Cancel

Open app

Search

Daboba

4.4 (113 reviews)
Closed • 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated 2 months ago

DABOBA · YELP ASSISTANT

Ask Yelp Assistant

Daboba Photos

Business Info

DABOBA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Daboba

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Mark T.

DaBoba? More like DaCustard! Wanting a little sweet treat, I stopped into Daboba for a Roasted Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea. I initially attempted to order at the kiosk, only to discover doing so comes with a 3% fee vs. ordering with a human. It's not about the nickels, it's the principle of the thing! I instead placed my order with the clerk - less ice, less sweet. Though it wasn't very busy at the time, the drink came out relatively fast. The service overall was friendly, too! Now, about this beverage... if I'd asked for a "surprise me," I'd be happier. This is because on its own, it was respectable and unique in its custard-like consistency. However, given that I'd ordered a milk tea, where neither the appropriate consistency nor tea notes made an appearance, my happiness and satisfaction levels go down. To give some credit, the beverage I received wasn't too sweet, and had a slight velvety mouthfeel. It was unique and interesting, unlike anything I had ever had before. Final verdict: there is no shortage of boba tea shops around, especially in Chinatown. If you're going to do something different, power to you. However, don't say you sell one thing, and sell another.

Xi T.

I had the Purple Rice Yogurt and the Honey Golden Pearl Green Milk Tea. The yogurt was super good--full of that rich purple rice flavor with a nice natural sweetness. The golden pearls in the milk tea were soft and had a great chew. Didn't have to wait long at all--service was quick and efficient. The shop's pretty spacious, though there aren't many seats. It's got a fun vibe with lots of cool Asian-inspired decor. Definitely a spot I'd come back to.

Roasted Milk Tea and Vietnamese Coffee
Shana N.

Roasted Milk Tea: 10/10. Vietnamese Coffee: 7/10. Not as sweet as I would like. I switched out the coffee jelly with honey boba which I liked. Service: 10/10. 2 Self serve kiosks or you can order at counter Ambiance: 10/10 Really cute looking place. Good photo ops as well as couches and tables where you can sit down and charge your phone. We waited here while waiting to get seated at a restaurant and time passed by fast.

Cute flower corner that makes a great place to take photos at.
Stephanie T.

It's located on the second floor. The place is super cute as is the drinks with the teddy bear lids and it makes me giggle when it's juxtaposed next to its very serious bear that is part of their logo. It was very clean and spacious feeling. I loved the flower backdrop that is great for taking photos. The boba was delicious! I recommend ordering at the counter as opposed to ordering via the kiosk as it seemed like your drink was made faster that way. It also gave me the opportunity to ask for more information about the drinks which helped me decide to get the brown sugar taro bubble tea with both honey and brown sugar boba.

Brown sugar milk tea (right) and traditional milk tea (left)
Claire W.

This is one of my favorite boba spots in Chinatown. They have very extensive menu, with lots of choices, from brown sugar teas to milk teas and smoothies. Also lots of boba and fruit jelly add on options. Ample seating as well

Adel W.

No complaints with Daboba! It's a newer spot on the upper level inside of Chinatown, so there's less of a crowd. The inside is super spacious and well decorated, and there are some tables as well as a bathroom. They also have a touchpad ordering system. I got a hot boba and my only qualm was the paper straw and too small a hole!! haha

Brown sugar pearl taro milk tea
Hope L.

Came here after lunch in Chinatown and there was no line. I ordered the brown sugar pearl taro milk and it came out in 5 minutes. It was good; I just couldn't really taste the taro flavor and it tasted more like a brown sugar milk tea. The boba was okay; it was chewy but wasn't soaked in anything so it tasted pretty bland. Might come back to try another drink but wasn't a huge fan of this one.

Jasmine Green Milk Tea with Boba
Kevin L.

[ DRINK ] Taste tested the classic jasmine green milk tea with boba since it is my first time at Daboba. More on the creamy side but you can still taste the jasmine tea. The boba was fat and chewy. Overall this passes and it's pretty good honestly. [ SERVICE ] Standard. [ PLACE ] It's kind of hidden on the top floor of the Chinatown Plaza. The interior is very nice, modern, and cozy. Great place to spend time with friends and kill time. [ VERDICT ] Overall, Daboba is a solid choice and you can't go wrong with this place. I've only tried 3 other boba places in Chicago and this is the best one so far.

Jenny H.

First time here and was very impressed.. workers were friendly, store was cute & clean, and my drink (roasted brown sugar fresh milk tea) was excellent! I would definitely come back the next time I come back to Chinatown.

Roasted Brown sugar pearl fresh milk
Vincent Y.

Located on the second level of the Chinatown Square Plaza, it can be challenging to locate at first, but I luckily stumbled upon it and decided to give it a try. I got their Roasted Brown Sugar Pearl Fresh Milk and it was good, not too sweet and a good amount of pearls that are cooked perfectly with a nice chewy/bouncy texture. The cap on the cup is also cool, it's shaped like a bear. I think it's on the pricier side of boba in Chinatown, being $8.76 for their top seller.

Crystal C.

We tried two drinks and here's my take: Kumquat Lemon Seasons Tea: This drink is quite refreshing and enjoyable. However, I would recommend getting it with 50% sugar instead of the default. This will probably help the tea flavor stand out more. Cheese Green Tea: While the tea seemed to be of good quality, I found myself wishing the tea flavor was a bit stronger. I got it with 50% sweetness, but I think 75% or even 100% sugar would enhance the taste. The cheese foam was light and complemented the drink well. Overall, both drinks were good but needs stronger tea flavor.

Kumquat Lemon High Mountain Tea ~ 16oz
Lele Y.

TLDR; Roasted Brown Sugar drinks are great, creamy and sweet Kumquat High Mountain Tea at 75% sweet tasted like 100% sweet , will opt for 50% sweet next time (along with their other fruit drinks) -------- 2nd floor of the Chinatown eateries strip mall Self-order kiosk + ordering with cashier is available Bathroom is available for customers Good amount of tables~ typically seats just 4 Regular and Large size cups are available Roasted Brown Sugar drinks are great, creamy and sweet - really enjoyed this drink when I tried it in Houston, TX Kumquat High Mountain Tea was really good and refreshing but realized over time their 75% sweet actually tasted like 100% sweet so will try to opt for 50% sweet next time for their fruit teas Will be back so I can try their Roasted Brown Sugar Matchaaa

gold pearl green milk tea
Magda N.

We got the gold pearl green milk tea. Looks like everyone's favorite at this place. It was good. Pretty solid. Comparable to good boba places outside of Chicago. The drink was good, balanced flavor and not too sweet. The boba balls was soft and chewy. Delicious. The place is located on the 2nd floor, so it may not get as much foot traffic as downstairs. But the place is big with lots of seats and decor is nice. Staff was nice and fast.

See all

Photo of Karena C.
1
47
125

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Linda V.
101
30
31

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mark C.
0
106
6

1 year ago

Lots of great flavor choices. Very clean space and friendly staff. Worth a visit if you're in Chinatown.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jett R.
0
12
14

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Mediocre boba shop. Boba was hard and teas were still very sweet even with reduced sugar. Place is clean and service was normal.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Vivian C.
89
11
11

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ham J.
1
35
1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Very cute and welcoming not too sweet not too bitter milk tea. Very aesthetically pleasing.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 3 of 3

Daboba Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Daboba

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Bubble Tea 3,474 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Sawada Coffee - Military Latte

Sawada Coffee

4.5(1.2k reviews)
2.2 mi•West Loop, Near West Side
•$$

Chicago sips…read more.. Sawada has been on our list though being on the West loop are it wasn't easy getting here in fact it was a great stroll after breakfast at Lou Mitchell's was a perfect stroll to walk it off. You know when you get there it starts to get crowded with various eateries and their huge sign of course so the entrance is a cool spot that gives it a downtown rustic vibe. Entrance you need walk up the stairs and thought it was cute to see the menu along the walls made it easy for me to scan and decide so that I'll be ready to order though unfortunately seating is very limited here as the lower level belongs to the bbq restaurant so finding a spot we had to get creative. I ordered the Hojicha Pumpkin Spiced Latte of course it's seasonal and sounds so irresistible and as I asked about one of the various stickers they have the staff gave me one of their logo which was free so nice and unexpected along with a choice of pastries (all made in house) when I told her I was visiting and chose a matcha glazed donut. The downtown vibe here is nice and fun along with the bbq place there was also a ramen in the basement with a singular sign is wild to see the various foodie places Chicago is known for and loved this part of town, my drink was nice and smooth with the Hojicha roasted and slightly nuttiness was nice with the hint of spice wasn't too sweet and was a great choice. Keep this on your list for the fun for something unique and cool as it's always a treat at Sawada. Thank you!

#chicago #flyforfriends #yelpfriends #gourmetcoffee…read more So the real question is what does one do in the great city of Chicago? Well, if you are with Matcha snobs and coffee snobs, you will end up visiting Sawada coffee Located on the second floor at 112 N. Green Street is Sawada coffee. It's together with another establishment. The tables inside the establishment do not belong to Sawada Coffee The trick to securing the seat belonging to the other establishment is to purchase something from that other establishment so that us Sawada coffee drinkers can peacefully sip on our drinks Don't ever think that coffee is just coffee, because it isn't you will learn this if you would to visit with Sawada Coffee if and when you are in the area in Chicago. A post script to this review is I just happen to be traveling with a bunch of people that are coffee and Matcha Kings and Queens I am a pawn still learning

Photos
Sawada Coffee - Baked treats

Baked treats

Sawada Coffee - Bbq restaurant shared space

Bbq restaurant shared space

Sawada Coffee - Hot Military Latte

See all

Hot Military Latte

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago - 2nd floor order station

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago

4.1(2.4k reviews)
2.8 mi•Near North Side
•$$

LOVE this reserve location! The building inside and outside is beautiful and fun. Fridays/weekends…read morecan be super busy so plan ahead or come early because it is tough to find a table when it is busy. On my short stay I tried the matcha black sesame, the cold brew malt, the pumpkin whiskey cold brew latter, and the brown sugar hojicha tea latte. Everything was pretty good. My favorite is always the cold brew malt super yum! The black sesame matcha was really good as well and they got the sesame flavor right! You can taste the whiskey in the pumpkin and it paired perfectly. The brown sugar hojicha was just okay, I even tried it with an added espresso shot but it was still light in flavor. For the food I tried almost everything. I had the focaccia's and the margarita is the best one. I had the savory croissants and the sweet ones. The best ones were the ham/cheese and the chocolate/pistachio croissant. The egg sandwiches are soft, buttery, and easy to eat. The salmon toast was my favorite item! For desserts the pumpkin s'mores pie, tiramisu, 3 set cream puffs (the salted caramel is he best one) , and the whiskey doughnut were all delicious. I would pass on the doughnut if you're not eating it right away because I got one in the morning and ate it at night and it lost all its flavor and just tasted weird. For merchandise I thought the cute items were the tote bags, magnets, the 6 espresso cup set, and the puzzle! The chocolate was popular when I went as they were out of stock. Staff was ok. It is busy so they seemed overwhelmed and wont be providing the best service but it seems like they're trying their best. I love starbucks reserves and this one lives up to the hype!

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago is definitely worth checking out! We initially stopped by…read morearound 10 AM, but the lines were so long that we decided to come back the next morning at 8:30 AM. What a difference! There were no lines, and we were able to explore without the crowds. The place is huge, with multiple floors to explore. The first floor has merchandise and mobile order pickups, while the fourth floor features a bar serving coffee cocktails. Unfortunately, the rooftop terrace was undergoing maintenance during our visit, so we weren't able to enjoy it. They offer some really interesting coffee flights, unique drinks, and an impressive selection of pastries. There's also plenty of seating with great street views, making it a fun spot to relax and people-watch. Even if you're not a huge coffee drinker, it's a pretty cool experience. I'd definitely recommend going early to beat the crowds! L

Photos
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago - All kinds of places to sit & relax

All kinds of places to sit & relax

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago - Coffee beverage & pastry area

Coffee beverage & pastry area

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago - Inside on the top floor by the bar/tasting area

See all

Inside on the top floor by the bar/tasting area

Daboba - bubbletea - Updated November 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...