Originating from Taiwan, Bubble Tea is sweeping the nation and there is no doubt as to why this unique, customizable drink has gained popularity right here in the Chicago suburbs. Also known as Boba Tea, the beverage comes in various flavors, from fruit or chocolate to matcha or coffee, and has chewy, flavorful boba at the bottom. Boba, or tapioca pearls, create a bouncy and chewy consistency that breaks up the monotony of the average beverage and adds bursts of flavor while you sip.
Schaumburg, Illinois has several options to celebrate National Bubble Tea Day on April 30 or any time of year. Try them all to find your new favorite tea shop!
WoowTea, 2443 W. Schaumburg Rd.
New to Schaumburg in 2023, WoowTea offers healthy and energizing bubble teas made with the finest organic teas. WoowTea has perfected the ratio of sweetness to tangy in their teas with flavors such as watermelon, mango, and their trademark Chicago Fruit Tea. All drinks are customizable with plenty of toppings, such as popping boba or lychee jelly, to choose from.
Searching for a place to lounge while you sip your boba? Stop by Gravitea in Schaumburg! Gravitea recently renovated the space into an eclectic, “outta this world” hangout spot, encouraging bubble tea lovers to stay a while. If the comfy chairs and inviting staff don’t bring you back, the delicious bubble tea will!
Te’Amo Boba Bar, 601 Martingale Suite 320
With five locations, Te’Amo Boba Bar is widely popular across Chicagoland. Their story began with the belief that sharing tea together is sharing love for one another. Te’Amo Boba Bar boasts their use of high-quality, organic ingredients packed with antioxidants and true to tea culture. Sip on your boba tea right away or seal it for later with a unique aluminum can top.
Looking for a drink that’s equally as Instagram-able as it is delicious? Try one of Bearology’s shimmering teas and lemonades in a printed glass jars or flask and strike a pose in front of the floral wall inside their café. They even have a cotton candy machine to add to the experience! This tea shop is perfect for meeting with friends or getting some work done.
Elitea, 1285 E. Higgins Rd. (Fresh International Market)
A favorite amongst frequent boba drinkers, Elitea is located just inside Fresh International Market, making the location convenient for shoppers to get their bubble tea fix. They are known for their bold teas with fresh fruits and tapioca pearls with perfectly balanced sweetness and texture.
Umbrella Tea House, 160 S. Roselle Rd. A2
Umbrella Tea House, located in the Schaumburg Town Square, is the perfect stop when visiting the library, strolling around the square or shopping. They offer milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies and coffee served in anime-themed cups. The relaxing environment will transport visitors into a whimsical, fairy garden-like space.
Coffee Haus is your go-to spot for late-night boba cravings. Along with their teas, the Korean-style café serves up sweet treats such as Belgian waffles with ice cream and bingsoo, which is shaved ice covered in a variety of toppings. Be sure to try their newest drink, here just in time for summer: Passionfruit mango green tea with mango boba.
Hot and Cold Milk Tea, 751 W. Golf Rd.
Sip on a delicious milk tea with boba while playing one of the provided board games at Hot and Cold Milk Tea. With unique floral backdrops and swinging chairs, this is the perfect spot to grab both a selfie and your afternoon caffeine fix. Not sure what to order? Ask a barista what their favorite drink is!
Knead Bakery and Café, 233 W. Golf Rd.
If you have a sweet tooth, you need to visit Knead Bakery and Café. The gourmet bakery serves up tiny cakes, cheesecakes, homemade macarons, bingsoo and of course bubble tea! Knead is constantly adding new bubble tea flavors that will make you want to try them all. The modern and comfortable environment welcomes diners to stay awhile.
Poke Ono, 1235 N. Roselle Rd.
Say ‘aloha’ to your new favorite spot to grab bubble tea and a bite! Though Poke Ono primarily specializes in Hawaiian cuisine, don’t discount their bubble tea. Enjoy over 20 varieties of milk teas, fruit teas, lattes, and smoothies alongside a colorful and flavorful poke bowl for a truly unique dining experience.