Try Again Beverage House — Restaurant in Calgary

I'm a regular customer who has visited about 20 times, so I feel that I am now qualified to give an in-depth review. The young lady behind the counter who I mostly see (assuming The Daughter) is very nice. But sometimes an older woman is behind the counter (assuming The Mom) is there and she is very abrasive - maybe because I'm so accustomed to the usual pleasantness of The Daughter. On one occasion, I was waiting outside in line because there was another customer inside already (as their shop is small and can only handle one customer at a time), and an older gentleman working there (assuming The Dad) crowded the doorway (unsafe distancing for the customer already in there) to ask me what I would like to order. I told him that I would like to wait and see the menu (which can only be seen once you're inside). The Dad then turned to The Daughter and conveyed my request in Cantonese rather rudely, which I fully understood (come on, what language do you think your core demographic would be!). Rather than leaving, I just gave The Dad the benefit of the doubt, but nevertheless it was an awkward exchange.

Try Again charges you a fee for using a card as a form of payment, which means that cash payments are encouraged. At the end of your visit, they give you a squirt of hand sanitizer, which is a nice thought to encourage safety during the current pandemic. But the cash and hand sanitizer are contradictions of each other, no one is going to fumble with cash during these times - just assume everyone will use a card to pay. Yes, businesses need to pay fees for card usage, but it's a cost of doing business for a normative type of payment in 2021. Raise your menu prices and encourage card use, don't sneak in a hidden fee for a form of payment that has become the official standard during COVID.

Bubble Tea is meant to be a fun experience, but Try Again manages to create an adversarial punch in the face as soon as you walk in with their odd customer service (The Parents) and their curt "no photography" notice posted on the counter. I lasted 20 visits because they are one of the places in Calgary to get good tapioca. But no amount of sweet pearls can be enough to counteract the bitterness of The Mom. Sadly, I won't "try again" for a 21st time.

My review is 2 Stars: 1 Star for their tapioca and 1 Star for...

If you're looking for the ultimate boba experience, Try Again Bubble Tea is where you need to go. I cannot stress this enough: this is the best boba I’ve ever had in my entire life. I ordered the taro smoothie boba, and it was nothing short of perfection. The flavor was absolutely divine—sweet in just the right way without being overpowering, and the creaminess from the smoothie base made it even better. The texture of the pearls was spot-on too: soft, chewy, and perfectly cooked. Honestly, other boba places don’t even come close to competing with the masterpiece they’ve created here.

The shop itself has a cozy, homey vibe that makes you want to settle in and enjoy your drink slowly. It’s a bit on the cramped side, but the decor really makes up for the lack of space. There are so many cute decorations around that add personality to the place, and it feels welcoming, almost like you’re visiting a friend’s house. That sense of warmth makes it such a nice little spot to hang out.

If you’re downtown and in need of a drink, I can’t recommend this place enough. The taro smoothie alone is worth the trip, but I imagine their entire menu is probably incredible too. Whether you're a hardcore boba fan or just looking to treat yourself to something delicious, Try Again Bubble Tea will...

I had low expectations of finding a good milk tea store in Calgary. Luckily, I was near Chinatown! This restaurant’s cute, it’s like a cozy mini milk tea spot. The Totoro decorations enhanced its cute aesthetic. I didn’t get her name, but the lady who took my order and made my drink was friendly and nice. I asked her to choose a drink for me and she made me Hong Kong Milk Tea.

There are many options to choose from and I wish we stayed in this area longer just so I could try more flavors. The pearls/boba tasted good too, it has a unique taste that I can’t describe. My brothers never try other milk tea flavors other than Thai Tea, but they tried mine and bought some too. We love her recommendation! Definitely a place I would Try Again if I visit...