Boba Cafe

Boba Cafe

1223 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, United States

+1 951-680-9998

Bubble tea store
(486)
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About This Place

Nestled conveniently near UC Riverside at 1223 University Ave, Boba Cafe is a vibrant bubble tea store that masterfully blends the best of Asian flavors in both its beverages and hearty meals. This cozy spot has quickly become a favorite among locals and students alike, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu that caters to bubble tea lovers and food enthusiasts seeking satisfying, flavorful dishes.

The star attraction here is undoubtedly the bubble tea selection, boasting classics and creative flavors alike. Whether you’re craving a creamy Honeydew Milk Tea with perfectly chewy boba pearls or a refreshingly tangy Passionfruit Tea, Boba Cafe delivers an ideal balance of sweetness and texture in every cup. For coffee lovers, iced favorites like the Coffee Latte, Brown Sugar Coffee, and Mocha add a delightful caffeine kick alongside the bubble tea offerings. The Milk Tea lineup is equally impressive, featuring unique flavors such as Fresh Strawberry Milk Green Tea and Almond Coffee Milk Tea that bring nuanced richness to each sip.

But Boba Cafe is much more than a tea house. It doubles as a casual eatery serving Asian-inspired dishes that burst with authentic flavor and fresh ingredients. Their popular Popcorn Chicken is a must-try—crispy, juicy bites that have won loyal fans like 'eatingwithmeow', who praises the consistent, mouthwatering taste and the option to add spicy hot sauce. For a hearty meal, the Popcorn Chicken Fried Rice, Kimchee Fried Rice, and Spicy Pork over Rice are flavorful examples of comfort food elevated by thoughtful seasoning and well-balanced spice.

Guests can also indulge in other specialties like Rice Cake Beef and Vegetables, Chicken Katsu, and Beef Noodle Soup, expertly prepared with a comforting authenticity. The menu even offers delightful snacks, including Sesame Seed Balls and Honeydew Snow with Apple Jelly, adding a sweet note to your meal or tea break.

The atmosphere inside Boba Cafe is unpretentious and intimate, with a small but inviting space that encourages a relaxed dining experience. Reviewers highlight the friendly and efficient service, coupled with a casual vibe that often features eclectic music selections, making it a perfect pit-stop for students and locals seeking a delicious, satisfying meal or beverage without fuss.

Overall, Boba Cafe feels like a welcomed fusion of a bubble tea haven and a cozy Asian eatery. Whether you’re stopping in for their signature boba drinks or craving a fulfilling, savory meal, this Riverside gem promises authenticity, flavor, and a genuinely pleasant experience that keeps customers coming back.

For those around UC Riverside and beyond, Boba Cafe is a delightful blend of comfort and creativity, offering vibrant tastes and a friendly atmosphere that feels like a little culinary escape within the city.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Great tea selection
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Free parking lot On-site parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Kty CL
    2 month ago

    The best Korean food! They prepare it right there, with great flavor, they are kind. The place is small but very comfortable. And the boba drinks are amazing!

  • eatingwithmeow
    2 month ago

    A [would come again / 還會再來] · this is my go to spot for popcorn chicken in Riverside (its the only item i order here) · chicken tasted crispy + juicy (average portion for 7$ USD as of October 2025) · can ask for hot sauce · its fairly empty + old inside (often playing rave music) tldr: they have very yummy popcorn chicken thats very consistent in taste

  • Ash
    3 month ago

    Came for lunch on a Thursday around noon. It wasn't too crowded, and I got my food and drink pretty quickly. The food was excellent, and I had so much that I had leftovers for the next day! The Thai tea was also excellent.

  • JOnas
    3 month ago

    Good Boba place!!! My 10 year old loves it! I like their fried rice but they have many other meals and snacks. They also have a bar with all kinds of add-ins!!! May love this place!!!

  • Vitaly Kolas
    3 month ago

    Nice little hybrid Chinese eats and Boba drink cafe next door to UC Riverside. The food is good, the service friendly and efficient. I haven’t tried the drinks yet but I hear they’re good.

  • Adrianna Salinas
    4 month ago

    Delicious food EVERY time. Definitely recommend any variation of the knife cut noodles, the mapo tofu and the the snow veggie pork dishes. Also the passion fruit tea is to die for. If I lived closer I’d be here every day.

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