Tea Mug Boba — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Copying from my Yelp(:

My first full day in LA and I saw a review was written two hours ago (Yelp) so that implied the spot was new. Self proclaimed boba connoisseur me knew I had to try it and cross it off my list. I had a few boba spots before this so I formed some expectation of LA boba (compared to Seattle).

I had the chance to talk to the owner and he is extremely friendly, welcoming, and kind. He also went out of his way to hand another customer their order outside. Service is fantastic and I hope it stays that way as they continue to thrive during their new opening.

The prices right now are 3.49 and 3.99 for a regular and large which is absurdly cheap. The fact that durian, avocado, and papaya drinks are also the same price is insane, I don't think I can stress the value enough because those flavors will be 1.5x the price if not more than regular boba at other places.

Chewy, soft boba but not much flavor so there's room for improvement but given the fact that it was free (promotion) and the store is new, I'm cutting some slack especially as the drink was solid.

House Milk Tea was recommended but I later learned that's because the Pandan Milk Tea was out and that was the owners(?) number one pick. House Milk Tea tasted like a Hong Kong style milk tea but slightly different with a thick black tea flavor. Strong choice for a boba lover.

I also tried the Strawberry Mojito which was a refreshing, sweet strawberry with a hint of lemon or lime for a small sourness (not overwhelming or overly obvious). Light drink that I'd order on a hot or warm day.

Come support local and new! Talk to the owner and give suggestions too, I'm sure he'd appreciate it and that he wants to continue to improve and accommodate or appeal...

Tea Mug Boba: The Hidden Gem of West LA

If you’re on the hunt for the best boba in town without breaking the bank, look no further than Tea Mug Boba on Sawtelle Blvd. This place has become my go-to spot, and for good reason.

Unbeatable Prices

In a city where boba prices can soar, Tea Mug Boba offers refreshing drinks at wallet-friendly prices. It’s a rare find where quality doesn’t come with a hefty price tag.

Delicious Drinks

Every drink I’ve tried here has been spot-on. The boba pearls are perfectly chewy, and the flavors are rich and satisfying. Whether you’re into classic milk teas or fruity blends, they’ve got you covered.  

Quick and Friendly Service

The staff here are always welcoming and efficient. Even during busy hours, they manage to prepare orders promptly without compromising on quality.

Cozy Ambiance

The shop has a relaxed vibe, making it a great spot to hang out or grab a drink on the go. It’s clean, well-lit, and has a comfortable seating area if you choose to stay awhile.

Final Thoughts

Tea Mug Boba has consistently delivered excellent drinks, friendly service, and unbeatable prices. It’s a must-visit for any boba enthusiast...

The boba shop may not be in that good a location. It’s at the intersection of Santa Monica and sawtelle boulevard. But I went as it was rated super high on google. The shop is well decorated and is a good place for dating maybe. However, it’s the WORST boba shop I’ve ever been to. First to complain is the tipping trick. U need to opt out tips even before u order on the machine, and the tip is by default 20%. I was caught by the trick, and was shocked to find that a small milk tea cost ~$10 with tax and tips. The staff is friendly, he was also embarrassed and offered to return me the money. So I guess that the shop may be franchised and it’s the ‘real’ shop owner who set up this trick, which can embarrass both customers and the staff. But couple dollars more is acceptable if the tea is really good, also, couple dollars are not that a big deal. Therefore, I just paid. However, the tea is really disappointing. It’s too sweet, boba is too small and not chewy. I’ll never come to this place...