Share This Article
Bubble tea is on the rise in Austin! I think I’ve seen at least three new places that opened up in 2023. That said, I’m pretty particular about the tea I like and there are only a few places I would personally recommend. This list puts the taste and strength of the tea first, followed by laptop-friendliness for those of us that want to find an alternative to coffee shops.
1. Chicha San Chen
Location: 6501 Airport Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78752
Hours: Monday to Friday at 12 pm to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 11 am to 9 pm
Website: tx.chichasanchen.com
When I spent 6 months of Taiwan, I had bubble tea every single day. I felt like I had never tasted real tea before Taiwan. Chicha San Chen is the only bubble tea place I know that replicates that experience for me in the U.S. The tea is fragrant and distinctive, and each cup is brewed fresh using their Teapresso machines. If you only have time for one boba tea place in Austin, this is it. Their black milk tea will blow you away. I recommend the mousse over the cream. If you miss having Taiwan’s High Mountain Tea, it’s available here as well!
Pro tip: It gets busy and crowded, so not a good place to work. Noise level is high.
Food availability: No.
Vegan options: No alternative milks, but non-milk teas are available.
2. Milk+Tea (Airport Blvd.)
Location: 6929 Airport Blvd Ste 196, Austin, TX 78752
Hours: Sunday to Thursday at 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday at 11 am to 10 pm
Website: Milk+Tea Facebook page
Before Chicha San Chen came to town, Milk + Tea (formerly known as Ding Tea) was my go-to for the best bubble tea in Austin. The one on Airport Blvd. within The Crescent complex (behind 89° Bakery) is the newest branch and has the most options. It also has a drive-thru! I like their Oolong tea and they even have the Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess) variety available too.
Pro tip: All branches are laptop-friendly with outlets and wifi. One of my favorite places to get work done!
Food availability: No.
Vegan options: Alternative milks and non-milk teas available.
3. Feng Cha (Tech Ridge)
Location: 500 W Canyon Ridge Dr L150, Austin, TX 78753
Hours: Monday to Sunday at 11 am to 10 pm
Website: fengchausa.com
Feng Cha is the place to go if you enjoy the fun, dessert like options but still want strong, good quality tea. The one at Tech Ridge is the newest branch and in my opinion, the most consistent in tea strength. It’s a bit small but the modern decor is inviting and clean to the eye. If you like ginger, their ginger milk tea will hit the spot. Their matcha is nice and strong. A fun fan favorite would be their Cookies and Cream milk tea with cheese foam.
Pro tip: Download their app to collect points! You can also order ahead for pick up.
Food availability: No.
Vegan options: Alternative milks and non-milk teas available.
4. Teaspoon (Arbor Walk)
Location: 10515 N Mopac Expy Suite B215, Austin, TX 78759
Hours: Monday to Saturday at 11.30 am to 9 pm, Sunday at 11.30 am to 7 pm
Website: teaspoonlife.com
Teaspoon has fun twists on the classics. They also have lots of ube and coconut variations, as well as popular tropical fruit options like mango, lychee, and guava.
Pro tip: Download their app and get $3 off your first and second drink. You also get a free drink on your birthday!
Food availability: Macarons and small desserts
Vegan options: Oat milk and non-milk teas available.
5. bubble + tea by Tsaocaa (Tech Ridge)
Location: 12901 N Interstate Hwy 35 #1820, Austin, TX 78753
Hours: Monday to Sunday at 11 am to 9 pm
Website: tsaocaatx.com
Honestly, I ran out of places and this list could have ended at #4. But if I were to add one more place, this Tsaocaa branch would be it and it’s their interior and seating that puts them on this list. Their wide long tables are great for working and playing board games. Their tea is not that strong, but at least it’s still brewed tea, not the powder stuff. If you like toppings like taro and fruit, you’ll have fun with the options here. Also, because this branch is their newest one and not in a high traffic area, the store is rarely ever crowded. It’s a great quiet place to get work done and the staff are nice.
Pro tip: Their special drinks offer the best value.
Food availability: Macarons and waffles
Vegan options: No alternative milks. Non-milk teas available.
And that’s my ultimate list for the best bubble tea in Austin! I will keep this list updated as new places open up. Go out and get your bubble tea fix and let me know your favorite places!
1 Comment