The 10 Best Bubble Tea Spots in Boston

Recent research indicates that Boston has over 50 places to enjoy boba tea. While many options exist, not all boba tea spots offer the same quality.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 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. LimeRed Teahouse

LimeRed Teahouse, located near Boston University, has established itself as a notable spot in Boston since its inception in 2011. Originating from a small shop in Amherst, it has gained popularity, particularly among students, for its range of bubble teas.

The teahouse focuses on bubble tea, prepared using freshly brewed tea leaves imported from Taiwan. The preparation adheres to traditional Taiwanese methods, emphasizing the authentic taste of the tea. The menu features a variety of bubble tea options, including popular choices like Assam black milk tea and taro milk tea. Customers can personalize their drinks, adjusting sugar levels and adding different toppings according to their preferences.

LimeRed’s boba, a key element of their bubble teas, has the perfect texture. The milk tea variants combine a creamy texture with the depth of tea flavors. The cafe’s interior is designed to be functional for both social gatherings and individual work, with adequate seating and a generally quiet atmosphere. The ordering system via tablets streamlines the process, and the staff is known for being approachable.

Besides its focus on bubble tea, LimeRed also offers a selection of pastries and desserts. The cafe’s environment, characterized by simple decor, aims to create a relaxed and friendly setting suitable for various occasions, from casual meet-ups to individual study sessions. LimeRed Teahouse presents a straightforward, no-frills option for those in the Boston University area looking for a bubble tea spot or a place to spend a few hours.

Pros

• Quiet, suitable for studying.
• Good ambiance and interior design.
• Quick and convenient ordering process (iPad/self-order kiosk).
• Variety of drinks and pastries.
• Friendly and efficient staff.
• Good quality boba.
• Offers non-dairy milk options.
• Clean and well-maintained premises.
• Good location, especially near BU campus.

Cons

• Limited seating availability.
• Occasional long wait times.

Location: 1092 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

2. Ten One Tea House

Ten One Tea House, situated on Newbury Street in Boston, presents a distinctive approach to the popular boba tea scene. This cafe prioritizes the quality of its tea, offering a variety of flavors that cater to a range of palates.

The interior of Ten One Tea House blends modern and traditional design elements, creating a comfortable atmosphere that complements the tea-drinking experience. The aroma of tea is noticeable upon entry, indicative of the establishment’s focus on brewing quality. Service is efficient, with a touchscreen ordering system that speeds up the process, which is especially useful during busy hours.

The menu at Ten One Tea House is centered around its boba teas. Unlike many other boba shops, the emphasis here is on the tea itself, with the boba serving as an enhancing element rather than the main feature. The tea selection includes classic black and green teas, alongside more unique options like Osmanthus Honey Oolong and Japanese Matcha. For the boba, guests can choose from traditional and more novel varieties, such as blue butterfly and dragonfruit boba, adding an unconventional touch to the drinks.

Seasonal drinks and special blends, like Peach Yakult Slush or Mango Green Tea Medley, are available for those seeking something different. The cafe also accommodates various dietary needs by offering milk substitutes such as lactose-free and coconut milk.

The space inside Ten One Tea House is relatively small, which might limit seating availability during peak times. Its location on Newbury Street makes it a convenient spot for a quick tea stop or a casual drink to go while exploring the area.

Ten One Tea House offers a unique tea experience in Boston, especially for those interested in quality tea with a side of innovative boba options. The combination of a pleasant environment, efficient service, and a focus on high-quality tea makes it a noteworthy option for tea enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Pros

• Fast service
• Unique boba varieties
• High tea quality
• Pleasant atmosphere

Cons

• Limited seating

Location: 279 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

3. Teazzi Tea Shop

Located in the Chinatown area of Boston, Teazzi Tea Shop is a modest establishment known for its variety of boba teas. This tea shop has made a name for itself with a focus on bubble teas, offering a range of flavors from traditional to more experimental blends.

One of the standout options on their menu is the Peach Oolong Tea, which combines the gentle flavors of peach with the classic taste of oolong. The Four Seasons Milk Tea is another popular choice, offering a smooth and creamy texture. For a different twist, the Strawberry Milk Tea blends a sweet strawberry flavor with a toasted tea base.

Customers can customize their drinks, including the level of sweetness and ice, catering to individual preferences. The Original Milk Tea, for example, can be adjusted in terms of sugar and ice content. The shop also features unique toppings like crystal boba and tea jelly, adding diverse textures to the beverages.

Teazzi Tea Shop shares its space with a retail store that sells various collectibles, allowing customers to peruse these items while waiting for their drinks. The shop’s interior is compact, and seating is not available, which might make it more suitable for grab-and-go visits.

Despite the occasional busy periods, especially during weekends, the staff at Teazzi Tea Shop is known for their efficiency. The atmosphere is casual and the service is generally quick, making it a convenient stop for those in the area looking for a quick boba tea fix. While Teazzi may not be the only boba tea option in Boston’s Chinatown, its range of flavors and the ability to customize drinks make it a notable spot for bubble tea enthusiasts.

Pros

• Quick service.
• Delicious and high-quality drinks.
• Variety of flavors and customization options.
• Unique toppings (e.g., crystal boba, tea jelly, oats).

Cons

• Inconsistency in boba texture (not fully cooked in some cases).
• Drinks can be too sweet for some.
• Lack of seating area.
• Some drinks have more milk than tea.
• High prices for some items.

Location: 31 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111

4. Coco Leaf

Coco Leaf, located in Dorchester, Boston, is a café that combines Southeast Asian-inspired desserts and a variety of drinks, with a focus on boba teas. Since its establishment in 2017, the café has been serving a clientele interested in its diverse menu.

The café’s boba tea selection stands out, offering flavors like mango passionfruit green tea and lavender jasmine milk tea. These teas feature boba pearls that are fresh and chewy. Customers have the option to adjust sweetness levels and can add sparkling elements to their drinks. The avocado smoothie with boba is another notable choice, known for its distinctive creamy taste.

Beyond boba teas, Coco Leaf also offers coffee made with Barrington beans, alongside other beverages. The café’s che, a dessert similar to pudding, combines jellies and fruits. There’s also a range of food options including crepes and snacks like the Thai Panini.

The café’s interior provides a space suitable for work or relaxation, with varied seating arrangements including tables and bar seating. The staff at Coco Leaf is recognized for being accommodating and often suggests menu items to customers.

Founded by Somath Om and Eric Ly, Coco Leaf aims to present a unique experience in Dorchester by blending different cultures and flavors. It caters to a range of customers, from those visiting for the first time to regulars, offering a variety of tastes in a casual atmosphere.

Pros

• Fresh and tasty boba.
• Friendly and helpful staff.
• Delicious and diverse drink options.
• Good food quality, including desserts and small bites.
• Cozy and pleasant atmosphere.
• Clean environment.
• Fast service.

Cons

• Inconsistent drink quality, including issues with sweetness and mixing.
• Limited topping options for drinks.
• Cleanliness issues in the dining area.

Location: 1480 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02122

5. Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea

Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea, located on Newbury Street in Boston, offers a variety of boba teas, with a particular focus on fruit teas. This cafe’s menu highlights include their fruit teas, such as the Strawberry Latte and Mango Sago, known for their fresh and natural flavors. The taro latte is also notable for its inclusion of real taro pieces, adding a unique texture to the drink.

For those who prefer traditional milk teas, Yi Fang provides a selection that balances the taste of tea with the creaminess of milk. The boba at Yi Fang is well-regarded for its consistent quality – chewy and suitably sweetened.

Customers can customize their drinks, including the level of sweetness, amount of ice, and choice of toppings. The ordering process is facilitated by kiosks, which some may find convenient for a quick visit.

The seating in the cafe is somewhat limited, but for those who do find a spot, the atmosphere is quiet and tucked away from the street’s bustle. The interior is simple, catering to those who might need a brief respite during a busy day.

Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea offers a range of boba tea options in a convenient location, suitable for those in the area looking for a quick tea break. The cafe’s focus on quality ingredients and the ability to customize drinks can cater to various preferences.

Pros

• Variety of teas, including fruit teas, milk teas, and seasonal specials.
• Option to customize sweetness, ice, and toppings.
• High-quality ingredients ensuring fresh taste.
• Efficient ordering system, facilitating quick service.
• Well-cooked, chewy boba.

Cons

• Higher pricing compared to similar establishments.
• Limited seating space.

Location: 215 Newbury St, Fl 1, Boston, MA 02116

6. Happy Lemon

Happy Lemon, located in Boston’s Back Bay/Downtown area, offers a distinct take on bubble tea within a food court setting. Unlike traditional boba shops, this kiosk-style cafe fits neatly into the busy rhythm of the neighborhood, appealing to both locals and visitors.

The menu at Happy Lemon is known for its variety of bubble teas, with the taro milk tea being a notable choice. This particular beverage combines the richness of taro with the addition of foam and taro chunks, offering an interesting texture. The brown sugar boba tea is another option, appreciated for its balance of sweetness.

For those interested in unique flavor combinations, the milk tea with salted cheese merges the familiar taste of milk tea with a salty cheese foam, creating a blend of contrasting flavors. The cafe also provides fruit-flavored drinks, such as the lychee jelly drink with a hint of lemon, which is a lighter alternative to the more traditional milk-based teas. The tapioca pearls in these drinks are cooked to achieve a chewy consistency.

Happy Lemon allows customers to adjust the sweetness level of their drinks, catering to different preferences. An example is the yakult jasmine green tea, which can be ordered with less sugar for a subtler taste.

Despite being located inside a mall, Happy Lemon offers a quick service, making it a convenient stop for a wide range of customers. The staff is known for their efficiency, especially during peak times, and the cafe maintains good cleanliness standards.

Happy Lemon in Boston provides a selection of bubble teas with some unique flavor options, making it a suitable choice for those in the area looking for a quick boba fix. Its location inside a food court adds to its accessibility for shoppers and those working nearby.

Pros

• Good taste and quality of drinks.
• Variety of flavors and drink options.
• Efficient and friendly service.
• Reasonable prices for the quality.

Cons

• Location inside a mall or food court, making it hard to find.
• Inconsistent quality of tapioca pearls (boba).

Location: 417 Washington St, Boston, MA 02110

7. Mr. Tea 茶先生

Located on Newbury Street in Boston, Mr. Tea 茶先生 is a cafe that offers a variety of boba teas. The interior of the cafe features dark wooden decor and an LED fireplace, creating a unique atmosphere reminiscent of a dark academia library.

The cafe’s menu focuses on boba or bubble teas, with a range of both traditional and more unique flavors. Options include the Blueberry Strawberry Smoothie with boba, caramel milk tea, and soy milk cheese foam milk tea. These drinks are known for their balance of ingredients and the consistency of the boba, which is firm yet chewy. The menu’s structure is more fixed, with pre-set combinations of milk, toppings, and tea, which allows for a focus on the specific flavor profiles of each drink.

Prices at Mr. Tea are in line with what might be expected for the area, and the cafe offers a student discount. The service is efficient, which is particularly notable during busy periods, helping to reduce wait times.

The cafe provides both indoor and outdoor seating, catering to those who might be looking for a quick drink or a place to sit and relax for a while. The environment is generally clean and the staff are described as friendly.

Mr. Tea offers a selection of bubble teas in a distinctive setting on Boston’s Newbury Street, with a focus on specific flavor combinations and efficient service.

Pros

• Good quality tea and fresh ingredients.
• Quick service and efficiency, even when crowded.
• Variety in menu, offering a wide range of teas, smoothies, and toppings.
• Nice interior ambiance with ample seating.
• Affordable prices and student discounts available.
• Unique drink presentations, like caramelized tops and special cups.
• Open late at night, convenient for evening visits.

Cons

• Limited customization options for drinks, with pre-set combinations.
• Inconsistency in boba texture, sometimes too hard or soft.

Location: 266 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

8. Gong Cha

Gong Cha, situated on Newbury Street in Boston, is a café known for its selection of bubble teas. This location provides a variety of boba tea options, ranging from traditional flavors like black milk tea to more unique offerings such as grapefruit green tea. Customers can customize their drinks with various toppings, including grass jelly and white pearls.

The menu at Gong Cha also includes other items like bubble waffles and soft serve ice cream, which can be combined for an additional cost. The café features both indoor and outdoor seating, with air conditioning inside for comfort during warmer weather.

In terms of service, Gong Cha is recognized for its efficient and friendly staff. The café’s location makes it a convenient stop for those shopping or dining in the area. While the menu is somewhat limited compared to other local boba shops, it focuses on providing a range of bubble tea flavors with consistent quality.

Gong Cha offers a straightforward bubble tea experience in Boston, catering to those who enjoy boba drinks and are looking for a quick snack or beverage in the Newbury Street area.

Pros

• Great location on Newbury Street, convenient for shopping.
• Friendly and professional staff.
• Quick service and fast drink preparation.
• A variety of tea and drink options, including unique flavors.
• Availability of both indoor and outdoor seating.
• Good quality boba in drinks.

Cons

• Some drinks are considered overly sweet.
• Limited menu compared to other boba shops.
• Limited accessibility for individuals with disabilities (no ramp).

Location: 270 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

9. Machi Machi

Machi Machi, a Taiwanese-originated beverage cafe established in 2018, is located in the vibrant Allston neighborhood of Boston. This cafe is known for its focus on original tea recipes and a simple, minimalist ambiance.

The menu at Machi Machi primarily features a variety of boba teas. One of their notable offerings is the Strawberry Milk with Panna Cotta, which combines the sweetness of strawberry milk with the smooth texture of panna cotta. Another popular choice is the Cream Cheese Foam Black Milk Tea, offering a rich and creamy taste. For a more traditional option, the Jasmine Green Tea with Plum Jelly provides a sweetened tea experience, enriched with the texture of jelly.

A unique item on the menu is the Crème Brûlée Milk Tea, blending the traditional milk tea with the flavors of crème brûlée. Additionally, Taro Balls are available as an alternative to the standard boba, offering a softer and chewier texture.

The cafe’s design embraces a Japanese minimalist style, featuring a bright and streamlined interior, primarily geared towards carryout service. The bottled drinks at Machi Machi are notable for their aesthetic packaging, often reusable.

Prices at Machi Machi are on the higher side, reflecting their specialty offerings. Visitors may encounter waiting times, especially during busy hours, which suggests the cafe’s popularity in the area.

Machi Machi in Allston presents itself as a modern tea cafe, offering a range of boba tea options in a minimalist setting, catering to those looking for a different take on the traditional tea experience.

Pros

• Aesthetic and cute packaging, often with reusable bottles.
• High-quality tea flavors and innovative drink options.
• Creamy and well-textured toppings like panna cotta and cream cheese foam.
• Taro balls and pearls (boba) have great texture and taste.

Cons

• Long wait times, both for ordering and receiving drinks.
• Pricey compared to other boba places.
• Drinks are often too sweet, even with reduced sugar levels.
• Limited or no seating available in the store.

Location: 176 Harvard Ave, Boston, MA 02134

10. Tea Do

Tea Do, established in 2010, has become a local favorite in the heart of Boston’s bustling Chinatown. This café offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, where guests can enjoy a view of the lively streets from window-side tables. It’s a comfortable spot to unwind, with a selection of games like Jenga available for added entertainment.

The menu at Tea Do is a diverse mix of flavors, with a special focus on boba teas. Their bubble tea selection includes classics like Oolong milk tea and black milk tea, as well as unique options such as honey Earl Gray and the signature ‘Zen’s Awakening’ with boba. For those with a sweet tooth, the Oreo Boba Tea is worth a try. The café also offers fresh fruit smoothies, including avocado, watermelon, and mango, which are known for their consistent quality and rich flavors.

In addition to beverages, Tea Do serves popular Japanese street food snacks like takoyaki and various onigiri, adding a taste of authentic Asian cuisine to the experience.

Open until 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays, the café can accommodate up to 30 guests and provides free WiFi, making it a convenient spot for gatherings or solo visits. Whether you’re looking for a quick drink or a casual hangout with friends, Tea Do offers a welcoming and relaxed environment. Its reputation in the community is built on providing quality drinks at reasonable prices, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors in Boston.

Pros

• Good boba flavor and quality.
• Reasonably priced bubble tea.
• Wide variety of boba drink offerings.
• Generous portion sizes.
• Friendly staff.

Cons

• Dirty tables in the seating area.
• Some drinks may be too sweet for some customers.
• Boba quality varies (overcooked or too soft in some cases).
• Limited seating space when the place is busy.

Location: 8 Tyler St, Boston, MA 02111