Smoothie Survey: Warren Shops Offer Varied Approaches to Satisfying Smoothies

There are four shops within a four-block section of Mountain Boulevard offering smoothies, so some may have trouble deciding where to go to get the most satisfying smoothie.

So, we checked them all out. We bravely sampled strawberry smoothies, carefully noting the character of each one; savoring the subtleties as a wine connoissuer might (none have any "nutty" or "floral" aftertastes, though). Here's our guide to Warren's smoothest smoothies to help guide your next purchase (note: this isn't a contest; the list is in the order we sampled them):

1. Nuray's Gourmet Cafe

Nuray's builds a full-bodied smoothie, using lots of yogurt for added creaminess. The smoothie also had a strong, fresh strawberry flavor.

This is the one you want when you're looking to relax a little and enjoy something special.

Price: $3.75

2. Smoothie King

Nuray's builds a full-bodied smoothie, using lots of yogurt for added creaminess. The smoothie also had a strong, fresh strawberry flavor.

This is the one you want when you're looking to relax a little and enjoy something special.

Price: $3.75 for 16 oz.

2. Smoothie King

Smoothie King is the home of the "smoothie-as-a-meal": you can get your smoothie sooped-up with additives, like protein and vitamins.  The smoothies aren't as full as some of the others, but it's great knowing you're not just enjoying a fruity treat but also gaining some nutrition (I've actually enjoyed Smoothie King smoothies as a lunchtime meal and found them satisfying enough to keep from eating through most of the day). The strawberry flavor is weaker, perhaps because of the ice mixed in, but still enjoyable.

This is the place to go if you're looking to grab a smoothie to go and want to get something extra.

Price: Smoothies start under $5 for 16 oz.

3. Muscle Maker

Muscle Maker's smoothie reminded me a lot of Smoothie Kings', although they don't offer the additives. You'll get a pretty large serving for $6 (36 oz., and it's often on special for $3), and it's served up cold and refreshing (more ice). The smoothie is also very frothy and foamy, which is a nice touch.

This is where to head when you need a smoothie on-the-go or to enjoy with a meal.

Price: $6 for 32 oz.

4. Warren Deli and Grill

Like Nuray's, Warren Grill and Deli makes a creamier take on a smoothie,though not quite as full bodied. Warren Deli's smoothie also had a more pronounced fresh strawberry flavor than some of the others.

This is where to go for a quick, pick-me-up smoothie.

Price: $3.75 for 16 oz.

One more thing: we loved all the smoothies and should also note, all four restaurants have great, friendly service.