Craving for boba? Here you can find the best Pittsburgh’s bubble tea spots!
Pittsburgh 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.
BubbleFish
9.8/10 (248 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 412-489-5107
Customizable flavorsFresh ingredientsQuick service
Amidst Pittsburgh’s bustling dining scene, BubbleFish stands out as a haven for those with a craving for fresh and flavorful poké bowls and bubble tea. Walk through the doors and you’re greeted by vibrant interior touches—think IKEA-esque greenery—and an inviting warmth from staff who serve with easy efficiency. The poké bowls are crafted with an eye for detail, featuring freshly cut fish, vibrant veggies like edamame and cucumber, and sauces that deliver serious flavor. The option to customize your bowl with just the right amount of sauce lets you experience the robust taste of the ingredients. The bubble teas come in playful flavors like creme brulee and mango green tea, with the liberty to adjust sweetness and ice levels to your liking. With tapioca pearls that are perfectly chewy, each sip is a sensory delight. The menu provides endless options, catering to both bubble tea newbies and poké aficionados alike. It’s an ideal spot whether you’re swinging by for a quick lunch or savoring a treat. Service is swift and cheerful, maintaining a clean, organized atmosphere that only adds to the dining experience. Prices remain wallet-friendly, making BubbleFish a must-visit for locals and newcomers wanting to get the real essence of quality poké and bubble tea.
JJ Poke Bowl & Taiwanese Bubble Tea
9.8/10 (229 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 412-802-6199
Freshness GuaranteedEndless CustomizationQuick Service
JJ Poke Bowl & Taiwanese Bubble Tea stands out in the bustling backdrop of Oakland’s culinary scene with a reputation that seems to harmonize unwavering enthusiasm from its patrons. The allure of the poke bowls is undeniable, striking a balance between quality and quantity at a price point that is impressively accessible. The fish, particularly the spicy tuna, is praised for its freshness—an attribute echoed in the vibrant seaweed salad and ripe avocado. The menu offers a build-your-own-bowl option that satisfies those eager to customize their dining experience, with well-cooked zucchini noodles providing a low-carb alternative. A comforting miso soup accompanies every order, lending a touch of warmth on brisk days. The bubble tea, specifically the mango and brown sugar varieties, boasts a flavor profile that delights with or without added sweetness, complementing the main offerings with flair. The inviting atmosphere marked by swift, cordial service enhances the overall experience, drawing in both locals and visitors who long for authentic Taiwanese flavors. The unique ordering system, which involves circling selections on paper, facilitates ease amidst the diverse options available. The establishment’s subtle charm is underscored by thoughtful touches around the store and attentive staff delivers a streamlined service that impresses with every visit.
Café102
9.8/10 (83 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 412-789-8813
Vietnamese CoffeeFresh IngredientsWelcoming Service
Café102 serves up drinks that breathe new life into the Pittsburgh coffee scene. This buzzing spot in Lawrenceville offers a parade of delectable choices, from the bold Vietnamese egg coffee to tantalizing bubble tea like Blue Wintermelon Matcha. Freshness reigns supreme, with real fruit taking center stage in unique concoctions like the Red Dragon and matcha strawberry latte. As if plucked straight from an Instagram feed, these drinks are not only visually stunning but carefully crafted – they even mix matcha using a bamboo whisk. The café’s atmosphere invites you in with its small, stylish charm, prompting patrons to rave about every sip and service interaction. Staff members, known for their genuine smiles, guide you through a menu that caters equally to coffee enthusiasts and matcha connoisseurs. Even those avoiding dairy can find solace here; oat milk substitutes are generously provided, often without extra charge. With drinks like ube coffee setting new flavor standards and coffee jelly or crystal pearls topping your cup, it’s no wonder some folks declare Café102 the best boba and coffee experience in town. A little more seating and an extra set of hands might propel this local gem from great to revolutionary, but until then, each drink offers a cozy, heartfelt hug in beverage form.
Dr’tea
9.4/10 (128 reviews)
Mango slushWelcoming eventsQuick service
At Dr’Tea, creativity in a cup meets a clean, uplifting vibe. Known for its expansive menu, this sought-after Pittsburgh haunt offers an impressive selection of both milk and fruit teas. It’s the go-to spot for boba fans looking for that sweet fix and unique seasonal flavors. Standout drinks include praised concoctions like the mango slush and the Oreo brown sugar milk tea. The shop’s inviting space doubles as an event hub, effortlessly accommodating K-pop cupsleeve gatherings with its welcoming atmosphere. The decor strikes a balance between chic and cozy, offering a prime setting for meeting friends or hosting club events. With attentive service, the staff runs an efficient operation, handling even peak times with courteous precision. Patrons can tweak sugar and ice levels to taste, adding another layer of customization to each visit. While some claim the sweetness overpowers, the fruit teas consistently steal the show. Whether you’re there for a casual drink or an organized event, the seamless blend of culture and craft keeps people coming back. Artists and event-goers alike note how accessible and accommodating the venue is for unique gatherings. Complaints might arise over the inconsistent open hours, but when doors are open, the space buzzes with energy, solidifying Dr’Tea as not just a café, but a community destination.
Dobrá Tea Pittsburgh
9.4/10 (1028 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 412-449-9833
Global Tea MenuCozy AtmosphereKnowledgeable Staff
Dobrá Tea Pittsburgh offers a journey across continents through its wide-ranging tea collection, showcasing selections that span from the rich masala chai to rare oolong varieties. Situated in a cozy environment, the tea house’s dim lighting and colorful decor create nooks for both solitary reflection and lively gatherings. Patrons are drawn into an atmosphere that blends global flavors with a quasi-bohemian charm, making it an inviting stop for tea connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. While the food options offer limited exploration, the tea more than compensates with an experience that’s both authentic and refreshing. The staff’s expertise adds an informative layer to the visit, guiding guests through the extensive menu with recommendations that often surprise and delight. Despite occasional service lapses during busy periods, the appeal of Dobrá Tea lies in its fusion of tradition and innovation. The option to bring home loose-leaf selections allows fans to recreate their favorite brews beyond their visit, anchoring a relationship with tea growers around the world. This tea haven also caters to diverse dietary needs, extending its menu to include gluten-free and vegan-friendly choices that accompany the aromatic teas. Positioned as a cultural meeting point, Dobrá Tea Pittsburgh straddles the line between a quiet retreat and a communal space, where every sip tells a story.
Tiger Sugar
9.4/10 (39 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 412-685-5905
Signature StripesCreamy BalanceFriendly Service
Tiger Sugar has emerged as a boba sensation, setting itself apart in a crowded landscape with its signature brown sugar boba milk. The allure begins with the visually captivating “tiger stripes,” created by the luscious brown sugar syrup swirling through creamy milk. But it’s the taste that truly shines, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and creamy with every sip. The chewy boba, offered in multiple sizes, adds an element of fun, making each drink an adventure in texture. This spot is not just about drinks; it’s an experience. Despite the modest space, the staff consistently provide quick service with a smile, warming up the atmosphere even on chilly days. The option to have drinks served hot is an appreciated touch. While some may argue the price leans toward the higher end, the organic milk provides a comforting quality that justifies the cost. The diverse menu caters to a range of boba enthusiasts, from die-hard brown sugar fans to those adventurous enough to try mango sago with a creamy twist. The addition of playful choices like Tiger Mochi keeps the offerings fresh and intriguing. It’s no wonder Tiger Sugar is hailed as a top choice for boba lovers, drawing regulars who swear by its offerings and newcomers eager to join the crowd.
Dragon Fusion Boba
9.4/10 (60 reviews)
| Directions | +1 724-304-0029
Giant portionsSweet complexityFriendly service
In a landscape teeming with bubble tea spots, Dragon Fusion Boba emerges as a compelling destination driven by flavorful ingenuity. The shop tantalizes tastebuds with an impressive array of milk teas, slushies, and lemonades. Pineapple milk tea and taro tea with mango jelly push boundaries of flavor, each sip refreshed with sweet and fruity complexity without the heavyweight dullness typical of milk-infused drinks. Dragonfruit popping boba intertwined with vibrant kiwi slushies also command attention. The selection extends further into chocolaty milk teas, blueberry combos, and strawberry passionfruit brews fused with the saccharine punch of popping pearls. Inside, the shop buzzes with an inviting simplicity and a team exuding warmth. Service leans toward the generous, occasionally offering replacement drinks on the house when mishaps occur. For those navigating the quest for the perfect boba size, Dragon Fusion doesn’t disappoint, serving cup sizes almost surreal in their enormity yet staying gentle on the wallet. Though some might single out the minimalistic decor or occasional operational hiccups as areas ripe for enhancement, the joy cultivated in each cup remains palpable. The shop stands as a vibrant enclave for bubble tea lovers eager for the vast potential in each sip.
Julie’s Bubble Tea & Smoothies
9.4/10 (157 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 724-382-5269
Unique flavorsFresh smoothiesStellar sandwiches
At Julie’s Bubble Tea & Smoothies, the allure lies in its imaginative flavor combinations and diverse options, making each visit feel like a new tasty expedition. Their smoothies are a standout, spotlighting fresh fruit and inviting an indulgent smile from even the pickiest smoothie enthusiasts. The Peachy Keen smoothie, notably, garners rave comments for its unbelievable freshness, sizing up well against chain competitors. The boba offerings, while contentious among some, pull through with robust coconut milk tea and peach boba, a combination that nails the balance of sweet and chewy. The staff’s unwavering smiles and willingness to assist further enhance the vibe, making it a go-to spot even for those who have to trek a little out of their way. Julie’s doesn’t just stop at quenching thirsts; the breakfast sandwiches have carved a name for themselves as a must-try, pulling diners in as much for their turkey bacon bagel as their beverages. The community ties, like selling merch that supports local schools, add a commendable layer of love and local pride. It may have its moments of being overpriced and occasional missteps, but for those seeking fresh takes on classic drinks and mouth-watering breakfast options, stepping into Julie’s Bubble Tea & Smoothies ensures an experience that fuels both body and soul.
Banh Mi & Ti
9.4/10 (667 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 412-251-5030
Bold flavorsFresh ingredientsDiverse drinks
In the heart of Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, Banh Mi & Ti earns its stripes through bold flavors and a menu that embraces Vietnamese flair. Their standout sandwiches range from the classic Viet Special to the flavorful Drunken Beef, often acclaimed for their fresh veggies and perfectly crusty baguettes. With a rich blend of pickled carrots and zesty sauces, Banh Mi & Ti delivers a punchy taste that draws both loyal locals and new visitors. The shrimp summer rolls are refreshingly light, while vermicelli bowls present a generous portion size that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Bubble tea enthusiasts will be delighted with the variety offered, including nondairy milk options like oat and almond, adding a modern touch to traditional tastes. While some diners have noted occasional hiccups, such as inconsistent meat quality or seasoning preferences, the staff’s quick service and engaging friendliness often counterbalance minor setbacks. A local gem in a sea of eateries, this spot intertwines vibrant Vietnamese street food culture with a Pittsburgh twist. Whether you’re snagging a quick takeout or lounging in their outdoor seating when the weather plays nice, there’s a reason why so many find themselves frequent visitors.
Bubble House
9.2/10 (48 reviews)
| Directions | +1 740-359-7414
Vibrant menuUnique flavorsIndulgent desserts
Perched at the heart of Robinson Mall, Bubble House serves up more than just your average bubble tea. This vibrant spot offers a wide array of tasty treats like fruit tea with signature popping Boba, rolled ice cream sundaes, and the well-loved crepes. The standout item seems to be the fruit teas with their wide selection of flavors including a must-try pineapple upside-down variant with cherry popping Boba. Sweet seekers find solace in their generously portioned rolled ice cream, particularly the s’mores option, which blends nostalgia and indulgence. The crepe’s balance of fresh ingredients with their sweet or savory offerings further amplifies the culinary journey. It’s fair to say the mixed reviews on customer interaction don’t overshadow the delightful flavors and variety. With multiple flavored pops and options available, it holds its own against nearby bubble tea venues, offering a depth of choice and unique blends. While some critique employee engagement, there are strong points on fast and enthusiastic service, setting the mood for visitors to explore its sweet corners. Ultimately, what shines is the eclectic menu, providing a treat for every preference and making it a hub for dessert lovers in search of their next favorite indulgence.
D’s Bubble Tea and Cafe
9/10 (68 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 412-892-9198
Cozy AtmosphereFriendly StaffGreat Bubble Tea
D’s Bubble Tea and Cafe is a recent addition to the dining scene that pairs an unexpected fusion of bubble tea with Indian and Nepalese cuisine. Despite mixed reviews on its Indian dishes, such as a subpar chana masala, the restaurant’s capacity to delight with its Indo-Chinese flair shines through. Manchurian plates get repeated nods for their superb flavor, while the peshwari naan’s sweet notes nicely offset any dissatisfaction. They offer a commendable variety of teas; the bubble tea, particularly the taro milk tea and the Sakura Rose Milk Tea, stands out. Its extensive menu caters to both vegetarians and meat lovers, splitting options efficiently for easy choice. The café’s ambiance strikes most with its cozy and inviting aesthetics, offering a comforting escape. Service consistently garners praise for being warm and accommodating, aiming to make every visit personal, whether by remembering names or engaging in earnest feedback. D’s offers more than just food and drink: it caters to a sense of community and personalized attention in a delightful setting. With an evolving menu poised to educate on diverse flavors, and plenty of room for culinary exploration, this café promises unique dining moments. It’s become a favored locale for many, with visitors returning for both the fare and the experience.
Kyo Matcha
9/10 (56 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 412-837-4916
Aesthetic dessertsInviting atmosphereCreative flavors
In bustling Squirrel Hill, Kyo Matcha emerges as a sanctuary for matcha enthusiasts and dessert aficionados alike. This Japanese-inspired cafe offers a tantalizing assortment where sweet confections blend tradition with innovation. The menu boasts a variety of matcha-infused creations, from soft serve in delicate waffle cones to intricate crepe cakes in flavors like Tiramisu and Peach Oolong. Each dessert is artfully presented, a nod to their appreciation for aesthetics. The cafe balances its menu with an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with friends or settling in for a productive study session. Its clean, modern design and ample seating make it an ideal spot for intimate conversations or solitary escapes. Despite whispers of high prices, the quality and authenticity of the offerings are evident, making it a worthwhile visit. The service is consistently reported as friendly, enhancing the experience further. Matcha purists might yearn for bolder flavors, but the subtlety of Kyo Matcha’s blend seems to cater to a wider palate. Their creative approach extends beyond matcha, too, with unique pairings like hojicha soft serve and red bean toppings adding depth to their offerings. With its blend of comfort and culinary artistry, Kyo Matcha captures the spirit of Japanese tea culture, offering a distinct experience that’s hard to ignore.