Craving for boba? Here you can find the best Columbia’s bubble tea spots!
Columbia is home to some of the best bubble tea spots. Spots where you can enjoy everything from creamy milk teas to fruity blends with chewy tapioca pearls. Whether you’re a bubble tea enthusiast or trying it for the first time, these 7 local shops are sure to offer the perfect drink to satisfy your cravings. Explore the top bubble tea destinations in in the city for a refreshing experience.
BUBBLE HOUSE
10/10 (45 reviews)
| Directions | +1 301-673-4799
Boba PerfectionVibrant AtmosphereCreative Menu
Bubble House is quickly climbing the ranks as a go-to spot for tea enthusiasts and sweet treat lovers. It’s a vibrant hub offering an impressive array of menu choices, showcasing creativity in every sip and bite. Their boba, praised for its perfect chewiness and high quality, stands out as a star player. Each drink—from the beloved taro tea to the whimsical tiramisu coffee boba—is crafted with precision, presenting a burst of flavor that teases the palate. For those with a sweet tooth, rolled ice cream and crepes add a layer of fun and indulgence, sculpted before your eyes. The Jersey Shore Crepe, with flavors reminiscent of summer boardwalks, has quickly become a crowd favorite. The generous staff adds a warm touch to the experience, often going the extra mile with recommendations and occasional delightful surprises like complimentary samples for the curious crowd. This kind of attentive service sets Bubble House apart, creating a welcoming atmosphere where personalization meets precision. Ideal for families or solo inquiries, the spot offers something for everyone, with an array of options from acai bowls to smoothies that cater to both casual visits and culinary explorations. Bubble House doesn’t just serve drinks and snacks; it crafts experiences, making each visit feel special in its own unique way.
Tiger Tea
9.8/10 (69 reviews)
Varied MenuRefreshing BlendsFresh Ingredients
Tiger Tea stands out in its boba game with an impressive menu that keeps fans coming back for more. You’ll find both classics and innovative concoctions, a true treat for both seasoned and new boba lovers. Drinks like the Taro milk tea and Mango yogurt hit that sweet spot, offering a refreshing blend that isn’t overly sugary. The Toasted Crème Brulee Boba also draws rave remarks—a unique addition that ranks high on many must-try lists. The interior is airy and tidy, a refreshing space to sip your drink or munch on their entrants like poke bowls. Service is prompt and amiable, maintaining a comfortable yet quick experience. While the boba pricing is on the higher side, the quality ingredients and elaborate presentation—think nicely layered flavors and unique cups—justify those extra pennies. Vegan and dairy-free options earn points for inclusivity, ensuring everyone finds something to love. Plus, the add-in options such as mango stars and lychee jelly are crowd-winning details. Despite some bumps, like running out of regular pearls, the devotion to fresh high-quality boba shines through. Plentiful parking and a welcoming staff round up the reasons Tiger Tea is creating a buzz in Columbia.
Bobaholic
9.6/10 (85 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 573-442-7814
Banh mi delightsCustomizable sweetnessLively decor
Tucked into Columbia, Bobaholic delivers on its promise of offering a rich experience for tea aficionados and foodies alike. This bubble tea hotspot, popular with Mizzou folks, is redefining the city’s beverage scene with an impressive menu that features customizable sugar levels and a variety of toppings, from boba to grass jelly. Their standout — the Brown Sugar Boba Cream Brulee — is sparking excitement among patrons, challenging bigger city counterparts. Not just a purveyor of drinks, Bobaholic ventures into culinary territory with its banh mi offerings. Crafted with house-baked bread, these sandwiches surprise with their fresh ingredients and beautifully balanced flavors, from crispy pork delights to vibrant vegetarian options. The atmosphere is inviting, with lively decor that makes for a photogenic backdrop and a warm vibe depicted by friendly staff, eager to ensure a satisfying experience. An additional bonus is the minimal ice policy in drinks, ensuring customers savor every sip rather than diluted disappointments. Set against the backdrop of vibrant wall art and a commendable seating space, Bobaholic offers more than just refreshment; it’s a retreat. With relaxed service and a dynamic menu, it’s no wonder this spot is capturing the hearts of new and returning customers, emerging as a go-to destination for both a quick pick-me-up and leisurely hangouts.
Bubblecup Tea Zone
9/10 (272 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 573-777-4252
Creative drinksEnergetic atmosphereVaried menu
Bubblecup Tea Zone, a vibrant corner serving up liquid refreshment, stands out with an expansive menu that includes food and desserts. It presents a bustling spot offering a flavorful escape with its exceptional bubble non-milk teas and a variety of tantalizing drinks that hit the spot for those who crave flavorsome beverages. Its charm lies in the welcoming setup, where the open seating arrangement pairs effortlessly with an array of board games, making it a decent hangout for both newcomers and regulars. While service might waver occasionally, there’s a magic that happens behind the counter where younger staff concoct delicious, plastic-sealed marvels like the celebrated Tiger Tea or the delectable Cookies and Cream Snow. The Taiwanese popcorn chicken has garnered approval from locals, although food experiences can be hit or miss. Patrons navigate their way through various vivid tastes, such as uniquely sweet vanilla chai milk or fresh, fruity selections complemented by popping boba, drawing on nostalgic flavors and creating new expectations for their bubble tea journey. With an undeniable energy and push towards variety, Bubblecup Tea Zone takes on the competition with creative flair and offers more than just drinks—it crafts a cultural experience worth sipping on.
Bubblecup Tea Zone
9/10 (305 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 573-442-0654
Extensive menuWelcoming staffOptimal location
Stepping into Bubblecup Tea Zone is like entering an oasis of flavors and choices in Columbia’s bustling bubble tea scene. Situated on Mizzou’s Campus, the shop serves not just the student crowd, but anyone craving high-quality drinks with a wide variety of options. The menu is a treasure trove for both seasoned tea connoisseurs and newcomers. The standout tea flavors range from traditional options like Royal Milk and Taro Tea to the adventurous Pumpkin Chai and Peach with Mango Boba. The customization of sweetness levels is a welcoming feature. Pair a drink with a sweet or savory crepe to complete the culinary experience. Efficient service, despite the busy atmosphere, ensures that even a hectic afternoon won’t dampen your tea time. The team behind the counter is knowledgeable and attentive, handing out samples to ensure you leave with a drink you love. A vibe of relaxed comfort, complete with out-of-door seating and cute, occasionally seasonal decorations, makes it a perfect setting for gatherings or solo outings with a book. While the parking downtown might require some patience, the journey to Bubblecup Tea Zone is well worth it for those seeking an impressive and personalized boba experience in Columbia.