Bubble tea in Bloomington isn’t just a drink—it’s a cultural phenomenon that’s been brewing since the first tapioca pearls arrived here. While students debate the merits of brown sugar versus fruit teas on campus forums, we’ve sipped our way through every local spot to find the seven absolute best. Prepare to justify those $8 boba runs as essential research.
Zero Degrees
$ | (812) 650-1005 | WEBSITE
A mandatory order. These golden, deep-fried Korean corn dogs are excellent no matter the filling, though we tend to gravitate towards the cheese-stuffed version for that legendary pull.
Blooming Thai
$ | (812) 369-4229 | WEBSITE
Turns out, Thai cream cake topped with taro cheesecake is way more memorable than any ordinary dessert will ever be. Just try to stop savoring these sweet, creamy, homemade little treats. It’s hard, we know.
Cafe Bali
$ | (812) 414-5566 | WEBSITE
Honestly, the team at Cafe Bali is quietly outclassing some of those overhyped fusion spots with their Indonesian approach to Chinese-inspired flavors. The beef dishes are rich, satisfying, and perfect with an extra pour of that recommended red bean milk tea on the side.
Kung Fu Tea
$ | (812) 822-1290 | WEBSITE
At Kung Fu Tea, a classic milk tea is basically just a simpler boba drink. The best ones come with sweet black tea soaking up creaminess, chewy tapioca for texture, and popping boba that are half soft and bursting, half still-intact, cool and surprising.
Soma Coffee House And Juice Bar East
$ | (812) 333-7334 | WEBSITE
Best enjoyed in the cozy dining area (to avoid a serious iced coffee spill on your laptop), this straightforward coffee shop hits the spot with a smooth Top of The Morning brew, a scone, and quiche. It also doubles as a great study spot with comfortable seating.
Soma Coffeehouse & Juice Bar
$ | (812) 668-2086 | WEBSITE
We like the brightness provided by the homemade pop tarts, contrasting with the richness of the drip coffee. There’s a nice creaminess from the chai latte, and though some of the heartier baked goods may be bigger crowd-pleasers, at least we can pretend to get more antioxidants with this order.
Sunny Poke & Tea
$ | (812) 822-0777 | WEBSITE
The absence of artificial syrups feels almost wrong for bubble tea, but Sunny Poke & Tea earns a pass. Their drinks are good, with real fruit, plenty of cheese foam and boba, and enough fresh salmon piled onto healthy poke bowls to keep you satisfied.