The Top Boba Spots in the Sacramento Area

Summer is upon us and it’s beginning to get hot! In the greater Sacramento area, there’s no better way to cool off than a dip in a backyard pool, a swim in a river, or enjoying a refreshing beverage. If you’re looking for something other than lemonade to cool you off, consider indulging in a boba tea. Numerous boba shops have popped up around the greater Sacramento area and there’s no better time to try out all the tasty concoctions they’re turning out.

But first, a brief explanation. Boba tea, also known as bubble tea, refers to a tea-based drink with tapioca pearls. The drink originated in Taiwan and is typically made from black or green tea, sugar, ice and milk. Toppings are part of the appeal, and include the chewy boba pearls (most commonly flavored with brown sugar); popping boba, which are filled with juice or syrup; and flavored jelly cubes, which have a texture similar to jello.

Armed with a little background info, you can now hit one of the following boba shops in the greater Sacramento area and try it for yourself!

Bober Tea | Various Locations

Photo courtesy Nicholas Ismael Martinez via Unsplash

This international chain has several outposts in the greater Sacramento area: Elk Grove, Midtown, Natomas, and South Sacramento. They have all types of tea-based beverages, from milk tea to fruit tea to brown sugar tea to lattes, featuring flavors like winter melon, taro, mango and pink pear. Some locations also serve mochi donuts via Mochi Dough.

Thai Noodle Express | Placerville

Sure, this isn’t your traditional boba shop. But if you’re craving a bubble tea and don’t want to drive down the hill, head to this popular Thai restaurant, which offers traditional Thai iced tea, with or without boba.

One Milk Tea | Sacramento

Photo courtesy One Milk Tea

Claiming to be one of the boldest boba shops in Sacramento, One Milk Tea is known for its creative flavors, as well as its alcoholic boba! Flavors include Tokyo Tea and Peach on the Beach, plus spiked tonic like honeydew and rose. They also have snacks like fries and fish balls.

B & B Bakery and Boba | Lincoln

Prefer some freshly baked goodies along with your boba? This spot in Lincoln is for you. The Ukrainian-owned shop offers scones, pastries, cinnamon rolls and cookies, as well as every type of boba drink imaginable. Try a rose milk tea, white peach oolong, or one of the many espresso drinks.

Teddy Boba | Rocklin & Rancho Cordova

Photo courtesy City of Rocklin

Slushies, smoothies, milk tea, hot tea and shakes are on the menu at this shop, which has locations in both Rocklin and Rancho Cordova. Or, you can choose one of their most popular drinks, such as Thai iced tea, taro smoothies, house milk tea or a matcha Oreo smoothie. They also have healthy smoothies made from avocado and kale.

Fusion Boba Tea & Snacks | Woodland, Folsom & Rancho Cordova

This family-owned eatery is known not just for their milk teas and smoothies, but also for their Vietnamese dishes. Choose from flavors like honeydew, mango or coconut, topped with boba and jelly. Or try one of the traditional bánh mì sandwiches, burrito wraps, spring rolls or salads. They have locations in Woodland, Folsom and Rancho Cordova.

Teaspoon | Davis & Roseville

Photo courtesy Teaspoon

This expanding chain has shops in both Davis and Roseville, with more coming soon to the Sacramento area. The menu features the staples (house milk tea, honey oolong, Thai iced tea) as well as creative concoctions such as the Grasshopper (lychee green tea with cucumber) and Mango on Fire (mango with Tajin, lime and chamoy).

Koalatea | Elk Grove

Photo courtesy Koala Tea

This cute boba shop in Elk Grove has an expansive menu of both classic flavors and house specialties. Popular choices include strawberry mango with fresh fruit, matcha with brown sugar boba, and Okinawa milk tea. They also have a selection of smoothies and fruity iced teas.

RareTea | Various Locations

Photo courtesy RareTea

This hip spot has locations throughout the Sacramento area, including Natomas, Elk Grove, Davis and Downtown Sacramento. It prides itself on its use of quality ingredients and locally sourced fruits. They use real cane sugar and all of their jams and purees are made in-house. The menu runs the gamut and includes kiwi tea with aiyu jelly, a taro smoothie with pudding, and an uji matcha latte.

Lazi Cow | Various Locations

With locations in Davis, Folsom and the Arden-Arcade area, there’s sure to be a Lazi Cow near you. They have an extensive build-your-own boba menu, where you choose the type of tea, flavors, toppings and preferred sweetness level. You can also order specialties like a Fruity Pebbles milkshake or Mountain Dew slushie with boba. If you need something more substantial, you can fill up on ramen or rice bowls.

Aimée’s Boba Café | South Sacramento

Photo courtesy Aimée’s Boba Café

If you’re looking for a refreshing bubble tea in South Sacramento, look no further than this charming café in the Parkway neighborhood. They offer all the classic drinks, such as milk teas, iced tea, slushies, and blended snow, with toppings like brown sugar boba and lychee jelly. You can also fill up on Asian-style snacks like Saigon chicken, egg rolls and crab wontons.