XO Boba

Closed for months — gold shop already in its place. Posting more here so that Unilocal reads this unlike the last person that reported this closed over seven months ago. I can’t truly rate this as I never visited but I’d like Unilocal to list it as closed so that nobody drives here looking to try it.

This establishment is closed. The owner presented me with a complimentary tea pot and two tins of delicious, loose tea on their last open day. Thank you for your generosity and good luck in future endeavors.

I finally made it to this establishment in the Phalen area of St. Paul. I had seen it across the parking lot from CUB Foods about a year ago, but never made the long journey from Minneapolis again until recently. I was pleasantly surprised by my experience.
Admittedly, it’s hard to justify the drive if you are coming from the Minneapolis area – it’s quite a ways for tea products when there are other establishments popping up all the time, and with the success of the Tea Garden chain. There’s nothing to dislike, otherwise, though.
The interior is pleasant and spacious. There is plenty of comfortable seating and even a large screen TV (it appeared they had a few DVDs available too). They offer free wifi and use of CUB’s large parking lot. The staff was extremely pleasant and helpful. Prices were reasonable ($ 3.25 for a regular), and they regularly offer a Groupon for 4 regular drinks).
As far as their products are concerned, it is strictly a tea establishment. I didnt notice any additional products or baked goods like they might offer at the Tea Garden/​Steepery. However, they did have just about all the flavor combinations you would find at ChaTime/​Tea Garden. The slushie was quite good and was the green iced with (I had pineapple with mine – it was delicious). To me, I dont think Id be able to tell the difference, taste-​wise, between a flavored green tea here and other local places.
My recommendation would be to check it out if you are craving a refreshing drink and you are in the area. It would be particularly good on a hot day after walking/​biking/​running around Lake Phalen which is basically across the street.
Pros: Inexpensive, refreshing tea products, ample parking, friendly staff, spacious & clean interior, wifi, etc.
Cons: Not conveniently located for people in the Minneapolis area

We have been there a few times and always have had great drinks. My daughter is already begging to go back. The owner and employees are very nice and helpful.

I love this place! I always get the hot chai tea with coconut. It tastes delicious! The customer service is great and the café is spacey. It has a lot of room to hang out and to do your homework.

If the girl is behind the counter she makes an awesome drink and I was going everyday, then I started getting a guy and he messed up my drink, okay one time give him another try the next day, worst then the day before, 1 more try cause I wanted a place close with just some good tea, nope got watered down crap, have not been back since, this is after a week of at least 2 drinks a day.