Top 5 Bubble Tea Near Times Square, NY

1) Gong Cha

Our Review of Gong Cha in Times Square, NY

Upon my recent visit to this humming bubble tea hub, my palate was in for a treat that could only be described as ‘to die for’, the best I’ve ever had! The bubble tea here is not just a beverage – it is an experience. It fits neatly into an urban metropolis, balancing the distinctive character of Manhattan with the universal appeal of bubble tea.

Being quite the enthusiast, I’ve sampled numerous flavors across many locations, and the consistency here was a welcome comfort. You can feel confident knowing that whatever bubble tea choice you make, it’s going to meet your expectations.

The staff too left a sweet impression, you can really feel the effervescent charm of their service. Their commitment to fabulous customer experiences made me feel eager for my next visit.

Coming here on a hot day? Brace yourself for a refreshing surprise! They keep up with the seasons by rolling out new flavors, like a rejuvenating piña colada flavor in their pineapple bubble tea, conjuring up seaside resorts and cool breezes in the bustling city.

In terms of ambiance, even on a typical Friday afternoon, the place is not overrun. It’s busy enough to enjoy the city’s pulse, but not too hectic, making it an ideal spot to take a breather, or even catch up with friends over their delightful bubble tea.

Regardless of whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a new explorer in the world of bubble tea, this place stands as a beacon of consistent quality, inviting service, and innovative flavor adventure. I, for one, am already looking forward to my next visit! So, to all bubble tea lovers out there – mark my words, this place is not to be missed!

2) Biao Sugar

Our Review of Biao Sugar in Times Square, NY

Upon entering Biao Sugar, one could immediately sense its reputation of being one of the most iconic bubble tea shops in NYC. Though nestled quaintly in the bustling heart of Korea Town, its popularity amongst both locals and tourists alike is palpable.

The overall vibe of this place can easily heighten the expectations of any bubble tea aficionado. However, rest assured that this hype doesn’t outshine the actual quality of their drinks. The first sip of their Brown Sugar Boba has a delightful way of exceeding any initial skepticism, blending aesthetics and taste in one gratifying gulp. The drink’s flavor profile, though deceptively simple, has a certain depth that becomes all the more enjoyable with each sip.

One noteworthy aspect of this place is their distinct take on packaging. The drinks come in endearing packages that, far from being just a marketing gimmick, add a certain appeal to the whole bubble tea experience without putting a significant dent on your pocket. It’s an elegant balance of style and affordability.

Finally, it’s worth noting the timing of your visit. You see, Biao Sugar is not simply a place, but an experience. To really enjoy it without the rush or crowd, I’d suggest dropping by around early evening. This allows you to unwind, enjoy your drink and truly appreciate the ambiance that has helped Biao Sugar garner its well-deserved reputation.

In the burgeoning world of craving-satiating bubbling teas, Biao Sugar, though perhaps geographically limited, still remains a standout. Its finesse in balancing aesthetics with quality, taste and affordability is truly commendable, demonstrating that true worth often lies in the masterful execution of simplicity.

3) Xing Fu Tang

Our Review of Xing Fu Tang in Times Square, NY

Visiting the Taiwanese milk tea spot in NYC has been quite the gastronomic adventure, and something that causes my taste buds to dance in pure delight. As a devout enthusiast of brown sugar, I was brimming with anticipation to give it a whirl. From the moment I joined the queue, it’s impossible to overlook the bustling vibrancy of this tea haven. They say patience is a virtue, but the slightly sluggish service might test yours. But worry not, for the exceptional end result justifies the time spent.

This bubble tea shop is brilliantly nestled right on St. Marks. It’s one of those places you stumble upon while wandering around the city, promising yourself you’ll pop in next time. Now that I have, I can only kick myself for not stepping in sooner. The allure of this gem is irresistible, and I found myself drawn to it thrice so far – a testament to its magnetic taste spectacle.

As an aficionado of bubble tea, I confess that this has been my best boba experience so far. The charm of this place only heightens around dinner time. You may be greeted with a somewhat intimidating line that stretches out the door post 9pm, but rest assured, it advances rather swiftly. Don’t let the popularity deter you, buckle up and join the queue; the truly divine bubble tea experience that awaits you is oh-so-worth the wait. Prepare for a bubble tea journey that will hit all the right notes and keep you coming back for more!

4) Ho Ho Té

Our Review of Ho Ho Té in Times Square, NY

What an incredible experience I had at this fabulous boba spot! Without a doubt, after my recent visit, it easily marked itself as one of my favorite spots in the city to indulge in a refreshing and satisfying bubble tea. Trust me when I say that the optimal sugar level to hit that divine sweet spot for their drinks is 75% – it reveals an extraordinary layer of flavor that is simply irresistible!

The star of the show for me was certainly their taro milk tea and matcha latte. The taro milk tea boasted a dazzling flavor profile that danced on my tongue – it was like the wonderful, harmonious marriage of creaminess and sweetness. Their matcha latte similarly command the taste buds with a smooth, creamy texture, along with the subtle, refreshing notes of matcha. It left quite an unforgettable impression on me. I found the kiosk ordering system to be a delightfully modern touch, perfectly convenient and quick, though I was slightly disappointed that they didn’t have Thai milk tea on the menu.

Living nearby to this gem of a boba place has been a blessing, they’ve come through as the perfect destination for a much-needed after-school pick-me-up. Their bubble tea easily qualifies as my go-to snack, always catering to my sweet tooth and leaving me utterly content. If you are a boba aficionado like me, you owe it to yourself to experience this sensational spot! Mark my words, you will find yourself coming back for more, much like I did.

5) Modern Tea Shop

Our Review of Modern Tea Shop in Times Square, NY

On my recent trip to the Big Apple, I happened across a charming bubble tea haven without even trying – a slightly-hidden gem right off bustling Broadway. The Modern Tea Shop is a petite wonder that you might just walk past without another look! Regardless, I consider this to be a delightful bubble tea spot that holds its own in the heart of New York City.

The menu may not be extensive, and one might argue that there are other shops catering to more adventurous palates, but the selection is still ample enough to satisfy. I cannot emphasize enough how well they do with what they have. Each cup of boba is an expertly crafted taste sensation. They don’t just make bubble tea, but they make it well.

I have to admit that despite the cornucopia of eating and drinking options in the city, I was drawn back to this spot multiple times during my stay. That, in my opinion, is a testament to the pull this humble place has. Anyone with even the most fleeting of visits to New York must experience the magic of Modern Tea Shop.

Modern Tea Shop is a small, compact location that absolutely should not be overlooked despite its more modest menu. The drinks served here are top-notch, prepared with precision and passion. Multiple visits are not just recommended, they’re pretty much essential if you want to get the full Modern Tea Shop experience. Even if bubble tea is not your must-have, one visit here might just sway you into becoming a full-blown boba convert!