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Boba tea in Chinatown

A boba shop that focuses on the tea itself rather than just the sugar and the toppings.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Befine Cha 百分茶 image 1
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Bubble tea store

Cozy bubble tea shop with a modern, cute aesthetic featuring cat ear cup designs and a panda theme. Sounds of hand-pounded rice mochi add a unique sensory detail. Offers fresh, textured boba and soft, sticky mochi in a clean, well-designed space.

Strong bamboo oolong tea stands out with a unique blend of bamboo and oolong flavors, often enhanced by fruit. The hand-pounded rice mochi milk tea and bamboo oolong milk tea offer fresh, fragrant, and distinct tastes not found in typical tea shops.

Bubble tea features a panda theme that adds a fun visual touch. The Pearl Milk Tea with cheese foam offers soft, chewy pearls with a brown sugar flavor. Tea is less sugary than typical boba spots, making it a refreshing choice.

People are saying

"I loved the sweet, thick, and creamy rice mochi milk tea."

"The bamboo kiwi oolong tea is a unique, refreshing fruit tea."

"I thought the boba tea here was great."

Good to know

1

The shop offers customizable drinks with toppings separated upon request.

2

The space is small but well-maintained and clean.

02
heytea (Lafayette) image 1

Space combines modern design with a clean, bright vibe and a relaxing tea aroma that fills the air. Atmosphere feels cozy yet casual, with seating options and air conditioning inviting guests to stay. The environment highlights fresh, genuine tea scents that set it apart from typical tea shops.

Tea here strikes a perfect balance between rich flavor and moderate sweetness. Brown sugar boba milk tea stands out for its quality tea and quick service.

Offers authentic taste and premium quality bubble tea with a refreshing menu. Drinks like the coconut cloud and matcha boba shake stand out for their unique flavors and quick service.

People are saying

"The specialty teas here are creamy and not overly sweet."

"I found the drinks to be amazing and really authentic."

"I thought this was the best boba tea place."

Good to know

1

Customers should order online ahead of time to avoid long waits.

2

The restaurant offers a buy one get one free (BOGO) deal.

3

You can adjust sweetness and ice levels to match your taste.

03
ONE CUP TEA image 1
Tea house

Small tea house with about four square tables offers a cozy spot to enjoy affordable boba tea and popcorn chicken. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, attracting locals who prefer it over larger chains. Payment requires a minimum for card use, and customization is possible during slow times.

Tea here is consistently great with sweet but balanced milk teas and super soft boba. Drinks like the Oolong Peach tea and coconut milk tea offer rich flavors at prices under $5, making it affordable and tasty.

3q jelly bubble tea stands out as a tasty and reasonably priced option. The bubble teas offer solid flavor without high cost.

People are saying

"I thought the bubble tea here was the best I've ever had."

"I found the drinks to be very affordable and tasty."

"This boba tea is perfectly refreshing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The shop is open late for walk-in orders of boba.

2

The large cup of black milk tea and taro milk tea is $5 each.

3

There is a minimum $7 credit payment requirement.

04
ChaHalo 茶话弄-China Town image 1

Antique-style bubble tea shop offers an elegant vibe with a cozy, aesthetic space that feels like a small tea gallery. The atmosphere is often crowded yet remains clean and relaxing, making it a popular spot to hang out or catch up with friends.

Milk tea features a rich tea base made from Jinjunmei black tea from the Wuyi mountains, offering a well balanced and fragrant flavor. Varieties like the Rock Oolong Milk Tea bring a bold, aromatic taste layered with floral fragrance.

Uses Jinjunmei tea for a unique boba flavor. Offers brown sugar pearl milk tea with good taste and quality pearls.

People are saying

"The milk tea here is fragrant and well-balanced."

"It's so clean and peaceful here, you can really relax."

"I loved the Osmanthus Oolong milk tea; it's fragrant and floral."

Good to know

1

They have a buy one, get one free promotion for signature drinks.

2

Expect long lines; I waited about 30 minutes to order.

3

The price point is reasonable for the size and quality.

05
SugaBox image 1
Dessert restaurant

Small dessert shop with clean, modern design and inviting atmosphere. Seating area feels cozy and intimate with good music enhancing the vibe. Offers a unique variety of desserts featuring subtle flavors and chewy textures.

Milk teas stand out with taro and bubble varieties offering rich, fragrant flavors. Fresh fruit teas like passionfruit jasmine lemon and mango pomelo provide a refreshing twist. Brown Sugar Bubble Milk Tea with oat milk suits lactose-intolerant drinkers well.

Offers black sugar and taro milk bubble teas that are less sweet and visually appealing. Prices stay reasonable compared to other shops. Known for unique flavors that stand out in Chinatown.

People are saying

"I thought the bubble tea here was the best I ever had."

"The Three Sisters dessert is filling and refreshing."

"I thought this place served the best bubble tea I ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of desserts, slush, milk tea, snacks, and fruit drinks.

2

Prices are reasonable compared to other bubble tea shops.

3

The wait time for food is approximately 16 minutes.

06
Penguin Ice Cream image 1
Ice cream shop

Small, cozy shop offers handmade rolled ice cream with plenty of toppings and bubble tea featuring soft, chewy boba. Atmosphere is clean and intimate, seating only six people with limited space to eat in. Lines stay short compared to nearby spots, making it a convenient stop for a refreshing, not-too-sweet treat.

Taro milk tea and mango bubble tea stand out as refreshing choices. Fruit teas come with jellies and bubbles, offering a nice variety for takeaway.

Offers taro, mango, and honeydew bubble teas with a homemade ice cream option. Drinks work well for takeaway and suit hot days.

People are saying

"The bubble tea here has great texture and refreshing flavor."

"I loved the delicious handmade rolled ice cream."

"I loved the brown sugar boba tea; it was the best I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

There is limited seating available for customers.

2

The lines are much shorter at this shop compared to big name brands.

3

Customers are allowed to customize their orders with unlimited toppings.

07
Teazzi Tea Shop image 1
Bubble tea store

Colorful alley setting creates a bright atmosphere with pop music and cozy seating inside and outdoors. Self-order kiosks and online queue streamline ordering despite limited indoor space. Offers a wide tea selection with unique options like oats in milk tea and provides WiFi and student discounts.

Tea here is rich and flavorful with a good balance of milk and tea flavor. Options like the house special milk tea with boba and oats and the amber honey oolong tea stand out for their freshness and taste.

Rich flavors and super delicious boba tea stand out here. The tea comes in blue cups that make it look quite pretty and offers a solid, enjoyable bubble tea experience.

People are saying

"I loved their milk tea, especially the jasmine flavor."

"I thought the boba tea here was the best."

"I thought this bubble tea was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The ordering process is very easy with an online queue that updates.

2

There is seating available, though it is limited.

3

Teazzi offers Too Good to Go bags for $5, which include a large oolong milk tea with oats and two medium black teas.

08
Alimama Tea image 1

Small cafe with self-ordering kiosks and colorful outdoor seating creates a modern, clean space that feels cramped but lively. Busy atmosphere combines with a cool underground vibe and eye-catching visuals. No indoor seating emphasizes quick, made-to-order service.

Reserve milk tea with mini boba and tapioca noodles offers a rich, smooth flavor with a fun texture. Yuzu tea and royal milk tea stand out for their wonderful flavor and beautiful presentation.

Offers customizable bubble tea with flavors like Peach, Hibiscus, and Ginger Lemon Honey. The boba tea is very delicious but also among the most expensive encountered.

People are saying

"The boba tea here is phenomenal and beautifully presented."

"I thought the cream puffs were the best I ever had."

"I thought the boba tea was delicious and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

There is no seating inside; it's a takeout-only establishment.

2

Customers should order their items via the kiosk and wait for their name to be called.

3

The coupon code '152023' offers 15% off until 2024.

09
TEAPULSE - Chinatown | 悸动 - 唐人街店 image 1

Outdoor seating with tent shade creates a relaxed vibe on a quaint street. The space features cute to-go bags and free phone holders, adding charm to the experience. Egg tarts stand out as a creamy, flaky specialty that draws attention.

Strong tea flavors stand out, especially in jasmine lemon tea and fruit teas like Tahiti Orchid Boba. The tea tends to be refreshing with options for sweetness levels and unique blends like Jasmine Lemon Blast and Orchid Blanc.

Bubble tea features original flavors like tahini with a perfect balance of flavor and creaminess. Hot options exist alongside tasty cold drinks, making it a solid spot for excellent boba tea.

People are saying

"I found the tea here to be pretty good and refreshing."

"The outdoor seating here is great, especially with the shade tent."

"I thought the boba tea here was excellent and very tasty."

Good to know

1

The grand opening event offered a 12% discount on all drinks with purchase.

2

There was no wait time during my visit, but it can get busy.

3

The store is currently offering giveaways during the opening.

10
Zhen Pin Café image 1
Bubble tea store

Simple Chinese decor sets a chill atmosphere inside a tucked-away food court stand. Few tourists visit, creating a hidden gem vibe with a kiosk ordering system and phone charging outlets. Prices run high for the area, but offerings like steamed milk pudding and taro sago stand out for quality.

Tea here has rich flavor and is not overly sweet. Options like Passionfruit Green Tea with Mango popping Boba and taro smoothie stand out for their quality and taste.

Bubble tea stands out for its exceptional taste and fast, friendly service. Varieties like jasmine and baked latte bubble teas offer distinct flavors that satisfy large groups easily.

People are saying

"You have to try the taro smoothie; it's the best I've ever tasted."

"I had the best bubble tea I've ever tasted."

"I enjoyed the great bubble tea; it was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The café is located inside the Mott Street Eatery food hall.

2

There is no online menu available to verify prices.

3

The order screen is convenient for placing orders.

11
Strawberry Home image 1
Ice cream shop

Small, cozy interior with comfortable seating and cute decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The shop often feels bright and fresh, with a pleasant scent and occasional crowding. It serves as a quick stop or brief rest spot with a variety of flavors and some vegan options.

Bubble tea features real fruits mixed before your eyes and includes flavors like blueberry boba milk tea and brown sugar milk tea. Drinks often combine popping strawberry boba and chocolate for variety.

Bubble tea features real fruits mixed fresh and options like popping strawberry boba. Some drinks taste watery or powdery, but others come with ice cream and rich flavors.

People are saying

"I found the ice cream here to be delicious."

"I enjoyed the delicious bubble tea made with real fruits."

"I enjoyed the delicious boba tea made with real fruit."

Good to know

1

The ice cream cones cost $4 each.

2

They accept card payments.

3

The prices for bubble tea are affordable, between $4 and $6.

12
Chicha San Chen image 1
Bubble tea store

Small, crowded space with laboratory-like decor and tea leaf wall art creates a bright, cozy atmosphere. Free tea tastings and an open counter showcase tea preparation using A Teapresso machines. Busy, noisy environment with limited seating makes it more about quick enjoyment than lingering.

Fresh tea leaves brew the tea, ensuring real ingredients and authentic flavor. Steamed milk foam tops the hot milk teas, a unique touch not seen in other boba shops. The tea tasting offers a professional and educational experience with detailed explanations of tea origins.

Multi-dimensional tapioca flavor stands out, unlike the usual one-dimensional taste. Bubble tea comes in a wide variety and is not too sweet with no artificial flavors.

People are saying

"The tea tasting experience was fun and educational."

"I thought this was the best bubble tea I ever had."

"I thought this was the best boba tea I ever had."

Good to know

1

They offer a free tea tasting every 30 minutes.

2

Customers can sign up for the complimentary tea tasting session.

3

Making a reservation is highly recommended to fully experience their offerings.

13
Molly Tea (Manhattan Chinatown) image 1

Small basement shop offers modern minimalist design with pink decor and warm wooden paneling. Atmosphere feels cozy and floral but can be loud and stuffy due to lack of ventilation and no seating. Frequent crowd creates long lines, making it primarily a grab-and-go spot.

Offers flavorful jasmine milk tea that stands out as a favorite. Known for rich, delicious tea that many consider the best in the city.

Strong tea flavor stands out, not just sweetness. Shorter wait times and good vibes make it a solid spot for jasmine tea lovers and boutique bubble tea fans.

People are saying

"I thought the jasmine tea was delicious and refreshing."

"I loved the fragrant jasmine flavor in their matcha."

"The jasmine boba tea here is so refreshing and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Molly Tea is pick-up only with no seating available.

2

Expect long wait times, often over 30 minutes during peak hours.

3

Ordering online 10-15 minutes in advance is recommended to save time.

14
Gong Cha image 1
Bubble tea store

Small space with no indoor seating offers a quick takeout experience and a huge, diverse menu of bubble tea options. The atmosphere features loud music and a sweet roasted tea scent, with a clean, cute decor. Lines form quickly but move fast, making it a popular spot despite limited space.

Bubble tea here stands out with a great variety and high quality. Options like lychee oolong tea, brown sugar bubble tea, and customizable sugar levels make the drinks tasty without being too sweet.

Offers a great variety of bubble tea options with standout flavors like brown sugar and strawberry. Drinks come with a spill free cap and staff are friendly and welcoming.

People are saying

"I loved the refreshing bubble tea here."

"I loved the Red Velvet Smoothie from the limited-time series."

"I thought the boba tea here was awesome."

Good to know

1

Customers can select the amount of sugar required.

2

The bubble tea place is always busy, but the line moves very quickly.

3

Gong Cha offers a limited time Red Velvet Series drinks including the Red Velvet Milk Tea and Red Velvet Smoothie.

15
Sanmiwago image 1
Asian restaurant

Small space with self-order kiosks and simple plastic chairs offers a clean, bright setting. Atmosphere ranges from lively and busy to laid back, with loud TV music sometimes noticeable. Late-night hours attract those seeking fresh, tasty dumplings and snacks.

Bubble tea stands out with fresh tapioca and a delicious milk tea base. Jasmine latte and taro milk tea offer subtle flavors, with tapioca that stays perfectly chewy.

Bubble tea features amazing flavor and comes in options like jasmine latte and passion fruit. The drinks pair well with meals like beef noodle soup.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"The dumplings here are phenomenal, so juicy and packed full."

"I thought the boba tea here was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers late night dumplings until 1:00 AM.

2

Expect a wait time of about 20 minutes for food.

3

Dumplings cost $9 for 8, plus tax.

16
Miss Du's Tea Shop image 1

Tiny tea house with limited seating and a piano occupying much space creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The interior blends homey storage with cafe charm, offering a chill vibe in a small Chinatown nook.

Offers bubble tea with a focus on less sweetness by default. Features fruit teas and vegan milk tea options alongside classics like matcha and jasmine green tea.

Fresh ingredients make the bubble tea stand out with dragonfruit bubble tea with cheese foam and Thai Iced Bubble Tea as notable options. Prices are lower than many other spots, and the yakult with crystal bubbles is unique here.

People are saying

"I loved their refreshing fruit teas made with fresh fruit."

"I found the bubble tea here to be the best in Chinatown."

"The latte's blend of flavors was rich with tea essence and balanced sweetness."

Good to know

1

The maximum seating space in the store is around 5 people.

2

Waiting times can take up to 20-40 minutes.

3

Customers should ask for sugar level when ordering.

17
Siyi Tea & Incense image 1
Bubble tea store

Ornate black wooden doors with lion head handles and traditional Chinese decor create a calm, artsy atmosphere. Limited seating includes low stools and a small ledge, encouraging a quiet, relaxed pace. Unique features like iridescent cups and incense-inspired straws add a distinctive cultural touch.

Offers a variety of unique milk teas like Bamboo Oolong Oat Milk Tea and Oolong Osmanthus with balanced sweetness. Fruit teas include flavors like grape and avocado with yokult, all with a refreshing, not overpowering taste.

Offers delicious bubble tea with a trendy vibe. Stands out as a top spot in Chinatown and beyond.

People are saying

"The jasmine milk tea's floral aroma and smooth texture are just right."

"I loved the unique drinks, each with its own poetic personality."

"I thought this was the best boba tea place I had been to."

Good to know

1

The drink costs $9 without boba.

2

It’s slightly cheaper to pay in cash than by card.

3

Sìyì offers drinks with a 30% sugar level, which is about right for sweetness.

18
ViVi Bubble Tea image 1
Bubble tea store

Small shop with limited seating and a cozy atmosphere suited for quick stops or studying. Offers fresh, chewy boba and delicious popcorn chicken alongside a wide variety of bubble tea flavors and toppings. The space is efficient but not designed for long stays.

Offers a wide selection of bubble teas including traditional and new creations. Drinks like KL Jelly tea with boba and Purple Rice Milk Tea stand out for their quality and flavor.

A wide selection of bubble teas includes traditional and new creations with great flavor and delicious boba. The taro bubble tea stands out as very good, and the shop is one of the longest-running bubble tea spots in Chinatown.

People are saying

"I loved their bubble tea, especially the matcha."

"Their matcha milk tea is rich and creamy."

"I found the bubble tea here to be very good."

Good to know

1

As of September 2024, the restaurant is open until 9:30 PM on weekdays.

2

There is limited seating available for customers.

3

The tea shop offers snacks along with drinks.

19
Yaya Tea CHRYSTIE (Chinatown) image 1

Small space with minimalist aesthetic and limited seating offers a cozy, cute vibe. Customers find it fast and inexpensive with a notable selection of onigiri that stands out for freshness and flavor.

Tea here features unique flavors and stays true to traditional recipes. The Thai Milk Tea and fragrant jasmine tea stand out, with options for milk and fruity teas often served without boba by default.

Bubble tea here has a fresh and delicious taste with a nod to classic flavors using sugar water and artificial coloring. The shop offers a variety of flavors including taro boba tea and pairs well with Asian snacks.

People are saying

"I loved the amazing bubble tea, especially the taro flavor."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I found the boba tea here to be fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to take the boba tea to go as there is limited seating.

2

You can only take out food from this place; no dining in.

3

A black milk bubble tea costs $8 for a 16oz one.

20
Kung Fu Tea image 1
Bubble tea store

Small shop offers an extensive selection of bubble tea flavors with options to adjust sugar and ice levels. Atmosphere includes lively staff dancing and singing, creating an energetic vibe. Sweet, chewy tapioca pearls stand out among the drink choices.

Customizable bubble tea lets you pick sugar and ice levels plus non-dairy options. The menu offers fruity flavors, creamy milk teas, and refreshing herbal options like passion fruit green tea with mango jelly and oolong milk tea.

Customization stands out with options for non-dairy, less sugar, and more ice. The honey lemon bubble tea is refreshing and not too sweet, while the pearl milk tea tastes very milky and delicious.

People are saying

"I drank the best bubble tea I've ever had here."

"You can totally customize your Green Tea, like choosing non-dairy options or less sugar."

"I thought the boba tea here was awesome."

Good to know

1

Your drink will be ready when you walk in, with no wait.

2

You can use the app to order before going.

3

Customers can adjust the sugar level and ice level.

21
CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice image 1
Bubble tea store

Small space offers a cozy vibe with a chill atmosphere. Menu includes drinks with thick berry purée and green tea layers. Prices stay affordable around $7.

Taro milk tea stands out with its chewy pearls and rich flavor. Mango green tea offers a naturally sweet taste with lychee pearls, while Thai milk tea delivers a classic milk tea experience.

Brown sugar bubble tea stands out with its delicious flavor and good value. Pearls can be hard and difficult to chew but the bubble tea remains reliable and enjoyable.

People are saying

"I loved the bubble tea, it was delicious and refreshing."

"I thought the bubble tea tasted really good."

"I found the bubble tea to be absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

The prices are affordable.

2

The drink I ordered costs $7.

3

The menu is extensive.

22
Ten Ren's Tea Time image 1
Bubble tea store

Authentic Chinese tea shop with an old-school atmosphere and wide selection of quality teas including medicinal varieties. The space is clean and beautiful but lacks seating, creating a quick-visit vibe. Known for rare pearls and hand-shaken milk tea served with balanced sweetness.

Tea here offers authentic Chinese flavors with a wide variety of high quality loose leaf teas including jasmine and green teas. Bubble tea features well-crafted pearls and balanced sweetness without overpowering milk.

Jasmine milk bubble tea stands out with a genuine tea flavor. Options include brown sugar and Lychee bubble tea, served with customizable sugar and ice levels, though drinks tend to be lukewarm.

People are saying

"I found serious, quality Chinese tea here."

"I loved their authentic milk teas and jasmine tea."

"I found the boba tea here to be pretty good and tasty."

Good to know

1

There is no bathroom for customers.

2

The large milk tea costs $6.

3

The price of the tea is $6.50.

23
Fay Da Bakery image 1
Chinese bakery

Chinese bakery with a self-serve setup and small seating area offers a lively, bustling atmosphere often packed with people. The space suits takeaway better due to limited seats, and the vibe includes both eating inside and ordering to go.

Traditional Hong Kong-style milk tea stays true to authentic flavors and costs around $5, making it one of the cheapest in Chinatown. Employees often allow customers to finish their tea even at closing time, creating a relaxed experience.

Hot bubble tea costs only $5, making it one of the most inexpensive options around. The tea is fresh with excellent quality and includes a menu section called pearl tapioca tea that highlights the boba.

People are saying

"I loved the bakery's authentic Hong Kong-style buns and pastries."

"The Japanese cheesecake here is light, fluffy, and not too sweet."

"I found the bubble tea here to be inexpensive and fresh."

Good to know

1

The store closes at 6:30-6:40 PM.

2

Fa Da Bakery is CASH ONLY with a $10 minimum for card payments.

3

The bakery is always packed, so it's better for takeaway than dining in.

24
Bake Culture image 1
Chinese bakery

Small bakery offers spacious seating with a great view of the Manhattan Bridge and a cozy, quiet atmosphere. Unique Asian-style pastries and a strong bubble tea selection attract a steady crowd. Air conditioning and K-pop music add to the inviting vibe.

Bubble tea uses actual tea and milk with properly cooked, chewy, flavorful bubbles. Fruit teas taste refreshing and are not overly sweet. Options like lychee bubble tea and Thai tea latte stand out for quality and flavor.

Bubble tea uses actual tea and milk, avoiding premixed powders. The sweetness stays balanced, not sickly. Lychee flavor stands out as notably fresh and high quality.

People are saying

"I found the bakery's cakes and pastries so delicious and fresh."

"I loved their fresh pastries and cakes."

"Their boba tea is made from actual tea and milk, not powder."

Good to know

1

The bakery accepts credit and debit cards.

2

You get free milk tea or coffee when you spend $10 or more.

3

The bakery offers $0.50 coffee with a purchase.

25
Ajisen Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant offers comfortable seating and a beautiful interior with Japanese music and anime figurines. Atmosphere feels inviting and lively, enhanced by ambient music and unique decor. Tables connect for large groups, creating a social dining experience.

Hot lemon tea with honey comes free and stands out. Bubble tea, including mango Boba Tea, appeals to younger guests and offers a tasty option.

Passion fruit and mango boba tea stand out here. Kids and youngsters enjoy the bubble tea offerings.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be delicious and satisfying."

"I thought the tea here was delicious and well prepared."

"I found the boba tea to be delicious and well prepared."

Good to know

1

An 18% tip is automatically added to the check, including takeout orders.

2

Customers may end up paying a total of 36% in service charges and tips.

3

The restaurant accepts all major credit cards for payment.

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