Harmony Tea Shoppe — Restaurant in Dr. Phillips

I'm not usually this upset over these types of things, which surprises me because this is the first time I've ever written a review, but the experience I had at this place was so infuriating.

My 2 cousins, sister and I came to get boba as a sweet treat hoping to drink, unwind, and talk. However, little did we know this was not the experience we were about to have. As 3/4 of us were first-time customers, we figured the Harmony Signature Drink menu would be the best place to order from.

My oldest cousin ordered first and everything went well for her. My older cousin ordered second: a Caramel Bubble Milk Black Tea. Underneath, it lists "w/ Dark Brown Sugar, w/ Conjac Boba, w/ Oreo & Milk Foam." You would assume that these three toppings came with the stated price at $7.50, right? Wrong. They charged extra for EACH topping although it was stated on the menu that these came with the drink.

I had ordered next: a Brown Sugar Coconut Latte Smoothie w/ Coffee Jelly. It was $7.95 and if my math is correct, the total should not have been more than $9 whatsoever. When she told me the total, she said $8.47, perfect! As I inserted my card, I pulled my wallet out to tip in cash. When I saw the screen asking for a $1, $2, or $3 tip, I was about to press No Tip because I was ready to tip in cash, but the screen moved on from that and asked me for a receipt before I even clicked on anything. I assumed she had pressed no tip by default because as I work in the food industry as a cashier, I know you're able to control the tip options. Tell me why I see the total flash on the screen for half a second and it says $11.47 and I didn't even get a chance to ask for a receipt. After that, my sister was ready to order herself an iced Strawberry Sago which is around $9.53.

Right after she ordered, I went back to the register and waited for these 2 girls that were ordering their drinks. Once it got to my turn, I asked her why she charged me a $3 tip, and she tried denying it. I then asked for a receipt and told her I was going to tip in cash so it wasn't a big problem (but I was still upset) and that I just wanted to know why she would do that. Tell me why she told me she didn't do it because she has no way of controlling the tip cost or receipt options. Like I said before, I also work as a cashier and although I understand the system might be different, I SAW her tap on something that made the tip screen go away for me. This is when the employee I was speaking to started getting confused and called over an older male which I assume was the manager. She asked him for help, and asked me what was wrong. When I explained the situation, he also looked dumbfounded as if he didn't know what I was saying, and then proceeded to tell me he can't understand what I'm saying. Either he was pretending to not speak English (which I doubt was the case), or he was so genuinely confused. He took back the receipt I had asked for and just threw it away. Are we really serious right now?

Anyways, while this whole fiasco happened, a whole group of teenage boys came and used the kiosks to order their drinks. While we were waiting, the workers were calling out drinks every 5 minutes or so. Please explain how the 2 girls that ordered after us as well as almost that whole group of boys got their drinks before we did. We kept looking back and even after 40 minutes, they still hand't started on our drinks. Finally after 48 minutes, we received our drinks. My sister's drink was not only warm, but tasted horrible. My drink also tasted odd and gave me a stomach ache after.

Mind you, we just spent over $40 on these drinks that were definitely not worth the wait, cost, or horrible customer service. I thought the employees seemed kind, but they either didn't know what they were doing or just tried to make more money by sneakily adding tips to orders.

I don't know if KungFu Tea is a thing in Florida, but I hate it and I would rather go there than come here ever again. Thankfully I'm not from Florida so I will never have to see this place anymore for the...

Great drink options

What I got the Mango Pomelo Sago dairy free. I got this with 25% sugar. The toppings - mango pomelo sago was okay. It was more on the artificial side, I didn't taste much of the pomelo pulp/meat if there was any.. there were pieces of mangoes which were good. There seems like there was a mix of sago in there, some bigger than some unless it is something else... I was able to get this without dairy which was good. It was just coconut milk. If you have strict dietary restrictions, doing substitutions could be questionable, id stick to drinks that doesn't have anything, ie. the whole milk removed from my drink, i am skeptical is there was no milk in it

Environment This is located in a plaza so there is plenty of space available. There is a few tables outside so you could sit outside. There is quite some space inside with games to play as well. The ordering system is either at the counter or there are 2 kiosks for you to order.

Niceness of the staff The staff did their best. I used the kiosks to order and I was able to ask questions, though they were not there to guarantee anything for dietary restrictions.

Dollar Drink these days are like a meal replacement! It was near 8$ for the drink.. At least it came with a nice bottles?

Yes? Id go here again if I am in the area. I did see they have food as well,...

I had such a lovely experience at Harmony Tea Bar on Sandlake. This place is a hidden gem! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt so classy and peaceful. Soft classical piano music was playing in the background, which instantly set the tone for a relaxing visit.

The drinks? Incredible. I ordered a mocktail that was honestly one of the most refreshing I’ve ever had, and the fact that it had boba in it? Total game changer. It was the perfect mix of fun and sophistication. The staff was very nice when giving us our drinks! My best friend’s 4-year-old daughter joined us and absolutely loved her strawberry smoothie, which says a lot because kids are the toughest critics!

The shop was also spotlessly clean, and I appreciated the thoughtful touches, like the little corner with games you can play. It’s such a cozy spot whether you’re catching up with a friend or just want to unwind with a good drink.

Can’t wait to go back again, this place definitely deserves...