I’m not at all ashamed to admit that I do have an obsession. It may seem silly to some, but whenever I’m out and about I can’t resist looking for the best boba tea I can find. You might say that I need “my fix” and that could be true. But is it a crime to crave a cup of tea? Absolutely not! With that in mind, I was in San Antonio TX not long ago with my best friend and we decided to sample the boba tea shops across the city on a quest for the best. These are our seven top picks:
7 Top Picks for Boba Tea in San Antonio
#1 – Artea Bubble Tea + Eats
Artea Bubble Tea + Eats has to be at the top of the list because their interesting drink menu. There are so many choices that it’s nearly impossible to decide. They offer everything from traditional loose teas and rich creamy teas to tasty frozen drinks, and their own distinctive specialties. My favorite was the Old Time Taiwan Fruit Tea, but my friend’s top pick was the Winter Melon Lime Aiyu with Basil Seed. You can’t go wrong with either, both are bursting with flavor.
What makes Artea even more special is that it’s not all about tea. Their menu also includes some tasty snacks and meals, like crispy popcorn chicken and a variety of delicious noodle or rice dishes. They have two locations, one at De Zavala and another at Culebra Commons. Even though the shop was filled with customers, many being UTSA students, we were served very quickly. So, whether you’re a boba aficionado or new to the trend, I totally recommend Artea if you’re craving a perfect drink with a nice meal.
#2 – Gong cha
Gong cha is clearly one of the most popular boba tea franchises in the U.S., having originated in Taiwan. If you happen to live in San Antonio TX, you can count yourself lucky to have one close by as most Gong cha shops in the U.S. are on the East Coast. This Taiwanese specialty tea comes in a wide range of options, so no matter which boba tea you’re craving, you can’t go wrong at Gong cha.
In reading their menu, I found myself drawn to their milk teas, finally selecting the Cream Brulee Dirty Brown Sugar tea, which was absolutely divine. It had a rich, caramel sweetness that reminded me of my favorite ice cream. My friend chose the Strawberry Milk Lush, which she described as fruity and creamy. And by the look on her face, it must have been heaven.
Being too full after my tea to try their bubble waffles, I was tempted after seeing so many others in the shop indulging themselves. So, next time I stop by I’ll make a point of ordering Gong cha bubble waffles, so that I too can find out why this is such a popular dish.
#3 – Tealicious Cafe
Tealicious Café was founded in San Antonio, and its popularity has allowed it to expand to seven locations around the city with each one being just as warm and inviting as the last. Some might feel a bit overwhelmed on their first visit because there’s 120 different boba drinks on the menu. You’ll see everything from Coconut Milk Tea and Green Thai Tea to Taro Milk Tea. How can you choose when they all look so enticing? The list is a treasure trove, a boba tea lover’s dream with every option imaginable.
Aside from a massive drink selection, Tealicious Café has incredibly affordable prices, especially when you compare them with other boba tea shops in San Antonio. This is made even more apparent when you see how tall their cups are. One thing you should know is that it’s best to drink your boba milk tea right after it’s made because if it sits too long or you take it home to enjoy later, the powders and liquids start separating. Sure, you can stir it but drinking it fresh is best.
#4 – SP Cafe
SP Café is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in San Antonio, TX. Not only do they have a wonderful selection of teas and other drinks, but their menu also includes a nice variety of Vietnamese noodle soups and sandwiches. SP Café is conveniently located near the North Star Mall.
My favorite drink is the one they call the “crazy drink” because it has so many odd ingredients. According to them it blends herbal and melon flavors with egg pudding and crystal boba. For that extra punch, they add a mix of jellies. It does sound crazy, but it’s absolutely delicious. SP Café also has a pastry section for those with a serious sweet tooth. Here you’ll find a variety of macarons, little choux and egg custard pastries with yummy fillings.
#5 – Mama Mia Fusion
If you’re in San Antonio and find yourself craving a sugar cane drink, you have to stop by Mama Mia Fusion. This is the perfect spot for a tasty sugar cane drink made of fresh ingredients, giving you the full flavor of sugar cane with every sip. To my surprise my Classic Mia drink was not overly sweet, just perfect. Next time I stop by I’ll try one of the Premium Mia or Fusion Mia drinks.
I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that the drinks at Mama Mia Fusion tend to be a little pricey, with small cups starting at $7.25 and larges at $7.75. The quality is great and the ingredients are fresh, so we felt they were worth the cost. Aside from sugar cane drinks, Mama Mia offers a nice range of boba teas and creamy smoothies. So, whether you’re in the mood for a sugar cane drink, boba tee, or smoothie, Mama Mia Fusion will not disappoint.
#6 – Lustea
Right next door to SP Café in San Antonio, you’ll find a charming little boba tea shop called Lustea that grabs your attention because it’s so cute inside. Although their menu might not be that long, it does have all the essentials. You can choose from any number of fresh fruit teas, creamy milk teas, or blended smoothies. There’s something for everyone, so Lustea will definitely satisfy your cravings.
Whenever I visit Lustea, I always order one of their fresh fruit teas, which gives me a quick pick-me-up on a warm day. These teas are always flavorful and very refreshing, although sometimes a little too sweet unless I request less sugar. This way I can more easily taste the fruit, which is what I prefer. It’s never a problem for them to tailor my drink to suit my taste, and they will do the same for you too, I’m sure. A small suggestion: the fruit tea at Lustea would taste better without the topping, which I don’t particularly enjoy, especially towards the end of the day.
#7 – Feng Cha
Feng Cha is one of the newest boba shops in San Antonio, having opened in the Castle Hills area in 2023. It quickly became popular due to their extremely fresh ingredients, with customers describing their drinks as very impressive. In looking at their menu I could see a broad range of very interesting drinks; basically, something for everyone. What I noticed most about my drink was that the boba pearls had a perfectly smooth texture, which I loved.
I also loved the peaceful atmosphere inside the café, giving me the feeling that I could sit down and sip my tea for as long as I wanted. I could see people reading or studying for a class, and quietly visiting with friends. I would definitely recommend this spot if you needed a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For an extra treat, ask that your boba drink be topped off with their rich, creamy milk foam. Remember, when you’re in the Castle Hills section of San Antonio make sure to stop by Feng cha.
Final Thoughts
San Antonio TX is full of great boba tea shops, giving fans of the beverage a huge number of options. Whether you feel like having a green tea or black tea, a Mango slush paired with a nice snack, a boba tea shop while you’re in San Antonio is the perfect place to go. Each of the establishments above has their own take on boba tea, which means you’ll have a great experience no matter which one you choose.
