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The 16 Best Boba Tea in San Francisco

Looking for the best boba tea in San Francisco? Look no further! San Francisco is a city known for its diverse food and drink options, and boba tea is no exception. With numerous boba tea shops scattered around the city, there are plenty of choices for boba tea enthusiasts to explore.

Whether you're in the mood for a classic milk tea or a trendy fruit tea, the boba tea scene in San Francisco has something for everyone. From sweet and creamy to refreshing and light, there are endless flavor combinations to satisfy your boba cravings.

Ready to discover the top boba tea spots in San Francisco? Check out our list below to find the perfect boba tea place for you!

How we chose and ordered them

This guide does not try to list everyone. It is our pick of boba tea in San Francisco, built on each business's public reputation and on how central this service is to what it does.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3All optionsMapWhat to look for

Weigh 16 local options side by side

Black Sugar, San Francisco#1
What it does well
  • Little to no interaction with staff, ordering via a touch screen, and delicious drinks at decent prices

  • Fantastic boba drinks like matcha coffee and mango sago, with pleasant staff and a clean environment

  • Rich tea flavor, quick and friendly service, and a good selection of drinks

  • Good boba balls, super friendly staff, and delicious drinks, despite the lack of seating

Black Sugar

4.7337 reviews
320 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Black Sugar is a popular bubble tea store located in San Francisco, CA. The bar offers various service options such as delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Known for its great tea selection, Black Sugar is a favorite spot for solo dining. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd including families, LGBTQ+ individuals, tourists, and university students.

Customers have raved about their experiences at Black Sugar, leaving positive reviews. Here are some key points from recent reviews:

Overall, Black Sugar has received high ratings for its exceptional drinks, friendly staff, and inviting atmosphere. Customers enjoy the unique tea flavors and the convenience of ordering through touch screens, making it a must-visit spot for tea enthusiasts in San Francisco.

By Me Boba Tea, San Francisco#2
What it does well
  • Highly recommend the boba drinks

  • Friendly staff and clean environment

  • Wide variety to choose from

  • Reasonably priced and delicious drinks

By Me Boba Tea

4.6320 reviews
22 Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

By Me Boba Tea is a charming bubble tea store located in the heart of San Francisco. The shop offers a variety of service options such as outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers can enjoy a great selection of teas, including the popular Matcha green tea with grass jelly.

This cozy spot is known for its quaint atmosphere and clean interior, attracting both tourists and university students. Customers rave about the delicious boba drinks, with many highlighting the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Some key points from customer reviews:

Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy while exploring the city or a relaxing spot to sip on some boba, By Me Boba Tea is the place to be!

Boba Guys Hayes Valley, San Francisco#3
What it does well
  • Warm ambiance with natural light and cute decor

  • Delicious and high-quality boba drinks

  • Various seating options for different needs

  • Clean, spacious restrooms

Boba Guys Hayes Valley

4.5801 reviews
8 Octavia St UNIT 308, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Boba Guys Hayes Valley is an enchanting bubble tea store located in the heart of San Francisco. The store offers a variety of services such as Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in. Customers can indulge in their Great tea selection, Great coffee, and Great dessert options while enjoying the casual, cosy, and trendy atmosphere.

The store is popular for Solo dining and is good for working on a laptop. Patrons appreciate the wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and toilet. While the store tends to be busy and usually has a wait, it does not accept reservations.

Customers have shared their experiences, highlighting key points:

Boba Guys Fillmore, San Francisco#4
What it does well
  • Refreshing drinks but some found them too sweet.

  • Good quality boba but service was lacking in hospitality.

  • Drinks were okay but staff was perceived as rude by some.

  • Fast service and unique tea flavors available.

Boba Guys Fillmore

4.5652 reviews
1522 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Boba Guys Fillmore is a well-known bubble tea store located in San Francisco. This establishment offers a variety of service options such as delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers can enjoy a great tea selection and the place is popular for solo dining.

Some key points from customer reviews include:

The atmosphere at Boba Guys Fillmore is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it a popular spot for groups, tourists, and university students. Customers also appreciate the amenities provided, such as toilets, and find the place child-friendly. Overall, visitors can expect a unique bubble tea experience in a vibrant and welcoming environment.

Boba Guys Union Square, San Francisco#5
What it does well
  • A customer raved about the Korean Banana Milk Tea, Strawberry Matcha Latte, and Rose Black Tea, praising the dairy and caffeine-free options.

  • Another visitor highly recommended the Korean banana milk tea and matcha strawberry milk tea, pointing out the perfect balance of flavors and the delicious boba.

  • One reviewer appreciated the Jasmine Milk Tea and quick service but found the banana milk tea overly sweet and the boba too soft.

Boba Guys Union Square

4.41,493 reviews
429 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

Boba Guys Union Square is a renowned bubble tea store located in San Francisco, CA. They offer a variety of services including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers can enjoy their great coffee and tea selection in a casual and trendy atmosphere.

With a rating of 4.4 and 1493 reviews, Boba Guys Union Square has become a favorite spot for many bubble tea enthusiasts. If you're in the area, don't miss out on their unique flavors and welcoming ambiance!

Plentea, San Francisco#6
What it does well
  • Highly recommend their grapefruit tea with sea salt crema.

  • Great variety of drinks, but some flavors may need improvement.

  • Super refreshing fruit teas with helpful sugar suggestions.

  • Environmentally conscious with glass bottles and discounts for reusing.

Plentea

4.4988 reviews
341 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

Plentea is a cozy bubble tea store located in San Francisco. They offer a variety of delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Known for their great tea selection and organic dishes, Plentea is a popular spot for solo dining. Customers praise the friendly staff and refreshing drinks, with some highlighting their ecofriendly initiatives like providing glass bottles and offering discounts for reusable containers.

Boba Guys Potrero, San Francisco#7
What it does well
  • Artificial flavor noted in some drinks, impacting the overall satisfaction for Asian customers.

  • Difficulty in customizing drinks, affecting the taste experience for some patrons.

  • Consistent quality and delicious flavors, making it a favorite boba spot for many visitors.

  • Challenges in ordering process and cup lid design, causing frustrations despite the tasty beverages.

Boba Guys Potrero

4.4595 reviews
1002 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States

Boba Guys Potrero is a trendy bubble tea store located in San Francisco, CA. Their menu features a variety of boba drinks and other beverages. Customers can enjoy delivery, takeaway, or dine-in options, making it convenient for all preferences. The store is known for its great tea selection and solo dining environment.

The atmosphere at Boba Guys Potrero is described as casual and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd including groups, tourists, and university students. As for amenities, the store is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their drinks comfortably.

Customer reviews highlight both positive and negative experiences.

Overall, Boba Guys Potrero offers a unique boba experience with a modern vibe and delicious drinks that keep customers coming back for more.

District Tea, San Francisco#8
What it does well
  • Great picnic box options with delicious food and tea selection.

  • Impressive variety of innovative tea blends for diverse preferences.

  • Reasonably priced and tasty drinks like the Assam float with tapioca boba.

  • Generous portions, flavorful tea, and friendly service in a cozy atmosphere.

District Tea

4.4138 reviews
2154 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

District Tea is a charming bubble tea store located in San Francisco, CA. With a rating of 4.4 from 138 reviews, it's clear that customers love the unique offerings and atmosphere at District Tea.

Some key points from customer reviews include:

Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink on the go or a cozy spot to enjoy unique tea blends, District Tea is a must-visit destination in San Francisco's Mission District. Experience the flavors and ambiance that keep customers coming back for more.

Tea Hut, San Francisco#9
What it does well
  • New products are awesome, especially the pink lychee drink and dragon fruit drink.

  • Fresh, natural fruits are used to make the drinks, providing a unique and delicious experience.

  • Excellent customer service, quick service even during busy times, and experienced staff.

  • Unique and delicious offerings like fermented rice drink with taro balls and various milk tea options.

Tea Hut

4.3285 reviews
2815 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Tea Hut is a popular bubble tea store located in San Francisco. This establishment offers a variety of services such as Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in, making it convenient for all customers. Known for its Great tea selection, Tea Hut ensures that customers have a wide range of options to choose from.

Customers have expressed their satisfaction through positive reviews, highlighting key points such as:

With a high rating of 4.3, it is clear that Tea Hut is a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink on a hot day or a unique boba experience, Tea Hut has something for everyone!

iTea, San Francisco#10
What it does well
  • Cold drinks always filled properly but hot drinks were not, disappointed with the partial fill-up and temperature.

  • Busy on hot days and slight confusion with orders due to understaffing, but classic boba was good with soft pearls.

  • Disappointed with the change in ingredients and the shift to more syrup-based drinks, not recommended for authentic boba lovers.

  • Long lines, limited seating, and frequent item shortages were drawbacks, drinks were okay but not enough to revisit.

iTea

4.3243 reviews
2150 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States

iTea is a popular bubble tea store located in San Francisco. They offer a variety of service options including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers love their great tea selection and it is a popular spot for solo dining. The atmosphere is described as casual and trendy. The store is wheelchair-accessible and good for kids.

Review summaries:

Tea Plus Tea Bar, San Francisco#11
What it does well
  • Great variety of snacks and drinks.

  • Fast and exceptional customer service.

  • Affordable prices and high-quality offerings.

  • Delicious and unique bubble tea flavors.

Tea Plus Tea Bar

4.378 reviews
4482 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112, United States

Tea Plus Tea Bar is a popular bubble tea store in San Francisco that offers a wide range of services and features. Customers can enjoy delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. The bar is known for its Great tea selection and is a favorite spot for solo dining and working on a laptop. The welcoming atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd, including families, groups, tourists, and university students.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Milk Tea Lab, San Francisco#12
What it does well
  • Best Dang Gone Place To Afford Milk Tea In San Francisco with great variety of options.

  • Best boba in San Francisco with spot-on drinks like Tiger Milk Tea.

  • Tasty drinks with friendly service, including customizable options for kids and sweet surprises.

  • Good variety of selections, including the delicious Honey roasted milk tea.

Milk Tea Lab

4.351 reviews
839 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States

Milk Tea Lab is a popular bubble tea store in San Francisco that offers a range of delicious beverages. Customers can enjoy no-contact delivery, takeaway, or even dine-in options. The store is known for its great tea selection and welcoming casual yet trendy atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for both tourists and university students.

BB Tea, San Francisco#13
What it does well
  • The self-order kiosk and text when ready ordering system streamline the process.

  • The drinks were good overall, but the flavors were not consistent.

  • The boba is perfectly chewy and sweet, a highlight for many customers.

  • The creme brulee milk tea and crepe are highly recommended for their unique and delicious flavors.

BB Tea

4.2114 reviews
1314 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States

BB Tea is a popular bubble tea store located in San Francisco, CA. They offer a variety of services including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers can enjoy a great selection of teas and desserts in a casual, cosy, and trendy atmosphere. The store is wheelchair-accessible and family-friendly, making it a perfect spot for solo dining or groups.

With a rating of 4.2 stars and 114 reviews, BB Tea has received positive feedback from their customers. Here are some key points from recent reviews:

Tea Hut, San Francisco#14
What it does well
  • This is a cute place with a chill atmosphere. The self-order screen makes ordering easy and customized drinks are delicious.

  • Fast service with a self-serve kiosk for quick payments. However, some customers had issues with boba quality.

  • Recent visits have been disappointing for some customers with wrong ingredients in their drinks and employees being on their phones instead of assisting customers.

  • One customer had a bad experience with their order missing boba and tasting bad, leading them to caution others against buying from the store.

Tea Hut

4.281 reviews
1541 Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States

Tea Hut is a popular bubble tea store located in San Francisco. They offer a variety of services including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers can enjoy a great tea selection in a casual and trendy atmosphere. The store is also wheelchair-accessible and is good for kids.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

My Cup of Tea, San Francisco#15
What it does well
  • The store acts as a meeting point for local youth, offering a welcoming space for studying, working, and hosting events like k-pop fan gatherings.

  • The garlic noodles are a standout dish, setting the bar high for comfort food with their flavorful, chewy texture and complementing condiments.

  • Patrons appreciate the late opening hours, making it convenient for those who enjoy late-night meals or snacks.

  • Although the area has a vibrant and sometimes noisy ambiance with board game enthusiasts and students, overall, customers enjoy the spacious and cozy atmosphere.

My Cup of Tea

4.1268 reviews
2666 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States

My Cup of Tea is a bustling bubble tea store located in San Francisco. They offer a range of service options including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in to cater to diverse customer needs. The store is well-known for its great tea selection and is a popular spot for lunch, solo dining, and working on a laptop. Accessibility is also a priority, with offerings like wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and toilet available.

Customers have had positive experiences at My Cup of Tea, as evidenced by their 4.1-star rating based on 268 reviews. Here are some key points from recent reviews:

With its mix of delicious drinks, comfortable atmosphere, and community-friendly space, My Cup of Tea continues to impress customers and build a loyal following.

K-BOX + Little Sweet, San Francisco#16
What it does well
  • The drink options are AMAZING and the flavor was SO GOOD. The puffed waffle and sustainable cups added to the experience, but the lack of indoor seating was a downside.

  • Late-night tea drinks can be found here, with WinterMelon Hot Tea being a favorite choice among customers. The online ordering process and karaoke option make it a unique spot.

  • Boba enthusiasts will appreciate the legit boba options, like the Watermelon ice and Thai green tea. The customizable sweetness levels and refreshing flavors make it a must-try.

  • The store offers a small yet solid boba selection, including favorite flavors like mango sago. The touchless payment system and adjustable sweetness levels add convenience for customers.

K-BOX + Little Sweet

4.147 reviews
1660 Geary Blvd Unit B, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

K-BOX + Little Sweet is a vibrant bubble tea store located in San Francisco that offers a variety of services to its customers. Some of the highlighted services include No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in options. Customers can enjoy a great selection of teas and desserts in a casual and cozy atmosphere that is popular among tourists and university students.

The store is known for its delicious boba drinks and desserts, as mentioned by customers in their reviews:

With a solid rating of 4.1, K-BOX + Little Sweet continues to delight customers with its diverse menu and fun karaoke experiences. Whether you're looking for a quick boba fix or a place to hang out with friends, this bubble tea store has something for everyone.

A quick comparison of the options

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Black Sugar 4.7337
#2By Me Boba Tea 4.6320
#3Boba Guys Hayes Valley 4.5801
#4Boba Guys Fillmore 4.5652
#5Boba Guys Union Square 4.41,493
#6Plentea 4.4988
#7Boba Guys Potrero 4.4595
#8District Tea 4.4138
#9Tea Hut 4.3285
#10iTea 4.3243
#11Tea Plus Tea Bar 4.378
#12Milk Tea Lab 4.351
#13BB Tea 4.2114
#14Tea Hut 4.281
#15My Cup of Tea 4.1268
#16K-BOX + Little Sweet 4.147

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Map of Boba Tea in San Francisco

San Francisco is known for its diverse culinary scene, and one popular drink that can be found all over the city is boba tea. Whether you're craving a classic milk tea or a fruity bubble tea, there are countless shops and cafes serving up this refreshing beverage. Check out the map below to discover all the best boba tea locations in San Francisco.

How to pick Boba Tea in San Francisco

  1. Location.
  2. Quality of ingredients.
  3. Variety of flavors.
  4. Price.
  5. Customer reviews.

Common questions

What are some popular boba tea spots in San Francisco?

San Francisco is home to a variety of boba tea spots that cater to any preference. Some popular boba tea destinations in the city include Boba Guys, Plentea, and Bobaguys. If you're looking for unique and flavorful boba tea options, consider visiting Vampire Penguin for their delicious snow drinks or Urban Ritual for their innovative tea creations. With the diverse boba tea scene in San Francisco, there's something for everyone to enjoy, whether you prefer traditional flavors or want to try something new and exciting.

What sets San Francisco's boba tea scene apart from other cities?

San Francisco's boba tea scene stands out for its commitment to quality and innovation. Many boba tea shops in the city focus on using fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create unique and delicious drinks. Additionally, the city's diverse cultural influences have shaped the boba tea offerings in San Francisco, resulting in a wide range of flavors and customization options for customers to enjoy. Whether you're a boba tea connoisseur or a newcomer to the drink, San Francisco's boba tea scene offers something special that sets it apart from other cities.

Are there any boba tea spots in San Francisco that offer vegan or dairy-free options?

Vegans and those with dairy intolerances can still enjoy delicious boba tea in San Francisco with the many shops that offer vegan or dairy-free options. Places like Tpumps and Fancy Wheat Field Bakery provide dairy-free milk alternatives for their boba teas. For those looking for 100% vegan options, Little Sweet offers a variety of vegan milk tea flavors and add-ins to cater to different dietary preferences. With the increasing demand for plant-based options, many boba tea shops in San Francisco have expanded their menus to accommodate customers with various dietary restrictions.

How can I find the best boba tea in San Francisco?

Finding the best boba tea in San Francisco can be a fun and rewarding experience. One way to discover top boba tea spots in the city is to explore different neighborhoods and try out unique offerings from local shops. Another helpful tip is to read online reviews and recommendations from fellow boba tea enthusiasts to get insights on popular and highly rated boba tea spots in San Francisco. Don't be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations or try new flavors to find your favorite boba tea in the city. Each shop offers a distinctive take on the traditional drink, making the quest for the best boba tea in San Francisco an exciting journey.

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