Created in Taiwan in the 1980s, boba – aka, bubble tea – is one trendy drink. If this beverage is new to you, think the fusion of milk, tea (or fruit syrup), sweetener and chewy tapioca pearls. Those are the basics – there’s also topping options like popping boba, jellies and cheese foam. Metro Milwaukee offers plenty of boba spots; use this list to find your fix.
Amberlulu Bubble Tea and Dessert MKE
1956 N. FARWELL AVE.
This import from Appleton opened in May 2026 in the former location of Elite Boba. Featuring both popular and more unusual orders (from its signature milk tea with tapioca to frozen Vietnamese coffee), the cafe also offers desserts such as cookies, brownies and tiramisu. Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Bambu
10708 W. OKLAHOMA AVE., WEST ALLIS
The only Milwaukee-area location of this California-based chain specializes in a Vietnamese creation called chè, made from fresh coconut water and milk. One version is infused with basil seeds and features smashed avocado. Open daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
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Big Straw Cafe
2088 MILLER PARK WAY, WEST MILWAUKEE
Beyond its boba, the shop serves a multitude of fruitades and experimental drinks. Croffles and crepes are also available. Open Wed-Mon 11a.m.-9 p.m.
Boba Street Food Truck
4555 W. FOREST HOME AVE., GREENFIELD
Offers milk teas, fruit teas, refreshers, waffles and crepes. Also gazpacho-inspired drinks and bionico (Mexican fruit) bowls. Open Tues-Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Bubblelicious Bubble Tea
MAYFAIR MALL, 2500 N. MAYFAIR RD., WAUWATOSA; SOUTHRIDGE MALL, 5300 S. 76TH ST., GREENDALE
The specialty here is tiger brown sugar tea. There are also milk teas, “fruties,” fusion drinks and tea lattes. Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Fusion Poke
1813 E. KENILWORTH PLACE; 1433 N. JEFFERSON ST.; 329 N. BROADWAY
Better known for poke bowls, this restaurant also offers milk teas in flavors in loads of flavors, such as strawberry, peach, red guava and dragonfruit. Other food items available here are bento boxes, sushi, Korean wings and chicken sandwiches. Open Mon, Wed-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sun 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Saigon Baguette
2338 N. FARWELL AVE.
Offers boba in flavors such as passion fruit and mango. The food menu includes spring rolls, pork skewers, pho and and several Vietnamese sandwiches. Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Taichi Bubble Tea & Ramen
2028 E. NORTH AVE.
The popular spot located near UW-Milwaukee offers milk teas, fruits teas, “Zang Zang” specials (choose sweet potato, purple sweet potato or matcha, plus dairy or dairy-free milk), smoothies, Dalgona coffee and Thai iced tea. If you’re hungry, there are rice bowls, hibachi dishes, bao buns and ramen soup. Open Tues-Sun noon-9 p.m.
TMTea BOBA
3174 S. 27TH ST.
Come for the matcha and the smoothies in flavors like Blue Dream (butterfly pea tea with milk) and Strawberry Storm. Baked goods include waffles and “croffles” (pressed croissants). Open Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sun noon-8 p.m.
TSAôCAA 朝茶
2224 N. FARWELL AVE.
So many choices – milk teas, fruit teas, coconut drinks, fresh brewed teas. Plus: fried chicken and Hong Kong egg waffles. Open daily noon-9 p.m.
Uni Uni Boba
11082 W. NATIONAL AVE., WEST ALLIS
A Chicago-based chain that offers just about every possible order combination a person could think of – if you’re thinking about yulu oolong milk tea or lychee peach jasmine green tea with lychee mango jelly. Open Mon-Tues, Thurs 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sun 11a.m.-7 p.m.
Xankia
222 W. WELLS ST.
Though the pho and banh mi sandwiches take center stage, there are plenty of boba here, in flavors like avocado, mango, watermelon and passion fruit. Open Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thurs-Fri 11 a.m.-midnight; Sat 3 p.m.-midnight
