Best Bets For Boba (Bubble Tea) In Boston

Before we went crazy for frozen yogurt and cupcakes, there was boba. This Asian-inspired drink served hot or cold in a variety of flavors is packed with chewy, mouth-watering tapioca pearls. Choose from a refreshing, fruity drink or a warm, delicious milky tea—the combinations are endless. Here are a few of our favorites Boston spots for bubble tea.

Infusions Tea Spa

110 Brighton Ave.
Allston, MA
(617) 254-1122
Hours: Mon - Fri 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.; Sat - Sun 10 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
website and info

No one likes chewing into a hard, firm boba. And you won't find that problem here. The boba you get with your fruity or milky teas are the perfect consistency, not to soft and not too firm. The extensive selection of teas at Infusions is also impressive. Choose from a variety of milk teas (regular, coffee, almond, peach, green tea and many more) and fruit teas (try the passion fruit green tea), and you're bound to find more than one favorite. For those who want some food with their tea, give one of their snacks a try. Our favorite are the tea eggs, eggs boiled in tea leaves and seasonings. Yum.

Dado Tea

955 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA
(617) 497-9061
Hours: Mon - Thurs 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Fri 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Sat 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Sun 9:00
am - 6:00 pm
website and info

They've got sandwiches and snacks, lunch specials and loose and herbal teas, but their bubble teas are the standout. We love the Taro, but the Peach Blosson tea is a must-try too--it has just the perfect amount of sweetness. You can also ask for no sugar, skim or soy milk when you order your bubble tea. For those not into tea, try Dado Tea's smoothies, they are a light, fruity and perfectly refreshing treat, as well.

Boston Tea Stop

54 JFK Street
Cambridge, MA
(617) 945-0017
Hours: Mon - Sun 12:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Their boba has such a perfect chewy consistency, that you'll want an extra spoonful of them in your tea. Our picks from the Boston Tea Shop are their fruity teas -- the blueberry, strawberry, kiwi are nice and refreshing. And for the undecisive--you can mix up to three flavors in a cup! If you like your bubble tea extra cold, try the slushies or the smoothies, or even the much-raved-about mochi ice cream. They're the perfect way to cool off during a hot day. But if you're needing a warm pick-me-up, go for a hot tea.

Lollicup

1095 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA
(617) 782-2622
Hours: Mon - Thurs, Sun 11:00 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fri - Sat 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
website and info

Lollicup is a chain, but we can't deny that their bubble teas and smoothies put a smile on our faces. Their taro and coconut milk teas are the perfect combination of cool creaminess, and the boba pearls provide that great kick. But our favorites are the Caramel Milk Tea, ice milk tea with creamy caramel and a layer of milk foam. And if you want to mix it up and venture away from the boba, try their pudding (yes, pudding!) in milk, taro, even eggnog flavors.

Bubble-T-Zone

1082 Dorchester Ave
Dorchester, MA
(617) 314-9587
Hours: Mon, Wed - Sun 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
website

Their tea/flavor selection may not be as extensive as other bubble tea shops, but what they have will definitely hit the spot. We like the classic milk tea, taro and jasmine green tea and the tapioca pearls are have a great, chewy (but not too soft) texture. Bubble-T-Zone (which offers free wi-fi!) also offers an array of great desserts, including flan, coconut pudding and coco-pandan waffle. We'll definitely be back to try these specialty treats.

What are your favorite places for boba in Boston? Share your recommendations in the comments section below.