Craving for boba? Here you can find the best Knoxville’s bubble tea spots!
Knoxville 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.
Hello Tea House
10/10 (273 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 865-839-2889
Authentic bobaPleasing ambianceDelicious crepes
In the heart of Knoxville’s downtown, Hello Tea House extends a vibrant welcome with an enticing mix of boba tea and crepes. The tea house stands out for its authentically prepared bubble tea, infused with genuine Asian cultural elements. Their unique boba offerings, including the elusive cheese foam boba, set a high bar. A standout beverage is the strawberry milk tea, praised for its use of real fruit. The crepes are a delightful surprise, melding savory and sweet with options like roast chicken with eel sauce and spicy mayo, or the indulgent strawberry cheesecake crepe. Customers rave about the meticulously crafted bomb cakes, celebrated for being light and not overly sweet. Inside, the atmosphere is understated yet appealing, with quirky decor and walls adorned with thought-provoking stickers. Visitors frequently commend the staff for their warm, respectful service, further enhancing the cozy environment. Despite its bustling location, there’s a palpable sense of community fostered by the attentive family who runs it. Creative touches, such as adorable cup designs and photo opportunities, encourage fun interactions. The tea house enters the local scene as more than just a culinary spot, frequently engaging with pop culture events like K-pop gatherings, which adds an exclusive twist to its profile.
VOLS BOBA TEA
10/10 (58 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 865-500-8948
Friendly ownersDiverse menuCozy space
The boba scene finds a refreshing oasis in VOLS BOBA TEA. As soon as you walk in, the stylish ambiance sets the tone with its inviting and well-planned layout. It’s more than just a drink spot; it doubles as a space for study sessions and casual meetings. Those in search of a quick pick-me-up will revel in the extensive range of teas and slushes, from classic Thai to Honeydew and Ube Taro. The real star, the Okinawa Brown Sugar milk tea, surprises even seasoned boba aficionados. For those with an adventurous palate, the Mango Pomelo Sago and golden pineapple slush are standouts, as are the fruit teas with popping Boba. The appeal doesn’t stop at drinks—egg tarts and egg waffles complement the beverages perfectly. But be warned, catching these on the menu requires a bit of luck. In a world where franchise culture often eclipses individuality, the owners’ personalized service adds heartfelt touches, crafting an authentic community vibe. Prices remain surprisingly accessible, even with reusable cups upping the eco-friendly score. A respite from daily grind, visit for the boba, stay to soak in the vibe—and prepare for repeated returns.
Tealicious
9.4/10 (206 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 865-766-5329
Endless choicesSocial vibeFriendly service
Tealicious stands as a vibrant bubble tea hotspot in Hardin Valley, exuding a dynamic charm that’s hard to ignore. Offering a kaleidoscope of flavors, the menu invites adventurers to explore unusual yet harmonious pairings like Thai Milk Tea with mango popping boba. Customization is key, catering to both the seasoned connoisseur and the boba novice, with options for milk alternatives and a variety of toppings such as basil seeds and chia. This isn’t just a grab-and-go joint; it’s a social hub where board games encourage lingering, turning a simple tea outing into a shared experience. The refreshing drinks are complemented by a skillful fusion of traditional and innovative food items like well-spiced chicken bites and pandan waffles—although the affordability of these delights is up for debate. Even though it may feel a touch industrial with sparse seating, a cozy atmosphere is crafted by the friendly staff, known for delivering engaging service with a dash of humor. While the presentation shines with attention to detail, the unique touch of sealing each drink ensures an optimal packaged experience. Vibrant and buzzing, Tealicious remains a significant draw for those entering Knoxville’s bubble tea scene, serving not just drinks, but moments.
KUNG FU TEA
9/10 (366 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 865-240-3434
Customizable DrinksFresh TaiyakiFriendly Service
In a city that often surprises with its culinary offerings, Kung Fu Tea stands out as a delightful beacon for bubble tea enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. This popular spot boasts over 50 drink options, from creamy milk teas to icy slushies, offering endless customization possibilities to cater to any palate. If you’re adventurous enough to try the unusual Japanese taiyaki, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste, made fresh—a rarity outside of Japan. Customers rave about the diverse array of tea options, including the honey pineapple tea that balances sweetness with a hint of bitterness. The oolong apple tea is another standout, striking a sweet-bitter harmony perfect for any long drive. Service is notably friendly, with staff eager to help guide those overwhelmed by choices. The cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for friends to gather or a personal escape with a refreshing cup. While flavors can occasionally be overpowering for some, the ability to adjust sweetness levels makes it a personalizable haven. Kung Fu Tea’s app enhances the experience further, allowing for convenient ordering and rewarding repeated visits with free drinks. In a world of rising bubble tea shops, Kung Fu Tea solidifies its position as a must-visit for any beverage lover in Knoxville.
Komma Tea – West Town Mall
9/10 (22 reviews)
Customizable sweetnessSwift serviceVibrant visuals
Komma Tea at West Town Mall offers a splash of excitement for bubble tea enthusiasts that blends seamlessly into the buzzing mall energy. Visitors are treated to a diverse menu of bubble tea flavors, with options to customize sweetness levels—a detail that strikes a chord with patrons. While some drinks may leave room for improvement, standouts like the classic Thai tea receive showers of praise. Macarons, though a bit steep in price, emerge as a delightful perk to savor amidst the chic backdrop of this stopover. For those with a sweet tooth, the Crème Brûlée variant stands as a point of interest despite divisive opinions on value. The team behind the counter adds vibrancy, their swift service and warm recommendations enhancing the experience. As you pause between mall wanders, the vibrant presentation of Komma’s offerings adds a visual treat. The boba cups become a canvas of charm that draws in even the most casual passerby. Though authenticity and cost occasionally falter against local peers, Komma Tea carves a distinctive niche, appeasing a plethora of tastes while energizing the small but growing bubble tea scene in Knoxville.