Milk Lab - Cary
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Experience was really good! The cashier was patient as we tried to figure out what we wanted and walked us through popular items on the menu and highlighted what did/didn't have caffeine. I landed on one of their specials, the Coco Mango, but substituted the regular boba for crystal boba to try something new. The crystal boba was a nice change. The texture was closer to gummies which I enjoyed. The drink was so refreshing. Tasted like the perfect summer drink. I could definitely see myself sipping it on a beach somewhere.
Milklab has some of the best milk teas we've tried in the NC Triangle area. We've been here multiple times, and here are my thoughts on the drinks we've tried: 1. Purple Taro Latte - Highly-recommended if you enjoy milky snd sweet milk teas. The taro flavor is so rich. Hands down, this is the best taro milk tea we've tried in Triangle NC. 2. Matcha Latte Milk Cap - my girl loves this because the matcha tastes rich and the "milk cap" gives it a creamy, satisfying taste. 3. Thai Tea Milk Cap - This was our first favorite. The "milk cap" makes this more than just an average Thai tea. One of Milklab's best drinks. 4. Dalgona Milk Cap Latte - Rich coffee milk taste. Not bad but I think Milklab's tea drinks are more delicious. 5. Strawberry Matcha Latte - One of my favorites; I'd rank this slightly higher than the Matcha Latte Milk Cap but my girl -who's more of a matcha lover than me- prefers her matcha drinks without strawberry. 6. Brown Sugar Fresh Milk + Boba - Not the best brown sugar tea we've tried, and sometimes, we can barely taste the brown sugar flavor but the barristas here in Cary seem to do a better job getting it just right than the Durham location (not the one inside Southpoint Mall) There are other drinks in Milklab's menu we haven't tried that look delicious. They use quality organic ingredients and fresh milk, and their blends are mostly unique compared to what you can get in a typical milk tea cafe. However, I would not recommend their rolled ice cream. Tried twice, and for $8+, we were not satisfied. It seems that Milklab is more focused on emphasizing the flavors of the rolled ice cream's toppings rather than the ice cream itself, which is nowhere close to Andia's ice cream quality. It also takes longer for them to serve the ice cream. Wish they serve Taiwanese snacks like popcorn chicken or Korean pancakes instead (like how Tea Hill, Quickly & Tiger Sugar do it ). Customer service is usually fast here; you can order using the kiosk or via Milklab's website. I'm not a big fan of Milklab's ambiance (just doesn't look inviting inside and out), with its dull walls and cramped space but this particular location has a nice outdoor area with wooden tables and chairs well-lit at night. Most of the time, we just grab our drinks and devour them in the car. Milklab also has one of the best milk tea containers - higher quality and classier-looking than what most other milk tea cafes use. Despite its flaws, Milklab is still one of the few that made it to my "Best Milk Tea Cafes in the Triangle NC" Collection here on Yelp (https://bit.ly/bestmilkteaNC) because of its various expertly-crafted milk cap teas and high quality ingredients. Overall Score (Cary location only): 4.2/5
Accept that it's busy and there is minimal indoor seating, and it's a five star experience. I'd recommend order ahead. QR code in the pics. Ice cream is slower than tea. Tried on a Saturday. 4 employees on tea, 1 then 2 on ice cream. Waited 15-20 min. Lost track of time coming out in a corner. Not made. Just waited. Got two. Mango slushy. Real mango with jasmine tea. Fantastic. Would order again. Second was a Hong Kong tea- black tea, cream, brown sugar. Serious caffeine. Kept me up late. I'd order again but only get in the morning. Again, tasty. Super fresh tapioca boba. Lots of outdoor seating. Watched 5 groups leave due to the crowds. Kiosk ordering at door or in person at register.
This is by far my favorite boba spot in North Carolina! I love coming to milk lab. I would always get the thai green milk tea it's the best! I've even brought so many of my friends to this place and they all love it! I always put them on to the thai green milk tea. The service here is always amazing with lovely staff. Totally recommend this place for boba.
Pros: Good location with easy parking Friendly service Fun to watch rolled ice cream getting made Pretty interior with good seating Cons: If you don't specify sweetness level for your drink, you will get a very sugary one They put your drink on one side of the counter but will bring you your ice cream. Would be helpful if they brought your entire order to your table A bit on the pricey side Pro tip: Worth a visit if you are in the strip mall, but wouldn't go put of your way to visit. There isn't anything special, plus it is a chain.
The table was very sticky, and there was hair in the cup of my unicorn poop rolled ice cream.
great cozy little boba shop. i've enjoyed their milk teas and all of them have been consistent in taste and quality. this location was great! staff was friendly and greeted us upon arrival.
obsessed with the peachy lychee!! Adam was so sweet with helping me with my drink. Obsessed with Adam- this store is clearly well-managed (I think by him) HIGHLY recommend this location and this drink
Many choices for fresh, organic milk teas and ice cream. Create your own toppings or order off their predetermined menu of concoctions. Service is order at kiosk, online or at the counter. Sterile environment, milk smell upon entering. Chocolate cupcake - yum. Delicious chocolate base.
The bang bang ice cream is what I usually get. The Thai tea isn't too strong, and the boba is quite tasty. I do think I'll pick different toppings next time than teddy grahams and Nilla wafers tho. The milk teas here are pretty fantastic, lives up to its name. My boyfriend's Lychee Berry was good as well, especially at 50% sweetness. Cashier is pretty quick and the space is nicely furnished, just a little tight.
This Milk LAB is in a prime location in Cary. Close to lots of food and shopping, so you can stop by when doing errands. Hubby's taro coconut pudding: 4.2/5 The boba was nice and soft, even when in the cold slush of the drink. The slush was an even, smooth and creamy texture. Surprisingly, not as big of a coconut taste, be did not mind that. My strawberry dalgona latte (requested with no cream cheese milk cap): 4.5/5 A yummy drink! I love anything with strawberries and coffee, so naturally I was drawn to this drink. The perfect ratio of dalgona, milk and strawberries (which were fresh too). The staff was friendly and was happy to customize as needed. The cup packaging is great too! Love the sturdiness and the ability to use a boba straw or you can sip from the lid!
Great rolled ice cream great service good variety overall...5 STARS (It has to be at least 85 characters thats why i put this)
Cute place with a large menu. Had to ask for suggestions as it was my first visit. Strawberry fruit tea was suggested, and it was delicious!
4 years ago
8 years ago
Hidden away in a corner of a typical Cary strip mall lies Milk Lab, a tasty little spot for rolled ice cream and a variety of interesting drinks! I decided to indulge in a little bit of everything, ordering the key lime rolled ice cream and a Oolong Milk Cap tea. The ice cream was very tasty, with little bits of lime and a tasty graham cracker dust. I also opted to add blueberries and a strawberry Pocky stick (both free) which really took the dessert over the edge. So good! Admittedly i'm not a massive fan of the texture of rolled ice cream, but after letting it melt a bit I really enjoyed it! I've had milk cap tea a few times before and Milk Lab's was pretty similar to places i've been before. I think it does taste better with other teas, so I probably won't get Oolong again, but the milk cap was very creamy and tasty on it's own and would probably pair well with a jasmine or rose tea. If you're in the area, definitely check out Milklab! They have a ton of unique dessert options so you're sure to find something that catches your eye! read more
7 years ago
Visited once before when it first opened with some friends. They got the rolled ice cream and I got a regular bubble tea that was not memorable. The rolled ice cream concept was cool to watch though. I was craving bubble tea so decided to try again today and took a chance and get the milk cap tea everyone was talking about. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I got a large oolong milk cap tea with jelly and mini boba. The mini boba was very unique! One complaint I had was that it was not very cold enough when I received it but I do appreciate they didn't put a lot of ice like some other places I've been to before. This place is a bit pricey, but overall satisfied my bubble tea craving! read more
Excellent milk tea! Definitely wish Raleigh had more places for boba but this will do. It's a very cute and small place in a parking center. Plenty of parking but the place itself is super small BUT there's seating outside which is a plus. Usually quite a lot of people inside and the line is facing the door so after 4 people in line, it gets crowded. They have milk tea and rolled ice cream I saw! Plenty of topping options and the place itself is esthetically pleasing for a quick pic! read more
3 years ago
Love getting the boba tea there! They use fresh fruit and not syrups! There's usually a line because they are very popular but it goes quick. read more
8 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
The first time I went here, I was blown away. Everything was perfect - the service, interior decoration, atmosphere, and (most importantly) the drinks. I ordered the Brown Sugar Black Milk Tea and was AMAZED with the quality and taste, and I'm sure the dozens of other menu options are great as well! I highly recommend this small store if you are planning a Saturday hangout with your friends! You will NOT be disappointed! read more
3 years ago
8 years ago
I'm not a boba tea expert by any means but I do enjoy a twice weekly boba tea break. Milk Lab is definitely one of the best places to grab boba tea outside of Grans Asian market. The boba is soft and chewy, the tea is fresh, and I'm so thrilled that you can direct them to adjust the sweetness for most of the teas. The service was very friendly. They were more than willingly to provide suggestions or guidance as I stared blankly at their menu. I always say I'll try something new but that's rarely the case. read more
4 years ago
Our milk tea stayed true to the store name, it's really milky here! The cup design is done well, it doesn't look as flimsy as fast food drink cups. There are two things that would deter me for coming back: The line can get quite long. I'd say the taste is definitely more catered toward Americans compare to other famous Asian boba tea chains, everything is very sweet, I can barely taste any matcha in my matcha milk tea. I'd appreciate it if they also have the customization available for sweetness level like the other Asian chains. read more
5 years ago
Great service! The rolled ice cream was good. The bobas they use are sweet, the brown sugar black tea not so much. It was okay. The next time I ordered a Taro black Milk Tea and asked for 120% sugar, tasted better than the earlier times but I have to say I've had better Taro flavors elsewhere. read more
3 years ago
8 years ago
Great boba! Probably the best in the Triangle area. I tried the Jasmine Green Milk Tea with 50% sugar, less ice and boba. The boba is great and doesn't only come in the typical black tapioca balls. The mini boba also seems interesting and something to try in the future! With 50% sugar it was just right for me and was barely sweet. I would recommend going with less sugar (25%, 50% or 75%) because you can always ask them to add more syrup later to sweeten it, but you can't take some out. Also getting less ice lets you get more drink! These adjustments of sugar and ice were not easily seen from the chalkboard walls, but you can ask the cashier and they happily explain all the options. Service is great. The environment is very artsy and hipster with great wall art that embodies boba and rolled ice cream. The cups are also super cute with heart shaped stoppers! read more
Came on a week night and the line was out the door! Not sure if it's because it's a new trendy dessert spot or that they stay that busy. The downside of the business is if you never been you don't get explanation of how it all works so your ice cream may be a little boring like mine. The first Menu list is what actually goes into your rolled ice cream and then the second are the toppings that you get to load up on. There are only 3 cold stones so that can be what causes the line because it does take time to make the rolls. The final product was great and I'm ready to be more adventurous next time. read more
9 years ago
I fell in love with this place on the first try! MilkLab is located in an outdated shopping center. That's probably a good thing because it allows MilkLab to shine so bright against its dull surroundings. I went around 12:30 on a Sunday. It wasn't super busy but business was steady. The parks in front were full and I had to wait a couple of people to order. As soon as I ordered, the lovely cashier smiled at me and asked what I would like. I blurted it out that it was my first visit and she immediately made recommendations on the most popular type of rolled ice cream flavors. I decided on a flavor she hadn't suggested... Thai tea. That was the flavor on my mind. She said it was also good. She rang me up and told me a number. My order was on a label she suck to the bowl. The seating area is small but there are enough tables that people can sit comfortably. There's also a bar seating area by the window. At first I sat in the back but then I realized I was supposed to watch my ice cream get made! It's a cramped area in front of the glass that separates man from their ice cream. But it's worth huddling around to witness the magic. I don't know how the ice cream makers don't feel self-consciously with everyone watching. But they seemed to be okay. They just went about their business and they were also making light conversation with each other. They all seemed friendly and not like they were sick of their job yet. They worked consistently, not taking a break. I watched them pour the ice cream base, add the toppings (most exciting when they chop something up), then mix it with their metal spatulas like they are scrambling an egg. Then they spread it painstakingly thin, coating the ice cream over that freezing stone like they are frosting a wedding cake. Finally, they push the ice cream forward, strip by strip, rolling it into delicate rolls. They use tongs and place them into the bowl, arranging the ice cream rolls like a beautiful rose. It's great. The first flavor I saw was cookies and cream. I immediately regretted not taking the cashier's suggestion and getting that one. It looked so good. My ice cream was next. First they created a base with the condensed milk. Then they poured the creamy reddish-orange Thai tea over it. They mixed those and spread it. Before he rolled my ice cream, he drizzled more condensed milk over the creation. I was a bit skeptical, watching it. See, I like my ice cream SWEET. But after the condensed milk drizzle, I was convinced. You get to choose unlimited toppings at the end. The toppings are staring at you the whole time. I was slightly freaking out. What's a good topping for Thai tea flavored ice cream? I'd never been faced with that dilemma. It's not a traditional flavor to put toppings on. So I was looking over everything. Crushed Oreos? Good for the cookies and cream but not this. Graham crackers? Maybe. Cinnamon Toast Crunch? Gummy bears? Chocolate chip cookies? I just didn't know! Then it came to me in a flash. I decided on whipped cream, chocolate chips and a cookie straw. This was a good choice. Because the woman in front of me got the same ice cream and chose the exact same toppings. So maybe there's something in the air at MilkLab and they psychically put the exact right toppings in your head. I'm not sure but something to think about. Don't freak out. At the last minute, I added sprinkles because I just like them. You can't go wrong with sprinkles. Finally I sat down to eat. I stared out at the beautiful blue sky ahead of me, through the window, above the morose parking lot. I wasn't sure what to expect when I took that first bite. And I still wasn't until I took the second bite. All of a sudden, there it was. Complete ice cream bliss! The ice cream is light and smooth on the spoon. It seems awkward to eat the rolls but it's not. You can just go for it one roll at a time. Straight down. They hold their weight. It doesn't melt fast. The other rolls wait for you instead of dissolving into a pile of ice cream goo. I said I like my ice cream sweet. And it was sweet. But not TOO sweet. The Thai tea slight tang was there but quickly offset by the toppings. The toppings to ice cream ratio was perfect. Every bite had toppings in it. The whipped cream united everyone on the spoon. The toppings moved with me as I made my way through each roll. It did not sink into the bottom. They stayed on top until the end. I felt like I could take my time with the ice cream. When I was done I immediately wanted to order more! By this time the place was getting busier. They seemed to be keeping up with the ice cream and bubble tea orders. I left MilkLab with the vow to come back the next weekend. Can't wait to try every flavor! read more
6 years ago
Pretty decent place. They're limiting a max of 6 people inside due to COVID. I'd suggest ordering ahead online and picking it up. read more
9 years ago
My friend warned me about the wait- sometimes there is none and other times it's over an hour. Of course, I waited an hour. Worse than the wait is the chaos!! The space is too small for the amount of people. I walk in and have to squeeze by people to get to what looked like the end of the line. No signs, no directions. The service is bad. It was my first time so I asked for a quick recommendation. But the cashier was half mumbling and spoke too softly. And when we were all done, I said "thank you" and she said "next". After an hour wait, my number finally gets called and another girl grabs my drink. I have to stop the girl because the employees just set the drinks on the counter and leave. Finally, my one drink was $7.14. It was good, but not worth that much money. read more
4 years ago
Yes we've seen it all over social media but is it worth the hype? Hell yeah!! I was soooo excited to see this place open and even more excited that they had boba. Besides Kung Fu Tea and Quickly, it's really hard to fine a place in the Triangle that has good quality milk tea. Now that being said, I was really disappointed in the tea here. I got the jasmine green milk tea but it was so watered down and bland. Maybe they were having an off day but man was I disappointed with that. But the ice cream is another story. If you've never had rolled ice cream, prepare yourself because it's not going to taste like regular ice cream. It tastes more like Taiwanese shaved ice and I honestly love that! I've been here many times now and have tried a lot of their menu. The only flavor that is a bit too strong for me is Bang Bang (thai tea one). I love Thai tea but it's too strong as an ice-cream flavor and I think they could definitely tone it down a bit. I will be back here to get the ice cream for sure but I don't know if I would risk it to get the tea again. read more
Loved our first time here! I ordered the Rainbow Fresh Fruit Tea with Jasmine tea. Lots of fresh fruit and mango jelly in the bottom. Just the right amount of sweetness. Staff were masked and, aside from ordering, everyone waits outside. Outdoor seating is available on a first come basis. read more
4 years ago
I'd give this place a 5 star rating if it wasn't so expensive. The ice cream is freshly made and delicious. The milk is organic grass-fed, which I appreciate. It's nice that you can choose a customized flavor and toppings, and it's fun to watch your ice cream being made in front of you. I don't see how an ice cream should cost $6.47 though. That's a bit much. read more
Excellent rolled ice cream and boba *milk tea!! Why the ice cream is unique: the ice cream they roll isn't a particular flavor. It's all vanilla and they crush in a specific topping like Oreos into it for it to have that flavor prior to rolling it! So awesome. They also have a fairly lengthy list of options to choose from! Why the bubble tea is unique: *They only have milk tea*, but the flavors are unique and amazing! I had the rose milk tea with a milk cap and LOVED it! Never had a milk cap before, but it is basically salted cream milk which honestly is very reminiscent of Lassi! +10 points. Space - not too big, but there are some tables and some tall stools. Will definitely be going back!!! read more
Visited recently and the experience was great. Seeing how much time they took to make your ice cream was outstanding and the staff was all friendly and super helpful. A little pricey but worth it since you get quite a bit of ice cream and how much time they put into it. Super cute and clean inside with the black and white theme. read more
8 years ago
It was alright. It's rolled ice cream with various toppings. If you're expecting a Ben & Jerry's experience/selection, you'll be disappointed. It does take awhile after you order to make the rolled ice cream, so set your expectations accordingly. They really should post a little sign so people understand that rolling ice cream is an art that takes time; it's not like scooping it out of a tub. I liked what I ordered and enjoyed it, although I wasn't bowled over by it. I'd come back again, but wouldn't make a special trip for it. The ice cream itself wasn't creamy enough for me and didn't have enough flavor. However, that may just reflect the limitations of rolled ice cream. read more
5 years ago
9 years ago
BEST BOBA TEA in North Carolina, heck even on the East Coast. I have tried various Boba Tea joints in NYC, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, V.A. No where hits the mark like Milk Lab. They do a great job at offering different options to take your boba tea to the next level. Furthermore, the staff provides guidance when you're confused about the menu, making it a welcoming environment for novice tea lovers. I recommend Strawberry Jasmine Tea with Milk cap and Boba (of course). It is pricey, around ~$6, but you will be satisfied and happy. Also, it will make a great picture for The Gram I would recommend this place for anyone wanting to grab dessert after dinner or need a nice cool place to hangout with friends! read more
4 years ago
So happy there is a boba place closer to me now! Milk Lab is a slightly upscale version of your typical boba place, which results in higher prices. They don't have as much variety as other boba places, but they do offer "milk cap tea" which seems to be trending these days. When I came a second time, they had added more drink options, so perhaps they are working on expanding their menu. I tried the black tea with milk cap, and it was really delicious, but complicated to drink. I also felt like the drink was too sweet. They do have the option to customize your sweetness, I just didn't notice until after I ordered. Next time I would go with minimal sweetness. They also package their teas in really fancy cups, which I think is unnecessary and it drives up the cost big time (~$6 for a drink is way too high!) The star at Milk Lab is really the rolled ice cream. I tried the Cookie Monster with matcha ice cream as the base and it was REALLY good. It was really good quality matcha flavor. You get unlimited toppings, which I think makes it worth the price. One order is more than enough ice cream for two people, so definitely bring someone to share with. The place has been really crowded every time I have been, so be prepared to wait for seating, or grab your treats to go. read more
9 years ago
Cute place to post IG pics/Snapchat of the aesthetic drinks and ice creams with their cute names. The place seems to be always busy (customers and employees) since it's rare to have rolled ice cream in this area. I had the strawberry matcha latte, didn't know what to expect but it wasn't of my liking, too sweet, not cold enough (too little ice in order to keep the different densities separated) but the strawberry bits were a nice touch. I like the option to have lactose milk and one bathroom per gender. The workers seem to be working half energized on making those ice cream (maybe because I'm spoiled by living in a city where rolled ice cream is no longer a hype).. besides the pretty drinks for pictures, I can't find another reason to revisit this spot read more
5 years ago
Excellent customer service, Boba was nice and chewy. Key lime ice cream is delicious. Makes Moomoocha look like a kid's lemonade stand. read more
More info about Milk Lab - Cary
6418 Tryon Rd
Cary, NC 27518
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(984) 200-0016
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http://milklabcafe.com
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Do you sell your mochi dessert topping?
Do they have milk alternatives? almond, soy, oat, etc.?
Soy and Almond Milk for their teas, I don't think for the ice cream.
Don't have sanitation score posted anywhere?Couldn't find one online either?
Dear Crystal, Due to the fact that Milk Lab only serves rolled ice cream and milk tea we actually…
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