Boba Guys

You can have boba tea anywhere, but you’ll always come back to Boba Guys.
The best part is that they’ll remake or give you a new drink if you don’t like the one you ordered! Even ask for samples before making your final decision. If you want to ensure the tapioca bubbles are fresh & cooked perfectly, they’ll even let you sample that!
The line does get long, but what in life doesn’t have a wait?
I’ve tried their matcha latte, lavender black tea, and jasmine tea. The lavender is calming & refreshing. Make sure to
Add extra sweetness, almond milk & boba/​grass jelly. (I think their grass jelly could be cut smaller & needs sugar added)
I love that they have different milk & sweetness options! They have almond milk!

This place is one of the best boba shops I’ve tried in the area, if you’re only looking at the tea quality. It’s located around Chinatown, so the street it’s located on not that glamorous. Furthermore, there isn’t any room for sitting down and dining there, so that might be a con for some people. However, the drinks here are so worth the extremely long lines and wait.
I ordered an Iced Jasmine Green Milk Tea with tapioca, 50% sweetness because I usually like the tea flavor to be stronger. I also ordered an Iced Matcha Latte with tapioca, 50% sweetness. Both of the teas were definitely legit and had the perfect amount of sweetness (thankful I didn’t order their default sweetness, which is 100%). The matcha was not powdery or overly milky like most other places I’ve tried, and the jasmine tea was equally delicious and not cheaply made. However, the tapioca was a bit too sweet for my liking. Although it balanced out the strong tea flavor, it was still slightly a bit too sweet. However, the consistency was perfect — chewy and soft, which I love.
Overall, this place is very great for a quick boba fix, but the atmosphere where this shop is located isn’t my cup of tea (haha get it) to visit often when I’m out in the city. The teas were extremely well made, but I just wish their tapioca wasn’t so sweet. But definitely try this place at least once, it’s very worth it.

Yumm! The boba tea here is really good! :) The tea is good, the boba fresh, and the drink is so yummy!
There was a long line when I arrived. You can tell this place is really popular. The wait is not that bad and the customer service is excellent.
This place uses fresh organic ingredients. You get to choose what type of milk for your boba tea — organic milk, almond milk, and soy milk. And customize the sweetness level to your taste.
They have a lot of variety of boba tea. It’s hard to choose which flavor to get. What makes it even harder is their special menu on the right side of the wall. So many good choices! This is the place to go to for really good boba tea.

I had been wanting to try this place before I had been in town, so this was the first thing on my to-​do list when in Union Square.
It’s a small cute shop with super friendly and accommodating service.
Prices are reasonable and fair for the quality.
Their flavor selection is great. They carry high quality teas with interesting and unique flavors. They also offer almond milk as an option. They have boba, herbal jelly and my favorite their homemade almond jelly!
My Dad got the rose black tea with boba and regular milk. I had the matcha with almond milk, boba and almond jelly with less sweetener. Sooooo good!
I absolutely love this place! The best.

Since I was visiting SF, I heard that boba guys is a must go to boba place. Luckly there was one within walking distance from our hotel.
There wasn’t a line when I got there at 8:00. I was surprised because I expected a long line since it was the best boba place. But after ordering, the line started forming. This place is really small. There aren’t any seating there. So you can pick how sweet you want your drink to be within 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%.
I ordered a Matcha Latte with 75% sweetness for $ 5z It was pretty good. I liked the drink and I got it with boba. I thought 75% sweetness would be pretty sweet, but to me it didn’t taste sweet enough. The taste of the match is really strong. Remember to blend in the cream with the matcha or you’ll taste some powder. Comparing this matcha latte with one that I get from 85℃ that I get at LA, they pretty much taste a like to me. My boyfriend ordered a Strawberry Jasmine Tea Fresca with boba for $ 5. It tasted pretty good but the taste of the tea is strong making the strawberry flavor taste bland. If you don’t like your drink, you can let them know.
I might come back to this place just to try out different types of drinks they have. But the boba here didn’t meet my expectations that I had, but it was worth a try.

Had no clue that this place was so popular. Honestly it was getting hot outside and boba sounded good so I looked Google maps and saw this place was a street over from where we were.
As we arrive we see a line forming. Not too long but just a couple of groups in front of us. As I’m in line Im curious as to why there are so many people around this store. So of-​course I look this place up on Unilocal and long and behold it is rated the best boba around. This is when I start to get excited since we stumbled upon it by accident.
Anyways the line goes fast since the shop is tiny on the inside. Didn’t feel like the AC was on or that they even had one but I guess it works since there is no seating inside anyways. The décor was very simple and I loved it. Everything was easy to read and understand how everything works.
When we made it to the counter the girl working was very helpful! I asked her what was the most popular drink and she gave us her recommendations. So I went with an iced matcha latte with 50% sweet, organic milk, and boba. Also ordered the strawberry jasmine tea with boba.
Oh my goodness. Hands down the best boba I have had ever! Just the boba alone won me over but the drink was also delicious and refreshing. This was a great pit stop while going to explore chinatown. Kept us cool and refreshed for the rest of the afternoon.
I would highly recommend stop by here if you are in the area as well!

For years, I had always wondered why boba in Norcal was.subpar. At least in comparison to SoCal/​Los Angeles, which is the mecca of amazing boba spots. I still remembered that one day I spent in SF where my friends and I literally walked all over SF in search of decent boba. Six different milk teas later, from six different places, we called it a bust. But that was before Boba Guys came onto the scene. And after getting boba here, I admit it’s a good thing they did.
Basically, their tea is good and their boba fresh and chewy. There is not a lot of traditional milk tea options like the menus back in SoCal and that’s fine. All you ever need is really black/​green milk tea and you’re set. Their other menu is quite innovative. The strawberry tea with the Strauss milk added tasted just like strawberry ice cream. I loved that there were fresh strawberry bits on the bottom. And then their strawberry matcha milk tea was a bit more complex. After mixing it, the matcha was overwhelming and I could barely taste the strawberry bits on the bottom. My friend ordered the Muscat Oolong, the one with grapes and almond jelly. That was super strong, not the way I like my own tea, but he was satisfied with it. Can’t forget the traditional jasmine green milk tea — flavorful and the strauss milk definitely makes a difference.
I am glad that there is at least one decent boba place in SF. Short of 5 stars is only because I can’t come here often (T_​T). Remember to take an IG pic!

We just so happened to be walking around and stumbled on to their line. We were like let’s wait and see what the hype was about. So as I was waiting I looked them up on Unilocal and didn’t read anything just looked at the pics. The 3 colored drink looked good so I ordered that which was called strawberry matcha and my kids got boba guy sundae.
My drink was pretty and fun but I didn’t really like it. It was «ok» lol. BUT the sundae was so good! It had condense Milk in it which I think did it.
We literally waited like 15 mins or longer and I don’t think it was worth that long of a wait but there’s a first time for everything.

To be honest I came here because of all the awesome pictures on instagram. I’m glad I did! When I tried the Strawberry Matcha Latte, I felt it was very delicious and unique. Because of that, it was a good value to me, even if it meant spending over $ 5 (after upgrading the size). We liked how conveniently it was located and how easy it was to find. Can’t wait to come back to try more menu items!

I don’t get wowed by boba/​bubble tea/​whatever. To me, you could switch out any one of the gamut of shops in the Bay Area/​SoCal/​NY for another and the product would be virtually the same. Sorry not sorry.
BUT. Boba Guys got me woke. I have never had a more delightfully complex earl grey milk tea in my life. The menu lists it under «Premium Milk Teas,» so I knew coming in that I’d have to go for that and leave the stuff under «Drinks» for the basics lined up around me. And I don’t know if it’s just good marketing or what, but the Duke of Earl Grey milk tea is premium AF. I would pay X amount of dollars to drink the tea by itself; how many places can you say that about? I got mine 50% sweet, which turned out to be perfect after adding boba/​bubbles/​pearls/​tapioca/​jesuschristcanwejustpi­ckonenameandstickwithit, which were actually worth chewing on. That doesn’t happen very often!
Overall, I’m glad I put aside my boba indifference for Boba Guys. It was totally worth it, and now I don’t have to die inside whenever I see my friends in NY stunting on instagram with those ridiculously photogenic drinks Boba Guys puts out.

Oops, I wrote my review on the wrong Boba Guys location. I’m more than sure this review can apply perfectly to both locations.
Anyways this is my new favorite boba spot. I honestly don’t know why it took me so long to finally try it out but it’s AMAZING. The Matcha Latte is on point, sorry to all my other matcha latte’s perhaps I’ll take you back another day.
I love how they use local and more natural ingredients. Some of their toppings are made in house which is so cool to me. I haven’t been to another place that does something like that.
Im very picky about the way I like my tea and the Hong Kong style tea was on point. It def had the authentic tea tones and flavor I always look for.
The boba is definitely Grade A all the way, just like their service! The person that helped us was super friendly.
I will be coming back real soon to get more Grade A boba!

Boba guys has its character. High end boba shop, each drink is normally more than $ 5 but their menu is pretty unique. This union square location is more spacious (albeit no seatings) and usually has more beverage/​dessert specials than the mission one.
Boba sundae was creative and delicious, loved the combination of ube (purple yam)/coconut ice cream, almond jelly, boba and condensed milk. Great for sharing, since it might be a bit much for one ;)
For drinks, I’ve tried classic milk tea, chamomile mint milk tea (decaf) and my favorite so far is strawberry matcha latte on the specials. Being a matcha fan, the idea of mixing in strawberry sounded weird at first but certainly grew on me.
It gets long line sometimes, but great coming here once in a while and sitting/​walking around union square!

If there’s a boba place that I have heard non-​stop about, it would have to be Boba Guys.
«Go to this place, Alexa.»
«It’s da bomb, Alexa.»
«IF YOU LOVE BOBA YOU WILL GO HERE ALEXA.»
Okay fine. I went to check it out. Actually I could have gone sooner. I did. Got a little lost trying to find this place the first time. The second time I used my GPS. Wider choice that.
Stockon St. Right near the parking garage. Near the tunnel. Not that far of a walk from Union Square.
About ten after 12pm. LONG ASS LINE. Waited about fifteen minutes before I made my order. Got to examine their signage and what-​not far more closely than intended.
No seats inside. No wonder there’s no line. It’s a fairly small spot too. Can feel claustrophobic if it’s crowded too.
I like the way the inside of the boba store looks like though. The way the menu is laid out is cute. The lighting isn’t too bright so it’s easy on the eyes.
This place isn’t about a lot of variety. No shakes. They are serious about being 95 percent about tea. THE BEST BOBA TEA AROUND.
Don’t come here looking for the generic flavors of taro, and the like. Don’t come here looking for something other than hot or cold jasmine or classic tea
Service was excellent. The woman who took my order was swift but efficient with me. Asked me if I wanted ice, yep. Asked me if I wanted to change the sweetness level, yep down to 75 percent.
50 cent more to get tapioca. Classic tea, cold, $ 3.75, regular size.
I enjoyed my drink. It was refreshing after a long walk from the Embarcadero. But it didn’t wow me. I don’t know how else to describe it. It was just okay. Not something to remember forever.
³⁄₅
Perhaps I will try this place again. Doubt it.

Boba Guys had come up in my search of places to stop by during our San Francisco vacation. I cannot pass up a good tea-​drink so I couldn’t wait to give them a try. We took a bus there and the best part was that the stop was right in front of the shop! There were already quite a few people in front of us in line and a few more lined up as soon as we got there.
The reason for my three star review is because of the drinks themselves. I ordered the Hong Kong tea, 75% sweet with almond jelly and my fiancé got the Matcha tea, 75% sweet with grass jelly. The grass jelly was flat out a bad idea. Neither of us liked it at all because it tasted really bitter. The almond jelly on the other hand was better, however I’d probably not order it again. The Hong Kong tea needed to be a bit stronger; the drink pretty much just tasted like sweet milk. Matcha tea was a bit stronger but had a weird after-​taste … Not sure if it was because of the grass jelly though. It did bother me a bit that they didn’t fill my cup up all the way, and I had ordered the larger size.
I’m not sure if they offer it, but I’d ask if they can make the tea stronger, and also get it at the default sweetness of 100%. Their boba is supposed to be the best in town so consider giving that a try.

As a self-​proclaimed boba connoisseur, I needed to check out Boba Guys. I’ve had it before in Berkeley when they had a temporary storefront, but drink choices were limited.
Boba Guys prides itself on using real tea instead of powders and I have to say that it makes a big difference. I’m going to have to try more drinks to decide, but Boba Guys is almost or on the same level as my favorite boba place, Ashas.
I ordered one of the specialty drinks, the strawberry matcha latte with almond milk and boba. Besides the aesthetically pleasing layered look of the drink, I liked the chewy boba. Grade A balls indeed. I think that the matcha was kind of hard to taste, but that’s ok because the strawberry part was delicious. I still think that Ashas has the best matcha latte, but props to Boba Guys for the creative drinks.
My friends ordered a jasmine milk tea, chamomile mint tea, and Hong Kong milk tea. I took a sip of each of them. All had a nice flavor, but I would be wary of the sugar level unless you already can’t adjust it for that particular drink (like the strawberry matcha latte). I think 100% sugar is way too much and you’re just asking for a headache.
The price is definitely on the high end (paid over $ 5 for a regular size), but I’m personally willing to pay if it’s better quality. I’ll definitely be back, especially to try the horchata milk tea.

BOBA GUYS! I sure do love my milk tea, but when I find good boba, I definitely score big! When in FIDI go to BOBA GUYS! I don’t know what it is about their tea and their boba but it is sure gooood!
This location is really small, you walk in, you order and you go. They also sell Sugar and Spun in this location =) oh and their mason jars are super cute!
They have lots of specialties on their menu! See attached photo.

I may have had the best day ever, so I’m feeling generous. But then again, I feel that boba guys is consistently good throughout the city. The one in the mission was the first one that I tried. We stopped by here after lunch at Tadich, on our way to Civic Center plaza. Thank goodness we stopped for drinks because the weather was absolutely amazing today!
Spring for the large size if you’re going to be out and about on a warm day. The boba is cooked to perfection so make sure you order at least that with your drink. I haven’t tried the horchatas or teas but they look promising for a very hot day.

After hearing all the hype about boba guys I finally tried it this week. I hardly ever venture into downtown or even the mission cause it’s not remotely close to where I even work. But this week because I was in the area I decided to give it a shot. I got lucky cause when I came at 1130 there was absolutely no line and service was quick!
I got the strawberry matcha latte, I had seen pics and it looked so pretty! I loved the layer of boba, strawberry purée, Strauss milk then of the green tea. When mixed together the strawberry does not overpower the green tea or take away from the taste. You can still taste green tea and some sweetness from the strawberry. I did actually like their boba, a bit firm but they did have a nice chew to it. Other than shareteas mango green tea, this is my new favorite drink. Next time I’m in the area again, I will either get this again or any of their other drinks!
The drink was a bit pricy for what I’m use to but it was definitely tasty!
Total for 1:$ 6.95

I had no idea the mason had cost $ 12! Like, wow!!! Aren’t they usually less than $ 5?
I had their classic milk tea with Pearls regular sweetness and less ice back in Thanksgiving. It was delicious! There was just the right amount of sweetness and rich tea flavor.
Unfortunately my experience tonight was the compete opposite :(
The pearls were fine but the tea was watered down! I suppose I came an hour before closing and they didn’t want to make another batch of tea? I was extremely disappointed because their tea is more expensive than other tea shops and i was looking forward to some high quality milk tea tonight. I was already over a block away when I realized how bad the tea was otherwise I would’ve asked them to remake it.
My boyfriend had their hojicha milk tea with pearls regular sweetness and less ice. I’ve definitely had better hojicha milk tea somewhere else, but this sure beat my classic milk tea tonight.

This whole boba-​palooza is a bit baffling to me, and I have to say the more I try the Boba Guys, the less enamored I become with not just the boba but the experience. I acknowledge it can provide refreshment among the high-​octane youth that make up 90% of their clientele, And even though they usually bear the brunt of my curmudgeonly sass, it’s their milk teas that I find over-​sweetened despite the percentage gauge they provide to their customers. I went for 50% on their $ 4.50 Jasmine Milk Tea with Tapioca Balls, which for some anatomically related reason, I can’t order with a straight face (photo:
).
I just found myself puckering a bit more with the sugary flavor. Couple that with the brain freeze I got from my cold creation and I was juggling more than my tapioca balls. Despite its proximity to the endlessly dank Stockton Street Tunnel, It’s a hopping place among the Taylor Swift generation of boba imbibers, none of whom would move away from the crowded space once they received their orders. I certainly don’t begrudge the Boba Guys themselves, Bin Chen and Andrew Chau, who have customized their milk teas to the proper audience, though as their chain multiplies locations, I hope the boba doesn’t degrade into a boo-​boo.
BOBA — 3 stars… the sweetness took over even at 50%
AMBIANCE — 2.5 stars… Hipsterville not to be mistaken for Lidsville or Hooterville for that matter
SERVICE — 2.5 stars… a bit brusque here
TOTAL — 3 stars… if it ain’t carpal tunnel syndrome, it must be boba tunnel syndrome

Si vous n’avez jamais goûté le Boba tea, ou si vous aimez ca, c’est une très bonne adresse pour un rafraîchissement gourmand (j’adore les billes de tapioca!)