Boba– or bubble tea– is a global craze that has led to countless tea shops popping up around the world. The sweet treat’s wide variety of customizable toppings and flavors means there is something for everyone, which is why {510} Families has put together some of the best boba tea places in the East Bay! We hope you find your new favorite boba spot in Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda, & Beyond.
What is the best boba to get for beginners?
New to boba? The massive selection of flavors and toppings can be a bit overwhelming. I recommend sticking to a simple milk tea with regular black boba pearls to get a sense of the classic taste that people around the world love. Many boba places also have a chocolate milk tea flavor– which is a great option for the kids (it’s basically chocolate milk with boba in it). Just make sure it’s caffeine-free of course unless you want your kids bouncing off the walls.
If black or green tea isn’t your flavor, try a fruity boba! Mango and strawberry are great beginning options for hesitant drinkers. In terms of toppings, I would advise sticking with the classic tapioca pearls until you feel up for graduating to the more adventurous jellies and popping boba.
The great thing about boba is how you can adjust the amount of sugar, ice, and toppings to suit your tastes. The vast majority of boba places also offer a non-dairy creamer option to make the drink completely vegan. And if no amount of customization can make boba your cup of tea (literally), don’t worry– many boba places offer slushies or even food, so you can enjoy a treat or two of your own. Regardless, there’s always ice cream… Check out our East Bay ice cream guide >>
Berkeley Boba Places:
- Mochiholic – On Berkeley’s Southside, Mochiholic offers boba, Vietnamese coffee, mochi smoothies, and best of all mochi donuts. Open for pickup and delivery every day.
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2404 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley - Purple Kow – Located in the heart of Downtown Berkeley, Purple Kow is frequented by high school and college students enjoying their wide variety of drinks and small bites. Open for takeout and dine-in.
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2508 Channing Way, Berkeley - RareTea Berkeley – Visit the Berkeley location of this popular and beloved boba chain, with shops throughout California and beyond.
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2440 Bancroft Way, Berkeley - Asha Tea House – In downtown Berkeley, Asha Tea House offers a rotating seasonal menu and delicious baked goods. Open daily.
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2086 University Ave, Berkeley
Oakland Boba Places:
- Boba Guys – Located in Rockridge, Boba Guys boasts exceptional boba throughout the Bay Area & more. Order ahead and pick up in-store. You can even try making it yourself with the Boba Guys Boba Kit! Order The Boba Kit online and make a delicious boba milk tea at home.
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5925 College Ave, Oakland - Mr. Green Bubble – Try this local favorite boba place with locations throughout the bay, serving gorgeous drinks and sweet & savory snacks. Order online for pickup. Open Sunday – Thursday 11am – 8pm & Friday – Saturday 11am – 10pm.
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4299 Piedmont Ave, Oakland - Suptea Lab – Located on Grand Ave, Suptea Lab features a variety of fruity and milky teas options, along with a wide selection of food, including both sweet and savory waffles. Open Tuesday – Sunday 11 AM to 8 PM. Order online for pickup or delivery.
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3349 Grand Ave, Oakland - Boba Binge – Boba Binge, with two locations in Oakland, is my go-to spot for a banh mi and a Thai Tea Tornado. They also offering plenty of caffeine-free smoothie and slushy options perfect for kids.
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1004 Webster St, Oakland
2212 Broadway, Oakland, - Tutti Frutti – This frozen yogurt shop in Montclair also has amazing boba. Why not enjoy both? Open for takeout every day from 12-7:00 pm.
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2066 Mountain Blvd, Oakland
Alameda Boba Places:
- Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea – Located in Alameda’s South Shore Center, this popular boba chain has locations all over the Bay Area. Order online for in-store pickup. Added bonus: a play area just around the corner.
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409 S Shore Center, Alameda - Gong Cha – At this Park Street location, you can fully customize your drink—adjust the sweetness, ice level, and toppings just the way you like it. Don’t forget to grab a mochi waffle to enjoy on the side.
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1501 Park St, Alameda - RareTea – Alameda location of the popular and well-loved boba place with locations across California & beyond. Order online and pick up your delicious drink in-store.
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2670 Fifth St, Alameda - Top Up Tea – Located in the Neptune Plaza Shopping Center, Top Up Tea has great fruit drinks and yummy small bites to compliment. Order online ahead of time to pick up in-store.
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650 Central Ave, Alameda
Other Favorite Boba Places:
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- Nomi Tea – Located in Albany, Nomi Tea brings delicious boba to Solano Ave. It’s my favorite location for a great, not-too-sweet classic milk tea. Open every day from 1-6 pm. Order online ahead of time and pick up in-store.
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1475 Solano Ave, Albany - Le Dessert Lab – Inside Richmond’s Pacific East Mall, Le Dessert Lab has it all—desserts, snacks, blended drinks, sparkling spritzers, and classic milk tea.
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3288 Pierce St, Richmond - ChaChaCha – Visit Fremont’s ChaChaCha for colorful drinks but don’t leave without trying a Korean Cheesy Coin and croffle. Open daily. Order online ahead of time and pick up in-store.
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3623 Thornton Avenue, Fremont
- Nomi Tea – Located in Albany, Nomi Tea brings delicious boba to Solano Ave. It’s my favorite location for a great, not-too-sweet classic milk tea. Open every day from 1-6 pm. Order online ahead of time and pick up in-store.
Don’t see your favorite place? Comment below so we can check it out. Happy boba-ing!
