Top Boba Shops in New York City

New York City boasts a vibrant and diverse boba scene, with numerous shops offering a wide array of flavors and styles. Here's a comprehensive guide to some of the highest-quality boba shops in the city, combining customer reviews, ratings, and expert opinions.

1. Tiger Sugar

Locations: Multiple locations, including 197 Canal Street, New York, NY 10013 (Chinatown) and 40-12 Main St, Flushing, NY 11354.
Signature Drinks: Brown Sugar Boba Milk, often recognized by its distinctive "tiger stripes" of brown sugar syrup. Also known for Black Sugar Pearl Milk Tea and Brown Sugar Boba Milk with Cream Mousse.
Customer Reviews: Highly praised for its authentic, rich caramelized flavor and the unique presentation of its drinks. Customers appreciate the consistent quality and quick service. It is considered a pioneer of the brown sugar boba flavor combination.
Ratings: Generally rated between 4.3/5 and 4.5/5 on various platforms.
Website: Tiger Sugar Official

2. Gong Cha

Locations: Multiple locations, including 27 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003 (East Village), 37-02 Main St, Flushing, NY 11354, and 75 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018 (Koreatown).
Signature Drinks: Milk Foam Green Tea, Taro Milk Tea, and Earl Grey Milk Tea with 3J (boba, pudding, and herbal jelly). Also known for Dirty Brown Sugar Milk Tea with signature milk foam.
Customer Reviews: Praised for its wide variety of customizable drinks, consistent flavor, and high-quality tea leaves. The milk foam topping is a popular choice. They are known for preparing fresh boba throughout the day and offering traditional Taiwanese drinks.
Ratings: Typically rated between 4.2/5 and 4.4/5 on various platforms.
Website: Gong Cha USA

3. The Alley (Alley Lu Tea)

Location: 68 Cooper Square, New York, NY 10003 (East Village).
Signature Drinks: Brown Sugar Deerioca Milk, Royal No. 9 Milk Tea, and Matcha Latte with Deerioca. The Deerioca is their hand-made tapioca.
Customer Reviews: Customers love the fresh, handmade boba pearls and the unique flavors. The shop’s cozy atmosphere is also a highlight. The Brown Sugar Deerioca Milk is particularly popular.
Ratings: Generally rated between 4.5/5 and 4.6/5 on various platforms.
Website: The Alley Official

4. Boba Guys

Locations: 23 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002, 265 Canal St, New York, NY 10013 (Nolita), and 75 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215.
Signature Drinks: Strawberry matcha latte, horchata, and coffee milk tea. Also known for their Classic Milk Tea with Organic Tapioca Pearls.
Customer Reviews: Known for its high-quality ingredients, seasonal drinks, and transparency about sourcing. It is considered one of the first premium boba shops in NYC. Customers appreciate the balance of sweetness.
Ratings: Typically rated between 4.6/5 and 4.7/5 on various platforms.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

5. Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea

Locations: 33 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, 85 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002 (Chinatown), and 135-15 40th Rd, Queens, NY 11354 (Flushing).
Signature Drinks: Yifang Fruit Tea, Aiyu Jelly Lemon Green Tea, Brown Sugar Pearl Milk, and Pineapple Green Tea.
Customer Reviews: Praised for its use of fresh, real fruit and authentic Taiwanese flavors. The fruit tea is a refreshing favorite among customers. Known for its chewy and sweet pearls.
Ratings: Generally rated between 4.4/5 and 4.5/5 on various platforms.
Website: Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea

6. Biao Sugar

Locations: 138 Mott St, New York, NY 10013 (Chinatown) and 1271 Broadway, New York, NY 10001.
Signature Drinks: Brown Sugar Boba Milk, Matcha Latte with Boba, and Taro Milk Tea. Also known for Tiger Egg Bubble Tea (served in egg-shaped cups).
Customer Reviews: Known for its high-quality ingredients and creamy, rich flavors. Customers rave about the aesthetic presentation of drinks, the chewy, perfectly cooked boba pearls, and the golden tiger statue. The reusable egg-shaped cups are also a highlight.
Ratings: Typically rated between 4.5/5 and 4.6/5 on various platforms.
Website: Biao Sugar Instagram

7. CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice

Locations: Multiple locations, including 79 Division St, New York, NY 10002 (Chinatown) and 136-49 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY 11354. Over 20 locations on the East Coast, including New York City.
Signature Drinks: Bubble Gaga (passion fruit tea with boba and coconut jelly), Taro Milk Tea, and Mango Green Tea.
Customer Reviews: Customers love the balance of sweetness and the variety of toppings. The Bubble Gaga is a unique and popular choice. The brand is recognized for its contactless payment options and the ability to order ahead. It is also noted for its global presence with over 5000 stores worldwide.
Ratings: Generally rated between 4.2/5 and 4.3/5 on various platforms.
Website: CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice

8. Tea and Milk

Location: 32-02 34th Ave, Astoria, NY 11106 and Chelsea Market (Pearl River Mart Foods, lower level).
Signature Drinks: Thai Milk Tea, Lavender Milk Tea, and Matcha Latte.
Customer Reviews: Known for its artisanal approach to bubble tea, using high-quality ingredients and unique flavors. The Lavender Milk Tea is a standout. Also notable for high-quality tea and innovative brewing techniques.
Ratings: Typically rated between 4.6/5 and 4.7/5 on various platforms.
Website: Tea and Milk

9. Xing Fu Tang

Locations: 40-52 Main St, Flushing, NY 11354 and St. Marks Place, New York, NY.
Signature Drinks: Brown Sugar Boba Milk and Mango Smoothie with Boba.
Customer Reviews: Known for its fresh, handmade tapioca pearls cooked in brown sugar syrup. Customers rave about the theatrical preparation process, which is visible to patrons.
Ratings: Generally rated between 4.5/5 and 4.7/5 on various platforms.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

10. Machi Machi

Locations: 33 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001 and 33 Pell St, New York, NY 10013.
Signature Drinks: Oolong Tea with Cream Foam, Cream Cheese Foam Strawberry Latte, and Black Milk Tea with Panna Cotta.
Customer Reviews: Known for its fair prices, large cup sizes, creative drink pairings, and luxurious textures. It is also known as Jay Chou’s favorite boba shop. Recommended for black tea with cream foam.
Ratings: Typically rated between 4.6/5 and 4.7/5 on various platforms.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

11. Vivi Bubble Tea

Locations: Multiple locations, including 49 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013 (Chinatown) and 205 Allen St, New York, NY 10002 (Lower East Side). Over 80 branches across New York City.
Signature Drinks: Signature Fruit Tea, Blue Galaxy, and Flaming Brown Sugar Milk. Offers a variety of traditional Taiwanese bubble tea drinks, all made with ingredients shipped directly from Taiwan and approved by the FDA.
Customer Reviews: Known for its colorful and Instagram-worthy drinks. Customers appreciate the variety of flavors and the fun, playful atmosphere. Praised for its commitment to quality and authenticity, with customers enjoying the fresh and authentic Taiwanese taste in every sip.
Ratings: Generally rated between 4.2/5 and 4.3/5 on various platforms.
Website: Vivi Bubble Tea

12. Bar Pa Tea

Location: 85 Kenmare Street, New York, NY 10012 (Nolita).
Signature Drinks: Boba soft serve in oolong, black tea, and swirl flavors. Also known for Oolong Milk Tea, Earl Grey Milk Tea, and Matcha Soft Serve with Boba.
Customer Reviews: Different from classic boba shops, offering a variety of unique drinks and desserts. The original store, Pa Tea, is also highly recommended. Known for its minimalist aesthetic and high-quality teas. The Matcha Soft Serve is a must-try for dessert lovers.
Ratings: Typically rated between 4.3/5 and 4.4/5 on various platforms.
Website: Bar Pa Tea

13. OneZo

Location: 110 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10003.
Signature Drinks: Homemade boba with flavors ranging from honey to mango to black sesame. Classic collection of teas.
Customer Reviews: Known for its high-quality, homemade boba and a variety of unique flavors. It has become a go-to daily boba spot.
Ratings: Highly recommended by boba enthusiasts.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

14. Hello Always Tea

Location: 60 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003.
Signature Drinks: Premium tea and homemade tapioca. Now only open on weekends, but offers boba-making classes during the week.
Customer Reviews: Known for its high-quality tapioca and fresh premium tea. A favorite among boba enthusiasts.
Ratings: Highly praised for its quality ingredients.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

15. KOI Thé

Location: 189 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012.
Signature Drinks: Golden Bubble Milk Tea.
Customer Reviews: Highly recommended for its fresh and flavorful drinks. Selective about the type of water used for its hand-shaken drinks.
Ratings: Known for its elegant and fresh beverages.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

16. Tea I Y

Location: 124B Hester St, New York, NY 10002.
Signature Drinks: Unique DIY boba experience where customers can mix ingredients themselves.
Customer Reviews: Praised for its unique laboratory-like setting and interactive experience. A great date spot.
Ratings: Highly unique and interactive.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

17. Rabbit Rabbit Tea

Location: 110-112 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010.
Signature Drinks: Traditional boba flavors reminiscent of West Coast boba shops.
Customer Reviews: Recommended by those who find good New York boba hard to come by. Shares a space with Xiang Xiang Noodle, offering ample seating.
Ratings: Well-regarded for its traditional flavors.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

18. Space194

Location: 194 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10009.
Signature Drinks: Watermelon Matchade, La Vie en Rose.
Customer Reviews: Known for combining high-quality tea with new and unique flavors.
Ratings: Praised for its innovative flavor combinations.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

19. Debutea

Location: 217 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012.
Signature Drinks: Ruby Red with Salted Cheese Foam.
Customer Reviews: Praised for its well-made drinks and the unique cheese foam topping. Recommended for black tea with cheese foam. Also known for fresh fruit and boba teas, seasonal offerings like Peach Berry and Coco Mango.
Ratings: Highly recommended for its unique toppings.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

20. Yaya Tea Garden

Locations: 51 Chrystie St., New York, NY 10002 (Chinatown) and 5906 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220.
Signature Drinks: Blue Blood Fruit Tea (strawberry, lychee, blueberry black tea), Boyfriend (Green Tea with Lychee Jelly), and Hulk (Matcha with Red Bean).
Customer Reviews: Known for its highly customizable menu and authentic Japanese food options. Recommended for its unique tea flavors. Customers appreciate the cozy ambiance and unique merchandise. Also known for playful drink names and Japanese-inspired snacks like Onigiri.
Ratings: Praised for its variety and authenticity. Generally rated between 4.4/5 and 4.5/5 on various platforms.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

21. Teazzi

Locations: 47 W. 14th St., Ste. 3, New York, NY 10011, 135-15 40th Rd, Queens, NY 11354 (Flushing), and 82-80 Broadway, Queens, NY 11373 (Elmhurst).
Signature Drinks: House special milk tea with boba and oats, Oolong Milk Tea, and Grapefruit Green Tea.
Customer Reviews: Known for its contemporary styling and unique flavor combinations. Recommended for its house special milk tea. Customers enjoy the fresh tea flavors and customizable sweetness levels. The shop is also noted for its minimalist, modern decor.
Ratings: Well-regarded for its innovative flavors. Generally rated between 4.4/5 and 4.5/5 on various platforms.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

22. Pearl Dynastea

Location: 3702 Riverdale Ave., Bronx, NY 10463.
Signature Drinks: Brown sugar milk tea, matcha and coconut additions. Also known for lychee green tea.
Customer Reviews: Praised for its traditional combinations with unique flavor additions. Recommended for its lychee green tea.
Ratings: Known for its quality and variety.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

23. Happy Lemon

Location: 40-21 Main St, Flushing, NY 11354.
Signature Drinks: Salted Cheese Green Tea, Mango Matcha Smoothie, and Lemon Yakult.
Customer Reviews: Customers love the salted cheese topping, which adds a savory twist to the drinks. The Mango Matcha Smoothie is also highly recommended.
Ratings: Generally rated between 4.4/5 and 4.5/5 on various platforms.
Website: Happy Lemon

24. Mi Tea

Location: 136-17 39th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354 (inside New World Mall).
Signature Drinks: Cheese Foam Jasmine Tea, Durian Milk Tea, and Peach Oolong Tea.
Customer Reviews: Customers appreciate the bold, authentic flavors and the creamy cheese foam. The Durian Milk Tea is a unique offering for adventurous drinkers.
Ratings: Generally rated between 4.5/5 and 4.6/5 on various platforms.
Website: Mi Tea

25. Kung Fu Tea

Locations: Multiple locations, including 234 Canal St, New York, NY 10013 (Chinatown) and 31-90 30th St, Astoria, NY 11102.
Signature Drinks: Kung Fu Milk Tea, Winter Melon Green Tea, and Oreo Wow Milk Tea.
Customer Reviews: Customers love the consistent quality and the ability to adjust sweetness and ice levels. The Oreo Wow Milk Tea is a standout for dessert lovers.
Ratings: Generally rated between 4.3/5 and 4.4/5 on various platforms.
Website: Kung Fu Tea

26. Lazy Sundaes

Location: 261 Canal St, New York, NY 10013.
Signature Drinks: Strawberry Matcha Latte, White Chocolate Matcha Latte, and Ispahan Rose Milk Tea (Seasonal Special).
Customer Reviews: Lazy Sundaes is praised for its creative offerings inspired by Korean and Taiwanese heritage. Customers appreciate the dairy-free alternatives that make the drinks creamier and fluffier. The eco-friendly paper straws are also a notable feature, as they don't get soggy even after several hours.
Ratings: High level of quality and popularity.
Website: Lazy Sundaes

27. Miss Du's Tea Shop

Location: 33 Pell St, New York, NY 10013.
Signature Drinks: The shop is known for its agar-agar boba, which is translucent and chewier than regular boba.
Customer Reviews: Positive reception due to its unique boba.
Ratings: High level of quality.
Website: Miss Du's Tea Shop

28. Mudflow

Location: 5602 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220.
Signature Drinks: Brown Sugar Milk Series and Cheese Rose Milk Tea.
Customer Reviews: Mudflow is noted for its rich, creamy, and floral cheese rose milk tea, described as a dessert in a cup. The brown sugar milk series is also popular.
Ratings: High level of quality.
Website: Mudflow

29. Honestea

Location: 136-21 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY 11354.
Signature Drinks: Matcha Latte with Red Bean and Brown Sugar Milk Tea.
Customer Reviews: A hidden gem in Flushing, Honestea is praised for its fresh ingredients and authentic Taiwanese flavors.
Ratings: Generally rated between 4.5/5 and 4.6/5 on various platforms.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

30. I'Milky

Location: 242 Grand St, New York, NY 10002 (Chinatown).
Signature Drinks: Not specified in the text.
Customer Reviews: Offers delivery and takeout, Wheelchair accessible.
Ratings: Health Score: A.
Website: I'Milky

31. Oops Tea

Location: 344 Knickerbocker Ave, New York, NY 11237.
Signature Drinks: Blue Sky, Lemon Green Tea, Mango Green Tea, and Taro Milk Tea. Offers 0% sugar option.
Customer Reviews: Not specified in the text.
Ratings: Health Score: 17.0.
Website: Not available in the provided text.

This comprehensive list includes a variety of boba shops across New York City, each offering unique flavors, styles, and experiences. Whether you're looking for traditional Taiwanese flavors, innovative creations, or a cozy atmosphere, there's a boba shop in NYC to satisfy your cravings.