Best Boba: Top 9 bubble tea in San Gabriel Valley

Welcome to our Best Boba series! In these posts, I will be inviting foodies and bubble tea lovers from different cities around the world to give us their favorite boba spots in their city. In this post, we've invited Christopher to share with us his favorite bubble tea spots in the San Gabriel Valley, California

1. Sunright Tea Studio

1245 S San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776

The SGV (San Gabriel Valley) is one of the most densely populated Asian communities in the US, and growing up here means boba is practically part of your DNA. Sunright Tea Studio stands out with fruit teas that strike the perfect balance of sweetness, and milk teas that are consistently smooth, rich, and creamy. Each sip delivers subtle layers of flavor depending on your drink of choice. The boba itself is never stale — always cooked to chewy perfection, enhancing the depth of the tea rather than overpowering it.

2. Au79 Teahouse

15 W Naomi Ave G, Arcadia, CA 91007

A timeless SGV classic, Au79 Teahouse has been around for as long as I can remember. This was the spot after school — the place where memories were made over a cup of milk tea. Their extensive menu ensures there’s something for everyone, from refreshing fruit teas to creative flavor fusions. They keep things exciting with a weekly rotating specials menu that’s both affordable and delicious, making every visit feel like a new experience.

3. Factory Tea Bar

323 S Mission Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776

Factory Tea Bar is a local institution — a true hangout hub for anyone who grew up in the SGV. It’s open late, with karaoke rooms and even an arcade, making it the ultimate spot for night owls and friend gatherings. Beyond the vibrant atmosphere, their drinks deliver. The Nom Nom Green Milk Tea is a consistent crowd favorite — never overly sweet, always balanced, and easy to sip on for hours.

4. T-Pumps

524 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101

T-Pumps is all about customization and bold flavor. I love that you can mix up to three flavors from their massive flavor board — a fun, creative way to craft your perfect drink. You can choose your base (Black, Green, or Milk Tea) and, of course, add boba. No matter what flavor combo you create, the result is always surprisingly harmonious and refreshing. It’s an interactive experience that makes you feel like the mixologist of your own drink.

5. Bopo Mofo Café

841 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776, United States

Bopo Mofo is the definition of Asian American creativity. Founded by the team behind Wong Fu Productions, this café blends the best of both cultures — nostalgic flavors with a modern twist. Their drinks like the Strawberry Corn Milk and Hojcorn Latte are made from scratch with fresh ingredients, delivering unique, comforting flavors. Pair these with their food items, like the Mapo Tots or Hainan Chicken Tacos, for a complete culinary experience. Bopo Mofo perfectly captures what it tastes like to grow up Asian American — familiar, inventive, and unapologetically flavorful.

6. Tea Brick

101 W Garvey Ave #105, Monterey Park, CA 91754

Tea Brick has been part of my childhood for as long as I can remember. Their signature is their fruit teas — vibrant, flavorful, and bursting with freshness. While their milk teas are solid, it’s their multi-fruit blends that truly shine. They’re known for experimenting with exotic combinations that taste both refreshing and inventive. Plus, their seasonal custom-designed boba cups (often featuring cute animals) make every drink an Instagram-worthy moment.

7. Toro Tea

2322 Huntington Dr, San Marino, CA 91108

Toro Tea takes boba in a different direction — and I mean that in the best way possible. Their signature Popcorn Milk Tea with Brown Sugar Tapioca Mochi is unlike anything else in the SGV. The tea itself is creamy with subtle nutty notes, while the tapioca mochi adds a chewy, lightly sweet texture that’s absolutely addictive. It’s not your traditional boba experience, but that’s exactly what makes it worth trying — it’s the perfect mix of innovation and comfort.

8. Wushiland

140 W Valley Blvd Ste 104, San Gabriel, CA 91776

Another standout Taiwanese chain, Wushiland consistently impresses with its texture and quality. Their boba pearls are always perfectly chewy, and they’re generous with the portion size. My go-to is their milk tea — smooth, creamy, and free from that artificial aftertaste. On hot summer days, their real-fruit teas hit the spot. For something different, try the Yogurt Green Tea, which combines Yakult with green milk tea for a refreshing probiotic kick. The caffeine boost makes it a great study companion, too.

9. Boba Tea Lounge

53 S Citrus Ave, Covina, CA 91723

If you’re craving something adventurous, Boba Tea Lounge is your spot. Home to the famous Cereal Boba Shake, this shop takes the traditional boba experience and gives it a playful, nostalgic twist. You can choose from a range of cereals to blend with your drink, creating a sweet, crunchy, and creamy treat. Their lemonades and teas offer even more variety. The boba is always warm, soft, and chewy — proof that they take their craft seriously. For boba lovers with a sweet tooth, this spot is a must-try.

About the Author

Thank you for reading about my favorites from the San Gabriel Valley. My name is
Christopher Ryan Chio. Growing up in the San Gabriel Valley is special as it is one of the most densely populated asian neighborhoods in the country with a huge influence of asian culture in the cities surrounding. I was born and raised in the SGV where a boba shop is on every block so naturally growing up I love to drink boba. As I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley I made it my mission trying all the boba spots around town. I am currently a senior at University of California Berkeley studying Media studies & Mass Communications and a Pasadena City College Alumni. Throughout my time at community college Boba has always been my go to a study drink for those late night study sessions or when I needed to finish a project.