BOBA THE GREAT — Restaurant in Los Angeles

One star – and only because I genuinely love boba drinks. This place is the only specialized boba store on Larchmont blvd (though not the only one that sells boba), and I appreciate that they brew their own teas – that’s a plus.

However, recently they started charging EXTRA $$ for no-ice drinks.. Yup, you heard it right, extra dollar just because I don’t want ice in my drink. That feels like a whole new level of unnecessary and, frankly, obnoxious. Let’s be real: it’s not like a no-ice request is costing you more. I’m simply asking to enjoy my drink without it being diluted and, in my personal case, to have a sore throat later. A $$ upcharge for a few extra ounces of sweetened liquid? Come on.

I get it – most people like iced drinks. But punishing those who don’t by tacking on extra fees doesn’t make business sense. Where’s the logic? Where’s the customer care?

And finally – you call your place Boba The Great, yet you charge extra to add boba to your drink? At most boba spots, the boba itself is included – that’s kind of the point. If you're branding yourself around boba, don’t nickel-and-dime customers for the very thing you're known for.

Tapioca Boba pearls cost less than $0.10 per serving if made in-house from scratch. So, charging an extra $$ in a boba-focused shop is often pure markup — especially when most places include it by default.

FYI, last picture shows how much ice is the "less ice" option on a 24oz drink. I mean..

FYI #2 No, it is NOT the standard for a small "mom n pop boba place" to charge extra for no-ice in a drink and some...

Update 10/23:

They are not consistent. The last drink I had was like the first one, watered down and the boba was not good. Their new tactic to make sure you feel guilty to leave a negative review by asking you to try your drink before you leave and tell them if it's okay. Most people will say it's fine knowing they are not going to be able to make it any better. They will also make you wait for them to remake it and it still tastes bad.

Update 6/23:

Much better experience. The milk tea was way better, perfect amount of ice, prices are better, and the staff is friendlier. I will definitely be coming back. My favorite milk tea is still Kung Fu Tea on Western but this will work and it's convenient for locals.

Old review: 4/23

I was excited to see a new boba tea spot pop up in Larchmont. Unfortunately, the milk tea tasted watered down, and when I asked for light ice, they refused to fill up my almost $8 drink. It tasted so bad that I couldn't finish it. I doubt this place will last long if they continue serving...

Quaint boba shop in Larchmont strip "mall". Got the Phoenix Oolong Milk Tea and the Orange Cream.

The bobaristas (maybe owners - since they were very friendly and was informative about the drinks) were very nice and accommodating. Offered us that if we don't like the drinks, they can make us other ones. My bestie was real curious about the orange cream where the bobarista said it's similar to Orange Julius. It's fresh squeeze orange juice with their signature cream. Quite lovely actually. I love the combination of the oranges they used and their cream concoction!

The Phoenix Oolong was pretty good. They described it as more floral than usual oolongs and she was right. They do use real milk or other sub milks. I wanted it more creamy, so I'll stick to other boba spots who uses nondairy creamers hehe.

Overall, cute lil store and...