Bubble tea has become a popular beverage choice for many people in Chicago.
This Taiwanese drink, also known as boba tea or pearl milk tea, is made with a combination of tea, milk, and tapioca pearls. It has a unique flavor and texture that many people find addictive.
If you're on the hunt for the best bubble tea in Chicago, you're in luck. The city is home to numerous cafes and tea shops that offer a variety of flavors and styles of this beloved drink.
Whether you're a fan of classic milk tea or enjoy experimenting with new and unique flavors, there's a bubble tea shop in Chicago that will satisfy your cravings.
But with so many options to choose from, it's hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together this guide to help you navigate the city's bubble tea scene.
We've scoured the city to find the best places for bubble tea, so you can sip on your favorite drink with confidence. From trendy cafes to hole-in-the-wall spots, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover the best places for bubble tea in Chicago!
1. Gathers Tea Bar
Gathers Tea Bar is a cozy little spot that serves up some of the best bubble tea in town.
Their extensive menu features a variety of authentic and flavorful teas, with the perfect ratio of tea, milk, and ice.
The bubbles are sweet and not too soft, making for a delightful drinking experience.
The staff is friendly and the service is top-notch. If you're looking for a great bubble tea place, Gathers is definitely worth a visit.
2. Eli Tea Bar
Eli Tea Bar is a trendy tea house that serves artisanal bubble teas and loose leaf teas in a vibrant decor. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they offer helpful suggestions for their inventive and delicious drinks.
The atmosphere is welcoming and chill, making it a great spot for catching up with friends or doing some light work.
The menu includes unique milk tea options, such as Ube Tres Leches with coconut milk, and the lychee jasmine bubble tea is a must-try.
Eli Tea Bar is a top-notch place for tea lovers and a great addition to any neighborhood.
3. Hello Jasmine
Hello Jasmine is a must-visit bubble tea spot for anyone in search of authentic Taiwanese flavors.
The customizable drinks are made to perfection every time, with boba that strikes the perfect balance of bounciness and tenderness.
The cozy and creative ambiance makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the delicious food and drink offerings.
The friendly staff and efficient kiosk ordering system ensure a seamless experience every time. Don't miss out on this gem of a spot for bubble tea and Taiwanese street food.
4. Taipei Cafe
Taipei Cafe is a bubble tea store that offers a wide variety of drinks and Taiwanese food. The food is authentic and flavorful, reminiscent of what can be found in Taiwan.
The portions are generous and reasonably priced. The staff is friendly and helpful in recommending menu items.
The interior is cozy and decorated with a chic vibe. The tea drinks are refreshing and come in unique flavors.
The only downside is the limited seating available. Taipei Cafe is a must-try for anyone craving authentic Taiwanese food and refreshing bubble tea drinks.
5. TBaar
Looking for the perfect bubble tea place that offers a wide range of drinks and amazing service, look no further than TBaar.
With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, it is the perfect place to sit and unwind after a long day.
TBaar offers a large selection of bubble tea drinks, including lactose-free and dairy-free options, making it a great place for everyone to enjoy.
Their boba is always perfectly made and full of flavor, making every sip a delight. With fast delivery and well-packaged drinks, TBaar is the go-to spot for anyone in need of a delicious and refreshing bubble tea fix.
6. Tai Chi Bubble Tea
Tai Chi Bubble Tea is a great spot for bubble tea lovers. They offer a wide variety of drinks, including fruit, milk, and bubble tea.
Customers can also enjoy savory eats like ramen, poke, sushi burritos, and bowls.
The restaurant is clean and has a cozy atmosphere, making it a great place to work or study. The staff is friendly and provides fast service.
Tai Chi Bubble Tea is highly recommended for those looking for a quick and delicious meal or drink.
7. Outdoor Cafe
Outdoor Cafe is a funky coffee and dessert shop with a great vibe. They offer a variety of bubble teas that are 10 out of 10.
The staff is friendly and always willing to help. The cafe has a cozy atmosphere with couches and tables, perfect for studying or hanging out with friends.
They also have board games to play while sipping on your drink. If you're in the mood for food, their paninis and ramen are worth trying.
Outdoor Cafe is a great spot to relax and enjoy a delicious bubble tea.
8. Gosa Tea
Gosa Tea is a bubble tea store that is loved by locals. The staff is always friendly and quick to serve, even during busy times.
The milk tea is delicious and the Brown sugar tapioca Milk is a must-try. Adding cream cheese makes it even better.
The quality of the tapioca is high, and the Roasted Oolong Milk Tea comes highly recommended. The interior decor is lovely and creates a nice ambience.
The lychee tea is refreshing and perfect for summer. Gosa Tea is a great place to hang out with friends and family while enjoying some of the best boba tea around.
9. Daboba
Daboba is a fantastic bubble tea store that is highly recommended.
They offer a roasted brown sugar pearl matcha that is delicious, especially when ordered with less sugar.
The drink is topped with milkcap and blow-torched before sealing, making it a unique and tasty experience.
The tapioca pearl boba is also excellent, making it a great place to grab a bubble tea.
10. Gong Cha
If you're looking for a delicious bubble tea experience, Gong Cha is the place to go. With a variety of flavors to choose from, customers can customize their drinks to their liking.
The brown sugar milk tea with boba is a must-try and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The staff is friendly and efficient, making for a quick and enjoyable experience.
Gong Cha is a great option for those looking for a refreshing drink on a hot day or a sweet treat any time of the year.
11. B.I. Tea and Dim Sum
B.I. Tea and Dim Sum is a must-visit place for bubble tea lovers. They offer a wide range of flavors and toppings to choose from.
The service is friendly and speedy, making it an ideal spot for a quick drink.
The dim sums are fantastic too, especially the chicken dumplings and mushroom roll. During happy hour, their dim sums come with a free bubble tea and bun.
The location is inside a popular market, making it a convenient stop for anyone in the area.
12. VinTea
VinTea is a bubble tea store that serves a variety of authentic and tasty bubble teas. Their mango and matcha milk teas are highly recommended.
The food, especially the banh mi and pork chops, are fresh and flavorful. The generous serving sizes offer good value for the price.
The staff is friendly and the service is fast. The boba is the right amount of chewy and not too sweet.
The restaurant could improve the lighting and music to create a more inviting atmosphere. Nevertheless, VinTea is a great place to stop by for a quick snack or refreshing drink.
13. Tea%
Tea% is a must-visit for bubble tea enthusiasts. With a variety of flavors and toppings to choose from, this small boba shop is sure to satisfy your cravings.
The staff are friendly and helpful, ensuring that you get the perfect drink to suit your tastes.
In addition to bubble tea, Tea% also offers smoothies, pastries, and desserts, making it a great spot for a quick snack.
Don't miss out on trying the popping boba – it's a delicious addition to any drink. Whether you're in the mood for a classic milk tea or something more adventurous, Tea% has got you covered.
14. Tsaocaa Lincoln Park
Tsaocaa Lincoln Park is a newly opened bubble tea store that offers a wide range of flavors to choose from.
The service is wonderful and the tea is delicious. The chicken wings and fries are also worth trying.
The store has abundant parking which makes it easy to stop by and grab a snack.
If you're looking for a solid spot for bubble tea, Tsaocaa Lincoln Park is definitely worth a visit.
15. Bingo Tea
Bingo Tea is the perfect spot for bubble tea lovers. With a great selection of teas and add-ins, customers can mix and match to their hearts' content.
The tapioca is perfectly made and the foam choices are exceptional.
The store has limited seating but provides a comfortable atmosphere to hang out in.
The staff is friendly and fast, ensuring that customers get their drinks quickly. Prices are reasonable, making this a great spot to grab a drink in Chinatown.
