Top 5 Bubble Tea Near Pasadena, CA

1) Boba Ave Express

Our Review of Boba Ave Express in Pasadena, CA

Upon visiting this bubble tea haven, the first impression that jumps out is how splendid the service is! The staff display a remarkable charm that manages to brighten up your day and make your bubble tea experience truly delightful. It’s no surprise to find myself, and I’m sure many others, repeatedly drawn back to this place.

A unique factor that sets this location apart is the convenience of a drive through. For all you bubble tea addicts out there who don’t want to step out of your vehicle, this place has you covered. It’s perfect for those on the go or just for those who appreciate the luxury of convenience.

Now, let’s delve into the heart of the matter – the bubble tea. The boba here is simply fantastic! It’s delicious and excellently prepared. I’ve had the pleasure of trying numerous flavours including the strawberry and mango smoothie brown sugar boba milk, and the brown sugar boba milk tea. The taste is rich, the texture is impeccable, and the balance of flavours is perfectly on point.

In my opinion, this bubble tea spot has easily become a hotspot for any bubble tea enthusiast out there. Whether you’re looking for a quick drive through experience, amazing service, or just some excellent, well-prepared boba- this place has it all. It’s a perfect blend of quality, service, and convenience that any bubble tea lover would adore.

2) Factory Tea Bar – San Gabriel

Our Review of Factory Tea Bar – San Gabriel in Pasadena, CA

On my recent visit to Factory Tea Bar, I was head over heels with their stellar service and delightful drink offerings. The bubble tea scene flourishes here, and it’s not hard to understand why. With an inviting atmosphere that keeps you coming back for more, this place is a must-visit for any bubble tea aficionado.

While I may have visited the place on a whim, it certainly didn’t disappoint. With a plethora of positive feedback just a click away, Factory Tea Bar is not just another bubble tea shop on the corner. Definitely a spot to check out when you have a few hours to spare and are looking to satiate your craving for a flawless cold brew.

And let’s not forget about their food offerings. My experience with their fried calamari was a bit mixed; while it didn’t quite hit the spot for me, perhaps it’s simply an acquired taste. The Boba, however, was spot on! You couldn’t ask for a better companion for your bubble tea journey.

In conclusion, Factory Tea Bar is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss. With its superior service, tantalizing tea, and a variety of snacks to choose from, it’s definitely a place to be. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur or a newbie to the world of bubble tea, Factory Tea Bar has something for everyone. This isn’t just a review; it’s a nod to the wonderful world of bubble tea that Factory Tea Bar encapsulates so well.

3) Bopomofo Cafe

Our Review of Bopomofo Cafe in Pasadena, CA

At the crack of dawn, my taste buds were greeted by a delightful array of both milk-based and fruit drinks at this bubble tea oasis. The Taro Sweet Milk was a popular choice, and I can whole-heartedly see why. The delicious union of the earthy taro and the creamy milk was simply divine. I was also pleasantly surprised by how they use beetroot to create a stunning pink layer, a touch of creativity that added both visual and taste appeal to the drink. That is what I call elevating the art of bubble tea making!

Now you can’t visit this place without trying the Bala Matcha. It reminded me why I’ve always had a deep-seated love for matcha. It was pure, earthy, and rich in flavor and had a pleasant aftertaste that lingered for just the right amount of time.

And please, do not limit your taste exploration to just the drinks. The popcorn chicken is a “must try”. Perfectly seasoned and deep-fried to perfection, it was an ideal companion to the sweet and unique drinks.

As for the service, it was exceptional. Despite being an early bird, I felt warmly received and catered for. And although it was early in the morning, the ambiance was calm and soothing, providing the perfect backdrop for delving into the symphony of flavors that each drink provided.

If you’re looking for a bubble tea place that takes classic flavors and adds a unique spin, this is definitely your spot. They strike a perfect balance between sticking to traditional methods and experimenting with contemporary flavors. Be it the classic milk-based drinks or the more daring fruit drinks, their assortment caters to all taste preferences. I whole-heartedly recommend this spot for all bubble tea lovers and for those looking to dip their toes into the wonderful world of bubble tea!

4) Tpumps – Pasadena

Our Review of Tpumps – Pasadena in Pasadena, CA

Upon my recent visit to this bubble tea spot nestled in the heart of Pasadena, Los Angeles, it felt as though the city temperature was soaring close to 90°F, a perfect day to quench one’s thirst with a refreshing boba tea. As I entered the establishment, I must admit, I felt a noticeable shift in the atmosphere that didn’t quite sit right with me; there was a certain lack of warmth and friendliness in the air, which quite frankly dampened the mood a little. My personal opinion leans heavily on the belief that any food joint should aim to create a pleasant experience not only on the culinary front but also in terms of hospitality. Even more so when you’re visiting with children.

Now coming to the star of the show – the “boba tea.” I decided to order a regular-sized oolong tea, intending to make it a milk tea. While I couldn’t find the oolong variant on the menu (a personal disappointment), I did have the liberty to tweak the sweetness level to my preference, a feature I greatly appreciated. I opted for ‘less sweet’, coupled with honey boba.

The boba tea itself was rather decent. However, the overall experience left me wanting more. The lack of certain varieties and the underwhelming customer service overshadowed the taste of the boba itself. Nonetheless, if you find yourself in Pasadena on a scorching day, this boba tea place might offer you a momentary respite but don’t expect anything extraordinary.

5) Miss Cheese Tea Cafe

Our Review of Miss Cheese Tea Cafe in Pasadena, CA

After frequenting this bubble tea location on numerous occasions, I must say, it certainly has its highs and lows. It’s an ideal spot when you’re in the mood for something sweet and satisfying. Their drinks have never failed to hit the sweet spot, and it’s become a personal favourite spot for casual dates.

However, I feel the need to add some cautionary notes. The parking situation leaves a lot to be desired. Be prepared to spend some time finding a spot, which can be particularly frustrating. Additionally, the ordering system could use a bit of an upgrade – there’s nothing more off-putting than a tech glitch when you’re hankering for a bubble tea fix. More often than not, only one of their two iPads for ordering is operational, which can slow down the process drastically.

On a related note, service speed isn’t their strongest suit. There have been instances where I found myself waiting for a good 10-15 minutes at the counter, while the staff bustled about behind the scenes. It seems they could do with a little extra efficiency, or perhaps more manpower on deck.

As for their bubble tea itself, I’m yet to try anything that didn’t meet my expectations. However, I can’t say the same about their soufflés. If you’re considering ordering one, brace yourself for a considerable wait.

All in all, while this place does have its drawbacks, when it comes to satisfying a bubble tea craving, it certainly knows how to deliver. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but the quality of their drinks can make the small inconveniences worth it. I’ll continue to drop by for my sweet fix, but I’ll always remember to be patient, and maybe pre-plan my parking!