Before San Mateo became the Peninsula’s hub for tech innovation and international flavors, its beverage scene was largely predictable. So when this city embraces bubble tea, it’s with the enthusiasm of discovering a brilliant neighbor’s secret recipe – and we’ve found the very best.
Lily’s Crêperie
$ | (650) 312-1579 | WEBSITE
There’s a lot going on at Crystal Springs Village’s Lily’s Crêperie. You’ll notice a charming small space, a few cozy booths for indoor seating, and a really nice outdoor area on a good day. But c’mon, would you really expect anything less from a family-owned spot discovered while charging an electric vehicle? Somehow, though, the food makes it all come together.
The interesting take on the classic lemon crêpe (the generous butter, likely the wonderful type used in banh mi, is amazing) and the iced ca phe sua da (strong enough to wake the dead) prove to be some of the best snacking decisions we’ve made recently. Couple all of that with watching the crêpes being made from scratch and the occasional quiet cafe atmosphere and we see why this place deserves a try.
Teaspoon San Mateo
$ | (650) 393-5727 | WEBSITE
This popular bubble tea spot in San Mateo has a menu of traditional Chinese teas and customizable drinks. But you should ignore that standard menu and get the Brown Sugar Boba Milk Tea, which is likely perfected by whatever Emmy took an interest in during her morning prep. That’s always a better choice because, while the boba here is excellent, the regular drinks are unremarkable.
And Teaspoon’s use of fresh ingredients, like rich tea and creamy milk, help to drown out the flimsy quality of the paper straws and bring in some much-needed texture.
Shuyi Grass Jelly & Tea 书亦烧仙草
$ | (650) 437-4090 | WEBSITE
Shuyi Grass Jelly & Tea has ambition for staking its claim among San Mateo’s bubble tea spots. Unfortunately (or fortunately for those seeking simpler options), the signature drinks feel like a missed opportunity, overshadowing the good qualities of this downtown cafe. The space is cute and comfortable with enough seating that you can enjoy your drink without feeling rushed. They’ve got a variety of specialty drinks, and the service moves fast.
But the milk teas arrive at the counter just okay and coconut grass jelly milk tea comes with toppings that probably went from container to cup right before you ordered it. Stick to the customizations, like adjusting sweetness levels, trying the brown sugar jelly, and exploring caffeine-free options.
Sharetea San Mateo
$ | (650) 581-1951 | WEBSITE
As the only bubble tea spot in downtown San Mateo with such a prime location, Sharetea probably knew its mango drink with ice cream on top would attract a steady stream of students, remote workers, and moviegoers heading next door. Similar to other welcoming bubble tea places, all types of customers come out for $6-8 drinks, customizable orders for dietary restrictions, and inviting interiors that mix comfortable seating with a quiet weekday atmosphere.
When we’re done appreciating the friendly staff who remake drinks with no questions asked or that person in the corner actually getting work done on their laptop, we’re ordering the must-try mango creation, which barely needs stirring. Make the most of your visit (and convenience) by skipping the hesitation and sticking to the sweet drinks section of the menu, where you’ll find the most satisfying sips.
Tiger Tea & Juice San Mateo
$ | WEBSITE
With a nod to the strawberry lovers out there, Tiger Tea & Juice San Mateo absolutely delivers if you’re craving a really good bubble tea. You’ll find the shop in downtown San Mateo where Cha Express once operated. The drinks here are made with quality ingredients and are blended and shaken to achieve those balanced flavors that we love from a classic boba spot. The standout choice is the Thai Tea which features strong tea flavor with just the right sweetness.
Pair it with their creamy Avocado shake, and enjoy a refreshing drink that’s definitely worth the trip.
Pink Pink Tea Shoppe
$ | (650) 307-5714 | WEBSITE
If you’re into crowded food courts and mall parking lot chaos, then by all means hit up Pink Pink Tea Shoppe on a Saturday afternoon. We might swing by on a quiet Tuesday morning, so we can sip and savor in slightly more relaxed conditions. Come then and you might snag a spot at one of the brightly colored counters, grab a $6.50 milk tea, and peruse a menu of creatively-named items (Hokkaido soft serve swirl, anyone?).
But all jokes aside, there’s a quality to the creamy but terrific peach oolong tea. And the coconut pudding provides the sort of sweet satisfaction you’ll happily want to come back to.
Rare Tea | San Mateo / Half Moon Bay
$ | (650) 389-6625 | WEBSITE
Founded as a local gem in the hidden plaza near Tesla Superchargers, this bubble tea destination has become a cherished spot for San Mateo residents who flock to Rare Tea for their signature Tea-spresso, perfectly cooked boba, and, of course, their hot and crispy popcorn chicken. Don’t overlook the salted cheese snow cream, which harmonizes beautifully with the subtly sweet Jasmine Green milk tea.
Whether you’re craving a no-sugar option or something indulgent enough to feel like a weekend treat (eyes on you strawberry milk tea with lychee jelly), there’s something for every palate here. Plus, grabbing a reasonably priced drink at their convenient and friendly venue is the perfect way to recharge during a busy day.
Urban Ritual
$ | (650) 458-3298 | WEBSITE
With limited street parking and a crowded plaza all around, finding a spot near Urban Ritual will have you circling like a vulture. This boba shop, from the popular local chain, tries to make it all worth the hassle, but it ultimately falls short. It doesn’t matter how friendly the staff is or how smooth the online ordering system works when overly sweet Matcha lattes and bland Tofu Fa with ginger syrup hit the counter.
The Black Sesame with drinkable mochi and creme brulee milk tea are pretty good, but we haven’t had boba that chewy since last year’s batch. And if we’re keeping it real, sipping $7 drinks from compostable cups doesn’t help our sugar crash, either.
TP TEA San Mateo
$ | (650) 513-1754 | WEBSITE
Open until late, we can lean on TP TEA San Mateo for a good drink and a good time after a long day when everything else downtown is winding down. With bright lighting and upbeat pop tunes on the speakers, there’s always a group here grabbing something sweet. Just ignore the “best bubble tea” superlatives touted on the menu since the boba shop doesn’t quite clear that bar.
But we acknowledge drinks like the Tie Guan Yin milk tea and Jasmine green milk tea are above average, with their strong tea flavor and perfectly textured boba. The compact shop doesn’t give off celebrity hang, but you’ll probably catch an occasional regular sighting, and specifically appreciate the staff, who are willing to clean up spilled drinks and make new ones if needed.
Heeretea
$ | WEBSITE
Heeretea began as San Mateo’s charming tea shop, and now the spot has a cozy downtown location, where they feature a unique self-serve machine and original cup designs. While you’ll find more elaborate boba shops elsewhere in the Bay Area, the drinks are solid and a great option when you want to mix and match flavors from their wide variety. We like the T8 tea with passionfruit and boba, which goes down nicely while playing claw machines at the back.
Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea
$ | (650) 727-3963 | WEBSITE
With a Snackpass app discount, organic ingredients, and a small take-out counter, Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea sorta feels like every other San Mateo bubble tea spot. The owners try to elevate their shop with premium milk teas and traditional Taiwanese flavors, but they’re also serving drinks through a basic app with limited seating, so the messaging gets lost. To their credit, though, the Yifang Fruit Tea filled with fresh fruit and the Grass Jelly Almond Latte with mochi cake are winners.
We’re just not sure that’s enough for you to ignore the straightforward, take-out-focused experience.
Liuyishou Hotpot (San Mateo)
$$ | (650) 242-1245 | WEBSITE
When hot pot enthusiasts talk about the Bay Area’s best bubbling cauldrons, Liuyishou Hotpot in San Mateo inevitably comes up in more conversations than just casual dining recommendations. This cozy spot offers an exceptional hot pot experience that pays homage to authentic Sichuan traditions with its rich broths and fresh ingredients, but luckily for locals, its primary focus is serving satisfying meals perfect for gatherings.
Try the house special spicy soup that provides a flavor that can get quite spicy—the heat lingers long after you’ve finished your meal. We’re still dreaming about the braised pig trotter that comes as a standout dish. The experience is so good you’ll want to come back over and over again, but by then, you’ll have to literally roll out of this lively restaurant.
