Fab Happenings: Top 5 Bubble Tea in Chicago

A classic childhood favorite for many, bubble tea or “boba” is on the rise in the Chicago food scene. Expanding upon the boundaries of Chinatown and Chinese restaurants, boba shops are starting to pop up in neighborhoods such as Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Argyle, and Evanston. As a huge boba enthusiast, I could not be more excited about this new trend. Not only does boba invoke the feeling of growing up in a Chinese household but it is also such a fun experience to drink tea and chew boba at the same time. I definitely appreciate a great cup of boba for any situation.

I have been known to frequent the various boba spots below and thus earned the title #BobaQueen. YASSSSS! While people might need a drink after work, I often go for a cup of boba instead. The concept of drinking and eating might sound weird to many, however, it is definitely something that one should try.

What exactly is boba or bubble tea?

Originating from Taiwan, bubble tea is a milky tea drink with tapioca aka “boba” at the bottom of the drink. These boba form the shape of dime-sized balls, in which you eat and drink with a special large straw. The tea itself is often very sweet and rich with milk. In Chicago, boba encompasses many things. There are a variety of teas, fruit freezes, and milk teas as well as a plethora of toppings that you can add to your drink. Choose from the traditional tapioca balls to fruit, fruit jellies, red bean, and more. The list below is mostly comprised of my favorite places for regular milk tea but all have a variety of drink options.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of my favorite boba places in Chicago.

5. Bee & Tea – CLOSED

Born from the same company as Forever Yogurt, Bee & Tea is a customizable bubble tea and bao shop that brings Asian snacks into the mainstream. On their menu (which differs slightly in locations) you can start out with a tea, smoothie, or milk tea base. Then, you have the option to add any topping or flavors that you desire. You can also control the level of sweetness for those that prefer a more natural flavor. With unique toppings such as agar jelly bears and popping boba (which pop in your mouth), they have a variety of options to choose from. Bee & Tea offers a fun and hip environment. In both locations, you can hang out and play board games while you enjoy your yummy drink. Their drinks, while they don’t taste 100% authentic, are a great stepping point for people who are experiencing boba for the first time. Bee & Tea definitely takes the cake for the most unique flavors and options to add into your boba so there is sure to be something for everyone!

FAB TIP: They also serve smoothies, sandwiches, baos, and acai bowls.

{Locations}
Bee & Tea
Lincoln Park || 818 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 238-9044
Wicker Park || 1843 W North Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 394-4395

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}

4. Saint’s Alp Teahouse

Saint’s Alp is a restaurant that not only serves quality bubble tea but also quality food. Although their selection is much smaller than some of the other boba places, they make up for it by having great milk tea. A fan favorite is their hot milk tea, which is served with tapioca at the bottom. The milk tea comes in a teapot that you can pour yourself. This is great when you need to warm up from the frigid Chicago winters. Their milk tea is rich in flavor and very comforting to drink. They have a little bit of foam at the top, like traditional milk teas, which add an airiness to the drink and makes it even more reminiscent to those that grew up with boba. St. Alps also offers fruit freezes with tapioca as well as milk tea flavors such as green tea and taro. Definitely a great option if you want to grab both food and drinks.

FAB TIP: Open late-night

{Locations}
Saint’s Alp Teahouse
Chinatown || 2131 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 842-8882

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}

3. ViVi Bubble Tea

The newest boba shop on the block, ViVi Bubble Tea recently just landed its first location in Chicago’s South Loop. Nestled into the DePaul University Center at 1 E. Jackson, ViVis is definitely the cutest boba shop in Chicago. With pink patterned walls and cute cartoon skull logo on their cups, bags, and lids, you can’t help but feel cheery and happy. Their menu has a variety of regular milk teas and fruit slushes. They also offer both hot and cold bubble tea which makes it the perfect place to go any time of the year! First time boba drinker? No worries. They make it very easy for first time boba customers by listing the top 10 best sellers. I really cannot wait to go back and try more of their flavors!

FAB TIP: They also have self-serve frozen yogurt.

{Location}
ViVi Bubble Tea
South Loop || 333 S State St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 431-1150

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

2. Joy Yee Noodles

Joy Yee Noodles is many people’s favorite boba place. With two jumbo-sized pages full of drink options on their menu, they have something for everyone. You can come in and order boba to go or sit and drink it while eating at the restaurant. Not only do they have a variety of flavored milk teas but they also have a huge selection of fruit freezes, similar to fruit smoothies. You can also combine different fruit freeze flavors and choose their various unlimited toppings. During the cold winters, they sell hot bubble milk tea, so you can warm yourself up while enjoying some boba. The endless options make Joy Yee’s the best place for beginning boba drinkers. It is definitely the place to go as you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy!

FAB TIP: In warmer weather, the Chinatown location has a walk-up window. Open only during certain times.

{Locations}
Joy Yee
Chinatown || 2139 South China Pl, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 328-0001
Evanston || 519-523 Davis St, Evanston, IL || P: (847) 733-1900
Lakeview || 1465 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 281-2318
Naperville || 1163 East Ogden Ave, Naperville, IL || P: (630) 579-6800
Tinley Park || 7101 West 183 St, Chicago, IL || P: (708) 468-8520
University Village || 1335 South Halsted St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 997-2128

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

1. Kung Fu Tea

Kung Fu Tea is a Fab Foods favorite. Although KFT is a chain, their boba is absolutely addicting. Kung Fu offers a more traditional menu, with less fruit freezes and more milk teas. Their toppings also include ingredients like sweetened red bean, which is often used in Chinese desserts. The milk tea itself is one of the fan favorites, as it is perfectly creamy and milky without being overwhelming. The sweetness is perfect but you can opt for a different level of sweetness. This is definitely a perfect boba hangout and attracts a large crowd of customers. The atmosphere at Kung Fu Tea can range from relaxed to super busy and hectic. People can sit and play games or just chat and hang out with friends. When it’s super busy, they can run out of tapioca balls so be aware. These take about 40 minutes to remake so brace yourselves. However, the milk tea alone is definitely still worth a trip to Kung Fu Tea because of its creamy deliciousness.

FAB TIP: Cash only. The large boba is around $5, so make sure you’re prepared!

{Locations}
Kung Fu Tea
Chinatown || 2126B S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 255-7331
Uptown || 4925-D N Broadway St, Chicago, IL || P: (872) 208-5955
Evanston || 726 Clark St, Evanston, IL || P: (224) 307-2314

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

Bubble tea is definitely a huge growing trend but there are more places to explore every day.

Let us know which boba place or flavor is your favorite so we can check them out!

Eat on!
Chelsia

Note: These drinks were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.