Let’s just say, I have a type: large, fruit-flavored, green tea, tapioca pearls, 50% on sugar, and 50% on ice. Thinking about it is making me blush and twirl my hair! Luckily, I can find my type anywhere on the Ave. I mean, it’s jam-packed with boba shops and places to get food that also happens to sell boba. It’s a little overwhelming. After all, you can’t swipe right on every place. We’ve all got different preferences, or, more aptly in this situation, tastes. Maybe you’re a classic milk tea fan, your good ol’ tall, dark, and handsome type. He’s been a heartthrob for so long and he’s still got it! Or maybe something with taro? Sweet, quirky, colorful, who wouldn’t fall head over heels! But maybe you’re not as concerned with the “person” (boba, I’m still talking about boba) and more about the place.
The Ave is packed with perfect boba date spots, even if it’s just between you and a mango slush. Now, I have to admit, I haven’t been to all of the boba places–after all, there are so many–but, I’m still going to call myself an expert on this topic, as I have been to a lot. Think of me as the “Boba Shop Pickup Artist” but nowhere near as toxic and my course won’t cost any money!
The first place I ever popped into was Oasis Tea Zone. Two floors, plenty of seating, a wide variety of flavors, and even food! Grab a bite, sip some tea, and even play board games with friends or a special someone this Valentine’s Day!
Then there’s Boba Up. I’ve never had that much fun with boba! Getting to build-a-boba is such a unique experience and it allows for completely different creations every single time. It’s a great place to step out of your comfort zone and try new flavors. How fun would it be to make boba for someone as a gift? Objectively, boba is so much better than chocolate. And, of course, food. All I’m saying is, everything is better when food is involved.
Speaking of food, Boba Gem is located within Mama’s Viet Kitchen. A.K.A., a two-in-one date! And let me tell you, that Lychee Piña Green Tea with Lychee Jelly may be the one for me. I’ve never felt so understood by a single drink; it’s beautiful.
And while we’re talking about beautiful… Don’t Yell at Me! (Which also wins the award for best name of any business, not just a boba shop). Clean and pristine with lots of places to sit and chat, for purely aesthetic reasons this one may take the crown. However, you’ll have to think of some things to say while you wait in line, but that may serve as the perfect opportunity to get to know your date or catch up with the girls. Galentine’s Day > Valentine’s Day… I said what I said…
Or what about BobaLust? I was absolutely enamored with the colors and star-shaped mango jellies that it was practically love at first sight. This was the first boba place on the Ave I took my family to, and familial love is also a key part of Valentine’s Day!
Maybe you’re feeling a bit more adventurous than just the Ave. Maybe you’ve worn out the supply and need to spice up your boba life. Try Happy Lemon in University Village. Catching the bus to one of the many stops in UVille puts you in the prime location for great food, clothes, and maybe even love. Well, definitely love with Happy Lemon. How could you not love their bubble waffles?
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about going out to a nice dinner and buying flowers and chocolates. I mean, it can be, but Valentine’s Day is about love, not things. Unless that “thing” happens to be boba because I’ll be spending February 14th with my true love, boba.