Bubble tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a sweet, tactile adventure. You cradle that plastic cup, feeling the satisfying heft of pearls sliding through the straw. You’ve tracked down these elusive treasures (aka navigated Moreno Valley’s strip malls) and now you’re about to sip pure, tapioca-studded bliss.
Boba St.
$$ | WEBSITE
There’s nearly always a line stretching out the door to drink here, a place with a cozy phone booth and arguably the best blended drinks in Moreno Valley. Why? The brown sugar milk tea storm, a perfectly blended masterpiece without any annoying ice chunks. Some of the drinks are so good they give you board games to enjoy them with, but you can tear into them with your straw like the top of the boba chain boss that you are.
POKILICIOUS MORENO VALLEY
$ | (951) 590-6987 | WEBSITE
This is a poke bowl place, but wait, before you dismiss it as just another fast-casual spot, trust us, it’s different! Here you build your own bowl with incredibly fresh fish. We don’t actually love the tofu here on its own, but the outrageous house sauce is dazzling. At the end of your meal, the friendly staff makes sure you have everything you need, from utensils to napkins. It’s fresh as hell, but unbelievably satisfying.
No bland or skimpy portions were served in the making of this killer lunch.
It’s Boba Time
$ | (951) 200-4840 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a Moreno Valley shopping center, this boba spot feels like a cheerful neighborhood hangout. It’s Boba Time offers quick service if you’re grabbing a drink on the go, but the real move is to settle in and order one thing – the Strawberry Cookies, a refreshing strawberry drink blended with crunchy Oreo pieces. Customize it with an extra scoop of boba or a splash of lychee jelly for that perfect sweet finish.
Sharetea Moreno Valley
$ | (951) 363-2000 | WEBSITE
Also not too far from the main drag, this is a cozy boba spot with quirky touches on the walls. Provided you can find parking (which can sometimes be a challenge in the lot out front), Sharetea’s worth checking out at least once for a milk tea with pearls with Sharetea’s boba regulars. The drink menus won’t be overwhelming, but the staff are all happy to help guide you and make recommendations.
The pretty good drinks won’t blow your mind, but Sharetea’s cafe sua da, milk tea with pearls, and other fresh, flavorful teas all beat the crap out of a typical bubble tea chain’s offerings. You might witness some friendly moments here, to which we can only comfort you with, “Forget it, Jake. It’s Sharetea.”
Better-Be Donuts
$ | (951) 992-1134 | WEBSITE
When you’re craving something sweet and need a break from the usual coffee shop pastries, but still want that comforting morning treat, the donuts at this Moreno Valley spot are stellar. The selection comes with fluffy glazed rings, chocolate frosted classics, and creative seasonal varieties. Grab a croissant breakfast sandwich to go along with your donut order. They’re open early ’til mid-afternoon, perfect for morning runs. Other terrific donut spots for your Inland Empire soul?
Donut Star and Donut Haven.
Carly Donuts
$ | (951) 363-8097 | WEBSITE
Yes, the name. Don’t worry, this isn’t just another donut chain. Carly Donuts is a local spot in Moreno Valley, which on early mornings feels like a secret club that everyone knows about. Carly Donuts is all about treats, which are sweet and savory delights. Get a mochi donut, as well as the ham, egg, bacon, jalapeño, and cheese croissant and an apple fritter.
HiHi Tea House
$$ | (657) 365-9498 | WEBSITE
Open for over a year now, HiHi Tea House specializes in bubble tea: a variety of flavors and lactose-free options, served alongside some other items, like cute knick-knacks and convenient goods. You don’t want to miss out on their signature drinks – the pomegranate tea with strawberry jelly is the star.
Donut Shop
$ | (951) 656-5080 | WEBSITE
This straightforward breakfast spot is a local staple. Every morning, it becomes a bustling hub, and then settles back to what it is: a reliable neighborhood joint that outshines other options in the area. Donut Shop is first and foremost a breakfast place, but their Thai tea is excellent. The donuts are very good, the croissants are tasty, and their bagels are always served with a smile. Grab one of their clean tables before starting your day. You might miss the morning rush.
But you’ll make it in time for a satisfying start.