SoFresh is a fast-casual chain with a couple locations in the Pittsburgh area. They offer grain bowls, salads, wraps, quesadillas, smoothies, and juice ordered via screen at the counter. My mother and I both ordered smoothies as a snack to tide us over until dinner. She ordered the Blueberry Delight Smoothie with blueberry, strawberry, banana, orange juice and agave and enjoyed it. I ordered the Sunrise Smoothie with strawberry, pineapple, mango, orange juice, and agave. It was made fresh to order, refreshing and sweet. Perfect pick-me-up. Nothing to hate on here. Grade: A

Pollo Tropical is a chain that serves Caribbean-inspired food and drinks - and it began right in Miami.



"What began in Miami as a simple recipe for citrus-marinated grilled chicken has evolved into a world of tropical flavors, and is quickly transforming into a lifestyle of happy, healthy, laid-back fun. Welcome to Pollo Tropical® where passion is married to freshness to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Our chickens are free of hormones and trans-fats. From our signature grilled chicken and slow roasted mojo pork, to world-renowned Create Your Own TropiChops®, nothing surprises and delights like our fresh-made food served in a Caribbean inspired atmosphere."



They have "tropi-chillers," which are like slushies. So I tried one in strawberry, which was exactly what you imagine - ice cold, strawberry syrup flavoring and a pleasant mix between crushed ice and solid chunks. Satisfying.

I also opted for a little cheesy bite accompaniment: Cheesy Yuca Bites - What do you get when you combine yuca with cheese? Cheesy Yuca Bites! Light and crispy on the outside and filled with melted cheese on the inside. They’re the perfect side dish – or just as tasty as a snack! - I wouldn't mind them being even crispier, but this was a nice foil for the sweet drink.

Get Fit is a smoothie and nutrition shop that has opened its second location in the Suncrest Towne Centre. I've been to their Pierpont Road location, so I wanted to. check out the latest location. 



They do have plenty of supplements and cleanses if that is your sort of thing. 



I was more interested in seeing the smoothies and snacks.



They offer acai bowls, wraps, salads, oatmeal, melts and toasts. I went with an avocado toast, which had avocado, arugula, salt/pepper, olive oil and I added feta. 



The toast was good, and though it may not be quite as healthy, I would have loved a drizzle of balsamic over top.



My smoothie - strawberry banana - was delicious. Sweet, but not too sweet, and refreshing. 



Grade: A

Clean Juice is a smoothie/avo toast/juice shop in Bridgeport that has locations nationwide.



I had to head to Bridgeport for an all-day retreat and needed some fuel. Easy peasy. One: I went with The So Basic One smoothie because it has organic almond butter, organic almond milk, organic banana, organic maple syrup and organic strawberries. It's fresh, sweet and still fairly healthy. I managed to slurp it all down before taking a photo, but just imagine a pink drink. Then try it.



For some noms, I ordered the avocado toast, which has organic avocado, organic lemon, organic olive oil, organic red pepper flakes, organic himalayan pink salt and I added feta cheese. Avocado toast can be hit or miss with me. This one had nice flavor and texture, which are key. Feta is necessary.

Grade: A

There's a certain void that a smoothie can fill. It's light and refreshing and can be more healthy or more indulgent depending on the ingredients.



At the mall in Barboursville, there's a new smoothie spot: Green Revolution. They have smoothies, smoothie bowls, salads and avocado toast. Many of the options have some feel-good, healthy ingredients. 



I went for a strawberry-banana smoothie - a pretty standard, solid option at most smoothie places. This one was made with yogurt and no added sugar, so it still had the same great flavor without the additional sweetness.



Does that make it a bit more bland? Maybe. Does it make it more guilt-free? Yes. And they even have a paper straw to be environment-friendly. But, man, it sure does get yummy and difficult to use after a bit.



Have you been? I'm curious about the avocado toast! 

Grade: B