Craving for boba? Here you can find the best Oakland’s bubble tea spots!
Oakland 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.
813 Cha Siam Thai tea & Boba
10/10 (30 reviews)
| Directions | +1 510-255-9372
Authentic Thai experienceBroad flavor rangeInnovative snacks
In the vibrant heart of Berkeley, 813 Cha Siam Thai Tea & Boba brings a refreshing wave to the bubble tea scene. This family-owned gem is celebrated for its dedication to real Thai tea, with a flair for Southeast Asian authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere. The boba here is praised for its ideal consistency, perfectly complementing the robust and rich flavors of the teas. Their menu is broad, offering an array of choices from traditional Thai and green milk teas to adventurous fruity selections like the seasonal mango green tea. Drinks come with customizable sweetness levels, a thoughtful touch appealing to varied palates. Not just about the tea, this spot also delves into Thai street-food-style snacks and desserts, with many crafted using tea bases—offering visitors a flavorful journey beyond the standard fare. The welcoming staff, deeply knowledgeable about the menu, offer insightful recommendations that enrich the experience. The interior mirrors the menu’s modern creativity with a clean, aesthetically pleasing design that enhances the sipping and snacking pleasure. The owner’s personal touch, with her background from Thailand, shines through in every detail, making 813 Cha Siam Thai Tea & Boba a must-visit for anyone yearning for an authentic slice of Thai beverage culture.
Tea O’Clock San Leandro
9.8/10 (22 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 510-806-5009
Sugar level flexibilityStellar customer serviceCute interior
In the buzzing bubble tea scene of San Leandro, Tea O’Clock emerges as a notable destination. Those looking to tame their sweet tooth will appreciate the custom sugar levels, allowing the rich flavors of mango sago or jasmine green to shine. These teas, adorned with non-dairy options and creamy toppers, provide a tasty experience without overwhelming sweetness. Decor-wise, Tea O’Clock brings vibrant energy, its interior echoing green and floral accents that charm visitors despite limited seating. The nearby plaza invites customers to take their flavorful teas on urban picnics. Quick, efficient service ensures that indulgence doesn’t come with a time cost, even offering taste events, like Friday fish ball samples, for the adventurous. The personable staff adds warmth, with their open nature and suggestions that elevate visits. Yet, temporal spontaneity could prove disappointing; operational hours occasionally shift, a small price for enjoying the freshest boba in town. Seasoned admirers tap Tea O’Clock as a standout among neighboring teahouses, repeatedly praising its innovative blends like salted creamer and peach oolong. Its commitment to quality ingredients and friendly service distinguishes it, capturing the hearts and taste buds of every who pass its doors. A spot for serious bubble tea lovers, there’s always something new to savor here.
Cha Thai Tea
9.6/10 (49 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 510-225-9781
Authentic Thai TeaFresh IngredientsCozy Vibe
Cha Thai Tea is quickly emerging as a must-visit destination for bubble tea enthusiasts, offering a serene yet spirited venue with quality Thai tea options that transport sippers straight to the bustling streets of Thailand. Here, Thai milk tea is celebrated for its authentic flavor and quality ingredients, making it a standout choice even among the Bay Area’s varied offerings. For those who seek more than just a drink, the café’s pandan custard toast provides a delightful experience, pairing fresh pandan with toasted bread for a sweet treat that’s not overly sugary. The light but flavorful mango sticky rice, featuring creamy coconut sauce and tender sticky rice, adds to the café’s appeal for those craving traditional Thai desserts. Creative drink options like the Coco Cha Cha, coconut water with whipped Thai tea, offer refreshing alternatives to typical creamy beverages. The vibe inside combines tasteful modern decor with a warm, welcoming staff, adding an inviting atmosphere to this tea sanctuary. A streamlined menu keeps decisions stress-free while ensuring each offering is crafted with fresh, delightful ingredients. For those needing a break, this modern yet cozy spot delivers delicious tea and snacks in an easygoing environment that encourages unwinding with friends.
Golden Tea Shop
9.4/10 (122 reviews)
| Directions | +1 510-251-9368
Endless optionsAuthentic flavorsBudget-friendly
Golden Tea Shop stands out as a bubble tea haven, offering an almost endless selection of flavors, teas, and toppings. The array includes unique items like durian sago tofu pudding and tieguanyin crema. Milk tea enthusiasts celebrate the shop’s authentic tea flavor, citing strong aromas in options like jasmine green and puer. Tea fanatics can also explore the bulk tea shop, with a remarkable selection of loose-leaf varieties, including tieguanyin and puer. The shop’s affordable pricing makes it accessible, with beverages averaging around $5-$6. Dairy-free and vegan customers find solace in diverse milk alternatives such as almond, soy, oat, and coconut. Customers appreciate the shop’s commitment to customization, considered one of its standout features. This mom-and-pop establishment exudes a warm, personal touch, answering queries, and even creating bespoke drinks like Oreo coffee smoothies. With minimal wait times, service efficiency is highlighted, exemplified by modern ordering systems that text updates. Beyond boba, the shop’s smoothie offerings, particularly strawberry and mango, garner high praise. Loose-leaf tea enthusiasts appreciate the weight-based pricing method, allowing precise purchases. The shop maintains a cozy vibe, with friendly owners who guide patrons through their vast menu, even on days typically closed. A must-visit spot in Oakland, Golden Tea Shop combines quality, variety, and affordability in an inviting environment.
Boba Binge Chinatown
9.4/10 (119 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 510-454-9899
Flavor ExplosionTailored OptionsVibrant Atmosphere
Boba Binge Chinatown is a lively bubble tea destination that mixes inventive flavor combinations with dependable classics. Its Pandan waffle is a unique burst of Southeast Asian nostalgia, pairing perfectly with a cup of pandan milk that’s refreshingly balanced in its sweetness. While the Vietnamese egg coffee is a rollercoaster of flavors, the popcorn chicken steals the show, seasoned with garlic and basil for a flavor explosion. The spicy sauce lingers, adding a kick to an already mouth-watering snack. The honey brown rice milk tea fascinates with its perfect blend, leaving fans of traditional and new flavors satisfied. Options for alternative milks like oat or almond catch the eye of the health-conscious, while the range of ices and sugar levels ensures personalized drinks. The mango fruit smoothie dazzles with its authentic Philippines mango flavor, setting it apart from everyday choices. All topped off by standout service, where staff ensures happiness with each order, sometimes going above standard expectations by remaking drinks if needed or catering to customers even after closing hours. Clean, with digital kiosks for smooth ordering, it’s also home to a Vietnamese classic—the rich, luxurious Banh Mi, freshly prepped to please avid sandwich aficionados. Reasonably priced, Boba Binge has become essential for bubble tea enthusiasts searching for genuine Asian fusion treats in the Chinatown and Midtown areas.
YOKEE MILK TEA
9.2/10 (301 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 510-836-3288
Unique FlavorsQuality DrinksAllergy-Friendly
Yokee Milk Tea is a cherished spot for bubble tea enthusiasts, delivering both distinctive craftsmanship and vibrant flavors that make it an urban gem. Located within a bustling area, Yokee manages to transform a cramped setting into an arena of pause and delight, where the queue is often a testament to its actively frequented status. Unveiling a menu that spans beloved classics like taro and jasmine milk teas to adventurous concoctions including the much-discussed durian and puff cream milk teas, Yokee shines in its creative edge. Pricing remains competitive, defying the typical steep pricing associated with premium bubble tea experiences. The ordering process, while modern with self-service kiosks, adds an element of anticipation that complements the handcrafted feel of each beverage. Noteworthy is the remarkable textural balance in the drinks; whether you’re savoring the chewiness of warm tapioca pearls contrasting a cold drink or indulging in the authentic tea aromas devoid of bitterness. Yokee is praised for its allergy-friendly offerings, appealing to a wide range of dietary preferences with options for reduced sugar and plant-based milks. Despite its small footprint and long waits during rush hours, the intention to craft an exceptional beverage experience overshadows any minor inconveniences. Each visit to Yokee promises an unparalleled boba adventure, proving that sometimes the most unsuspecting places can brew moments of magic.
Boba Binge Uptown
9.2/10 (52 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 510-634-7979
Diverse menuFast serviceDelightful drinks
Nestled on the bustling streets of Uptown, Boba Binge is redefining boba culture with its enticing blend of classic and signature drinks that scream out adventure. Stepping inside, one is greeted by a menu that plays out like a well-crafted script for every palate—from the silky brown sugar milk tea to the quirky Vietnamese egg coffee, each sip tells a story. Not to be outdone by its drinks, the food selection features an array of Vietnamese-inspired delights, including banh mi that strikes a delicate balance between crisp and tender, and the unexpectedly popular popcorn chicken. Despite occasional missteps in orders, the overwhelming charm of the establishment lies in its promise of a quick, delightfully consistent experience, kindling repeat visits from even the most discerning of boba enthusiasts. The warmth of the space transcends the cups and plates, tied together by a staff that embodies hospitality with a smile, eager to cater to your sweet, savory, or spicy whims. Boba Binge draws you in not just with taste but with a promise—a cozy haven offering a harmonious fusion of flavor and comfort. Whether it’s a craving for honey boba with mango smoothie or an impulse to explore their unsweetened Thai tea, the experience is designed to evoke a sense of joy and discovery, ensuring that each visit feels uniquely rewarding.
Happy Lemon
9/10 (32 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 510-350-8619
Diverse drink optionsFresh bobaSpacious interior
At Happy Lemon, boba enthusiasts discover a lively spot where taste meets convenience. The spacious interior is perfect for both casual hangouts and quick visits, providing a comfortable escape from the bustling streets of Oakland. What truly sets Happy Lemon apart is its versatility in flavor offerings. From the tangy zest of lemon slushees to the rich complexity of Okinawa roasted milk tea, there’s a drink for every palate. Tea lovers can customize sweetness levels, making each sip a tailored delight. Fans of fruit teas will revel in the option to top their drinks with fresh fruit, adding a vibrant twist to the experience. Boba here is consistently praised for its texture. While the staff occasionally presents challenges in communication, courtesy often prevails, ensuring a friendly atmosphere. Happy Lemon also keeps things sweet and simple with a rewards program that offers free boba, an irresistible draw for frequent visitors. With quick service and a prime location, it’s easy to see why many have made it a favorite stop.
Stretchy Dogs Alameda Korean Corndogs & Boba Teas
9/10 (108 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 510-480-2466
Cheesy corn dogsUnique boba offeringsInviting atmosphere
Stretchy Dogs Alameda Korean Corndogs & Boba Teas offers a culinary experience that pushes beyond the ordinary, positioned in the bustling heart of Oakland’s Chinatown. The star of the show is undeniably their Korean corn dog, a treat that tantalizes with crispy exteriors and satisfyingly stretchy mozzarella that leaves a trail of cheese joy. Their menu vibrates with variety — from the delightfully unique Fruity Pebbles corn dog to more classic flavors blended with creative spins like the Ramen 50/50. And while the corn dogs steal the spotlight, the boba milk tea is a worthy sidekick, balancing creamy sweetness with chewy tapioca pearls. The ambiance buzzes with energy, reflecting an inviting vibe that’s amplified by charismatic and accommodating staff who bring charm to each encounter. Ordering is a breeze with digital ease, and there’s something inherently special about the hands-on customization they offer, allowing every visit to feel personal. Stretchy Dogs introduces a fresh concept with boozy boba options, a notable pull for those seeking playful twists to traditional tea. Though not without its hiccups, such as occasional service delays or a challenging parking situation, the experience is rendered memorable by the warmth and zeal of those crafting each bite and drink. The harmony of savory and sweet creations makes it a destination where classic meets novel.
Pink Cloud Tea & More
9/10 (28 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 510-647-9818
Creative DrinksWelcoming AtmosphereFluffy Sandwiches
Pink Cloud Tea & More captures attention with its vibrant pink-themed decor and welcoming atmosphere. It offers a variety of delightful drinks and snacks, with standouts like the passion fruit green tea and super lemon tea. These beverages pair well with the featured ‘main chicks’ sandwiches, loaded with flavorful, garlicky bread and fluffy eggs, though one might need a fork for the delightful mess. For those looking for sweeter sips, the brown sugar boba adds a pleasant touch. While the Jianbing receives mixed reviews, its popularity suggests it’s worth a try. The staff, known for their warmth, enhances the experience with gestures like birthday treats, making customers feel valued. Pink Cloud’s dedication to fresh preparation is evident, especially in the egg toast sandwich, praised for its crusty exterior and filling nature. Despite criticisms regarding the authenticity and pricing of some items, many find the tea delicious, the boba soft and chewy, and the restaurant’s playful aesthetic a draw. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a refreshing drink or a hearty snack. The combination of good food, attentive service, and a cozy setting makes it a favorite destination for many in Berkeley.