BIAO Sugar — Restaurant in New York

One of the most iconic bubble tea shops in NYC definitely has to be Biao Sugar.

I do not go there often as there is just that one location in Korea Town Manhattan (whereas most other bubble tea chains in NY have more that one location) but that is what makes this place so unique. The storefront and space is not too large (more space is most likely given to the prep area in the back.

Once you enter the establishment you are greeting by a huge Tiger mouth(cue the growling sound effects from the jungle) which is like no other experience in NYC. Some may find it amusing or unique and some may find it ho hum or tacky. To each each their own,

Since it is a small space, the line can build up quickly but the workers are very diligent and efficient. The drinks are made in a very timely manner and they call out your number very clearly to let you know the order is ready. They are as friendly and courteous to the point of being very professional but it can come across as very unfriendly to some. In my experience I definitely understand how high stress and high demand things are for a bubble tea shop in NYC...especially one that has a single location in a very popular NYC neighborhood.

It had been at least a couple of years or more since I had purchased any drinks from them. They have a very cool item called Devil's Egg that they use for their signature brown sugar boba drink. This container costs a bit more than their standard order but the cool thing is that this container is reusable and you get a discount for bring it back for a fill up. I was never able to get one in the past so I gave up. But I finally got one!

For this summer of 2023 they added new drinks to the menu...their hand beaten lemonade series which is a nice refreshing reprieve from the sudden humidity in NY.

This is not the fanciest bubble tea shop in NYC but it is definitely unique and iconic. The menu offers an array of flavors in a addition to...

Came in with a group of 4 on a weekday afternoon. The focal point of the establishment is the giant lion's head by the drink pickup area. The actual area for customers is less than 20 square feet of standing room only. First impression was that the whole place looks a bit run down and dirtier than pictures make it appear. It being NYC, I didn't mind it all that much until my interaction with the employee working the register.

The woman behind the counter couldn't be more disinterested in helping customers. We were the only people there at the time and we were made to feel like our presence and questions about the menu were a major inconvenience to her. She was extremely unhelpful and dismissive while we were trying to understand which drinks came with the signature egg cup. While ordering the drinks, she couldn't even display an ounce of niceness or courtesy and quickly retreated into the back area behind the curtain with her cell phone after completing our order.

The man behind the lion's head who was presumably making and serving the drinks was much friendlier and gave a smile after handing us our drinks. The drinks themselves though were extremely average and comparable to your run of the mill boba/bubble tea place.

Overall, BIAO Sugar feels like a gimmicky establishment that relies on the novelty of the photo opportunity provided by the lion and the special egg cups. Not worth the visit at all if you care about the taste and integrity of your bubble tea. At the end of the experience, I felt deep regret for supporting this business and went a few blocks over to I'Milky where we all got much better...

Somehow found this place online before we came up to New York. My wife and I were so excited about the dragon eggs. We took the train to Penn Station and walked here. It was this literal hole in the wall place across from Greeley Park. We both ordered the drinks that came in dragon eggs. (Which you get a discount if you bring it back and order another drink!!). Anyway, the cashier says one moment please and goes back to get the drinks.. and they are delivered in the mouth of a lion!!!! Hands down one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. The drinks were great and the eggs were fun!! We took them home with us. Price was some of the most reasonable that we found on our trip and the drinks were delicious.

Within easy walking distance from Penn Station, the Macy's building, and the Empire State building. We experienced all three and then went to Biao Sugar, got our drinks and then sat at Greely park for a while. It was a great way to start our day!! Absolutely will be back. I love telling people about this experience because they can never quite tell...