Craving for boba? Here you can find the best Costa Mesa’s bubble tea spots!
Costa Mesa 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.
Ola Cha
10/10 (10 reviews)
| Directions | +1 949-880-5083
Flavorful ingenuityReal fruitsDairy-free options
Bubbling up from the crowded SoCal beverage scene, Ola Cha serves as a flavorful beacon for tea enthusiasts eager to explore beyond the usual. The menu presents an intriguing variety that invites customers to step out of their comfort zones, offering inventive mixtures that playfully tease the taste buds. The milk tea with panna cotta flips expectations upside down, adding an unexpected yet welcome texture that many fans now swear by as their new go-to. At the heart of their offerings lies a dedication to quality that fuels the creativity bubbling in each cup; real fruits embellish the already fresh-tasting fruit teas, making each sip feel like a refreshing dive into a fruit-filled oasis. Those sensitive to dairy won’t feel left out, with options like the taro coconut milk offering a creamy twist sans the usual lactose. Mango fans get a surprise treat with crystal boba or the quirkily named “cartoon cheese” mango yogurt mousse, each sip delivering a burst of flavor. Adding to the allure, smoothies like the White Peach redefine sweetness to an optimal level that’s satisfying without overwhelming. With each visit, Ola Cha confirms its status as a must-try spot that dares to deviate deliciously from the norm.
Bobapop Tea Bar
9.8/10 (49 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 949-287-6183
Fresh Brewed TeaUnique FlavorsAffordable Prices
Bobapop Tea Bar brings a refreshing twist to the bustling bubble tea scene. Celebrated not just for its vibrant atmosphere, this tea haven wins hearts with consistently affordable, high-quality drinks and impressive service. Each order is made from scratch, letting customers savor freshly brewed tea. Their inventive options, like the Japanese Brown Rice Milk Tea, have drawn considerable attention, standing as a unique offer distinct from run-of-the-mill selections found elsewhere. With drinks like the Sea Salt Vietnamese coffee gaining acclaim, the flavorful experience here is remarkable. Bobapop’s dedication to the art of tea crafting is clear in every sip, with boba hailed for its perfect texture. The environment radiates a welcoming vibe, amplified by special touches like complementary cute stickers. Operational efficiency complements quality service; customers note the swift preparation times. Bobapop serves as a trusted staple for both coffee lovers and tea enthusiasts, offering reasonably priced treats without compromising taste. The shop may be small, suited for quick visits, but it draws in loyal patrons who appreciate both the artistry of the beverages and the warm hospitality of the staff. As new visitors discover the charm of Bobapop, their broad menu ensures there’s always something new to try, turning curious one-timers into regular devotees.
Rooster Tea Costa Mesa
9.4/10 (43 reviews)
| Directions | +1 949-524-3119
Diverse customizationFriendly staffWi-Fi available
Rooster Tea in Costa Mesa stands as a refreshing oasis, bringing together unique flavors and a lively atmosphere. Renowned for offering an array of innovative drinks, this bubble tea haven caters to various taste preferences, allowing endless customization. You might want to explore fan-favorite beverages like the strawberry matcha and mango green tea with golden boba. Each drink maintains a balanced sweetness, and for those wary of sugar overload, staff recommendations are spot on. Speaking of staff, they’re notably welcoming, further enhancing the laid-back vibe within the clean and aesthetically pleasing space. Of course, any backdrop wouldn’t be complete without the quirky, memorable rooster mural that invites a snap or two. Paired with the convenience of free Wi-Fi, Rooster Tea encourages patrons to sip and stay awhile. Experimentation and new flavors keep customers coming back, like the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Foam Horchata that generates quite the buzz. The tea’s quality is evident, complementing chewy and well-cooked boba that fans rave about. Whether you’re grabbing a quick drink or settling in for a longer stay, this cozy spot provides a satisfying experience amidst Costa Mesa’s bustling streets.
Boba Tea Planets
9.4/10 (83 reviews)
| Directions | +1 714-760-4700
Cheerful atmosphereCustomizable drinksUnique pastries
Boba Tea Planets finds its charm through an inviting blend of liveliness and coziness. The bright and clean space, adorned with delightful decor, creates an appealing atmosphere that resonates well with patrons seeking a place to unwind or study. The staff consistently delivers attentive service, eagerly advising on menu options while ensuring customers are well-informed about wait times, particularly when savoring their delicately crafted soufflés or waffles. While some may point out inconsistencies in a few classic drinks, offerings like the brown sugar milk tea and Thai tea are often lauded for their richness and quality ingredients. The café’s willingness to tailor drinks, such as adjusting sweetness or ice levels, caters to individual tastes, ensuring every visit feels personalized. Beyond the traditional boba staples, the café tantalizes with inventive options like Taru Comet smoothies and the delectable fish-shaped Taiyaki stuffed with diverse fillings. Customers appreciate the freshness of crystal boba and the standout flavors of their signature egg tarts. Whether dropping by on a hot day for a refreshing matcha boba or indulging in an exemplary strawberry soufflé pancake, patrons often find themselves returning to explore the extensive and intriguing menu. Even amidst constructive critique, Boba Tea Planets continues to stand out as the go-to spot for diverse and high-quality bubble tea experiences.
umacha
9/10 (45 reviews)
Cheese CreamQuick ServiceAffordable Drinks
In the bustling heart of Mitsuwa Marketplace, umacha stands as a convenient option for those in need of a quick bubble tea fix without breaking the bank. Their regular-sized milk teas hover around an affordable price point, making them accessible for those not keen on spending on high-end options. While sweetness levels can sometimes overshadow the subtle tea flavors, the umacha experience shines in its quirky offerings like cheese cream toppings, adding a unique texture to the tea. Known for drinks like the Marry Me Mango and brown sugar milk tea, the shop shows promise in curating a blend that pairs well with whimsical toppings. While this spot may not hit the mark on authenticity or complexity for discerning tea connoisseurs, its price tag and positioning in a bustling food court make it a convenient pit stop. The eccentric touches, like Passion Fruit Lemonade, exhibit a lighthearted approach, despite occasional syrup overloads that might leave some patrons dialing down the sweetness on their next visit. Efficiency during peak times could improve, but the friendly staff and engaging drink lineup lend umacha a certain charm that’s hard to resist for casual boba enthusiasts.
Feng Cha Teahouse – Costa Mesa
9/10 (235 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 714-760-4836
Crème Brûlée BobaUnique Tea FlavorsCustom Sweetness Levels
Feng Cha Teahouse in Costa Mesa has carved a niche in the bustling boba tea scene with its vibrant atmosphere and creative offerings. Known for its striking interior, this teahouse provides an inviting space that begs for an Instagram post. The star here is undoubtedly the Crème Brûlée Dirty Boba, a rich and sweet concoction with just the right touch of caramelized sugar. Beyond the crowd favorite, the extensive menu satisfies diverse tastes. The drinks range from the creamy Oolong Milk Tea to the refreshingly unique Kiwi Basil Green Tea that surprises with fresh fruit and basil seeds. Service at Feng Cha complements the quality of the drinks with a warmth that makes you feel instantly at ease. They’ve mastered the subtle art of balance, allowing customers to tailor both sweetness and ice levels to their liking, perfecting the experience to individual preferences. For those enticed by snacks, their selection of cakes, while hit-or-miss for some, does promise something for every palate when paired correctly with your drink of choice. Although the parking might test your patience, the rewards program and consistently cheerful service leave no doubt about their commitment to a great customer experience. Feng Cha continues to draw loyal fans from near and far, securing its spot as a must-visit in the Orange County area.
Sunright Tea Studio – Costa Mesa
9/10 (105 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 949-232-3750
Efficient orderingUnique flavorsCustomizable drinks
Sunright Tea Studio in Costa Mesa is a notable destination in the OC Mix area, blending refreshing beverage choices with a unique ordering setup. This bubble tea spot prides itself on a simple yet efficient ordering process, utilizing kiosks for seamless transactions that ensure timely service. Their diverse menu includes standout options such as the Oreo brulee boba milk and oolong milk tea with cream pudding, setting a high bar for flavor and creativity. Customization is key; patrons are encouraged to adjust sweetness and ice levels to match their preferences, ensuring each drink is tailored to individual taste. The space itself is a part of a bustling food hall, and while it might require a bit of searching, the effort is rewarded with high-quality drinks that many enthusiasts categorize as a must-try. Boasting a range of features from a wide selection of milk and fruit tea options to vegan-friendly ingredients, Sunright caters to a broad audience. The boba itself often delights with its ideal chewiness, though opinions vary, proving the personal nature of texture preference. A favorite for on-the-go refreshment or a relaxed study session, Sunright Tea Studio delivers both quality and convenience with a touch of creativity that makes every visit memorable.
TP TEA Irvine
9/10 (157 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 949-886-2103
Quick serviceAuthentic tasteEasy ordering
TP TEA Irvine, a favorite in the bustling landscape of Southern California’s tea scene, expertly blends authenticity with innovation. Revered for its genuine Taiwanese roots, it’s a haven for boba aficionados seeking authentic taste. Their Honey Jasmine Green Tea, a refreshing blend, offers a perfectly balanced, sweetened joy. Meanwhile, the Passion Fruit Green Tea ditches the commonly found seeds, opting for pure flavor. Despite a menu that isn’t endless, every offering is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the nuances of tea, from a robust Taro Matcha Latte to the beloved TieGuanYin Milk Tea. The signature QQ Noodles provide a quirky texture addition, even if some find them a tad thin. Digital aficionados will appreciate the sleek mobile kiosks which make ordering a breeze, complementing an efficient five-minute service time in a spacious parking-friendly plaza. It’s bustling yet streamlined, with a small but airy space balancing convenience and comfort. The Taiwanese flair extends to drinks like the Mango Cheese Cream Foam and classic boba, both capturing hearts, one sip at a time. Fast service and a dedicated crew contribute to a seamless experience amidst the urban hustle. For those in search of tea with character, TP TEA Irvine offers an escape in a cup, not allowing the occasional hiccup to detract from its celebrated status in this vibrant community.