Maybe you have, or maybe you haven't heard about the boba tea craze that's been taking off in the last couple of years. For those who don't know, boba, are essentially pearl shaped, honey flavored gummy bears that are often served in tea and slush drinks. After living in San Francisco, where boba was one of the main food groups for my roommates, I fell hopelessly in love with boba tea. But when I came home to Las Vegas, I had no idea if boba tea even existed here. So, my mom and I set out on a mission to find the best boba places all across Vegas, and after six months of adventures, this is what we found.
6. Jackie Bee Boba.
6250 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146.
I came here for one reason, and one reason only -- the plantation milk tea, and was not disappointed. The plantation milk tea is essentially the milk tea you know and love, topped with whipped cream and Oreo crumbles. It is however, just as filling as a milkshake with the boba added to the mix, so you'll probably be too full to eat anything from the Thai restaurant they share the space with. They also have a selection of other teas and slushes for those who prefer something a little more traditional. If you're looking for an Insta-worthy boba spot, this is the one for you.
5. OMG Boba Tea.
8560 W Lake Mead Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89128.
My grandma lives in Summerlin, so whenever I visit her, this is my go-to boba place. I always walk in wanting to try something new, but the jasmine tea with honey boba is too good for me to even think about changing it up. Both the tea and the boba are just sweet enough, but not overpowering. I've never tried any of their slushes or fruit drinks, but they advertise using all fresh fruits which is always a plus on my list.
4. QQ Boba.
9310 S Eastern Ave Ste 105 Henderson, NV 89123.
QQ is my neighborhood boba place. It's, essentially, my comfort food. It's where my mom took me when I failed my driver's test the first time, where I went to get her birthday boba, and the place I take friends who have never had boba before. The staff is amazing, and it's always a very timely process. I usually go for the honey or jasmine green teas, because I like what I like, but I've seen friends order some wild drinks and they've never left unhappy. They have also one of the widest variety of toppings I've seen on my adventures. They have everything from coffee jelly to taro pudding. And for those who enjoy the classics, they have great honey boba too.
3. Lollicup.
6629 South Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119.
It's located in Town Square which is pretty accessible no matter what side of town you live on. While they may not have an actual store, their little kiosk is quite wonderful. This is my favorite place to go when I want a sweet drink. Their tea and boba are sweet, which I love, but if you like things on the unsweetened side they account for that too. They have some original drinks that are from what I've seen unique just to Lollicup, like the Milky Way and Aloha Colada. I also love how they have a chart explaining where boba comes from and how it's made. I love knowing what I'm putting into my body, and their information diagram eases that uncertainty.
2. Kung Fu Tea.
5030 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89146.
This place has a really amazing vibe. When I walked in the staff were all very helpful, and made sure I knew that if I didn't like my drink they'd be happy to remake it. I also loved how I could choose the sweetness of my drink, which I'm usually pretty picky about. They have a huge selection of different drinks so they will definitely have something everyone will love.
1. Brew Tea Bar.
7380 S Rainbow Blvd Ste 101 Las Vegas, NV 89139.
Brew Tea Bar is my favorite boba place in all of Las Vegas for a lot of reasons. My favorite part is that you can see they use real tea leaves and will freshly brew you some if you ask. It has that same San Francisco vibe I'd been missing at home. I love knowing that what I'm drinking is made from something real and not processed, and that's exactly what Brew Tea Bar does. Aside from their wide variety of teas from lavender to chrysanthemum, they also have the best boba. It's the right consistency, the right temperature, and the right amount of honey flavor. Not only do they have the best boba tea, they also have amazing crepes, which are a must try. The staff are also so helpful, and will remake your drink if it's too sweet, not sweet enough, or even if you just don't like it. They really care about their customers, and it's so apparent from the moment you walk, in to the moment you walk out.
The first time I ever tried boba, I was skeptical. It looks a little strange, and I didn't know what to expect. But when my roommates told the cashier that I'd never had it before, and he handed me a cup of boba to try, I just went for it. It was one of the best food decisions I've made in the past nineteen years. So, be brave and give it a try. Plus, since boba comes from the cassava root, it definitely counts as a vegetable.
Did I miss your favorite boba place? Leave a comment, because the adventure is never over.