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6 Best Bubble Tea in Des Moines, IA

Craving for boba? Here you can find the best Des Moines’ bubble tea spots!

Des Moines 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.


LT Boba

9.6/10 (40 reviews)

Website | Directions | +1 515-214-1269

Sweetness controlTrendy decorInviting atmosphere

In the ever-vibrant world of bubble tea, LT Boba stands out for its adaptability and charm. Its extensive menu, featuring drinks from matcha green tea to mango lassi, delights aficionados and newbies alike. The option to adjust sweetness allows for a personalized sip every time. Behind the counter, the staff exude warmth, ready to recommend the perfect beverage. The space is inviting, with eye-catching decor that includes bright boba drink collages and a collection of books for all ages. Seating choices range from cozy loveseats to swing wicker chairs, creating an environment ripe for relaxation. LT Boba is not just about drinks; their MoMo’s, a savory delight akin to dumplings, are flavorful treats you wouldn’t want to miss. Students from nearby schools find this spot perfect for unwinding, while its quiet charm likewise invites patrons to curl up with a good book. Whether it’s a whimsical slushy or a classic milk tea with tapioca pearls, LT Boba nails the art of refreshment. Affordable prices make indulgence accessible, while the thoughtful inclusion of games like gachapon leaves guests with more than just a drink. It’s no wonder that even infrequent visitors feel as if they’ve found a hidden jewel in the bustling Southside.


Zenko Tea

9.6/10 (288 reviews)

| Directions | +1 515-443-7762

Artistic DrinksUnique ToppingsInviting Atmosphere

Zenko Tea’s charm is hard to resist, bringing a vibrant twist to the bubble tea scene in Des Moines. The space feels cozy, sprinkled with artistic touches and a pocket park vibe that makes you linger. It’s not just about the physical environment – the heart here beats in the drinks. There’s a persistent hum of appreciation for flavors ranging from classic milk tea to adventurous renditions like the pineapple coconut. The notable addition of toppings rarely seen elsewhere, like flan, draws curious sips and raises eyebrows. Zenko doesn’t just experiment with flavors; they celebrate them. Drinks often arrive as colorful presentations, striking that balance between aesthetics and taste, perfect for a quick snap before a sip. Behind the counter, the friendly staff ensures the experience is more than just a transaction. Their ability to navigate the vast menu – an evolving tapestry of possibilities – turns a simple choice into a shared story. Zenko thrives on being more than a drink stop. Games, plants, and even a fish tank add layers to their already layered teas, inviting a sense of escape amid the daily rush. It’s these thoughtful details in hospitality and taste that earn Zenko its love and loyalty, becoming a coveted spot for repeat rendezvous and spontaneous visits.


Zenko Tea

9.6/10 (82 reviews)

Website | Directions | +1 515-999-0028

Vibrant atmospherePerfectly brewedCreative menu

Zenko Tea offers an inviting atmosphere with a modernly understated yet vibrant interior, making it a prime spot for students and remote workers alike. With an extensive menu featuring expertly brewed teas, the shop has struck a chord with bubble tea enthusiasts, offering popular options like the renowned Black Sugar Milk Tea and innovative mixes such as strawberry popping pearls. Their dedication to quality is apparent in the perfectly cooked boba, which consistently earns praise for its spot-on texture. Sustainability and customer preference are thoughtfully addressed with paper straw options, adding to the positive experience. The ambiance is thoughtfully designed, inviting visitors to stay a while, and is complete with unique features like a piano and foosball table. Despite occasional service issues, the welcoming vibe and accommodating staff remain a constant highlight, drawing visitors in for the signature drinks and creative desserts. The impressive new location continues the legacy of their original spot, underscoring Zenko Tea’s commitment to enhancing the local boba scene. Customers find comfort in the beautifully decorated space, graced with warm lighting and an abundance of plants. The location allows for a relaxed yet engaging environment where patrons can enjoy a variety of offerings, from traditional teas to sweet treats, making it a cherished local haven.


Ocha Bubble Tea, Windsor Heights

9.4/10 (290 reviews)

Website | Directions | +1 515-255-3979

Customizable optionsQuality packagingInviting space

In the sprawling landscape of bubble tea offerings in Des Moines, Ocha Bubble Tea in Windsor Heights hits different. Its standout feature is a level of customization that caters to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts. From adjusting sweetness to tinkering with ice levels, Ocha empowers customers to tailor their drink just the way they like it. An expansive menu, spotlighting items from taro smoothies to Hokkaido milk tea, invites exploration. The drinks arrive in thoughtful packaging, eschewing the typical flimsy plastic in favor of sturdy containers that keep beverages just right, whether hot or cold. Reflecting the flavors within, the space itself is inviting, clean, and geared towards takeaway, with a few themed decorations that provide Instagram-worthy backdrops. While seating is limited, the quality of the boba—chewy and flavorful—compensates for any spatial constraints. The croffles are worth a mention; freshly-made, they attract repeat visitors eager for more. Prices might stretch the budget slightly, but the diverse, quality flavors often justify the cost. The staff, knowledgeable about the intricacies of their menu, remain approachable and willing to guide first-timers through their plethora of options. Ocha’s offering of special items imported from various Asian countries further adds a twist to the experience, marking itself as a hub for those curious and adventurous in their tastes.


8 Degrees Cafe & Boba

9.2/10 (389 reviews)

Website | Directions | +1 515-274-9625

Teas GaloreDistinctive VibeChewy Pearls

In the heart of Des Moines, 8 Degrees Cafe & Boba stands out for its flavors and youthful charm. The shop brings an imaginative edge to bubble tea with an engaging self-order kiosk, making the experience effortlessly smooth. Music fills the air, blending with the chatter of patrons perched on tastefully arranged seats or gathered around board games. While the milk tea garners mixed reactions, with some finding it overly sweet, the fruit teas are consistently praised for their authentic taste. The Lava Tea, with its chewy pearls, often takes the spotlight among enthusiasts. Aspiring to cater to all palates, the menu extends beyond teas to include rolled ice creams—crafted with a show that’s as delightful as the treat itself. For folks keen on distinctive textures, the boba pearls here don’t disappoint, emanating the right chewiness, although some batches near closing time might lose their finesse. A notable feature is their reward program, offering regulars a gratifying path to free drinks. Adorned with playful panda lids, their takeaway cups double as keepsakes, thickening the bond between shop and sipper. Despite occasional hiccups with ingredients or wait times, the cafe is lauded for its lively atmosphere, bolstered by genial staff ready to guide or chat. It’s a pop of color and flavor adjacent to Drake University.


Shaking boba

9.2/10 (133 reviews)

Website | Directions | +1 515-238-7799

Free treatsSeasonal drinksCuddly charm

Shaking Boba is an inviting spot that blends creativity with a dash of nostalgia. This bubble tea haven offers a kaleidoscope of options, whether you’re in the mood for a classic milk tea or daring flavor medleys. Coffee-infused concoctions, seasonal specialties like the Hot Taro Hazelnut, and the intriguing Ube Twist smoothie keep the menu fresh. Equally notable is their Oreo Monster, a guilty pleasure among the many teas and smoothies. Reward points and surprise promotions sweeten the experience, while macaroons and bubble waffles add a delightful twist to traditional options. The bubble waffles, warm with a hint of sweetness, pair excellently with their vast drink selection. The staff, often highlighted for their warmth and helpful nature, embody the essence of this cozy shop. People visit not only for the drinks but also for the vibrant vibe and friendly service. Despite minor hiccups, like a short-lived issue with fruit flies, the interior’s dynamic decor and a soothing seating environment make it a favored hangout spot. Unique touches, from adorable drink stuffies to a vibrant sticker collection, set Shaking Boba apart, making it much more than just another tea stop. With a sprinkle of anime flair and welcoming accessibility, it’s a refreshingly inclusive corner in Des Moines, serving up both warmth and great flavors.


Glück Tea

9/10 (122 reviews)

Website | Directions | +1 515-330-2136

Customizable OptionsFresh IngredientsSelf-Order Kiosks

For those seeking a fresh culinary escape, Glück Tea crafts an experience that stands out in the realm of bubble tea and poke bowls. This lively spot in Waukee has transformed an old Jimmy Johns into a haven for those craving the vibrancy of Asian fusion. While their Jasmine milk tea offers a refreshing twist, it’s the poke bowls, with a myriad of customizable options, that steal the spotlight. Ingredients—ranging from creamy avocado to the delightful crunch of cucumber—are thoughtfully curated, delivering a burst of freshness in every bite. Not just content with culinary offerings, Glück Tea also champions convenience through their self-order kiosks, ensuring you have control over your dining journey. Their entrees, including the deeply satisfying Shoyu Ramen, are meticulously assembled with an eye for balance and a palate for flavor. Whether you’re in for a chewy boba sensation or a heaping bowl of poke, each dish is prepared with care, marrying quality with quantity. This spot, teeming with modern charm, sets its sights on providing a comprehensive menu that surprises and satisfies. An authentic experience at a very reasonable price point fosters a sense of inclusivity in taste and budget, cementing Glück Tea as a delightful go-to for locals and newcomers alike.