Matcha. Taro. Brown sugar boba. No, this isn’t a list of flavors we order just to look adventurous on Instagram. This is a list of drinks we never truly appreciated until we tried to find a decent cup in Tallahassee. Ever since the bubble tea craze swept through Florida’s capital, there have been underwhelming imitations, disappointing pearls, and shattered expectations.
That’s why, unless by some miracle – or, you know, actual quality – you stumble upon the real deal, it’s important to have a proper guide that doesn’t involve settling for subpar tapioca.
Boru Boru – Sushi Burrito + Ramen + Bowl
$ | (850) 270-9253 | WEBSITE
Look, now isn’t the time to worry about whether you should have studied more or whether that last text was too much. You just need to keep moving, quickly and mindlessly, towards Boru Boru. This cozy and relaxed spot is home to a big counter that is basically the cure for all of your Tallahassee stress.
You’re definitely going to want to get involved in their boba tea that’s full of things like mango and Arnold Palmer, as well as their Muscle Man sushi burrito – it’s one of our favourite quick meals in town.
Pong’s boba tea
$ | (850) 425-2406 | WEBSITE
It’s taken you three weeks, roughly 27 enthusiastic recommendations, and one dramatic declaration about needing a ‘life-changing boba experience’ to finally convince your friends to try Pong’s boba tea. Now you’re facing a charming little 15-minute line out the door and you’re determined not to let everyone fill up on snacks before they taste the actual drinks. You should absolutely wait it out.
This unassuming spot is practically ideal for any craving, including a quick pick-me-up, a reliably excellent tea, and sampling some mochi and macarons. In case everyone starts questioning your beverage-obsessed priorities, they’ve also got plenty of unique blends and toppings to choose from.
Midtown Noodles Bar
$ | (850) 999-3023 | WEBSITE
Your friend who swears they discovered the best pho in Tallahassee but still uses packets of instant ramen at home is texting you photos from the parking lot. Don’t judge them, the wait at Midtown Noodles Bar brings out the hunger in people. Gently steer them inside, a bright hive of quick service and noodles in a convenient Midtown location. There’s a variety of satisfying dishes, generous portions, and the entire menu is available for takeout, including their excellent chicken pad Thai.
Paris Banh Mi – Tallahassee
$ | (850) 270-9611 | WEBSITE
When you ironically – totally ironically – checked your horoscope last week, it said you’d discover something unexpectedly delightful that would brighten your whole week. Clearly, this perfectly balanced milk tea with tapioca boba at Paris Banh Mi was what they were talking about. As the new refreshed and satisfied you, head for the counter at this family-owned spot.
It’s a clean, inviting situation with delicious banh mi inside a Vietnamese restaurant that feels very welcoming and also a bit charming. And if you’re going to have a little something to eat here, we’d recommend the grilled pork banh mi on baguette and seasoned tofu sandwich from the vegetarian options.
Bubble World
$$ | (606) 207-9589 | WEBSITE
As you wander through the mall, you’ll start thinking things like, maybe I am a bubble tea connoisseur. One of the last true flavor explorers. A wandering soul with an empty cup and big tropical dreams. None of this is true. You’re just thirsty, mildly indecisive, and in need of something sweet. And really, there’s no better sweet treat than boba, and deciding which of the dozen custom drink options here you’re going to try first.
The experience at Bubble World is simple – you tell the friendly staff exactly what you want, then you can watch them create your perfect drink, adding strawberry bubbles or mango milk tea, pressing buttons on the blender, and the machine whirs up your creation. It might all sound a little assembly line, but time flies here, and everything from the Nutella açaí bowls to the passion fruit mixes is super refreshing.
Bubbly Tea Bar
$ | (850) 889-0833 | WEBSITE
Bubbly Tea Bar is a small and cozy spot that’s a quick drive from downtown. Basically, this place and its popcorn chicken are your salvation when the endless coffee shops start to blur together, and mainlining another espresso starts to feel like a good idea. Stop. Walk into Bubbly Tea Bar. Order the bubbly milk tea, pineapple slush with strawberry popping boba, and corn dogs. Then sip until you feel like you’re ready for another round.
When it comes to hanging out, Bubbly Tea Bar is one of your best bets in the area – their drinks are tasty, there are sweet and savory options aplenty, and it’s kid-friendly. That means you can pretty much always find a spot to study or chat with friends.
Natural Kitchen ( poke bowl and bubble tea)
$ | (850) 727-4563 | WEBSITE
Natural Kitchen is one of those clean and cheerful little bubble tea spots that has probably quenched the thirst of hundreds, if not thousands, of students and locals. It’s a modern space with bright lighting, and there’s a lot of the fresh, minimalist decor and tidy countertops that remain throughout the dining area. That means it has a crisp and inviting feel that sets it apart from a lot of other quick-service restaurants in the area.
This place also takes their bubble tea very seriously, serving creative takes on the classics, and an excellent selection of flavors with toppings like popping boba, fruit jellies, and other things we don’t really analyze but taste great.
Natural Kitchen (Poke & Bubble Tea)
$ | (850) 329-2790 | WEBSITE
You’re feeling parched. Your throat is scratchy from the Florida heat. And you’re about three more errands away from needing serious hydration. Head for Natural Kitchen. Yes, it sounds a bit wholesome, but it’s actually a great little poke spot where you can dive into their create-your-own bowls, some sweet potato fries, and a refreshing bubble tea or two.
As this place is in Tallahassee, it’s better for those quick lunches that are under thirty minutes, but the five minute wait is worth it for the clean, friendly feel and the therapeutic bonus of customizing a fresh bowl with vibrant vegetables and that amazing boba.