On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Loading...
Their milk tea is delish, boba, the perfect consistency, free wi-fi, but the best thing is that they can vary the sweetness. I ask for half (or less) sugar.
Mostly UCLA students.
Living in such a big city has it advantages and disadvantages. Obviously, you're never gonna get to experience everything. Of course, the advantages are that the best places are those known to everyone (or at least everyone that matters). So imagine my surprise when I heard several of my friends bring up Volcano Tea one day.
One night I decided to give it a try. A quick drive over the hill brought me to a tiny strip of Sawtelle Blvd. which appeared to be a Yelp mecca but that's another show...err Yelp review. My focus on this evening was Volcano Tea.
It's smaller than your usual Starbucks but I think it's way better. It's a simple formula of tea, milk, your choice of flavor, and some boba. I had the hazelnut tea which was better than any latte I've ever had. I guess I could make the case that "it's to die for," since I'm a diabetic and did not realize they offered a sugar free version.
It's a great place to go with some friends. Expect it to be packed since it's not the biggest place. While I got out of there fairly quickly, I could easily see myself sitting around here and enjoying myself for a while.
The one downside is that it's cash only but that's a small price to pay for something so good.
Let me tell you a sad story. Once upon a time, Megan S loved her bubble milk tea. She had it multiple times a week! Then all of a sudden, she started getting terrible caffeine migraines and had to stop drinking bubble milk tea. Sad, sad.
Don't worry! This story has a happy ending! Because a few weeks ago I wandered into Volcano Tea and split a large milk tea with boba with my bf, and discovered -tada!!- I no longer get caffeine migraines! Plus, Volcano Tea's milk tea is the bomb. It's rich and creamy, and has a great distinctive tea taste. The tapioca bubbles are sweet and perfectly chewy. Also, the service at this place is great--the workers are super efficient and friendly. Pretty much every weekend now involves a trip to Volcano Tea so I can make up for my boba-less years.
This place is cash only, so unless you want to pay high ATM fees at the next-door Tomato Bank, make sure you have your Washingtons handy. Also, the parking lot in front of the shop is valet only at night, so you have to either find metered parking on Sawtelle, or park a few blocks away in the surrounding neighborhood (because I'm not paying a valet while I run in and get tea!).
My favorite place to hang out. Free wifi. TV that sometimes plays awesome movies (Watchmen) and good music.
The tea drinks are good, the boba has great consistency.
There are signs that say "Two Hour Limit", but I dont even get dirty looks when I spend hours here watching TV on my laptop or even when I get some work done.
I respect the welcoming environment. Also, if I get hungry, the spicy popcorn chicken is quite good. Seriously!
i really needed some caffeinated beverage that was nice & hot for a very cold night, and so here we were for the first time!
we had one almond milk tea (no boba), and hot chocolate with coconut pieces.
and after such anticipation, i got my beverage & i took a sip. it was luke warm. go figure, it's murphy's law right? i somehow had this bad feeling that was this going to happen. can't explain why, but i had a feeling and it actually did happen. the hot chocolate was nice & hot though. lucky him. they re-steamed mine for me, and then i watched them- no thermometers! what is up with all these coffee/tea shops w/o thermometers! come on now. get it together, man. no wonder it was inconsistent. oh well, i didn't expect much from this place anyway.
Positives: The Boba- soft and chewy, probably the best part of their drinks. I'm not too fond of the liquids I've tried, but hey they have lots of choices, they're open late, and the cashiers are polite.
What I've had:
Taro Milk Tea: Taro flavor is weak and taste mostly like lavendar tinged milk
Strawberry Slush: Very Tangy, pretty sweet, reminded me of bubblicious strawberry gum
Mango blueberry: An interesting combination, worth tryin gif your curious. Flowery fruity flavor
Boba Mocha: Watered down, weak mocha flavor, not very aromatic
Bobacino: Watered down, weak capuccino flavor.
The milk tea is decent, but I was not impressed because my experience with drinking boba tea has been a long and often tedious one. The help is okay, as they get drinks and food to you in a timely manner. Most of time I just get the stink-eye from them, as well as some of the people who hang out here.
Sometimes sitting in here is like pulling teeth because the kids here are majorly stinking from a day of UCLA-abuse, filled with hate in their eyes. What did I do to you? I'm trying to enjoy my allegedly-tea drinks, and I get dirty looks.
It is really more of a 2.5-star place. It doesn't seem anymore better than a typical Tap-Ex or Lollicup. Which pretty much means you don't have to commute here to try it, because you aren't missing much.
It's all about the green-tea smoothie!
Yummy shaved ice!
Definitely not Tenren! But we have to admit that their teas are not bad, we expected another Tapioca Express but we were pleasantly surprised to find out that their almond milk tea and honey jasmine green tea came really close to the ones at Tenren. As you can tell, we are diehard Tenren fans.
Despite the decent milk teas, they do not have mini boba which is definitely a -1 for us. Maybe it's because we've gotten so used to those mini boba balls from Tenren...
All we know is that this place beats any other boba place around there, it definitely isn't Tenren but this place will do for our daily tea cravings. We just wish traffic wasn't so bad going down Sawtelle from Westwood. Oh and the valet parking is ridiculous, why can't we just park without valet-ing? That plaza is tiny but I guess it does get packed. Don't forget to stop by that little japanese store next door, they have a lot of cute stuff :)
All in all, we are fans and we are definitely coming back...but that's only because the closest Tenren is a bit too far away :(
I am a bubble tea fan. I think I was really unlucky, or maybe the majority of people who reviewed this place have major sweet teeth and they can't get enough of their SUPER sugary drinks and get high on excessive sugar.
I ordered Mango tea with tapioca and , what the heck, it was the sweetest bubble tea (and not in a good way) I have ever tried in my life. I felt like I was drinking sugar, literally. I do like subtle sweetened drinks once in a while but this was too much I felt sick. My friend had a different drink and she said the same thing, too sweet. So I came to a conclusion that this place would be ideal for you if you are in to very sugary drinks.
Maybe the girl working there was having a rough day so she made it super sugary to piss me off.
Well since the reviews are good I think I should give them another chance next time.......but maybe not, there are so many better places.
I regret giving tips...........oh well maybe its a hit or miss place
Ok I don't want to be too bitter and hateful so ...PROS: GOOD PRICE, VERY CLEAN BATHROOMS! :)
This was a popular late night hang out spot for the UCLA robots with bad hair cuts crowd. The tea was too sweet but decent. The service was rude. The prices just okay. The parking was very bad. The air quality was horrible due to all the trendy idiot smokers. All normal for that area of town.
But now everyone goes across the street to the Creme Puff shop. They have a Boba machine too and they're friendly.
Volcano is an institution in the story of my life. I can't count the number of times I've hung out in Volcano and continued to loiter in their parking lot well after hours.
Volcano is good for several reasons. First, their Pearl Milk Tea is awesome. The milk tea is a good dessert-level of sweetness (you can also ask for less or more sugar) and the tapioca is my favorite in the LA area. Second, they have awesome tea that goes really well with their Aloe Jelly. Volcano is one of very few places that have aloe. Third, their Grass Jelly is a spot on replica of what you would find in Taiwan: a big block of jello-y awesomeness that hovers near the bottom of your drink. Fourth, they have this simple, small, delicious Popcorn Chicken that never fails as a midnight snack. You won't find the most extensive list of food here, but the chicken is great.
Volcano Tea is the place go for those missing Taiwan, wanting to experience Taiwan, or needing their fix of Milk Tea.
GET: Pearl Milk Tea, Milk Tea with Grass Jelly, Mango Green Tea with Aloe Jelly, Popcorn Chicken
Been here a few times and service is pretty fast, the boba is decent (defintely not the best I've had), and their drinks are, for the most part, good. For good boba, go to Tea Station. But these days i never get boba anymore, so it doesn't matter. well made drinks are what i look for. I do feel the drinks are on the sweeter side, sweeter than drinks i get at other tea houses. But sweet is good if you are getting some items, such as slushies. Not so much for milk tea or the like. So you pick and choose what you order here.
Bottom Line -- this is the Real Deal. You'll love it.
If you want authentic boba tea -- by far the best on the Westside -- and a variety of other wonderful Chinese foods and beverages, all you have to do is check out Volcano Tea.
I have been there literally HUNDREDS of times and cannot recommend it more highly. The business is EXTREMELY well-run, the Owner a very hands-on, friendly presence always happy to discuss his teas or anything else with the customers. Volcano Tea is clean, welcoming and has an extremely devoted clientele
Think about this -- Two years ago there were SIX boba shops on this same block. Now only Volcano Tea remains. Believe me -- it's no accident. The quality, service and atmosphere are simply unbeatable.
QUICK TIP -- If it's your first visit simply order the House Special Boba Milk Tea with boba. It's the perfect place to start -- which is probably why they call it the "House Special". Cheers and Enjoy!
Ok, so this is a pretty popular local boba place. The boba is good, never too mushy and I feel it's just a little smaller than most other places, but that's probably because they're just not overcooking the boba. It's open late, usually there are some UCLA students studying/working there, but the tables are usually full, even the few outside right in front of the place. The big plus is that they are really fast with making the drinks, and at $3-4, the price is where it should be plus almost no wait time. Cash Only.
Parking is horrible here, sometimes you can find a spot, but sometimes you're parking on the residential street half a block away. Also, I almost never stay here. I feel I come here and grab drinks to go, or end up standing in the parking lot talking since there is little room. Sitting in the "waiting area"/small path to the bathroom is a little awkward,. Frequent user stamp cards are also available.
What I had at Volcano Tea was nothing to shout about - a medium passionfruit green tea. It was slightly sweet but refreshing nonetheless. Worthy of a solid A-OK 3 stars. Service was very, very fast. Just as I had managed to put my change away, my drink was already made and waiting for me on the counter.
The extra star comes from opening till 2am. Late night boba is the best!
Volcano Tea probably has the best Boba in LA. Its like the pinkberry of boba and gets really crowded sometimes.
I wish they had more locations so I wouldnt have to drive all the way there from Hollywood.
I heart bubble tea.
And since a friend of mine is a resident to this Boba shop in the middle of various awesome little shops when he's in the area, I have an excuse to go pretty frequently.
They offer free WiFi. There's movies playing with subtitles and a few tables which are almost always full. While it occasionally will get a bit noisy (mostly after school, but not that that matters now that it's summer) my friend uses this as his office essentially a few days a week. It's comfortable and inviting. It's not a cash and carry place, even if it is only a cash only place.
There's also seating outside. The place right next door specializes in Asian pastries, so I usually stray away from sitting out there here so I will not be tempted. I swear I don't know how Asians have such tiny rear ends with all this damn tasty around. My ass would be a continent.
/checks
Damnit it may be too late. Damn white girl ass. Maybe I should get some beepers for when I back dat ass up...
The parking lot right in front of the shop is tiny and valet. Park on the side street or park across in the complex with Najima asian market and Curry House.
This boba shop is 2 doors down from Happy Six (designer Japanese clothing boutique) and one discount shop that has lots of little things from Japan- like Gloomy bears, Super Mario keychains and toys, domu, Anime statues, etc.
I go here once every couple of weeks. That shopping complex sucks me in and this shop in particular with its Honeydew melon milk tea, bobas and jellies.
Again this is a cash only place. If you don't have any, go across the street to Najima and buy something small so you can get cash back from their debit system. It's the only shop in the complex that does that.
And the meter maids patrol the streets around frequently so watch out for the po-po's. With all this deliciousness around (there's also a crepes shop nearby) it's no wonder they're so active around there.
This is my favorite place to get boba on the west side. Grape green tea is my favorite and I'd drive for miles to get it. Can't go wrong.
I live down the street from Volcano so I am well aware of its popularity. Indeed, I too have been among the masses that frequented this establishment. I finally decided to write a review of Volcano after two unforgettable experiences of downright rude service. Perhaps many of you out there have dealt with rude service at Volcano and have turned a blind eye. I used to as well. But hopefully, after you read what happened to me, you'll realize that their customer service is not just rude, but totally unacceptable.
On the first occasion, I ordered a lamb stick and waited for an extraordinarily long time (10 minutes). After my patience ran its course, I asked about my order. The female server responded with a shrug, sarcastic laugh and an unforgettable, "oh I forgot." You forgot! What happened to apologizing for an honest mistake and comforting the customer? Of course, I had to wait another 10 minutes for my order. Unbelievable.
On the second (and ultimately last) occasion, I ordered a hot milk tea, but received a cold one instead. Again, a simple mistake. But, when I told the female server that I ordered a hot tea, she angrily responded, "no you didn't." After insisting that I ordered a hot tea (as if I need to insist in the first place!), she sarcastically responded, "well that will be 50 cents extra." Of course, that extra charge she quoted is untrue (because hot tea is only 20 cents extra). So there you have it - astonishingly rude service coupled with falsification of pricing.
It's too bad that this place has made it on my blacklist. It's in my neighborhood, so they lost a regular customer (I've lived on Sawtelle for about 5 years). I will now offer my hard earned money to the L&L boba tea store down the street. I hope the owner of Volcano is listening! It's a really simple, but often neglected maxim that this establishment appears to have overlooked (perhaps it is because they have achieved some modicum of success) - Treat your customers well and they will come back! Unfortunately for them, I will not be going back.
Must say that they make a decent boba here. Texture is firm and not mushy. I had a honey milk tea because I just like things sweet. It was indeed sweet! Prior to that I had a tea flavored with pineapple...and that was even sweeter!
Place can get crowded and tables are limited. I went during mid-day and it was crowded. Sat at the tables outside. Free wifi!
Parking lot is valet during certain times, but I've always had no problem parking on the street a few blocks away. You can tell that I've visited several times since I'm not a Los Angeles local.
Fantastic boba, clean & pleasant inside, and open 'til 2am on weekends. What more can you ask for? (I recommend the mango smoothie w/boba.)
This place is alright. I've tried much better boba places, but I guess for the westside, this place is relatively good.
The place is always cramped and LOUD. Acoustics are horrible, but that's what happens when mostly high school level kids come here. I've come here to try to study for exams, but I just can't tolerate the noise level and the air conditioning that's BLASTING at all times.
The drinks themselves are way too sweet - lollicup and tapioca express make better drinks, in my opinion. Lollicup & Tap Ex also have better snacks + popcorn chicken, and better music.
Hey - my first Boba place on the Westside was actually really GOOD! A variety of boba choices, along with friendly and knowledgeable employees makes this a go-to Boba place.
They have my favorite Green Tea boba. Service is pretty fast, boba is fresh and chewy, all in all a cool refreshing treat. I even tried the fried chicken here and it was a tasty snack, although a little overpriced for what it was.
Authentic and tasty. My only criticism is that towards the end, my Green Tea boba started to get bitter, kind of like they didn't blend it all that well. Still, I certainly will be back to get my boba fix!
Although Volcano Tea is probably the only place to get ok tea, throughout the three+ years I've been at UCLA, each time I go, I'm reminded of their god awful service! Their service is one of the worst, staff just glares at you, doesn't smile, throws your change back at you, and definitely has attitude problems! Hell who do you think you are? Sure its one of the more popular places to get tea in LA but I'd rather drive to Tea station in San Gab to get WAY better service AND DRINKS.
I mean coming from a person who loves tea, AND worked at a tea shop before, it's pretty appalling to be subjected to this sort of service, just because there aren't multiple other boba places doesn't mean you have to have such an unwelcoming attitude.
My friend took me here and introduced me to the most amazing combination. Now, that's all I get and I have also got my other friends on the same kick!
Get an Almond Milk Tea with Boba and Almond Jelly--I promise you will NOT be disappointed! The service is always fast and the quality of the tea, boba, and jelly is really good.
The boba is chewy and soft, yet flavorful. Make sure you bring cash, as Volcano Tea is cash only. The parking lot is valet only sometimes, when it's busy, but if you drive east or west of Sawtelle a few blocks, you should be able to find parking that's not permit only.
Tasty, tasty pearl tea-- if you like yours a smidgen undercooked, like I do. Remember to ask for it less sweet.
Spicy chicken is also just right. Add in free wireless and a lot of people I know like to study here during the day. It is noisy at night, but that's what I expect from a pearl tea joint!
My only regret is that I no longer come here very often. I realized how often I was going before and how many calories are in pearl tea and that I was beginning to look more like one of the tapoica balls I was consuming and less like a human. Yeah. Eeek. So I had to cut back! =(
Hey, hey, HEY!!! This place has the BEST boba in LA, hands down. Don't even look at other reviews for boba tea in Los Angeles cause it AIN'T WORTH IT. Trust me. There is a huge variety of flavors on the menu (my favorite being the Hazelnut Milk Tea), and the boba here is made clean/almost perfect, not crappy and mushy like other places I've been to in Los Angeles.
My ONLY, ONLY complaint is the center in which Volcano Tea is located hardly ever has parking because it is so crowded, and inside Volcano Tea there is hardly any room to sit because it is so crowded as well. I do love the hip hop music that is played, though, and you can order snacks from the menu other than drinks.
But trust me...don't go anywhere else for boba tea in Los Angeles. This is the place. This is the Michael Jordan of boba tea.
There are few boba tea places where I can get a decent honey milk tea, and this is it! Not too sweet, plenty of choices, definitely recommend.
Oh the memories.
I frequented here when I used to be at UCLA with my roommates. Their drinks are some of the best around that area. If we were lucky enough to find a table (cuz this place is usually PACKED), we'd stay and play a round of poker. If not, we'd take our drinks back to our apartment and play poker. ;)
I had to dock one star because their popcorn chicken kinda lost its spark. My roommates and I always used to get the chicken because it was SO SPICY, and we always had a good time laughing at each other's watery eyes and red faces. But now it's pretty bland.
Warnings: This place is cash only (at least when I was there), so make sure you have a couple bucks in your wallet. And their PARKING is horrible. If you go before 9 or 10, it's only valet parking. And being it typical LA, street parking is pretty hard to find.
Regardless, it's definitely worth it and I love this place.
I frequent Volcano Tea House AT LEAST twice a week. It's the answer to all my problems!
For the most part, the wait is short, the prices are fair, and they make great boba milk tea! The tapioca pearls are hit and miss. Sometimes they are too chewy, sometimes they are too hard.
I usually get the large Almond Milk Tea with Boba, light ice. Total = $4.01
Light ice is essential!! Other boba places either charge a fee for "light ice" or add a half of cup of ice that dilutes your milk tea!
Positives: Open late, easy parking after 11pm, LIGHT ICE, stamp card
Negatives are: Magic card players on the patio, inconsistent tapioca pearls
I used to own and operate a bubble tea joint in New York so I have to say Volcano does a good job with their drinks. I almost always order the almond milk tea with boba but they have to bring in sesame, which is my all-time favorite flavor. I don't see that happening anytime soon, though.
I occasionally order a steamed bao with my tea, so it's a super carb fest (boba is high in carbs, plus all that sugar!), but everything in moderation!
I've only been here during weekday afternoons so parking usually isn't an issue. The valet in the lot during that time is free so I'd rather do that and tip the guy a buck. It's the same as feeding a meter four quarters outside the lot.
Be sure to bring cash or else you'll have to pay a $3.00 (!) fee at the Tomato Bank ATM down the strip.
My favorite place to go for boba in West Los Angeles. I love that they stay open late and there are plenty of little shops near Volcano Tea to browse while I'm sipping on my green tea with lychee jelly drink! Although there is usually a line when I arrive, the staff moves pretty quickly and the drinks are prepared well. I love that the boba is very flavorful and soft (just the perfect texture). I've had the slushy desserts which weren't stellar but the chicken was pretty decent! I go here at least once or twice a week! They're taking all my money! Yum!
TARO MILK TEA!! WOOT WOOT!!
I get taro milk tea at every boba place that has ever existed and by far this place makes it the best!! Other places make it way too sweet. The taro here is spot on. It tastes like a dessert in your mouth. Try it! Now!
The daunting list of choices makes ordering for novices a slow and anxious affair. But just look at the specials or ask the lady at the counter for a suggestion.
I was meeting someone on a cool Sunday evening so I ordered a hot drink of grass jelly with peanut and red bean! It was tasty and hot. I'm no connoisseur and don't frequent these spots often enough to say anything more than "I liked this place". Paying under $3 was a huge smiley factor too!
In this plaza it seems to have a captive audience since it's the only spot dedicated to boba-type drinks and Asian milky type concoctions. Since my meeting was delayed 40 mins I had plenty of time to people watch. The crowds are Asian couples, Asian small groups of college kids, American dads and kids...
The parking valet seemed a bit of a hassle, so I parked on the street instead and walked.
Love the Boba tea from here- it fast, delicious and central on the westside. One point deduction for the valet situation-go at the wrong time and parking is tough.
If it reminds me of Taiwan, I love it. I ordered Taro Milk Tea which was decent. I tried the original Pearl Milk Tea and that was pretty darn good! I usually refrain from getting original pearl milk tea, but this is a place where I would actually order it. The chicken was good as well. When I drank the pearl milk tea, and ate the chicken, I felt like I was in Taiwan for a few moments. [love] Too bad we don't have Volcano Tea like places back in San Jose...or do we?
A pleasant visit since one review slammed the staff of Volcano on customer service; which is very important to me. Service was pleasant and fast. Selection a little disappointing. Easy access with private lot parking. They don't open until 11 though, that sucks about it because I stopped earlier at 9 for my commute and just knew I could enjoy my FAVORITE almond milk tea on the way out. Not!
The boba was great...it was done, not hard in the center but perfectly firmer on the inside from the chewy outside. Plenty added to the drink too, they don't skimp. I can't wait until my next visit and since I love lavender...I'm going to branch out and try it. :) Two sizes to choose from: Medium and Large.
Well, turns out that the boba here is actually excellent, which is something I didn't know before last week. I had a lavender milk tea and it tasted just like the stuff I had back in Taipei. The tapioca balls were perfect in texture, moist and chewy. Sounds like something right up Kristen G's alley ;)
Probably will go back tonight since it's hotter than Hades in LA today. I'm looking forward to belly-flopping into a large vat of shaved ice. Classy!
This place is pretty whatevs but it's the only spot in west LA with even the slightest hint of… Read more »
Definitely my favorite spot when in the mood for those gushy little black pearls! They def get it right with flavoring, temperature, etc.
5 stars for taste. the servers can be less than professional at times, but i imagine its because they are all bubbly teenagers (jk asians look young). Parking is available though sparse at peak hours, not much seating for large groups..
Follow us on Twitter
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
Free week at the WorkBar!
Los Angeles, CA
Neighborhood: Palms
Category: Coffee & Tea
Los Angeles, CA
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Westwood
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: Westwood
Category: Coffee & Tea
Los Angeles, CA
Category: Coffee & Tea
the highest honor i could ever give for a…
Best Hole in the walls. Little ambiance, excellent…
bless my *POOR* heart ... i may have left my heart…
Places on the westside I would hit before the O.K.…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
I'm a mermaid and a taphophilac. These are a…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
...When I was a young, vibrant Bruin, my friends…
