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.
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:
- A’Cuppa Tea – Located in Elmwood, A’Cuppa Tea features boba as well as a large selection of coffees & teas, smoothies, and even food. Open for pickup and delivery every day except Mondays.
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2992 College Avenue, Berkeley - Nomi Tea – Technically in Albany, Nomi Tea brings delicious boba to Solano Ave. 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 - 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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2164 Center Street, Berkeley - RareTea Berkeley – Berkeley location of the popular and well-loved boba place with locations across California & more. Order online and pick up your delicious drink in-store.
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2440 Bancroft Way, 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 - i-Tea Oakland – Oakland location of popular boba chain with locations all over the bay. Order online to pick up in-store.
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388 9th St, Oakland - Mr. Green Bubble – Local favorite boba place with locations throughout the bay, serving gorgeous drinks and sweet & savory snacks. Order online for pickup or delivery. Open every day from 11-8 pm.
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4299 Piedmont Ave, Oakland - RareTea Oakland – Oakland location of the popular and well-loved boba place with locations across California & more. Order online and pick up your delicious drink in-store.
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5817 College Ave, Oakland - Tutti Frutti – This frozen yogurt shop in Montclair also has amazing boba. Why not enjoy both? Open for takeout every day from 12-7:30 pm.
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2066 Mountain Blvd, Oakland
Alameda Boba Places:
- iTea Alameda – Alameda location of popular boba chain with locations all over the bay. Order online to pick up in-store.
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1626 Park St, Alameda - RareTea – Alameda location of the popular and well-loved boba place with locations across California & more. Order online and pick up your delicious drink in-store.
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2670 Fifth St, Alameda - Top Up Tea – Located in 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
Don’t see your favorite place? Comment below so we can check it out. Happy boba-ing!
3 thoughts on “13 Best Boba Places in the East Bay”
Love this article! Found some new places to go. My personal favorite is yi fang on Bancroft and Telegraph in Berkeley.
Don’t forget about Fremont! So many boba options here. Check out Feng Cha (also in Berkeley), Yi Fang, Sana Tea, Tastea along with “chain” places like Happy Lemon and Teaspoon.
Asha tea house- Berkeley on University OR in OaklandZ. Surprised and sad to not see Asha on your list. No fake nothing at Asha. Best Matcha! Best boba taste/consistency. For discriminating tastes… go to Asha.