BAKO TEA HOUSE — Restaurant in Santa Ana

Bako Tea House is above average when it comes to bubble tea spots, but so is the price tag. It offers the usual array of teas and milk tea options, but nothing really stood out to me. The Phoenix Oolong tea latte taste is decent, but it doesn't have that wow factor you might hope for in a boba place. This may be less about Bako Tea specifically and more about tea shops in general. Quality tea leaf and milk teas sometimes don’t go hand in hand. Just like if you really want to taste the flavor of a coffee bean, adding a bunch of milk and sugar is probably the last thing one should do. But that’s not really Bako’s fault. It’s just there are several high quality tea shops in OC already and Bako is not bringing anything new to the table.

The interior is clean and simple, making it a suitable spot for a quick drink or a casual date spot for some nice sit down conversations.

The service is okay, but there's nothing particularly exceptional about it. Waiting in line for boba seemed like the typical expectation here in OC. The prices are standard for the area, so what I’m saying is that it IS pricey, but it won't leave you feeling like you got a great deal either. Overall, if you're in the mood for some bubble tea and it happens to be nearby, Bako Tea House is a decent option. I wouldn’t go elsewhere if I’m already in the area but I also don’t see it as a place I would make a...

Came across this tea shop while driving nearby and decided to try it. Walked in and the tea aroma hit me. It smelled so good. They display their tea by the counter to let you know they use real tea leafs.

peachy oolong tea: their peach was a bit sour so the tea flavor wasn’t quite there. There’s chunks of peach in there so we know it’s real fruits. I didn’t think this was the best combo but did not hate it. It was different. I’d want to try their tea on its own to taste that quality in the future.

umami matcha milk frappe: definitely a must get if you like matcha. The quality taste better than most I’ve had. It still had small chunks of ice in it but I kind of liked it.

Seating: 4 chairs + can sit around the tree + small bench. I’m assuming it’s dog friendly since there’s a water dog bowl outside.

Decoration: modern and simple. Their merchandise is on the wall. I love how they kept the place simple. Not overcrowded or anything.

Staff: super nice and is willing to explain the drinks!

Price: reasonable. Go during soft opening...

I really enjoy this spot, especially for its ambiance and menu selection. However, I have experienced a recurring issue when visiting on weekends—about half the time, they run out of boba. This can be a bit disappointing if you’re specifically craving some sweet and chewy tapioca pearls. To avoid the wait, I recommend planning your visit during the week when boba availability is more reliable. If you do find yourself there on a weekend, be prepared to wait around 30 minutes for boba.

On a positive note, the phoenix oolong latte and ceremonial matcha latte are absolute highlights of the menu. Their rich, authentic flavors never fail to impress. Additionally, the staff deserves a special mention—they are consistently friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable. Whether you have questions about the menu or need recommendations, they’re more than happy to assist. The combination of excellent service and top-notch tea makes this place a favorite of mine, despite the occasional...