Top 5 Bubble Tea Near Santa Monica, CA

1) MILK+T

Our Review of MILK+T in Santa Monica, CA

After my recent visit to this hidden gem in Little Tokyo, I can confidently say this bubble tea spot has quickly climbed my list of favorites.

I was incredibly pleased to encounter such a warm and welcoming staff. Their enthusiasm is infectious and made the whole experience feel personal. Even with an indecisive palate, you’re sure to be recommended a drink that’ll leave you thrilled and eager to return.

The setting boasts an understated charm nestled quietly on the outskirts of Little Tokyo. And yet, don’t be fooled by the modesty of its size – they pack a mighty punch in terms of the spectrum of drink options available. With a wide variety and combo of flavors, each visit can offer a novel experience to your taste buds.

One thing I was particularly fond of was their balanced sweetness. The drinks have just the right amount of sugar – not too much to overwhelm and masking the true flavor, but just enough to bring out the best in every sip.

And if you’re ever in the mood to just chill at home, you’d be thrilled to know that their bubble tea can find its way to your doorstep. So, whether it’s you going to the drink or the drink coming to you, this spot ensures that you’re taken care of.

Potent with possibilities and brimming with charm, this bubble tea shop should not be missed especially if you’re around Little Tokyo.

2) Boba Guys

Our Review of Boba Guys in Santa Monica, CA

Upon my recent visit to this bubble tea spot, I was instantly taken by the vibrant ambiance and ease of access, thanks to a nearby parking structure that only added to its convenience. The first sip I took of the mango jasmine bubble tea was a delightful mix of fruity subtleness combined with the delicate undertones of jasmine, certainly a drink I would wholeheartedly recommend.

But let’s talk matcha. Honestly, I was feeling slightly adventurous and went for the Strawberry Matcha latte with boba. The strawberry puree sets the stage, offering a not-too-sweet but poignant punctuation to the earthy matcha. As if that wasn’t delicious enough, the boba pearls add a playful element that wraps it up as a delectable package.

On another occasion, not being one to shy away from seasonal specials, I couldn’t resist trying a newly introduced bubble tea, the Midori Cloud. All I can say about this choice is, it certainly was a departure from the norm – in the best way possible. Clearly, this location presents bubble tea lovers with a delightful array of options that are sure to cater to anyone’s palate.

3) Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea

Our Review of Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea in Santa Monica, CA

Visiting this bubble tea venue on Sawtelle can be quite the roller-coaster of flavors and experiences. If I were to commend one drink for its all-around excellence, it would have to be the Brown Sugar Pearl Latte. This particular variant has an adherent sweetness that’s just right for those who appreciate a robust and authentic tea. The drink provides a pleasant, creamy sensation that is hard to resist with each sip, creating a perfect blend of smooth vibrancy on your taste buds.

However, it’s worth noting that if you prefer your drink a touch less sweet or with less ice, you might want to consider other options. The brown sugar pearl milk tea, another popular choice, shines with an understated nondairy glamour. Its sweetness and ice levels are static, not accommodating any alterations – a little something that you might want to keep in mind when ordering.

Amid the exhilaration, there are a few downsides too. Upon trying the taro balls, my high hopes were dashed. These balls, sadly, did not hit the mark, coming off as unpleasantly hard and lacking their cherished chewy texture – a considerable lapse in an otherwise indulgent experience.

To recap, this bubble tea spot strikes a high note with its Brown Sugar Pearl latte. It’s an authentic explosion of flavors that never fails to impress. The Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea, though a tad inflexible in customization options, also adds a delightful twist for nondairy option seekers. However, the taro balls might need a relook to bring out their delectable ‘chewy’ character. This is a spot that you certainly wouldn’t want to miss out on when you’re around Sawtelle.

4) Wushiland Boba

Our Review of Wushiland Boba in Santa Monica, CA

Walking into Wushiland Boba in Los Angeles, you are immediately greeted with a variety and novelty that sets it apart from other bubble tea locations. Personally, the first thing I noticed was their willingness to innovate, this was impressively showcased with the introduction of oat tea lattes to their menu – a delightful option for more health-conscious boba lovers.

My taste buds were particularly wooed by their Black Tea Oat Latte. I found it interesting how the integration of half boba and half grass jelly added a delightful textural variety to the drink, and with 70% sugar and less ice, it was beautifully balanced – a song of just the right sweetness and temperature.

Then there’s their milk tea with ice cream, an unusual but brilliantly enticing combination. The creaminess of the ice cream perfectly composes the bold flavors of the milk tea. It’s a concoction that shows Wushiland isn’t just about traditional bubble tea, but rather about adventurous combinations that tickle and challenge the palate.

Fundamentally, Wushiland Boba’s variety of drinks and commitment to inventive teatime treats makes it a must-visit, even for those who may not consider themselves big boba drinkers. Whether you’re a seasoned bubble tea lover or a novice wanting to try it out, Wushiland Boba has the perfect flavor profile waiting for you. All in all, I’d rate it a solid 9/10 for not only quenching our thirst but also raising the bar of what a boba tea experience can be. It really is a novel encounter that any tea-enthusiast should give a go.

5) The Boba Cafe

Our Review of The Boba Cafe in Santa Monica, CA

Upon setting foot in this charming bubble tea spot in Woodland Hills, I felt an instant vibe of coziness. I appreciate how swiftly you’re attended to by the highly efficient staff, even during peak times, speeding up the process to dive into bubble tea heaven quicker.

Now let’s get down to the juicy part, the bubble tea. The milk tea here simply stands out. The richness of the brown sugar syrup perfectly complements it, creating an impeccable balance of sweetness, especially at the 50% level. This exquisite blend will no doubt tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Furthermore, I found the variety of the drinks on offer quite delightful. For bubble tea connoisseurs keen on trying new flavors or those who fancy sticking with familiar favorites, this place doesn’t disappoint.

For someone like me, who has a discerning palate for bubble tea, finding a remarkable boba place can be quite challenging. But within the SFV, I have to say, this spot notably ranks amongst the top contenders.

In summary, if you’re seeking a consistent bubble tea experience that delivers on both speed and quality, this establishment is definitely worth venturing to. Despite the limited bubble tea competition in the west valley, this place is not just settling for ‘good enough’. They are setting the bar high and living up to it!