Food fads may come and go, but boba drinks seem to have become a staple item in people's diets. As residents of Southern California, it's basically an obligation to know what these chewy pearl drinks are all about.
Chaptown has a close and convenient boba shop nearby called Dragonfly Tea Bar, where getting drinks and catching up with friends is almost a weekly thing for some people. But for those who want to stretch their toes and explore beyond the limits of the little town of Orange, here's a list of some of SoCal's most popular and beloved boba shops.
1. Tastea - Opened in 2000, this place has unique drinks with equally unique and catchy names. A new location just opened last month!
- 10189 Westminster Ave,Garden Grove, CA 92843 (7.7 miles from Chapman)
- 1175 Baker St, Ste E21 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (11.6 miles from Chapman)
2. Tapioca Express - With ingredients imported from Taiwan, which is where boba originated, this place won't disappoint with their variety of drinks.
- 9922 Bolsa AveWestminster, CA 92683 (9.4 miles from Chapman)
- 1441 W MacArthur Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92707 (9.9 miles from Chapman)
- 3033 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (10.4 miles from Chapman)
- 5408 Walnut Ave, Irvine, CA 92604 (10.5 miles from Chapman)
- 4250 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604 (11.3 miles from Chapman)
- 2636 Dupont Dr, Irvine, CA 92612 (11.7 miles from Chapman)
3. Cha For Tea - Known for their great location and fresh teas, this place located in the University Town Center next to UCI has become a prime hang out spot for college students everywhere
- 4187 Campus Dr, Irvine, CA 92612 (14.5 miles from Chapman)
4. Fusion Tea Bar - This place's modern environment and delicious pastries are an added bonus to their infusions of exotic drinks.
- 13771 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780 (6 miles from Chapman)
- 16051 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (10.3 miles from Chapman)
5. 7 Leaves - Priding themselves on their natural herbal flavors and what started out as a 7 drink menu, this place has expanded both their stores and menu to further please customers.
- 13481 Euclid St, Garden Grove, CA 92840 (5.7 miles from Chapman)
- 9786 Westminster Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92844 (8.5 miles from Chapman)
6. Tebo Tebo - With a name that comes from "tea in a bottle", this place is the perfect place for those who want boba to-go as well as for those who want to dine in.
- 13916 Brookhurst St, Garden Grove, CA 92843 (8.3 miles from Chapman)
- 15556 Brookhurst St, Westminster, CA 92683 (10.2 miles from Chapman)
7. Class 302 - This adorable Taiwanese restaurant that looks like a classroom (hence its name!) serves boba, shaved ice, as well as real food. Their drinks are on the more inexpensive side and come in larger cups.
- 18090 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92612 (12.9 miles from Chapman)
8. Cha2O - A restaurant with dim, colorful lights calls for a good time, whether you want to grab dinner or just some boba with friends
- 100 S Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832 (9.5 miles from Chapman)
9. Tra Tea House - A great hangout spot with unique flavors like winter melon, this place should definitely be given a try.
- 14291 Euclid St, Garden Grove, CA 92843 (6.4 miles from Chapman)
10. Half & Half - This is definitely the farthest location, but one of the must-try boba places. Popular for their frosty milks and gigantic sized cups, this place is certainly worth the drive.
- 17575 Colima Rd, Rowland Heights, CA 91748 (19.1 miles from Chapman)
Whether you end up liking the tapioca pearls or not, you can always find a tea or smoothie suitable for you. And each location's hip, edgy environment is undoubtedly the perfect place for you to catch up with your big or little.
