If I had to pick my favorite place in Harrisonburg to grab something to eat, what first comes to mind is Pulp Açai and Smoothie Bar, better known as Pulp. Located inside of Shenandoah Bicycle Company (SBC), Pulp is a great option for a treat sure to satisfy your hunger and cravings, while providing a healthy, easy food option.

I go to Pulp fairly often. It’s convenient, it’s fast and it’s really good. I can’t remember a time when I’ve ordered anything other than my usual “Short Mountain” açai bowl. It has banana, almond butter, almonds, coconut milk and of course, açai. The Short Mountain smoothie bowl comes topped with granola, which adds a perfect crunch to the smooth, ice cream-like consistency of the smoothie.

Another solid option is the “Braley’s,” which is a more vibrant, flavorful version of the “Short Mountain.” It contains raspberries, honey and apple juice, along with the base of banana, açai and granola. They also have other options, including other flavor combinations, weekly specials and even a make-your-own option. The make-your-own allows you to choose an organic fruit, a non-dairy milk and a topping to be blended into your own unique bowl. Recently, Pulp has expanded into selling other smoothies with açai, teas and even local beer. The variety of options makes Pulp a good choice for many.

Another thing that makes Pulp great is the relaxed, casual atmosphere. Since it’s in a little corner inside of SBC (Shenandoah Bicycle Company), the bike shop flows naturally into Pulp’s smoothie bar. Resting on the counter, you will often find stickers for Pulp, which I probably have 20 of. A fun touch is that the walls are painted the exact hue of their açai smoothies, which are decorated with paintings of a man, a macaw and an ox. They also display posters for local events like yoga workshops and bike races.

Pulp is great because you know that real ingredients are used to make your delicious food. You can really take any direction with your smoothie, since they offer so many choices and make-your-own smoothies or bowls. You can go down to 135 South Main Street any day of the week but Sunday to get a taste of açai and to try something new. I promise you won’t be disappointed.