The 7 Best Bubble Tea Spots in Baltimore

While Baltimore has many places to enjoy boba tea, not all of them offer the same quality.

In this article, we will explore the top 7 boba tea spots in the city. We’re not limiting ourselves to traditional bubble tea shops; we’ll also spotlight cafes that serve exceptional boba tea.

1. Chatime

Chatime in Towson, Maryland, is part of a global Taiwanese franchise established in 2005, known for its focus on authentic tea experiences. This cafe is a part of the brand’s extensive network, which spans over 1,000 locations worldwide, indicating its widespread popularity.

The essence of Chatime’s offering lies in its freshly brewed tea, prepared on-site. The staff, trained as tearistas, are adept at handcrafting each beverage, ensuring a personalized touch. The cafe’s menu is especially notable for its variety of boba or bubble teas. These drinks are characterized by their balanced sweetness and the unique texture of the boba pearls.

Among the different flavors available, the superior milk chocolate boba tea is a notable option, offering a rich taste without being overly sweet. Other popular choices include the banana milk tea with creamy mousse and the traditional Thai tea. The taro boba tea, known for its thickening quality upon shaking, is also a unique choice.

While boba teas are a highlight, Chatime’s menu also includes a range of food items like steam buns, sticky rice, cakes, and Swiss rolls, with the Matcha Roll cake being a favorite among some visitors. The cafe’s atmosphere is casual, further enhanced by the addition of a couch and board games, creating a relaxed environment suitable for socializing.

Located in Towson, Chatime offers a convenient spot for those seeking a mix of traditional and contemporary tea flavors. Its commitment to freshly brewed teas, variety of flavors, and a welcoming setting makes it a notable option in the local tea and beverage scene.

Pros

• Wide variety of drinks and food with options like steam buns, sticky rice, and cakes alongside an extensive drink menu.
• Quality of beverages with the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor.
• Friendly and engaging staff, including the owner who personally engages with customers.
• Atmosphere and convenience marked by a comfortable setting with couches and games, and the availability of delivery services.

Cons

• Couldn’t find any.

Location: 40 W Chesapeake Ave, Ste TN 1, Towson, MD 21204

2. Simply Sip Tea

Situated in Baltimore’s Little Italy, Simply Sip Tea, established in 2019, offers a variety of boba teas, known for their freshness and quality. The focus of this tea shop is on creating each beverage from scratch, using fresh ingredients.

The menu is centered around boba or bubble teas, with a notable option being the Brown Sugar Milk Tea. For those looking for less sweetness, sugar-free alternatives are available. Fruit teas, another key part of their selection, feature real fruit pieces, with the Super Fruit Tea standing out for its natural fruit flavors.

Unique to their menu are drinks like the Coconut Mango Bliss and Pink Velvet Berry, which represent the shop’s creative approach to flavor combinations. Drinks are served in reusable cups, aligning with eco-friendly practices.

While the shop primarily specializes in boba teas, it also offers a range of milk teas and other beverages. A customer favorite is the Rose Earl Grey Tea, often customized with Oreo topping.

Located in a bustling part of the city, Simply Sip Tea operates as a to-go establishment, fitting for those on a quick visit to the area. The setting in Little Italy makes it a convenient stop for a refreshing drink while exploring the neighborhood. For those in Baltimore seeking a variety of boba tea options, Simply Sip Tea provides a range of choices in a straightforward, no-frills environment.

Pros

• Variety of flavors, including unique options.
• Fresh fruit in drinks.
• Reusable, aesthetically pleasing cups.
• Quick service.
• Customizable sweetness and ice levels.
• Friendly staff.

Cons

• Some drinks are overly sweet.
• Understaffed, leading to slow service.
• Limited seating space.
• Parking difficulties nearby.

Location: 413 S High St, Baltimore, MD 21202

3. Snow Cloud

Snow Cloud, situated in Towson near the local mall and condo developments, offers a focused menu primarily featuring boba tea, along with desserts, shaved ice cream, and custom cakes. This café emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients in its offerings.

A key highlight of Snow Cloud is its selection of boba teas. The café offers a range of flavors, including popular choices like matcha, taro, and wintermelon. The matcha boba tea is notable for its option of having no added sugar, appealing to those preferring less sweetness. Each drink is carefully prepared, with attention to the balance of flavors and the consistency of the tapioca pearls.

In addition to traditional boba teas, Snow Cloud provides unique blends such as the “Coming Spring” and “Hawaiian Sunset.” These drinks are part of a diverse menu that caters to varied palates. Most beverages include boba or jelly, typically without an additional cost, which is a convenient aspect for customers.

The café also serves shaved ice and a variety of desserts, including an Oreo crepecake. The setting of Snow Cloud is conducive to socializing or spending a quiet afternoon, with games and music available for patrons.

While primarily known for its boba tea, Snow Cloud’s menu also features other items that might interest visitors to the area. The café’s approach to creating drinks and desserts with fresh ingredients, along with a comfortable atmosphere, makes it a notable spot in Towson for a casual visit.

Pros

• Quick service.
• Comfortable seating.
• Clean environment.
• Great taste and quality of drinks.
• Variety of flavors and menu options.
• Reasonable pricing.
• Friendly staff.
• Games and good atmosphere.
• Desserts available.
• Good drink customization options (e.g., sugar levels).

Cons

• Limited seating for large groups.
• Potential parking issues.
• Long wait times occasionally.

Location: 714 York Rd, Ste 180, Towson, MD 21204

4. Taste Tea

Located in downtown Arbutus, Taste Tea offers a variety of bubble tea options, appealing to both traditional and modern tastes. This cafe specializes in a wide range of boba teas, including classic Milk Tea, Fruit Tea, and Milk Cap variations. One of the notable features of their menu is the ability to customize the sweetness level of the drinks, providing options from 25% to full sweetness.

The selection at Taste Tea includes popular choices like Brown Sugar Boba, Lychee Blossom, and Matcha drinks. For those with specific dietary needs, alternatives such as almond milk are available. Apart from bubble tea, the cafe also serves frappes, smoothies, and other beverages, with the option to add various jellies and fruits.

The interior of the cafe is clean and well-decorated, offering a comfortable environment suitable for both socializing and solitary visits. It’s a frequented spot by local UMBC students and residents looking for a casual place to unwind.

While Taste Tea is primarily known for its bubble tea, the cafe’s broader menu and the customization options make it a versatile choice for different preferences. Its location in Arbutus adds to its accessibility for those in the area looking for a bubble tea spot.

Pros

• Great variety of drinks and customization options.
• Good customer service, especially from the manager.
• Pleasant and clean interior ambiance.
• Convenient location.
• Responsive to customer feedback and complaints.
• Offers a range of toppings and drink sizes.

Cons

• Drinks can be overly sweet for some tastes.
• Parking can be challenging.

Location: 5403 East Dr, Unit 1/2, Arbutus, MD 21227

5. BAMBU

Located in Baltimore’s Harbor East area, Bambu is an Asian-inspired café primarily known for its wide selection of boba teas. This café offers a diverse range of beverages, including Vietnamese Che, smoothies made with real fruit, and various coffee options.

One of the key features of Bambu is its extensive boba tea menu. These teas are available in several flavors, ranging from traditional milk tea to more unique fruit-infused options. Each drink is customizable, allowing customers to tailor their beverages to their individual tastes. In addition to the boba teas, the café also serves Vietnamese Che, a type of dessert drink, which, like their boba teas, is known for its authenticity and variety.

The café places a strong emphasis on the freshness of its ingredients. Daily preparations include cutting fresh Thai young coconuts and making pandan jelly and fresh taro paste in-house. This commitment to fresh ingredients is a defining aspect of their menu offerings.

Bambu’s interior is designed to be welcoming and comfortable, with a relaxed atmosphere that fits well within the urban setting of Harbor East. The space accommodates both individuals looking for a casual drink and groups gathering for a longer stay, with games like Connect Four available for patrons.

While the café has become a popular spot for boba tea enthusiasts and those interested in Asian-inspired beverages, it maintains a straightforward, no-frills approach to its service and offerings. The focus at Bambu is on delivering quality drinks with an emphasis on authentic flavors and fresh ingredients.

Pros

• Extensive menu with a variety of drink and snack options.
• Friendly and welcoming staff.
• High-quality drinks with perfect sweetness and consistency.
• Clean and inviting ambiance with ample seating and a gaming area.
• Suitable for both dairy and non-dairy preferences.
• Offers traditional Vietnamese desserts and drinks.
• Provides fast and efficient service.
• Features unique and refreshing flavors.
• Convenient location.
• Fresh ingredients used in desserts and drinks.

Cons

• Limited parking availability near the location.

Location: 802 Fleet St, Baltimore, MD 21202

6. Gong Cha

Gong Cha, located in Towson, Maryland, provides a selection of bubble tea options for those in the area. This cafe offers both dine-in and curbside pick-up, accommodating various customer needs.

The focus of Gong Cha’s menu is primarily on boba or bubble teas. These teas combine traditional tea flavors with tapioca pearls, offering a unique beverage experience. The menu includes a variety of flavors, ranging from standard milk teas to more unique blends, catering to different taste preferences.

Among the offerings, the Dirty Brown Sugar Latte and Oolong Winter Melon Boba Tea are notable. Additionally, the Mango Green Tea is another option available to guests. Gong Cha allows customers to customize their drinks, including the level of sweetness, which provides a degree of personalization to the tea experience.

The environment of Gong Cha in Towson is suited for both group gatherings and individual visits. The staff are recognized for their efficient service. While the primary focus is on bubble tea, Gong Cha also serves a limited selection of snacks, such as waffles, that can be paired with the beverages.

Overall, Gong Cha in Towson presents a variety of bubble tea options for those interested in exploring different flavors and styles of this popular drink. The ability to customize these beverages adds to the appeal for both regular consumers of bubble tea and those new to it.

Pros

• Great customer service and friendly staff.
• Variety of flavors and drink options.
• Customizable sugar and ice levels in drinks.
• Good quality boba and tea.
• Nice ambiance and atmosphere in the store.
• Efficient and quick service.
• Rewards program and responsive social media.
• Unique offerings and special drinks.

Cons

• Some drinks are overly sweet, even with reduced sugar.
• Limited seating and not ideal for groups.

Location: 417 York Rd, Towson, MD 21204

7. Kokee Tea

Kokee Tea, situated near the food court in Towson Town Center, Towson, MD, provides a selection of boba teas, focusing mainly on milk and fruit varieties. The establishment is known for its wide range of bubble tea options, catering to different tastes with classic and unique flavors.

Among the offerings, the Strawberry Milk Tea is a favorite for its combination of strawberry and milk flavors. For those looking for something different, the Dragon & Rose tea offers a notable dragon fruit flavor with a moderate sweetness. The Thai Milk Tea is another option, known for its traditional taste.

Other choices at Kokee Tea include the Brown Sugar Dagonattee and Black Lychee tea, both recognized for their balance of flavor and texture. The Mango Virgin Mojito is a fruit-based drink, infused with lime and mint, providing a refreshing option.

In addition to drinks, Kokee Tea also serves a variety of macarons and unique food items like the croffle, a combination of a croissant and a waffle.

The cafe features a small seating area for customers who wish to stay, though many prefer to take their drinks to go while shopping in the mall. The staff at Kokee Tea are known for being helpful, often assisting customers in navigating the menu.

Located in a convenient spot within Towson, Kokee Tea offers a diverse selection of boba teas and a casual environment, making it a suitable stop for those in the area looking to try different bubble tea flavors.

Pros

• Wide range of flavors available, catering to various tastes.
• Swift preparation and service of drinks.
• Boba has a good texture and taste.
• Clean and pleasant ambiance.
• Caffeine-free options available, suitable for children.

Cons

• Shop location may not be convenient for some visitors.
• Limited seating space within the shop.

Location: 825 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21204