In Marin County, where natural beauty meets great food, boba shops add to the culinary charm. In this review, I’ll explore the numerous boba shops across Marin. With a multitude of options to choose from, navigating these establishments can be an adventure in itself.
Teaspoon (4.5/5)
Teaspoon, founded in 2015, is a renowned boba shop franchise primarily located in the Bay Area, but also in various areas of the US. In September 2022, a Teaspoon location opened in the Corte Madera Town Center shopping mall, quickly becoming a popular choice, particularly among Redwood students due to its proximity. Teaspoon’s diverse menu features classic favorites like Thai Tea and House Milk Tea, signature drinks such as Caramel Cream or Silky Mango and coffee beverages and seasonal refreshments. Prices start at $6.25 for classics but can reach seven to nine dollars for signatures, seasonal drinks or additional toppings. I ordered the Thai Milk Tea, and the boba is exceptional, boasting a chewy consistency that pleasantly lingers in the mouth, accompanied by a subtle honey sweetness. The tea is silky and smooth, and the non-dairy refreshments carry a light and exhilarating taste. Moreover, customers can customize their drinks according to sweetness and creaminess preferences. Despite occasional boba shortages, Teaspoon offers excellent customer service with friendly staff and short wait times. Overall, Teaspoon provides a delightful boba experience, earning a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Aloh-O (5/5)
Founded in 2018, Aloh-O is an American-Japanese fast-food restaurant that offers top-tier bubble tea. With a location in the Strawberry Village Shopping Mall, Aloh-O beckons as an essential destination for boba enthusiasts, particularly those residing in Tiburon and Mill Valley. I ordered the Rose Milk Tea; Aloh-O’s bubble teas are exceptional, featuring chewy pearls with a hint of sweet brown sugar that adds to the enjoyment. Their teas, whether with milk or without, are smooth and refreshing, making for a satisfying drink. Customers may also customize their drinks to their liking, being able to choose between sweetness levels and dairy options. Quick service, often delivering drinks in under five minutes, and friendly staff add to the appeal. Plus, with a flat price of $5.50 per drink (excluding extra toppings), Aloh-O easily earns a 5/5 rating for its stellar offerings.
World Wrapps (2.5/5)
World Wrapps, founded in 1995, is a fast-casual burrito-sandwich fusion chain that combines diverse flavors of the world into a single menu. With six locations in the Bay Area, it’s a popular spot for locals seeking diverse culinary experiences, offering bubble tea as a beverage option. Similar to Teaspoon, World Wrapps has a location in Corte Madera Town Center that is easily accessible to students. While the bubble tea menu is somewhat limited, it features unique flavors like horchata and classics such as jasmine milk tea, both featuring boba. The drinks themselves are criticized for their diluted taste and lack of robust flavor. Additionally, the boba is noticeably undercooked and stale, with no flavor and a hard consistency, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the drink. With small bubble tea drinks priced at $5.95, World Wrapps doesn’t offer a great bang for your buck, particularly given the modest portion size. Considering all aspects of the drink experience, World Wrapps receives a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars.
