Are you hooked on the Taiwanese treat of bubble tea? Also referred to as boba, for the edible tapioca “pearls” floating in the drink, these sweet treats have quickly become popular around town. Since first introduced to the United States from Taiwan in the 1990’s, there’s been a slow but steady expansion of appreciation for this type of drink. Nowadays, there are so many places to try! Here’s a rundown of all the places you can find bubble tea around DC.
Please note that there are so many places in the entire DMV to try bubble tea! This list is limited to establishments in DC proper and those with locations in MD or VA are noted.
1. ShareTea
- Neighborhood: Chinatown. This is our family’s favorite spot and we’ve gone more times than I can count. Order online and your drink will be ready in 5-10 minutes, depending on the time of day. You’ll get a text when your order is ready and you can run down the steps to grab it.
- Also with locations in Germantown, MD; Fairfax, VA; Falls Church, VA.
2. SecreTea
- Neighborhood: Foggy Bottom. This insta-worthy shop has a fantastic variety of bubble teas as well as croissant sandwiches to add for a hearty lunch. The Earl Grey at this location is my favorite!
3. Spot of Tea
- Neighborhoods: 14th and U Street; Union Market (NoMa). Note that the 14th St location is inside the Streets Market. Try the Blue Jasmine for something extra unique. Also be sure to check out their seasonal offerings of bubble teas.
4. Moge Tea
- Neighborhood: Glover Park. A great place to sit and enjoy your tasty treat – there are tables with board games! The decor inside also makes for a very Instagram-able backdrop. (Mom note: one of our favorite playgrounds, Guy Mason Rec Center, is right across Wisconsin Ave!)
- Also with locations in Falls Church, VA; Springfield, VA; Tyson’s Corner, VA; College Park, MD.
5. Beau Tea
- Neighborhood: Georgetown. For a fun twist, make your bubble tea into an adult beverage by adding a shot for $3 in one of their summer specials, such as the lychee mojito or watermelon slushy.
6. Momo’s Cafe
- Neighborhood: Berkley/Foxhall. The first time I visited Momo’s Cafe I knew it was something extra special. In addition to bubble milk teas, there is an extensive menu of Taiwanese specialty foods. They have a large variety of bubble teas, including ones with milk or cheese foams. My recommendation to try is their signature “potted milk tea”, which is a milk tea with milk foam and a topping of crushed cookies to resesmble dirt.
7. Auntea Boba
- Neighborhood: Truxton Circle (located inside of Supreme Barbeque). I love that Auntea Boba has different boba flavors, from honey to crystal to brown sugar. There are also a lot of flavors hard to find elsewhere, such as cereal milk tea, and a nod to Filipino flavors with Halo-Halo and Buka Pandan teas.
- Also with locations in Fort Washington, MD; Clinton, MD; Lanham, MD.
8. Gong Cha
- Neighborhoods: Penn Quarter, Foggy Bottom, Georgetown. Gong Cha is a bubble tea powerhouse, with over 150 stores and counting across the country. Their impressive menu and quick service make them a popular spot. Try a creme brulee tea for something different!
- Also with locations in Arlington, VA; College Park, MD; Falls Church, VA; Bethesda, MD (2); Rockville, MD (2); McLean, VA; Silver Spring, MD; Annandale, VA; Springfield, VA; Fulton, MD.
9. DC Boba
- Neighborhood: Columbia Heights. This little shop offers so much! From a large and creative bubble tea menu (mermaid tea! refresco de tamarindo! sesame milk tea!) they also offer banh mi Vietnamese sandwiches.
10. Ginza Karaoke BBQ Lounge
- Neighborhood: Capitol Hill. In addition to serving Japanese BBQ and providing private karaoke rooms, this newish spot on Barracks Row also has a bakery with bubble tea on the menu. A good place to try if you want more than just a bubble tea treat.
11. Teaism
- Neighborhoods: Penn Quarter, Dupont Circle, Lafayette Park. Teaism has been a DC staple for a long time, with a menu boasting delicious soups, sandwiches, and bento boxes. Of course there are many teas to try as well, with the option to turn any tea drink into bubble tea by adding boba.
12. E-Tea
- Neighborhood: The Wharf (SW). Combine your hankering for baked goods and a boba drink by stopping into the very cute E-Tea at The Wharf. Check their Instagram page for special rice bowl, drink, and pastry offerings!
13. Pow Tea Shop
- Neighborhood: Chinatown (inside of Poke Papa). There’s a kiosk to use to order which makes the process easy. I love the creative names and combo drinks such as Guavicito, California Dreamin’, Oreo Speedwagon, and Purple People Eater.
Are you a fan of boba? Did we miss any place? Let us know in the comments if there’s another spot to try bubble tea around DC!
