Top 33 bubble tea in San Francisco
Bubble tea, a beloved beverage that originated in Taiwan, has made a significant impact in San Francisco's café scene. This sweet, tea-based drink, often mixed with milk and tapioca pearls, offers a unique and enjoyable experience for locals and tourists alike. Bubble tea in San Francisco is a must-try for its wide variety of flavors and the fun of sipping and chewing the tapioca pearls. Explore the city's many bubble tea shops and indulge in this delightful treat!
- 1. Boba Guys Union Square
- 2. Black Sugar - Boba Bar
- 3. Plentea
- 4. Cool Tea Bar
- 5. Sharetea
- 6. Yokee Milk Tea
- 7. By Me Boba Tea
- 8. Gong Cha
- 9. Boba Guys Hayes Valley
- 10. Ha Tea
- 11. iTea
- 12. District Tea
- 13. Purple Kow
- 14. Bubble Queen
- 15. Qualitea (San Francisco Location)
- 16. My Cup of Tea
- 17. Tea & Others
- 18. Tea Hut
- 19. Teaspoon
- 20. Tea Square
- 21. BB Tea
- 22. Honeybear Boba
- 23. Tpumps
- 24. Dots
- 25. Mission Bay - Little Sweet
- 26. Happy Lemon Drumm Street
- 27. Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea Japantown
- 28. Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea
- 29. Tea Plus
- 30. Bobahead
- 31. Union Square- Little Sweet
- 32. Happy Lemon
- 33. Financial District - Little Sweet
1. Boba Guys Union Square
Handcrafted boba teas with minimal sugar and premium ingredients

Boba tea options are abundant, but one place stands out for its exceptional flavors and store design. The employees are notably friendly, adding to the overall positive experience. When it comes to traditional bubble tea, Boba Guys in San Francisco is the go-to spot for options like Jasmine or Green Tea with Tapioca pearls.
Aside from traditional bubble tea, Boba Guys also offers unique alternatives, such as the Strawberry Matcha Latte. The variety of options makes it an ideal destination for boba tea lovers looking to try something new and exciting. Whether you're a fan of traditional flavors or enjoy trying innovative combinations, Boba Guys has something for everyone.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. Black Sugar - Boba Bar
Hand-shaken tea, Premium tapioca pearls, Eco-friendly packaging

During my visit to Black Sugar during their soft opening, I ordered a pearl milk tea with grass jelly, requesting 50% sugar and less ice. I found the drink to be mild in a way that allowed the tea to be the star flavor. The grass jelly was on the softer side, but still had enough firmness to it, making for a more enjoyable experience than the version typically found in canned drinks.
San Francisco is not known for having exceptional boba, and there are only a few places I would recommend to others. However, Black Sugar is at the top of that short list. This small shop, located in downtown on the edge of the Tenderloin district, has limited seating, so I usually opt to grab my order and go. Everything I have tried on their menu has been flavorful and high-quality, making Black Sugar a standout option for boba in the city.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. Plentea
Premium quality tea, natural ingredients, handmade boba

Plentea offers a wide selection of bubble tea options, making it a great destination for lovers of this popular drink. Two standout choices are the Nutella milk tea and the sea salt crema oolong tea. These unique flavors ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. The bubble tea at Plentea is always fresh and of the highest quality, making it a reliable choice for a tasty treat.
The Nutella milk tea is a customer favorite at Plentea. This delicious drink combines the rich, creamy flavor of Nutella with the smoothness of milk tea to create a truly indulgent experience. Another must-try option is the sea salt crema oolong tea. This tea offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, with the sea salt crema adding a smooth, velvety texture. Whether you're a bubble tea aficionado or just looking to try something new, Plentea's extensive menu is sure to have something that will satisfy your cravings.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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4. Cool Tea Bar
Cozy atmosphere, Customizable sugar and ice levels, Late-night hours

Cool Tea Bar is known for its huge, refreshing drinks with the largest sizes in the Bay area. Customers can choose from various levels of sweetness to suit their preference. The drink selection includes a lychee green or black tea that is highly favored by customers for its great taste and high quality.
In addition to the large drink sizes and customizable sugar levels, Cool Tea Bar also offers a great deal on boba drinks. The ice levels in the drinks can also be adjusted according to the customer's preference. The lychee green and black tea options are among the most popular choices on the menu. The quality and taste of these teas make them a favorite among customers.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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6. Yokee Milk Tea

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
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7. By Me Boba Tea
Handmade tapioca pearls, Free refills on tea

The interior of the establishment is adorned with traditional Asian decor, creating a clean and cute atmosphere. One of the standout features is the bathroom, which is consistently kept very clean. Moving on to the offerings of the establishment, they have a wide variety of teas and fruit drinks that are all of great quality.
The teas and fruit drinks serve as a refreshing and delicious beverage option for customers. The establishment has put thought into the balance of flavors in each drink, ensuring that every sip is satisfying. Whether you're in the mood for tea or something fruity, the establishment has something for everyone. The quality of the drinks is a testament to the care and attention put into selecting and preparing each ingredient.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
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8. Gong Cha
Customizable sugar and ice levels, freshly cooked pearls, located in the heart of San Francisco

The tea consumed is of high quality, and the boba was crafted to perfection. A 50% sweetness level was chosen, providing a perfectly balanced sweetness. The drink, mango green tea with coconut jelly, was delicious.
The employees were kind and helpful, and the owner is described as fantastic. Despite the store being new and in the process of setting up, they were still able to make a drink for the author. The staff's willingness to create a drink despite being in the middle of setting up shows their dedication to customer service.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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9. Boba Guys Hayes Valley
Unique flavors, Sustainable practices, Beautifully designed spaces

Boba Guys offers an excellent bubble tea, making it a popular spot for tea lovers. The company's clever sign, which reads "Tea People," is eye-catching and perfect for social media posts.
One standout feature of Boba Guys is their pearls, which are highly regarded for their quality. As a result, the author makes it a point to visit Boba Guys each time they are in San Francisco, highlighting the strong loyalty that the company inspires in its customers.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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10. Ha Tea
Cozy atmosphere, Friendly staff, Vegan options available

Ha Tea is a popular boba shop, offering exceptional drinks like Taro Milk and mango boba with red beans. Customers have the option to customize their orders, such as adjusting sugar levels to their preference. The popcorn chicken served here is delicious, although a bit pricey. The owner is known for their kindness, and the service is always friendly. Although the prices are on the higher side, the delicious food and fantastic drinks make Ha Tea a worthwhile visit.
If you're a fan of boba drinks, Ha Tea is the perfect destination for you. Their Taro Milk is a must-try, and they even make their own Taro in-house. The owner is kind and welcoming, making it an enjoyable experience for both kids and adults. Don't hesitate to stop by Ha Tea if you're in the area and looking for a delicious boba drink.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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11. iTea
Free toppings on first visit, Friendly and knowledgeable staff

This establishment offers a wide variety of bubble teas, with popular choices being the Signature Boba Milk Tea and Taro Milk Tea. They also have fruit teas on the menu, including the Strawberry & Mango Fruit Tea. One of their dessert options is the Mango Sago Dessert. A customer recently ordered the Mango Fruit Tea with boba and mango jelly, and reported that it contained lots of real chopped mango, good tea, and high-quality mango jelly. However, they thought the boba itself was just average.
The customer was pleased with their visit and plans to return. However, there was a previous review mentioning that the fruit teas had changed and were now just syrupy drinks. The customer in question did not notice any changes and was satisfied with the authentic taste of the mango in their drink. The customer did mention that the quality of the boba could be improved, but this did not deter from their overall positive experience. They also expressed their enjoyment of the other fruit tea options and the Mango Sago Dessert.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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12. District Tea
Comfortable seating, welcoming staff, artisan desserts

Hojicha tea,grass jelly,and sea salt crema create a popular bubble tea selection at District Tea. Matcha drinks are also highly praised for their quality. The tea shop, although small, has a spacious feel due to its minimalist design and high ceilings. The refreshing bubble tea offerings complement the tasty snack options.
District Tea's Hojicha tea, combined with grass jelly and sea salt crema, is a top pick for customers. The establishment's matcha drinks are similarly acclaimed for their outstanding quality. Despite its modest size, the tea shop exudes a spacious and modern atmosphere. The delightful bubble tea menu items are enhanced by the establishment's delicious snack options, offering a well-rounded experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
13. Purple Kow
Friendly staff, cozy outdoor seating, hosts events and workshops

Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is a popular drink that comes in many different flavors and can be enjoyed in a casual and trendy setting. The drinks served at this establishment are known for being big, sweet, and unique, with a variety of options available on the menu. The generous drink size ensures that you're getting a satisfying and filling beverage, while the many different flavors allow you to try something new each time you visit.
In addition to the standard tips and reviews for this bubble tea establishment, there are also several specific recommendations to consider. For example, the green tea flavors are a favorite among many guests, and the lively atmosphere of the shop makes it a great place to relax and enjoy a drink with friends. Whether you're a long-time fan of bubble tea or just looking to try something new, this establishment is definitely worth checking out.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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14. Bubble Queen

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
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15. Qualitea (San Francisco Location)
Handcrafted drinks, Locally sourced ingredients, Sustainable business practices

The author's favorite boba place is located in the Bay Area and offers delicious boba options, whether ordered in person or through delivery apps. The small shop, which has only one location, is highly rated, and its strawberry matcha is considered superior to that of Boba Guys. During specific hours, from 4 pm to 8 pm, the shop offers a happy hour promotion, with its house milk tea and boba priced at $5.00, including tax. The portions served are generous, providing good value for money, and the owner is known to be kind and pleasant.
During the pandemic, the author has continued to enjoy boba from this favorite shop, praising the quality of the drinks and the consistent great taste, regardless of whether they are purchased in-store or delivered. The shop's happy hour promotion, which offers a substantial discount on its house milk tea, is a great way to enjoy a delicious boba drink at an affordable price. With its excellent taste, value, and service, the shop has earned the author's loyalty and high recommendation.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
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16. My Cup of Tea
Hand-crafted bubble teas made with premium ingredients

A soft opening at a new shop caught my attention, and I decided to try their Jasmine milk tea with boba. I found the tea to be fragrant and the boba chewy, although it was a bit harder than what I typically prefer. Despite the slightly harder boba, I still enjoyed my drink and consider this place to be one of my favorites in San Francisco.
The shop's hours are particularly convenient, as they are open later than any other boba spot in the city. This makes it a great option for a late-night treat. In addition to their late hours, they also offer good parking options and a large size drink that provides good value. The flavors of their drinks are also well-executed, making this a strong contender for my go-to boba spot.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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17. Tea & Others
Offers seating and free wifi, Vegan and gluten-free options available

The mango matcha drink is a unique and delicious combination, and the added lychee jelly is a nice touch. However, this establishment is not a traditional cafe with seating, so it's best to take your drink to go and enjoy it in a nearby park.
The Thai iced tea is another popular choice, featuring strong tea flavors. However, the mango frappe may be disappointing as it contains too many chunks of ice and is not well-blended. On the other hand, the boba is of good quality. The service is fast and friendly, making this a convenient spot for a quick drink.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
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18. Tea Hut
Cozy and quiet atmosphere, offers non-dairy options, uses raw cane sugar

My friends savored their drinks, the mango dreamer and passionfruit green tea, at the restaurant. Both beverages were enjoyable. The mochi, a key feature of the restaurant's offerings, was described as exceptionally soft, almost melting in one's mouth.
In addition to the standard menu, the restaurant features seasonal drinks crafted from local fruits. These drinks provide a unique and fresh taste, enhancing the overall dining experience. The combination of delicious drinks and high-quality mochi makes for a satisfying visit.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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19. Teaspoon
Cozy atmosphere, Friendly staff, Customizable drinks

Teaspoon is a top-tier boba tea spot in the Bay Area, known for its fresh and high-quality ingredients. Unlike some stores that use pre-made tea, Teaspoon prepares their tea fresh with every order. They also use fresh juice and make their honey boba from scratch, resulting in a delicious and unique taste.
Teaspoon also stands out for its exceptional customer service. While other stores may make customers feel rushed or unimportant, Teaspoon's workers provide friendly and attentive service. There is no pressure to quickly make a decision on your order, and customers are encouraged to ask questions and take their time. This welcoming and unrushed atmosphere sets Teaspoon apart from other boba tea businesses.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Dinner
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20. Tea Square

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
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21. BB Tea
Cozy atmosphere, located in the Inner Sunset neighborhood

The author is a frequent consumer of 'icy milk' and typically orders the G5, which includes pudding, caramel, and boba, but they opt to exclude the boba. They recently tried the almond milk tea and found it to be delightful and perfectly suited to their taste. However, similar to a previous review, the establishment had run out of boba before 6 pm, which caused a slight delay in preparing the drink. The author notes that the tea is not made from powdered almond tea, unlike other fast-serve establishments.
Despite the absence of boba, the author enjoys the G5 'icy milk' and appreciates the quality of the almond milk tea. The establishment's lack of boba before a certain time may cause a delay in preparing drinks, but it does not compromise the tea's taste. The author's preference for fresh ingredients over powdered options is notable, suggesting a higher standard for the quality of their beverages. Overall, the author's assessment of the establishment's drinks is positive, highlighting their distinct taste and freshness.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Dinner
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22. Honeybear Boba
Cozy atmosphere, Fast wifi, Comfortable seating

Honeybear Boba, located in San Francisco, CA, offers a wide selection of delicious drinks and tasty toppings. A recent visit included ordering the taro milk tea and peach green tea with tapioca toppings, both of which were enjoyable and full of flavor. The boba shop provides unique topping options such as crema, pudding, and grass jelly, encouraging future visits to try these interesting alternatives. Despite the vast variety of toppings, the size of the boba/tapioca balls was noticeably smaller than those at other boba shops.
Visiting Honeybear Boba in San Francisco, CA, offers an extensive menu of delectable beverages and distinctive toppings. During a recent stop, the taro milk tea and peach green tea with tapioca toppings were delightful and well-balanced in flavor. Honeybear Boba raises curiosity with additional topping choices, such as crema, pudding, and grass jelly, enticing further exploration with subsequent visits. The one downside to the experience is the size of the boba/tapioca balls, which appear to be smaller compared to other boba establishments.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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23. Tpumps
Offers cute and Instagrammable drinks, Located in the heart of San Francisco's Inner Sunset neighborhood

Boba tea, also known as bubble tea, is a popular drink that offers a unique and customizable experience. The boba tea at this establishment is particularly noteworthy, with a wide variety of flavors and the option for customers to create their own drink combinations. One standout option is the honey boba, which adds a touch of sweetness to the drink.
What makes this boba tea exceptional is the unique taste and the ability to customize drinks to one's liking. With a range of different syrups to choose from, customers can create any combination they desire. Whether you prefer a fruity, sweet, or classic milk tea, the possibilities are endless. The overall recommendation is that you try this boba tea, as it offers a one-of-a-kind flavor experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
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24. Dots

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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25. Mission Bay - Little Sweet

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Affordable Nightlife
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26. Happy Lemon Drumm Street
Handmade tapioca pearls, Customizable sugar levels, Fresh fruit teas

Once a top location in the city, Happy Lemon Drumm Street, a popular boba tea shop, may now be under new management, which could explain the recent decline in quality. The shop is known for its delicious bubble waffles, which were previously crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, even in the center, a consistency that is often hard to achieve.
Situated in the Embarcadero area, Happy Lending Drumm Street offers a wide range of both cold and warm drinks, making it an ideal spot for visitors throughout the year, regardless of the season. The shop's extensive menu includes an array of boba tea options, providing something for everyone to enjoy.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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27. Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea Japantown
Friendly staff, Cozy atmosphere, Uses real fruit in tea recipes

Bubble tea is a popular drink that many enjoy. Two popular varieties are the brown sugar and classic milk tea with bubbles. The pearls in the bubble tea are a standout feature, known for their perfectly chewy texture.
The bubble tea here is consistently delicious. The tea is full of flavor, and the pearls are always fresh. If you're looking for a recommendation, the brown sugar bubble tea is highly recommended. However, the classic milk tea with bubbles is always a reliable choice.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Lunch
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28. Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea
Hand-shaken brewing techniques, natural ingredients, fresh fruit

Bubble tea from Yifang is a must-try for any tea or dessert lover. The brown sugar pearls were a standout component of the drink, providing a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The tea itself was refreshing and had a natural taste, making it a satisfying beverage option.
The bubble tea ordered from Yifang was a delicious and well-balanced drink. The perfect level of sweetness was achieved without overpowering the taste of the tea. The quality of the drink was impressive, making it an easy choice to order again in the future.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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29. Tea Plus
Offers boba milk caps and fresh fruit teas

This establishment is a great place to enjoy bubble tea, a popular drink that has gained widespread popularity. The drinks served here are always fresh and delicious, ensuring a satisfying experience for customers.
The bubble tea offered at this location is particularly noteworthy. The variety of flavors available is impressive, providing customers with a wide range of options to choose from. This makes it an ideal spot for bubble tea enthusiasts looking to try something new and exciting.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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30. Bobahead

The boba was good, but the employee who worked the window tonight (July 25, 2023) was very rude. Even though we were first in line for the ride before the bus that arrived later, when we got to the window she told us we had to get back in line even though the speaker was at the front... The people usually mentions boba, drinks. , drink, service, good, line, order, card, customer, unit, Eugene, United States × Loading... Search around me Home United States Oregon Lane County Eugene BOBAHEAD - West 11
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
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31. Union Square- Little Sweet
Cozy atmosphere, located in the heart of Union Square

The service provided is designed for quick and easy use, with a streamlined check-in process that allows for minimal wait time. Preparation of drinks takes around 10 minutes, ensuring that customers can get their orders quickly and efficiently.
However, for those willing to wait a bit longer, the service offers fruit of exceptional quality. The fruit used is slightly sweeter than what is typically available, elevating the taste of the drinks and making the wait time worth it. Despite the potential for longer wait times, the high-quality fruit used in the drinks makes the experience worthwhile.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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32. Happy Lemon

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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33. Financial District - Little Sweet

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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