cost, and adding peanut butter for $2 was very worthwhile. Peanut butter complements the fruit so well and there was plenty in the bowl. There was a bit of a wait as the bases may be blended fresh and it was busy on a weekend around noon. There aren't any tables but a few benches and chairs outside the shop. The North Park Mini Park is a couple blocks away if you're looking for a picnic table. They gave us a plate with our to-go packaged bowl which really helped catch the many toppings piled on top of the large bowl.

My favorite açaí in San Diego. Best quality fruits and the coconut and pitaya are an amazing combo. Workers are always super nice and they have some seating inside. This location is a bit roomier than their other one in Point Loma.

There is a tiny parking lot but I ended up finding street parking a short walk away. Parking is rough in north park. Ordering a bowl is pretty simple you choose a size, a base, toppings, and add ons. It is a bit pricey but they really are some of the best açaí bowls around. They pile on the toppings so it's like a fruit salad on top of your açaí bowl.

I was recommended to have this on our trip to San Diego. Part of me was still skeptical walking in that I didn't go for a Mexican style breakfast, but after having this, I no longer cared.The worker was super sweet, helping us out when ordering, especially for newcomers. I love how seamless it was to order an açaí bowl, as you just needed to choose a base, and you can choose up to 2 too! All the toppings already come with it!I got the small Bowl ($14) with Acai Sorbet and Pitaya Sorbet. It was my first time trying a pitaya bowl, and as much as I enjoy the acai, the pitaya offered a different kind of flavorful and refreshing taste. There was an amazing variety of fruits, all so fresh, especially the mangos! I was worried I would just be eating straight sorbet after getting the fruits on top out of the way, but there was still enough to accompany the bottom base! They also provide a plate with the bowl, which was much needed for fruit spillage. They don't skimp here in packing a lot of fruit into the bowl! Highly recommend for a quick nutritious breakfast!

this is hands down the best acai i've ever had! i love the acai base and i usually get fully loaded toppings. it's incredible value for the price, and they always give a lot of fruit! service can be a bit slow - if you order there, it might take 20-30 minutes for you to get your order. i always like ordering online ahead of time and picking up my order! the storefront is small, but they have some chairs outside to enjoy your acai. parking lot is small. overall, would highly recommend!