First off- YUM!!! This place is absolutely delicious! Their smoothies are huge and very filling. I've been here a few times and each time I tried something different on the menu... Each time being very satisfied. The inside of this smoothie shop might need a makeover. They serve food now, so they want you to sit down and each lunch and enjoy a smoothie... But it would be pretty impossible to enjoy yourself in that dining area. I strongly suggest they put a little more effort into that area. Their service is a little slow, but I've had worse! Smoothies here are delicious and they're healthy.... Nothing better than that!
(4)
Jason M.
One of the slowest experiences I have ever had. There can be not one car in the parking lot and none in the drive thru and they still answer with "can you hold a moment" then three minutes later they take your order which then takes five minutes to make. Do yourself a favor and stay with smoothie king or the newly opened juice bar in homberg.
(1)
Alicia M.
I'd leave zero if that was possible. Lunch time & these people should have their act together! Some of us only get a 30 minute lunch. Waiting in the drive thru for 5 minutes is unacceptable!
(1)
Matt R.
Their customer service is seriously lacking, horrible really. They were more preoccupied with their own conversation and their cell phones than attending to us. They let us stand there for 5 minutes before they told they'd bring it out to us. Smoothie was great but it's hard to screw that up. Their food was good but it's hard to jack up when it's already made for. Customer service training is needed!
(1)
Carissa B.
Staff was great and everything was very reasonably priced. $4.99 for a 24 ounce smoothie is unheard of - not to mention healthy and delicious. Thai chicken salad was great too!
(5)
Regi R.
Love their healthy options on food, made fresh to order. Keep up with their specials and you can get some awesome deals, they will send you text with their specials if you ask. Give them a try on a day you are not in a hurry.
(5)
Gobo B.
I love the food and the smoothies but the people working there don't have a clue what they're doing and every time I've come here in the past few months, I've had to wait at least 20 min for a smoothie. Half the time I end up leaving, especially if it's one of those times I've been waiting for over 20 min. It's just ridiculous. They need to hire better people or train their staff better. It shouldn't take so long for a smoothie. I know..I used to work at frullati in the mall years ago. And yes, like the other reviewer, I'm writing this while waiting on my smoothie (it's been 20 min since I've ordered... if it's not ready by the time I'm done with this I'm done with this place.. regardless of how much I like their smoothies)
(1)
Andy M.
The smoothies are fine, but a little overpriced. I haven't had the food so I can't vouch for it. But one thing is for sure: it is the slowest place ever. A smoothly can take up to 15 minutes from the time you place your order.
(1)
Stephanie B.
Literally my favorite place in town! Love that they have a drive thru to make it more convenient! Yes, the wait is longer than waiting for your 1.99 cheeseburger from a different chain BUT they have signs posted advising you it does take a moment because it is FRESH! They are one of the only places where you can get veggie smoothies vs cheesecake or strawberry. I have also eaten inside - always clean and the wait seems about the same. The interior isn't very much of a wow-factor but as a small business I'm sure they do what they can, and besides I'm there for the FOOD! Favorites: the island green smoothie + the chicken pesto flatbread
(5)
Brittany W.
It's an on and off thing with this location. I go early in the morning whenever one person is working and do experience problems. By the way going on the inside instead of using the drive-thru when they first open is better since they have that one person doing literally everything. I'm not sure how they do it!
(3)
Chris P.
This place rocks. It is in a great location and they have no additives in their food. They always have specials so we always get the try something new. The owner is super friendly and he remembers our names every time we come in when he is here. They give you just the right amount of food.
(5)
Mark M.
1 star, and only because I'm feeling generous. First, upon walking in the door, I noticed every single ceiling tile in the restaurant is molded and rotten. Second, the drink machine and the women's bathroom were both out of order. (Note that the drink machine being out of order forces one to get a smoothie at a higher cost). Next, upon ordering we were asked repeatedly to donate to a non profit and after politely declining, we were asked again. The manager seemed more interested in my donation than my order. After escaping from the counter and taking our seats, we sat and waited a rather long time for our food and smoothies to be brought out. Once we got our food, it was wrong, and we had to get them to remake one of our wraps. Finally, my wrap was brought out to me, and it was pretty good. After finishing my wrap, I realized I was still hungry. I suddenly realized that they never brought out my chips. Overall, this Tropical Smoothie is a joke. In my opinion, the manager needs to spend more time supervising his employees and taking care of his store instead of hustling customers for donations at the counter.
(1)
Canny F.
Island green smoothie with soy protein - they use fresh vegetables and fruits! I was looking behind the counter, as usual, and I was happy to see real greens placed in the blender. The consistency was thick and it was mixed/ blended completely. As for the prices, which is of course everyone's concern, it cost more than smoothie king but it's definitely worth it.
(4)
James F.
I decided to give this place another chance after numerous bad experiences this past summer with extremely long wait times in the drive-thru. I tried to dine in this time and was even more disappointed. After 30 minutes my family had finished their food and I was still waiting for my salad. Two trips to the window and arguing that I had indeed ordered and paid for it, my salad finally arrived 40 minutes after my initial order. We overheard the staff say several drive-thru customers left because it was taking too long. I don't think I can ever honestly give this business another chance to earn my business.
(1)
Amy P.
My husband and I have eaten here about 5 times in the last 2 months. We love it! The food is great and so is the service. Today they got our order wrong for the first time. They acknowledged the mistake, fixed it, apologized, and then gave us a free item because of it. You can't get better than that!
(4)
Jessica C.
Do not come here if you need to be leaving within the hour. I understand that this place makes everything to order, but I should not have to stand here for FIFTEEN MINUTES waiting for someone to acknowledge me when I come in, especially if I am the only person in line and am clearly visible from the kitchen. Today was especially bad, you should never have to flag someone down to receive service in a restaurant. The drive through is even worse, sometimes I have to wait for almost half an hour to get my food. This business needs to hire enough employees to handle the volume of customers they have in the summer, (having more than just 3 blenders couldn't hurt either). I am not blaming the employees directly for the bad service here, they are going as fast as they can back there, the management needs to realize that the staffing needs are not being met and hire at least one or two more people for the mid day shifts. I work nearby and often try to come on my lunch break, which in the summer is nearly impossible because an hour is not long enough to be able to get half a sandwich and a smoothie, & that is insanity.
(2)
Shane H.
Visited TSC for the last time this morning. I went because they were going to re-make their mistake from last time I visited. I was greeted over the intercom by a very rude drive-thru attendant that cut me off halfway through my order, told me to come to the window, handed me a smoothie and shut the window in my face No apologies for their last mess-up, no real customer service or friendly people. Huge thumbs down. I used to love eating at TSC!! Oh well, there is so much competition in Knoxville, I'm sure I can find someone who values their customer.
(1)
Jessica W.
Just drove through to grab lunch. There is so much competition for lunch business, it's frustrating how disappointing this location is. Barbara was downright rude, food is average and store is not clean. I want healthy options for fast food but they need friendlier staff, and to carry tea again! I'm done with this location.
(1)
Mary T.
I used to eat at this place quite frequently until this one nasty incident. I ordered a sandwich at the drive-thru. The workers were very grumpy as usual. I get home to eat my sandwich and I took a bite. After my first bite something told me to look in my sandwich. I did and thank God I did because there was this huge wad of hair and fuzz combined perfectly placed between the meat and the tomato. I cannot imagine what I would have done if that crap had touched my mouth. I would have for sure vomited. I called the place and emailed them and never heard a word back from them. Now, I tell you my horror story and hopefully you will think twice before going to this place. You never know what they will put in your food or smoothie. Stay clear of this place!!
(1)
J H.
Went here for a quick snack and they had the Mojo tacos 2 for $5.49 with tax it was $6 even. Waited for 20 minutes and was given 1 taco. When I told the guy at the window he said if I wanted a second taco it would be an additional $6. I pointed out the signs posted all over the windows that clearly stated pick 2 for $5.49. After watching the manager and employee go over their story for another 10 minutes the manager wanted to know what the problem was. After explaining he acted dumbfounded that I would want my complete order. At that point I just wanted my money back. Another woman came over and acted like we were a huge nuisance for not just taking what they gave us and basically just cut us off when speaking and rolled her eyes at us. Never did anyone apologize or even acknowledge that they made a mistake. I can see why this place seems to go down hill more and more. Hopefully the doors will close soon with this type of customer service.
The staff had always been friendly particularly to my children. The food is tasty and healthy. The smoothies are exceptional. Not a bad experience yet.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Nicollette C.
First off- YUM!!! This place is absolutely delicious! Their smoothies are huge and very filling. I've been here a few times and each time I tried something different on the menu... Each time being very satisfied. The inside of this smoothie shop might need a makeover. They serve food now, so they want you to sit down and each lunch and enjoy a smoothie... But it would be pretty impossible to enjoy yourself in that dining area. I strongly suggest they put a little more effort into that area. Their service is a little slow, but I've had worse! Smoothies here are delicious and they're healthy.... Nothing better than that!
(4)Jason M.
One of the slowest experiences I have ever had. There can be not one car in the parking lot and none in the drive thru and they still answer with "can you hold a moment" then three minutes later they take your order which then takes five minutes to make. Do yourself a favor and stay with smoothie king or the newly opened juice bar in homberg.
(1)Alicia M.
I'd leave zero if that was possible. Lunch time & these people should have their act together! Some of us only get a 30 minute lunch. Waiting in the drive thru for 5 minutes is unacceptable!
(1)Matt R.
Their customer service is seriously lacking, horrible really. They were more preoccupied with their own conversation and their cell phones than attending to us. They let us stand there for 5 minutes before they told they'd bring it out to us. Smoothie was great but it's hard to screw that up. Their food was good but it's hard to jack up when it's already made for. Customer service training is needed!
(1)Carissa B.
Staff was great and everything was very reasonably priced. $4.99 for a 24 ounce smoothie is unheard of - not to mention healthy and delicious. Thai chicken salad was great too!
(5)Regi R.
Love their healthy options on food, made fresh to order. Keep up with their specials and you can get some awesome deals, they will send you text with their specials if you ask. Give them a try on a day you are not in a hurry.
(5)Gobo B.
I love the food and the smoothies but the people working there don't have a clue what they're doing and every time I've come here in the past few months, I've had to wait at least 20 min for a smoothie. Half the time I end up leaving, especially if it's one of those times I've been waiting for over 20 min. It's just ridiculous. They need to hire better people or train their staff better. It shouldn't take so long for a smoothie. I know..I used to work at frullati in the mall years ago. And yes, like the other reviewer, I'm writing this while waiting on my smoothie (it's been 20 min since I've ordered... if it's not ready by the time I'm done with this I'm done with this place.. regardless of how much I like their smoothies)
(1)Andy M.
The smoothies are fine, but a little overpriced. I haven't had the food so I can't vouch for it. But one thing is for sure: it is the slowest place ever. A smoothly can take up to 15 minutes from the time you place your order.
(1)Stephanie B.
Literally my favorite place in town! Love that they have a drive thru to make it more convenient! Yes, the wait is longer than waiting for your 1.99 cheeseburger from a different chain BUT they have signs posted advising you it does take a moment because it is FRESH! They are one of the only places where you can get veggie smoothies vs cheesecake or strawberry. I have also eaten inside - always clean and the wait seems about the same. The interior isn't very much of a wow-factor but as a small business I'm sure they do what they can, and besides I'm there for the FOOD! Favorites: the island green smoothie + the chicken pesto flatbread
(5)Brittany W.
It's an on and off thing with this location. I go early in the morning whenever one person is working and do experience problems. By the way going on the inside instead of using the drive-thru when they first open is better since they have that one person doing literally everything. I'm not sure how they do it!
(3)Chris P.
This place rocks. It is in a great location and they have no additives in their food. They always have specials so we always get the try something new. The owner is super friendly and he remembers our names every time we come in when he is here. They give you just the right amount of food.
(5)Mark M.
1 star, and only because I'm feeling generous. First, upon walking in the door, I noticed every single ceiling tile in the restaurant is molded and rotten. Second, the drink machine and the women's bathroom were both out of order. (Note that the drink machine being out of order forces one to get a smoothie at a higher cost). Next, upon ordering we were asked repeatedly to donate to a non profit and after politely declining, we were asked again. The manager seemed more interested in my donation than my order. After escaping from the counter and taking our seats, we sat and waited a rather long time for our food and smoothies to be brought out. Once we got our food, it was wrong, and we had to get them to remake one of our wraps. Finally, my wrap was brought out to me, and it was pretty good. After finishing my wrap, I realized I was still hungry. I suddenly realized that they never brought out my chips. Overall, this Tropical Smoothie is a joke. In my opinion, the manager needs to spend more time supervising his employees and taking care of his store instead of hustling customers for donations at the counter.
(1)Canny F.
Island green smoothie with soy protein - they use fresh vegetables and fruits! I was looking behind the counter, as usual, and I was happy to see real greens placed in the blender. The consistency was thick and it was mixed/ blended completely. As for the prices, which is of course everyone's concern, it cost more than smoothie king but it's definitely worth it.
(4)James F.
I decided to give this place another chance after numerous bad experiences this past summer with extremely long wait times in the drive-thru. I tried to dine in this time and was even more disappointed. After 30 minutes my family had finished their food and I was still waiting for my salad. Two trips to the window and arguing that I had indeed ordered and paid for it, my salad finally arrived 40 minutes after my initial order. We overheard the staff say several drive-thru customers left because it was taking too long. I don't think I can ever honestly give this business another chance to earn my business.
(1)Amy P.
My husband and I have eaten here about 5 times in the last 2 months. We love it! The food is great and so is the service. Today they got our order wrong for the first time. They acknowledged the mistake, fixed it, apologized, and then gave us a free item because of it. You can't get better than that!
(4)Jessica C.
Do not come here if you need to be leaving within the hour. I understand that this place makes everything to order, but I should not have to stand here for FIFTEEN MINUTES waiting for someone to acknowledge me when I come in, especially if I am the only person in line and am clearly visible from the kitchen. Today was especially bad, you should never have to flag someone down to receive service in a restaurant. The drive through is even worse, sometimes I have to wait for almost half an hour to get my food. This business needs to hire enough employees to handle the volume of customers they have in the summer, (having more than just 3 blenders couldn't hurt either). I am not blaming the employees directly for the bad service here, they are going as fast as they can back there, the management needs to realize that the staffing needs are not being met and hire at least one or two more people for the mid day shifts. I work nearby and often try to come on my lunch break, which in the summer is nearly impossible because an hour is not long enough to be able to get half a sandwich and a smoothie, & that is insanity.
(2)Shane H.
Visited TSC for the last time this morning. I went because they were going to re-make their mistake from last time I visited. I was greeted over the intercom by a very rude drive-thru attendant that cut me off halfway through my order, told me to come to the window, handed me a smoothie and shut the window in my face No apologies for their last mess-up, no real customer service or friendly people. Huge thumbs down. I used to love eating at TSC!! Oh well, there is so much competition in Knoxville, I'm sure I can find someone who values their customer.
(1)Jessica W.
Just drove through to grab lunch. There is so much competition for lunch business, it's frustrating how disappointing this location is. Barbara was downright rude, food is average and store is not clean. I want healthy options for fast food but they need friendlier staff, and to carry tea again! I'm done with this location.
(1)Mary T.
I used to eat at this place quite frequently until this one nasty incident. I ordered a sandwich at the drive-thru. The workers were very grumpy as usual. I get home to eat my sandwich and I took a bite. After my first bite something told me to look in my sandwich. I did and thank God I did because there was this huge wad of hair and fuzz combined perfectly placed between the meat and the tomato. I cannot imagine what I would have done if that crap had touched my mouth. I would have for sure vomited. I called the place and emailed them and never heard a word back from them. Now, I tell you my horror story and hopefully you will think twice before going to this place. You never know what they will put in your food or smoothie. Stay clear of this place!!
(1)J H.
Went here for a quick snack and they had the Mojo tacos 2 for $5.49 with tax it was $6 even. Waited for 20 minutes and was given 1 taco. When I told the guy at the window he said if I wanted a second taco it would be an additional $6. I pointed out the signs posted all over the windows that clearly stated pick 2 for $5.49. After watching the manager and employee go over their story for another 10 minutes the manager wanted to know what the problem was. After explaining he acted dumbfounded that I would want my complete order. At that point I just wanted my money back. Another woman came over and acted like we were a huge nuisance for not just taking what they gave us and basically just cut us off when speaking and rolled her eyes at us. Never did anyone apologize or even acknowledge that they made a mistake. I can see why this place seems to go down hill more and more. Hopefully the doors will close soon with this type of customer service.
(1)Mikki H.
I gave only three stars because while I LOVE Tropical Smoothie Café, I don't love this particular one. We've been going to TSC since the late 90's - in Arizona. It was great there. Their smoothies are good, and the food is deliciously different. I love the Sesame Chicken Wrap, it's what I always get. It's good here too...but someone on the staff is always, always unfriendly. Maybe the cashier will be nice, but the guy who calls you for your food is snotty. Or vice-versa. Or both of them are rude. They seem to be mostly high school age kids, and they definitely don't want to be there. I don't want them to be there either. Find some friendly staff and you'll have a winner here.
(3)Doug M.
The staff had always been friendly particularly to my children. The food is tasty and healthy. The smoothies are exceptional. Not a bad experience yet.
(5)