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Bubble Island
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1220 S University AveAnn Arbor, MI 48104
Neighborhood: South University Ann Arbor
(734) 222-9013
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 2 am
Fri-Sat 11 am - 3 am
Sun 12 pm - 2 am
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
71 reviews for Bubble Island
Review Highlights
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"They have board games you can check out." In 12 reviews -
"What they do have that's awesome, is mochi ice cream." In 5 reviews -
"My favorite was always the taro milk tea." In 6 reviews
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71 reviews in English
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Review from Nico C.
Ann Arbor, MI
ahh, I moved out of ann arbor and in california now and still craving for their milk tea. i love the strawberry and the taro. Can't find anything like theirs here in the bay area. love this place. thank you
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Review from Meggie B.
Belleville, MI
I've never really understood everyone's love affair with Bubble Island. It's just another place to get overpriced smoothies, juices and teas. I'm not a fan of the bubbles at all, and it's usually pretty crowded so you have to fight for a seat or plan on just walking around town with your drink.
If you can find a seat, however, they have games that you can check out. One of my favorite AA memories includes playing a crazy game of Mad Gab in Bubble Island a few summers ago. They also have food that I've never ordered but definitely makes it stand out among other smoothie/juice/tea places I've been. Last time I was there, however, there didn't seem to be a clear food menu posted anywhere. I might've totally missed it, or perhaps you have to ask them for a menu from behind the counter?
In any case, I feel like Bubble Island is one of those places you have try when you visit Ann Arbor just because it's a little different, but don't expect to be blown away. -
Review from Heather J.
Ferndale, MI
Bubble tea used to be a staple in my diet, and I deeply miss the ubiquitous bubble tea shops in Vancouver. They were as common as coneys and nail parlours. I longed to get to Ann Arbor and try the bubble tea places there for months, and capped off an evening with a book signing with this treat before daring M-14 again.
I refuse to get caught up in the Bubble Island vs MoMo Tea wars without an ample supply of boba to throw at the opposing side. I intend to try both and see how they measure up against other contenders.
Bubble Island has a 'build it yourself' menu offering a variety of tea bases, flavoured bobas, and fruit or flavour additions. A specials board offers a rotating array of homebrews alongside their standard options, like purple hazes or lonely islands. At least I think that's the name, given I was too focused on what they were jamming together to make a drink. Bubble tea is a delicacy which comes out to around $5, in that 'specialty drink' price range instead of something affordable on a regular basis, though Bubble Island has a frequent drinker card which gives a discount after so many purchases.
I ended up flittering between both indecisively before taking Janelle W.'s recommendation for taro tea with boba and the addition of mango stars. I have a not so secret weakness for mango, and the flavourful explosions of destroying a constellation satisfy the Jabberwocky side of my personality. $5 and a few minutes later, I had myself a cup of bubble tea with a big, fat straw and all was as it should be.
The drink was gone in the space of ten minutes or a few miles, depending on your view, minus the inevitable hunting around for boba refugees. The coloured boba were rather chewy, but I liked the mango stars for their explosive bursts of fruity goodness. Taro was a decent flavour, if somewhat dull, rather than the heights of orgasmic teatime delight I was hoping for. Can't blame a girl for trying, eh?
Bubble Island feels like a clean, modern, and not too exciting shop rather than the traditional Sanyo-endorsed MoMo Tea across the street. Several students could have been filming a Mac commercial with their laptops lined up at the tables while I was there. I don't recall if there was paid or free wi-fi, but the seating didn't look comfortable enough to spend any longer there.
Parking around here is tight at the best of times, though there is free 30 minute parking past the convenience store. Enough to get in and out, but staying a while with a car is something of a liability.
Bubble Island sated my appetite for a time, but I'll turn to Goldfish to slake my needs closer to home. -
Review from Connie W.
Ann Arbor, MI
Worst customer service I have ever had in my life. They charged me double for my one drink, didn't even notice until I asked them why my bill was too high.
Literally took 10 minutes to figure out how to uncharge the extra drink. I said I needed to be somewhere soon and the extremely rude girl who was "helping" me just said, "Well, if you need to leave then you'll just be charged double." Don't come to this place. They don't treat their customers right. -
Review from Alyssa B.
Ann Arbor, MI
I went in here because of the Great Ann Arbor Free Birthday List. It was my birthday, and I wanted some free stuff. One of those stuffs was Bubble Island.
I walked in without a clue what bubble tea even was and said "it's my birthday...don't you have a birthday thing?" And the bubble tea God at the counter launched one of the most magical ten minutes of my life.
He explained the three basic kinds that they offered, the flavors, and what the 'bubbles' were. He let me try five or six things. He made suggestions. He was amazing, 'specially cause I wasn't even paying for anything.
I ended up getting a mango tea with colored bubbles. And it was DELICIOUS. And since then I've gone back 3-4 times a week for another delicious concoction. I've yet to see the bubble tea God that helped me the first day again, maybe he was an angel. Who knows. The point is, you should go here. And fall in love like me. -
Review from Dora C.
I had to edit the first statement I typed after I re-read it. Hint: Milky black balls. Yeah. Alright, let's move on. Tapioca is delicious.
I'm from CA so I know boba as a Tap-Ex expert. What I truly appreciate is the turtle tea, which is a blend of tea and milk tea to reduce the sweetness. Now, THAT is fabulous. I'd slap a gold star on it and hug it if I could. -
Review from Lauren I.
Choosing between Momo tea and Bubble Island comes down to the choice of sacrificing convenience or taste. What to do, what to do...
Bubble tea has consistency going for it. Never have I ordered a tea and had it turn out to be, undrinkable, as has been in the case of Momo. Just today I tried a turtle tea, a classic from my freshman year, and it's the *exact* same tea it was three years ago. Slightly boring, yes, but very reliable. Occasionally the boba will be on the chewy or soft side, but that seems to be a natural consequence of pearl tea.
Bubble island's teas have about as much authenticity as Panda express does for Chinese food, but there are a lot of people who don't seem to care, myself included. Both the black and the green teas serve as more of a base from which you pick your favorite juice or crème flavors. Customer service is mediocre at times, borderline rude.
Sadly, two huge strikes for Bubble island come in the forms of no Wifi, and worse, no bathrooms. Usually the employees will just tell customers to use the Starbucks' next-door, and that really doesn't seem fair to me for a company to rely on another (even if it's Starbucks) to provide a basic customer service.
Neither the green nor black teas really "taste like tea," but the method of preparation (mini-fountain cooler?) makes it nearly impossible for anyone to mess up your order, and impossible for you to order anything "authentic" but there are enough flavor combinations to keep anyone satisfied.
Bubble Island is just, a thing. Your logic will tell you know, but a craving for creamy milk tea is a hard call to ignore. When it comes, I would head for Bubble Island, but keep your expectations realistic. -
Review from Jennifer S.
Redwood City, CA
Coming from the Bay Area, I definitely am a huge boba enthusiast...too bad this place did not meet my expectations in terms of tea.
Everyone likes their boba little different from one another, but for me I like my milk tea to taste like tea. This was too sweet and too watered down for my liking. The tapioca pearls weren't bad though..good consistency!!
In weighing the tapioca balls vs. the tea, I had to give the tea more weight. :( -
Review from Robert C.
I come here whenever I'm in Ann Arbor with friends - usually before or after going to Necto/Pinball Pete's. I would rate the drink quality as pretty good - I've tried their smoothies, milk tea, and flavored tea drinks with boba and they all have been quite good. Their popcorn chicken is perfect when you're feeling between snacky and hungry, and is easily shared. Their mochi is also quite good - albeit not cheap if I remember correctly. They have board games and couches and the atmosphere is nice and relaxing, although not always quiet. I have no desire to go to momo tea down the street, as this place has a happier feel to it.
Best boba I've had in MI :) -
Review from Bobby D.
So when I first came to Umich, I was super unexposed to bubble tea culture and I came in thinking this place was the shiz. They have that loyalty stamp card where you buy 5 Boba and you'll get a free one. It kept me coming back... I was quite hooked.
But when other hip trendy desert ish places popped up, bubble island couldnt keep up in their offering. Other spots like stucchi's also serves bubble tea at a cheaper price. Yogobliss across the street posed serious threat to their market.
But overall, the Bubble Island still offers a wide array of hangout food and board games for as little as 2 people - to a large party of 15. Seating is kinda tight, but you can always make it work.
Froyo. Super fail. bleh. Don't ever get it here. It's 10X better across the street and anywhere else on campus.
BBT. Decent. I always get taro and I've tried a wide assortment of honeydew and other fruit flavors. It's very consistent and good for its price. I've had more specialized and flavorful BBT elsewhere, but we're talking Michigan here, so I'm pretty gracious here.
Mochi Ice Cream. Pretty good IMO. Frozen really well. Don't touch with your teeth or it will hurt. Good assortment of flavors and pretty hard to find mochi elsewhere on campus. Good diamond in the rough.
Popcorn Chicken and Curly fries. Good bang for buck. Popcorn chicken comes out really hot and crispy and so do the fries too. Also have good honey mustard and ranch sauces to complement. Has been an all time favorite of mine. -
Review from Matt D.
Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI
Bubble Island is great. It was my first exposure to bubble tea and now I'm hooked. Being a sweet tooth, I personally enjoy the strawberry Calpico Cooler with regular bubbles. A unique experience for sure.
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Review from Lindsey S.
Britton, MI
Great place downtown Ann arbor, a unique, and different type of tea, good for all ages. My favorite is the hot oreo milk tea with black bubbles, otherwise known as tapioca bubbles.
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Review from mariah c.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ick. I'm ready to give Momo a shot, and I also spotted one other bubble tea place that I may have to check out. Bubble Island is usually at least OK, but the texture of my bubbles the other day was just plain strange.
I don't say that as someone who has never experienced bubble tea -- as I understand that some people just don't like the bubbles. I've had bubble tea plenty of times, and have never gotten bubbles of such a hmm... I struggle to find the word....soggy? texture as I did earlier this week. Not very satisfying, in fact quite gross-out-inducing.
I've been motivated to start seeing other bubble teas.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/28/2009
I'd forgotten what a nice treat some bubble tea can be, and Bubble Island is most certainly a-ok!… Read more »
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10/28/2009
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Review from Patricia P.
Ann Arbor, MI
Look, I KNOW and am WELL AWARE that there are better bubble tea shops other than this one. However, they are all in.... California and out of this country. All the other ones in this town, closer to authenticity or not, taste matters the most to me, and absolutely Bubble Island satisfies this. I don't think I'll ever get tired of the strawberry milk tea with bubbles. And that says something. Service is quick, helpful, and prompt. The place is clean, music is not too loud. This place hits the spot, but it would be great if they added wifi! That would keep me going, at least. A quiet hour would be great too, maybe after lunch and before dinner hours! Would be a great spot to do work :)
Another great thing about this is the point card. now available through an app, for every 5 drinks, a free regular sized of... anything! Now that's the best!
Keep up the good work, and maybe do something new to keep business going! I know that there are popping competitors, that just means an opportunity for change~! -
Review from Mel B.
i love this place, i only get one thing there always it's Green Tea Passion Fruit Tea without bubbles (tapioca balls). i was in such a happy place too when i found a close by parking spot that Friday night too cuz this place was packed. not a long wait for drinks at all but not sure if i would of found a seat if i wanted to stay. they have fun board games there to play which i a cool thing with a group of friends. friendly helpful staff always:)
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Review from Meredith F.
Farmington, MI
LOVE this place. The tea is so delicious. I don't understand why people don't like the bubbles, because I can't get enough bubble tea.
They're open late, which is great for when you are out studying and want something to sip on other than coffee.
Prices are reasonable, and it's great if you go before 1pm I think it is, because all drinks are $2. I tend to get the same thing every time I go, but I have tried some other drinks and I haven't disliked anything there yet! -
Review from Joseph W.
Chicago, IL
Bubble Island is always a great place to go to before/after Pinball Pete's or bar hopping. Especially if there is not a big crowd inside. They have monopoly, chess, and other fun board games you can play. However, sometimes the place gets very full, loud, and unpleasant.
It's also a good place to go on a weekend afternoon. You don't get many of the obnoxious "GO BLUE!!!" type people inside.
The service is very speedy. The smoothies are tasty, and the almond milk tea is to die for. Not bad for the prices. The snacks are alright, but overpriced. My suggestion would be to head over the Backroom Pizza and get a giant slice for a dollar. -
Review from Andy L.
San Jose, CA
I now frequent this place pretty much every other day. I am a fan, but were this outside of Ann Arbor, Bubble Island would probably only get a 3 star in my book.
The only other competitor within the city is MOMO tea and I've bought a drink once during my first year here, and needless to say I won't be coming back. But aside from that point, here is why BI is such a good deal.
If you're in before 1 pm, the tea is amazingly cheap. So feel free to order what you normally wouldn't buy and it'll be under $4. My staples here are the turtle tea, milk tea, and occasionally the purple haze (taro milk tea). The seating is nice and generally the music is very good; very witty I should say (I once heard a Nyan Cat remix).
Other things you should know about is the difference between black and colored bubbles (boba/pearls). Though the price difference is not much, as I quote an employee "there isn't much difference between the taste." True, the colored bubbles are usually softer and sweet, but there have been days where I felt the quality of the colored bubbles being especially low. I guess it really depends on who cooks the batch of tapoica that day/hour. So the bubbles are inconsistent, but the drinks are not.
I'm a pretty boring guy so I can't tell you about any of the other specialty drinks or add-ons, but if a basic milk tea can taste this good, I'm sure the others are actually quite nice. -
Review from faith c.
I love boba but it's hard to find a great place in the area. So I was excited to try this place when I came to Ann Arbor.
The girl helping me seemed less than enthusiastic, but maybe it was the end of her shift and she was tired?? Then a guy came out to help my friends, but instead of saying 'how can i help you' or anything of the sort, he just looked at them and raised his eyebrows instead of talking... Apparently talking is overrated.
As for the boba, the actual tapioca balls were delicious! but the drink itself was just ok. (Joy Yee's in Chicago or I love boba in LA are definitely a lot better!) The milk tea was very watery and not that great- but I personally don't really like milk tea in general.
I got the mango (my default flavor) ice smoothie/slush and at first, it seemed too icy. It wasn't very smooth and you could feel the little ice chips as you drank it. But after a while when the ice melted a little, it was pretty good. I would definitely go there again because the tapioca balls were good and the boba was the best that I've had in the area, but they only get a 3 star because of the service that we got.
oh and FYI, they only take cash!Listed in: Sweet Treats!
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Review from Vi V.
New York, NY
Having attended University of Michigan for four years, I'd have to say Bubble Island has remained a constant favorite of mine. its perfect for a mid-week chill out, after hours of homework and studying for a quiz, and just wanna relax. its a great alternative to coffee, and if you're not up for partying and just wanna have a slow night, bubble island offers just the ideal way to spend your night. and the best part, it opens till 3 am on weekends! There are board games such as Taboo, Connect Four, Uno cards and Jengga if you ask for them
There are many drink options and for those who do not like the tapioca bubbles (like me), there are other options such as jellies with lychee, mango, rainbow flavors. Also, its available cold or hot.
oh....and its the only place that I've found to offer bubble teas lite. -
Review from Janelle W.
Detroit, MI
I used to love this place when I was in college, soon after it opened, when it was about the only place nearby where I could get bubble tea. It was good bubble tea, but definitely not the best ever. My favorite was always the taro milk tea. They also have some snacks, mostly deep-fried stuff.
Bubble Island seems to have gone a bit downhill since it opened. The last few times I've been there, the tea hasn't been as good as I remembered, and the place was empty. It used to be so busy and hard to find a seat. But it was, and still is, a good place to hang out with friends, read, or do some work. Pretty chill atmosphere with games and couches. -
Review from Allie Y.
Palo Alto, CA
Bubble Island was around before all the newer places (yogobliss, momo tea) popped up, but it doesn't really make it any better. In fact before I moved here and was visiting the area, I tried Bubble Island's milk tea and was pretty disappointed by it. It was too creamy for a milk tea and didn't really resemble the actual thing at all. In fact, their Turtle Tea tastes more like the bubble milk tea I know from home.
This place is still pretty decent though - A-OK is about as to the point about this place as you can get. I just get the turtle tea and nothing else when I'm around. -
Review from Robin Z.
Ann Arbor, MI
I guess when it comes to bubble tea, your tastes are going to be formed by the first time you had it. I've still never found any that I liked as much as Snow Mountain's, though I've heard that they're more authentic, more like what they have in Taiwan, etc.
So Bubble Island is good enough, but still not quite what I want. On the other hand, their menu has a lot of creative and interesting drinks, so maybe I'll change my mind after I stop trying to find the same thing I've had before and try something new.
I like the decor and the friendly staff. Still a fun place to be!Listed in: Ann Arbor
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Review from Will B.
Horrible place. I asked for a simple HONEY, MILK, GREEN TEA with BOBA! Sorry, sir we don't have that! How hard is it to make that???? I even gave her the option of using BLACK TEA instead of GREEN TEA! The popcorn chicken is mostly batter... no chicken!
???? -
Review from John Paul P.
San Jose, CA
Bubble Island is the best hangout place in Ann Arbor and one of the better bubble tea I've had. There, I said it.
The atmosphere is fun, lively, buzzing, loud, just the way I like it. Here you can get a few friends together, get good bubble tea, maybe popcorn chicken, mochi, borrow a board game/jenga/cards and have fun. I can't begin to recollect how many games of thirteen I've played here. Or Jenga. Or Uno. Yes, they also have Connect 4, or Monopoly for those that have time.
The bubble tea I think is the best in Ann Arbor, and better than any in Toledo. Well, there really isn't boba in Toledo. I think the tapioca bubbles are a nice warm soft consistency here. The downside is it's not as fresh as the boba in Cali or even Joy Yees in Chicago. But it's the best around.
I always seem to get the popcorn chicken here with a honey mustard sauce. Standard fare for me after a long exhausting day, or a getaway from Toledo. It gets 4.5 stars from me for being the best around. -
Review from Dan O.
Chicago, IL
Still the best bubble tea place in Michigan even compared to Chicago bubble tea joints. Their drinks are always consistent and their black and colored bubbles are always up to par. It's one of the places we always stop by when visiting Detroit.
Using the bathroom is PIA though, gotta leave and id or credit card with the cashier and use a key to go to the facilities on the second floor. Street parking can be difficult to find also, if you can't find any spots, use the parking structure around the corner. They have very very cheap parking rates. -
Review from Anne I.
Ann Arbor, MI
I love bubble tea! And soft, chewy, sweet things.
I don't really know of other places to get bubble tea around here, but I've been to Bubble Island numerous times, and can't get enough. I like that they are open until pretty late, and it seems to be a hang out/study spot for students on a week night.
I also really enjoy the popcorn chicken. It's a quick fix to balance the sweet bubble tea and to cure the midnight snack munchies after a long day in the lab. -
Review from Ms. Kara T.
Cambridge, MA
Went there with friends.
Mochi ice cream: good, as it usually is.
Got the Korean frozen yogurt (original/plain flavor). Good, but not comparable to Tangysweet in D.C. The guy who took my order was super nice and added a lot of fruit, but unfortunately some of the "fresh fruit" was kind of mushy and didn't taste that good.
I think I also got bubble tea there once but it wasn't particularly great.
They were playing some great music. Overall, good times but not as tasty as hardcore bubble tea or fro-yo places. -
Review from Pae C.
Ann Arbor, MI
The bubble tea is too watery compared to standard bubble tea on the west coast (Seattle, California) or even in Chicago.
I still believe that good bubble tea has to be made by Taiwanese or Chinese.
But the price and variety is good especially the early birth $2 including tax before 1 pm. With $2, it is acceptable for that so-so taste. -
Review from Cat R.
Ann Arbor, MI
First time I went here I thought it looked really cool! I tried the bubble tea and thought, eh, its okay but maybe it was just because I had never had bubble tea before. Later that night I had terrible stomach pains and even worse "effects" from the "ingredients". I gave it the benefit of the doubt, so tried it again, same effects and it tasted incredibly artificial.
Later that year someone convinced me to go to Momo tea, which I had not tried due to my effects from Bubble. I got a chocolate milk black tea with boba and it was astoundingly better. I was shocked at the difference in flavor and freshness.
Pros:
Cool atmosphere
Free bubble tea (all "effects" included) for your birthday
Cons:
Artificial taste
Mediocre flavors
Seemingly un-authentic
When it comes down to it, Momo has better tea, better product, and better service. -
Review from Michael C.
Detroit, MI
This was my first experience with bubble tea.
I was with someone who'd been a fan of bubble tea for years, so I let her order. The whole concept of mixing the tea and what bubbles you wanted was confusing, to say the least.
But as a first experience I couldn't have been happier. Granted, the straw is huge, and for someone new to the whole concept behind bubble tea, having that first bubble hit your tongue makes you want to choke. Luckily, I didn't.
If I had time to try all the different mixtures I may have more to say on how good it is. And actually, if I had bubble tea a little more often I may have something to compare it to.
For now I'll say that the staff was patient with a newbie bubble tea drinker, and that you should use the buddy system - hopefully with a buddy who knows what they're doing - to ensure a pleasurable bubble tea experience. -
Review from Jeff C.
Ann Arbor, MI
Bubble Island should be named Powder Island after all the artificial flavoring and powder they use in their drinks. Don't get me wrong...it's the best in ann arbor, because it's the only one in ann arbor. The space is big and the board games and computer game is a good way to keep customers in...it's the bar for the Christian crowd that don't drink...
regardless, if we're judging on taste of the tea alone...this falls flat against other genuine bubble tea places. -
Review from Jess L.
Ann Arbor, MI
I was excited at first when it opened back in the day, even though the tea wasn't as good as in Taiwan (but hell, that's asking way way too much, so...)
Tea is more expensive than Momo, and the atmosphere isn't as cozy/friendly. Although we did go there once when Momo was closed and I was pleasantly surprised by their daily specials. It's a good go-to, but the prices are still a little high, so I'm sticking to Momo (more variety, lower prices, Taiwanese snacks!) for now. -
Review from Jason C.
When I'm on campus for work or visiting, I'll do my best to swing by and get my favorite - green apple and calpico (i think that's the name, it's been a while since my last visit); large with lychee! I have taken my nephews and they typically will get the smoothie.
They now serve frozen yogurt - haven't tried it yet. They have board games to check out and I see lot of folks playing and hanging out with their friends. Cool hang out spot and even though there are lot of other competitors around, I think Bubble Island will do well. -
Review from Iffat B.
The taro milk tea is so good here! I had it hot (which I had never tried before) and it was amazing! The tapioca was a little more mushy, but still really good.
The inside is really cute and they have various board games that you can play. I would definitely go back if I lived closer to Ann Arbor! -
Review from Lily P.
Prices about 3-4 bucks: they use powder, random specials occur, they are okay due to all the other places popping up on state street. I do appreciate the renovations, new lights, walls, etc. Its reliable due to its hours unlike momo which randomly closed?
They do have mochi ice cream which i like and also the options of fried snack foods. They have frozen yogurt but I haven't tried that since amers opened up and have gone to yogobliss twice. -
Review from Diana K.
Oh, Bubble Island, how I miss thee.
Their popcorn chicken and curly fries = money
The green tea bubble with mango stars = YUM -
Review from Julie H.
Like one review stated - good enough.
I can't say anything too bad nor great about this place. At least it has boba. My bf was the mgr here back when he was in college - so I'm guessing he has fond memories...though he didn't take me here first. He took me to Mo Mo tea - when I showed my dislike, he quickly brought me here. Looks like a nice chill hang out spots for students. I may have to make due for awhile........ -
Review from Helen L.
Garden City, MI
There's a early bird special where the milk tea/coffee is $1 before 1pm or something like that. I got the almond milk tea. Taste like any other boba place. Not bad.
