Craving for boba? Here you can find the best Riverside’s bubble tea spots!
Riverside 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.
Tim Boba
9.8/10 (23 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 951-729-5966
Big portionsLate hoursFriendly service
Tim Boba has carved out a niche in the bubble tea scene with its affordability and generous portions, offering patrons a refreshing alternative to the typical compact and pricey bubble tea journey. The standout feature is undeniably the size of the drinks, with 32 oz offerings priced at just $6.50, making it a destination for those seeking both quality and quantity. The drink selection is expansive, boasting robust flavors in classics like rose tea and taro, while adventurous options such as Mango Avalanche with lychee jelly keep taste buds excited. The ambiance hits the sweet spot between trendy and inviting, featuring ample seating, from comfortable couches to hanging hammocks—a detail that college students and families alike will appreciate. Open until midnight, it’s a haven for night owls craving late-night munchies or students in search of a relaxed study spot. A friendly staff and streamlined service create a welcoming environment for everyone, including little ones who might find a free Oreo cookie waiting. The modern and clean setting, coupled with fast service and the option to sample before purchasing, underscores Tim Boba’s customer-centric approach. If a sense of community within a spacious retreat is what you seek, a visit to Tim Boba is probably in order.
Sleepy Kitea
9.6/10 (64 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 951-777-1334
Fresh bobaCreative drinksCozy vibe
Sleepy Kitea has rapidly captured the hearts of bubble tea enthusiasts with its inventive offerings and welcoming atmosphere. Located adjacent to a beloved Thai eatery, the shop boasts more than just delightful drinks; it presents a sense of whimsy with its charming mascot and energetic vibe. Regulars rave about the incredible freshness of the boba—never hard, always just right—which sets it apart from other spots. The customization options allow patrons to tailor sweetness levels to their taste, making each visit unique. Popular drinks include a dulce de leche latte with boba for a satisfying treat and a honeydew green tea that strikes the perfect balance at 50% sweet. The Taro Cheese Foam smoothie has captivated tastebuds, adding a memorable twist to the bubble tea experience. Yet, it’s not just the drinks drawing people in; the comforting ambiance, brimming with games and cozy nooks, invites patrons to linger. With speedy service and a cool, personable staff, Sleepy Kitea sets itself up as a promising addition to any boba lover’s roster, despite minimal criticisms about occasional wait times.
Tim Boba
9.2/10 (368 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 951-462-1929
Massive servingsCozy study spotStudent perks
Tim Boba buzzes with a vibrant energy appealing to its young clientele, offering boba drinks served in cups of truly epic proportions. The extensive menu features fan favorites like Oreo Thai Milk Tea and taro smoothies, each bursting with flavor and complemented by perfectly chewy boba pearls. A standout is the popcorn chicken, served in portions large enough to warrant a second meal, while potato swirls add a fun twist to the snack lineup. Beyond beverages, Tim Boba creates a haven for students and workers with comfy seating, ample outlets, and the allure of free WiFi. Nestled amidst this cozy ambiance are board games and student perks like free printing and, for the overachievers, complimentary drinks. Service at Tim Boba is fast, with a staff exuding warmth and attentiveness, ensuring a welcoming environment akin to a second home. The card loyalty program sweetens the deal, rewarding frequent visits with free drinks. Comfort and cleanliness define the space, but for those who prefer outdoor vibes, a purpose-built setting waits outside. Prices remain fair, with added incentives like free boba for cash payments, making it a go-to spot despite some hiccups in the food department.
Boba Cafe
9/10 (468 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 951-680-9998
Delicious noodlesQuick serviceVibrant atmosphere
Boba Cafe is a stand-out spot in Riverside, perfect for those craving a mix of Chinese eats and boba delights. It’s a vibrant place where you can’t go wrong with knife cut noodles or the spicy bite of the Spicy Popcorn Chicken. For anyone with a sweet tooth, the honeydew snow with apple jelly is a must-try, a concoction that has patrons raving. Those who frequent are in for a treat with options spanning from savory sesame balls to dishes over steamed rice, each under $10. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, making it a favorite for late-night cravings or laid-back dinner outings. Boba Cafe excels in offering a broad spectrum of flavors while maintaining impressive speed; drinks are usually ready in less than seven minutes, even during peak hours. However, uniqueness sometimes comes with quirks, like cup sizes that defy cup holders or occasional hiccups with sweetness levels in fruity boba teas. Despite a few mishaps, the charm and quality make repeat visits a norm. Drinks like the taro milk tea and honeydew yogurt are consistently delightful, pushing it to the top ranks for boba in the area. This place is a delightful mishmash of comforting food, refreshing teas, and friendly faces, carving out a loyal community in its cozy corner of the neighborhood.
Krak Boba
9/10 (221 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 951-742-5341
Urban vibeThai TeaMilk alternatives
Nestled within the bustling heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, Krak Boba elevates the bubble tea experience with its vibrant array of inventive flavors and a touch of urban flair. This spot manages to stand out among the plethora of boba joints, not just for its thoughtfully crafted drinks but also its diverse menu that effortlessly caters to eclectic palates. Krak Boba takes a delightful twist on the conventional, presenting options like the King Brulee with its creamy allure or the refreshingly tart Dragon Slayer that combines exotic fruits and tantalizing lychee jelly. A definite highlight is the coveted Thai Tea, which garners praise for its exquisite balance and authenticity. A subtle feature yet noteworthy touch is the quality of their cups, adding a hint of upscale feel to the experience. The interior emits trendy vibes while maintaining a laid-back atmosphere, making it an inviting spot to catch up with friends or savor the artisanal concoctions in solitude. For those more adventurous in their quests, customizing the sweetness levels ensures a drink tailored to personal preference. Friendly staff lend the establishment an approachable character, always eager to accommodate, such as by offering great milk alternatives for those with dietary constraints. A family-friendly environment where kids are entertained enhances the charm of Krak Boba, delivering a refreshing escape into a world of unparalleled beverage delight.
Boba Fiend
9/10 (240 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 951-823-0700
Giant SizesLively AtmosphereNostalgic Vibe
In the bustling landscape of California’s bubble tea scene, Boba Fiend stands out with its adventurous menu and super-sized offerings, perched right next to UC Riverside. You’ll find a slew of boba flavors here, from the crowd-pleasing Trifecta blend to a uniquely robust kumquat green tea that pushes taste boundaries. Boba Fiend is famed for its hulking servings—the kind that makes a 24-ounce drink seem like a teaser. The atmosphere feels vibrant, often echoing with animated chatter from local students, and the playlist might just take you on a nostalgia trip featuring tunes from beloved childhood cartoons. Yet, what truly sets Boba Fiend apart is its customer-centric gestures, like replacing a spilled drink on the house, aiming to elevate your visit beyond a mere transaction. Not just about sheer size, the teas are rich and distinguished, showing off flavors beyond syrupy basics. Boba Fiend does not shy away from showing its playful side, with seasonal flavors keeping the menu as dynamic as its clientele. Pricing is forgiving, making a liter of their stellar tea a surprisingly affordable indulgence. The staff, largely comprising university students, enthusiastically recommend their beloved flavors, adding a personal touch to this vibrant cultural hub.