Tap Tea Bar Pointe — Restaurant in Wilmington

I had to leave a review, because I could not find this location on any socials to message privately. I went in here once before around closing time. I can't remember if it was the manager or owner, but he was super friendly! Talked to my friend and I up until they closed for the night. Tea was super good as well! I went in a day or two ago with the same friend to get my husband some tea before work. I had already felt bad for going in 15 minutes before closing as I to know what it is like working in customer service. My mission was go in and get out so we don't hold up closing. We were greeted with "We would like you to know that we close in 8 minutes" Got it filled out my order. I go to walk up to the desk and the employee again said "Just to let you know we close in 5 minutes" I understood the first announcement, but we were the only ones in there from the time we got there until the time we left. I go up give them my order, pay, tip, and patiently wait. As I'm waiting two young girls are sitting to the side waiting for one of the employees to get off work. I go to look up and notice the one girl quickly look away from myself and say something to the other girl beside her. The only girl then looks at me and starts laughing. Mind you I never feel self conscious in public and am not one to jump to conclusions. I am a bigger girl who was wearing a crop top at the time. I immediately I felt uncomfortable and definitely not welcome then. I will like to point out that I am glad this happened to me rather then a person who suffers from ED because this could have been a major trigger to someone. Because of this I can't see myself coming back. Customer service is big deal for me, and I understand those girls may not be employees. But please be mindful of who is in there hanging out with...

The atmosphere is great and the customer service is up there. But the quality of tea and proper technique isn't there. The tea is watered down to the point that I can't even taste anything. The whole point of black and green tea is to amplify your choice of flavor powder. The boba is overly chewy meaning it wasn't fully cooked. If you have ever had true milk tea this ain't even close to what is suppose to taste like. For such high reviews it was very disappointing.

Edit* This review isn't suppose to come off aggressive, but I am being blunt specifically for milk tea. For some people they love it and I'm glad they do. I understand not every person who comes in will be satisfied with what they purchase. But as someone who lived in different countries and states(which milk tea was a regular to have), in addition worked as a boba barista due to the LOVE of milk tea... I'm dissatisfied by the quality.

Opened powdered containers allows things to get into them as well as mixing flavors as you pass over with a scoop. If someone is allergic to a flavor you opened possibilities to an reaction. The base tea should be profiled by their characteristics such as mellow, robust and earthy. Rather I experienced very watery flavor. Consistent of milk tea should be creamy with a slight thickness when swirling. It was as if there was no creamer/milk added. 5min boba is fine or standard 30mins, but hard boba shows it was not cooked fully.

I would really like to love this place. I have tried this place and the other location a few times getting the same result. I believe it has potential, however I think some readjusting to your recipes and steeps to be consistent across your stores will...

This used to be my to-go place for a treat, usually 2-3 times per week. But since the beginning of 2023, I think in February I went in per usual, I had $5 and $2 in quarters and got my usual drink… it had always been $5, so I grabbed extra change for their tip (bc I always tip at least $2)… and when she rang me up it was like $7.75, I just know I had to take what I had for her tip AND dig for more change, I was SO embarrassed and the cashier was obviously like 🙄 and then I couldn’t tip since I only had cash and change… it’s really annoying how they don’t display the base price anywhere, probably so they can change it whenever they feel like it but now the cost of a SMALL is $9 (including a standard $2 tip) which is insane honestly. It’s the lack of transparency that’s hard for me. That experience could’ve been avoided. Plus it’s soured me from Tap, I’d rather just get my boba from Carolina Beach (a large for $7.75…) better deal, not as many choices but they’re all blended and that’s what I always get anyway ¯(ツ)/¯ I love tap but I probably won’t go...