this has to be some of the best popcorn chicken i've had in awhile. growing up in the SGV, there were so many great places that nailed the CLASSIC taiwanese popcorn chicken. however, as I got older, many places started to opt to chicken nuggets marketed as "popcorn chicken," and this place didn't do that!! I am well pleased with the flavor, the tenderness of the meat, the seasoning, and the batter is not too thick, but perfectly crunchy!! I will absolutely be coming back! the crispy tofu was great as well. it is fried food, but I didn't feel gross eating it so that's also a plus. it was freshly cooked and so so so yummy!! - the only thing I will say is that I had trouble finding this place as it is not called "Neko Cafe" but I believe they have rebranded to "Earth Cafe". I'd like to try their drinks soon too. but, definitely make it a point to grab some of their food if you go! read more

Neko Cafe - Crispy Tofu & Popcorn Chicken - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

We like ordering from Neko Cafe. Their creme burlee and Oreo creme burlee are our top favorites for a sweet tooth boba drink. I also like to sub in the custard in lieu of the boba. The popcorn chicken is also a reliable order- I love the crisp basil leaves that is sprinkled on it. The only caveat is that the online order pick up is not as quick as you would think "next available" would be. If I know I'll be craving boba, I like to put my order earlier for whatever pick up time works for me. read more

Neko Cafe - Popcorn Chicken - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

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This is a cute cafe. Staff is friendly. Place is clean. The drinks were good. The popcorn chicken is divine. Great afternoon snack. read more

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I don't know how long this place has been here. I just found it by accident hanging out in the area, but it's hard to imagine something this good would last very long. That's what flashed through my mind after the first bite, I feel like you gotta get out there and try the popcorn chicken with the fried basil leaves on top. It's like every other popcorn chicken you ever tried was a lie. Every little piece of popcorn chicken was perfectly cooked chicken thigh, not rubbery not overly chewy an amazing crunch. I asked for mild, but it was still a little spicy for me, but you couldn't stop because it was so good. 6 stars. Nice people too. read more

Neko Cafe - Popcorn Chicken. They were nice and gave me extra fried basil on top. I repeat, fried basil. On top. - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

I love the cute little cat decor and there's a couple of tables for you to sit and enjoy! I think the drinks are okay. We got the Mango Passion Fruit and the Lychee Fruit Teas. I am actually very picky when it comes to fruit teas and the mix was okay. I felt like the combos did not go well together. The staff is super nice though! As Always, NOM 4 LIFE! read more

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randomly found this spot when looking up food nearby on yelp. what a great discovery because the food was amazing!! tbh some of the best popcorn chicken and crispy tofu i've ever had a boba spot. i love the cute aesthetic of the cats as it is neko cafe. i would recommend ordering ahead because it does take some time to make the drinks and food since this is a small family owned business. the workers are all very sweet! def recommend if you're in the area read more

Neko Cafe - lychee tea, strawberry milk tea, mango frostie, Popcorn Chicken Curry Rice, Crispy Tofu(unpictured) - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

20 minutes from UCR, this study spot is extremely under the radar and fairly rated. Food is generously proportioned and fairly priced. To top it off, your order is hand delivered to your table whilst you begin your studies. The area is well lit and moderately chill. The only downside is the lack of charging ports, but coming prepared with fully charged devices can make this a non-issue. read more

Neko Cafe - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

love omg!! boyfriend and i came on a friday night around 8. parking was easy to find but its a pretty small lot so i can see it being difficult during busier hours. they have an ordering kiosk in the front which i liked. there was a good amount of seating inside, very clean and quiet. the woman working was also super kind. jasmine mt with boba (5/5) - very solid jasmine milk tea!! floral with no bitter aftertaste like some other places. the boba was also very soft and chewy! matcha cheese foam (4/5) - really good! you can really taste the matcha in this and the cheese foam complimented it well. it only comes in a large though! popcorn chicken (4/5) - soo yummy!! loved the batter, very crispy and good ratio to chicken. also got it to go and she put it in the cutest little square bag overall very good spot, i'll definitely be coming back here whenever i'm in the area to try other drinks and food! read more

Neko Cafe - popcorn chicken - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

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Went on a Tuesday from around 3-4:30 and it wasn't too busy! You order from a kiosk and though it wasn't busy, the drinks did take a little bit to come out. It was okay though because we were there to study, so we just sat down. They have free wifi! I got the mango tea with brown sugar boba at 75% sweetness. I really enjoyed it! The boba was sweet and soft and came out warm. The mango flavor was pretty natural, the tea was good (not too caffeinated) and 75% sweetness was just right for me. Could probably do 50% also. I also loved the fresh mango pieces they put in the drink! Prices are definitely on the more affordable side for boba nowadays too. Will definitely be back to try other or the same drink and the food too! read more

Neko Cafe - Mango Tea with brown sugar boba - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

I've been meaning to try this place! I had no idea there was a boba spot here. It looks unsuspecting, but it's in the little shopping plaza where KFC and Fed Ex office is. Very convenient location, where the Tyler mall is and Magnolia. The cafe is modern with the menu on a tv on the wall and some cat stickers. There were only 2 people at a table when I was there and people were filtering in and out throughout my time there. I asked the cashier what the most popular boba was and she said the creme brûlée. I decided to get that and the popcorn chicken curry rice. The cashier asked what spice level, which is between 0-5. I chose a 3. The cashier handed me a loyalty card. My order took 20 minutes; it was made fresh. The cashier let me know my order was ready and threw my straw in the bag when I asked for it. I kinda got a chilly vibe from her. However, my drink was very savory and delicious. Very good. My plate was also very good, hot. It came with the rice and some vegetables (potato and carrot). It was a good portion, definitely had some leftovers. I enjoyed it. read more

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Solid boba spot right next to Tyler Mall. Great flavor on the milk tea and the brown sugar was a nice touch. The boba could have been softer but was not bad. Easy experience ordering on the kiosk and good service! read more

Neko Cafe - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

The food and service was so good. We cane late but they were still super acoomodating. The drinks were cute and delicious and the curry and popcorn chicken were spicy and amazing. I definitely recommend coming here. read more

Neko Cafe - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

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My partner and I love this shop! It's never too crowded, they have cute cat decor and stickers and it's always very clean. Their cream cheese foam is so good, it's thick and though sweet it is a little salty but it adds a nice taste to their drinks. This visit we got the pork gyoza. They were so fresh and crunchy and it came with 15. The Oreo Burlee milk tea add cheese foam tasted a lot like a milkshake - no complaints. The strawberry cheese foam was also bomb and tasted like a strawberry cheesecake but you can only order the cheese foam drinks in a large. The parking can get pretty crowded but you're able to park on the side street. I will definitely be back to try more! read more

Neko Cafe - Oreo Burlee Milk Tea add Cheese Foam, Strawberry Cheese Foam, Pork Gyoza - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

I love their crispy tofu curry and how there's an extra layer between the tofu and the batter to keep it all in tact so it's not dry at all. DELICIOUS! Their boba could be chewier, unfortunately, it's pretty average. I do want to add that there is an older lady who SMOKES INSIDE THE STORE because around afternoon hours, the rest of the store smells like cigarettes. I wish she would do it way outside, at least in the back parking lot area. read more

I came across this place while hunting for some good popcorn chicken, and wow--this might honestly be the best I've had so far. Super crispy, super flavorful, just everything you want from popcorn chicken. I paired it with their Thai tea frostie, and it was so good. Now I'm over here wishing they'd make a milk tea frostie too because that would be amazing. I also tried their Katsu curry, which reminded me of the Japanese curry you can buy at the market--and honestly, I don't mind that. A hot bowl of curry is always comforting. The katsu itself was a bit on the dry side, but it did have a nice crunch. Personally, though, I think I'll stick with the popcorn chicken next time read more

This place is awesome, milk tea & thai tea are my fav. Oh and the sides they have are a perfect pair!

My husband and I were set on finding a good boba place when we moved to the area about a year and a half ago. Neko Cafe is hands down our favorite boba spot. The employees are always so nice to us, the boba is good quality, and it's a very clean space. read more

Back again... Sparkling clean as it was the first time. I definitely think this is my new spot! read more

Neko Cafe - Popcorn Chicken Spice level 2 - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

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Neko Cafe is the epitome of a wonderful, hard working, small business who brings depth and quality to all they serve. We loved it. Owned and run by a sweet Chinese family, the food and beverage choices are influenced by Taiwanese, Japanese, Southeast Asian, and Chinese fast food. The menu contains primarily delicious variations on fruity Boba drinks, frosties, slushes, teas, and coffees, but they slipped in a few tasty food items just to torture us. And it sure helped knowing they had a 4.8 star rating. And so we came. Peach mango slush. This drink arrived in a big cup with chunks of fruit and a big fat straw. This was for Mr B, but I needed no encouragement to steal a sip or two. Loved the sweetness (i.e. not too much) and loved the texture of the chunky fruit. Very refreshing, nicely icy. Pork katsu curry rice. This is a huge, tender, breaded pork steak (no bone) that sits on top of a bed of rice. The panko breading had the perfect crunch, the meat was tender inside. The curry sauce also features cubed carrots and potato. Delicious! Popcorn chicken snack. This was a generous portion. The blended exotic spices in the coating can be adjusted in spicy heat. The meat is thigh meat, so flavorful and moist. Served topped with fried basil leaves. I'm seriously hooked. Squid rings. Another snack menu item. Delicious and lightly fried to keep it tender. It too had a nice, light breading with spices. Both were delicious on their own, but are served with an orange colored, sweet chili sauce you can find at any Asian market. Their curry gravy is a medium spice level which I could (borderline) handle, but for the Wusses of this world, of which I am a card carrying member, a milder curry can be ordered. They recommend calling ahead (allow about 30 minutes) if you want the milder curry. Otherwise, grab a chilled specialty drink and sit calmly in their cozy little cafe listening to the mellow music in background, and smile. A great way to unwind and recharge. Seating capacity around 16. read more

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I had checked in for the restaurant next door on Yelp but forgot to check in here and missed out on 15%! Anyhow make sure you check in! So I started my review the first time here and now I'm back. Yep the chicken and drinks brought me back. Taste: 5 stars for the popcorn chicken. Yum! Pieces are not mostly flour. Good amount of meat. I'd say I'd come back but I'm already back and currently waiting for 2 orders. Lol. 4-5 stars for Jasmine milk tea. Tastes better than the regular milk tea. 3.5 stars milk tea. It's similar to other places. Ok. Boba: 3 stars for me only because it's a preference, and I prefer more chewy boba. This is a tad bit too soft for me. Very sweet though. Prices: not bad. Ask for stamp card AND do 15% check-in. Atmosphere: I like the R&B music. Service: nice. read more

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I have been coming here every now so often. Their drinks are good. But as a business owner myself, I would love and encourage them to build better relationships with their local customers. They could tell we are frequent visitors by having a stamp card but they don't really engage with their customers. What I would do differently is to become interested in your recurring customers, ask for their feedbacks, engage and appreciate them stopping by. Their drinks are good but customer relationships are what will make them stand out from the crowds. I haven't been visited as regularly as I was, not because I want them to treat me differently. But I think small appreciation goes a long way, especially those local customers who support you. read more

Neko Cafe - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

First of all, this place has super cute cups! I know it's just a simple plastic cup, but the matte finish and rounded bottom really upped the drink's visual quality. My stirrer plug was even pink! I ordered a 16oz matcha latte with boba at full sweet, and it was surprisingly very good. I felt like their powder wasn't the best quality because of its vegetal aftertaste, however the overall drink had a good milk to sweetness to matcha to ice ratio. Also, the matcha color was greeennn !! The boba itself was my personal favorite part; it was perfectly chewy, wasn't overly gummy or hard, and on the larger side! The space and bathroom were very clean, but I wish they had cuter decor and outlets for studying. I feel like they dedicated all their energy to the drink itself - which I'm not mad about! Regardless, I would definitely recommend this as being one of the best boba shops in Riverside read more

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This place is truly a hidden gem. Their popcorn chicken is amazing with fried basil leaves, spices and crunchiness that is impeccable. This is probably the best Taiwanese popcorn chicken in IE and Southern California. Their boba is also really good, although there are not many choices. It is creamy enough and not too sweet, the tapioca pearls are cooked to perfection. read more

When I arrived, the restaurant was empty but that was perfect for me because then my order was delicately made The smell as soon as you walk in is heavenly so I had to try one of the curry options. I had the popcorn chicken curry with a spice level of 4. It was so good. Might have to go back again today. I also had a coffee and cookies smoothie with boba. Love when shops allow you to mix flavors and build your own drink. The boba was soft and chewy. Tasted very fresh. Prices were typical of riverside area. $14 for the meal, $7 for the drink. read more

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Got here on a late afternoon on a Tuesday to do some studying and there was no line at all. I ordered the Strawberry Tea with Brown Sugar boba and 50% sweetness! I found 50% to be just right and the boba was fresh and warm! I also enjoyed the strawberry bits at the bottom! Overall a nice refreshing drink! If you're there to study, they do have free WiFi which is nice! read more

Neko Cafe - Strawberry Tea with Brown Sugar Boba - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

Was hungry for a snack so I dropped by for some popcorn chicken and cheese foam jasmine tea. They were delicious, especially the chicken! I haven't had chicken that good in a long time! Lightly breaded big chunks of meat. Medium spice was perfect for me. You can adjust the sugar and ice levels for the tea which I really appreciated. I will be back if I am in the area again! read more

Neko Cafe - Popcorn chicken and cheese foam jasmine tea with grass jelly - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

5 Stars - A Hidden Gem You Need to Try! If you're on the hunt for the best boba and curry popcorn chicken in town--look no further. I stumbled across this spot on Yelp and I'm so glad I gave it a shot. Hands down, one of the best decisions I've made! I ordered the popcorn chicken curry rice and was blown away. The chicken was perfectly crispy with a bold, spicy breading that reminded me of Hot Cheetos--super flavorful and addicting. The inside was juicy and tender, and the portion size was huge--definitely worth every penny. I also tried the coffee frostie, which was rich, creamy, and packed with smooth coffee flavor--like dessert and a caffeine boost all in one. The service was top-tier--the owner was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the cozy, cute interior made the whole experience even better. Whether you're craving comfort food, boba, or bold flavors, this spot delivers on all fronts. Amazing food Great portions Warm, friendly service Perfect vibe for a casual bite or boba run Don't sleep on this place. If you love curry, rice, popcorn chicken, and bomb boba drinks--this is your new go-to. I'll definitely be back! read more

Neko Cafe - Popcorn Chicken Curry Rice - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

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Hands down BEST BOBA around trust me I've tried everything around here and Neko never disappoints! The boba, tea, and toppings are ALWAYS fresh! Cashier is always the sweetest too and she makes the best boba!!! read more

Neko Cafe - Lychee tea with boba - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

Fantastic classic milk tea with boba, tastes like my childhood so nostalgic and flavorful. The popcorn chicken was so juicy and tasty too. This place moved me read more

Sadly no pics because we were hungry. I ordered a royal milk tea boba and food to-go. The ordering was simple thanks to the walk-up to order screen. I ordered the pork katsu curry w/ rice dish and an order of their popcorn chicken. The order came out in ten minutes and was piping hot. I ended up snacking on the popcorn chicken on the drive home to Redlands. Delicious, juicy and perfectly seasoned. A bit on the spicy side (you can decide the spice level) and a nice treat. I really like how they present the boba tea to-go cup. It has a cute little cover that goes over the straw insert so things don't spill! Unfortunately my husband did not enjoy the pork katsu curry. While the portions for the katsu were more than generous, he could not finish the protein (had only two pieces). The cooking was well-done, crispy and seasoned with salt. It was that the flavor of the cutlet was off-putting and gamey. It's rare for my husband not to finish a dish, especially a katsu dish as they are his favorite. read more

ORDER oreo brulee milk tea (4/5) the oreo brulee added a nice flavor and slight crunch from the oreo, which i enjoyed. the milk tea was definitely one of the better ones ive had, i can actually taste the tea flavor. i loved that it wasn't too sweet. this is one of the better boba shops in riverside! SERVICE (5/5) the worker was super nice and the drink came out quickly. AMBIANCE this can definitely be a study spot! parking was hard to find despite having a parking lot in the front and back. read more

Neko Cafe - Oreo Burlee Milk Tea - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

The BEST boba in Riverside by far!!! Y'all I cannot emphasize enough how underrated this place is. The lady that runs the store is such a sweetheart and puts a lot of care into the drinks. The drinks themselves never miss and are SO good for the price you pay. On top of that, there's NO EXTRA CHARGE to add boba (however, other toppings do have a charge) and it's the perfect chewiness/sweetness The seating area is really spacious. There aren't any outlets however so it may not be ideal for studying, but definitely a great hangout spot. This shop is also located in a plaza with restaurants so parking could get difficult if you arrive at a bad time. So much love for this spot, highly highly recommend to check it out if you're in the area-- it needs more recognition!! read more

Neko Cafe - Seating Area - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

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Visited Neko Cafe a few weeks ago to do a quick gift-exchange with my sister. Neko Cafe is located near the Tyler Mall; this plaza has plenty of parking in the front (where the business are located) and the back. I noticed that the parking area gets full in the evening time with people going to the seafood and korean bbq restaurants. The service at Neko Cafe is spectacular, they are very nice and efficient. I like that you are able to place your own order with the screen they have at the front and make modifications to the drinks to fit your sugar and ice level preferences. I ordered the grapefruit honey green tea and it was delicious; good balance of sweet and tart from the grapefruit. We also ordered their snacks: fried calimari, fried tofu, popcorn chicken and veggie egg rolls. My favorite was the fried tofu and veggie egg rolls. read more

This boba spot is so underrated!! Ever since I went here the first time in November and tried their Thai tea, I was hooked! They do Thai tea right! I test boba spots with my two favorite drinks: Thai tea and Jasmine Cheese foam. Thai Tea: A lot of boba spots nowadays will just have a premixed Thai tea powder, but based on it being layered as pictured, it's done correctly and tasted amazing! This is my go-to spot when I'm craving Thai tea now. Jasmine Cheese Foam: It's jasmine green tea with a nice and thick cheese foam! It's perfectly sweet and the cheese foam pairs so well with the jasmine green tea. I honestly love it here and adding the brown sugar boba is a free add on. Overall, this spot has a nice and clean interior, friendly staff, and great drinks. I bring my friends here when we are looking for a boba spot because I KNOW the drinks will be good! Also bonus points because it's cat themed!! read more

Neko Cafe - Jasmine Cheese Foam - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

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This boba shop is the real deal! Overall, they are the best in Riverside County! Initially, I tried their boba milk tea and curry rice and didn't get a great first impression but it was their Taiwanese popcorn chicken that kept me crawling back! I am 100% hooked on their popcorn chicken and always seem to crave it on Wednesdays when they are closed. So I smartened up and stock up beforehand, warming them up in my toaster oven the next day. Yes, "addicted" is an understatement. Dear Owners, Please offer your popcorn chicken in Super Bowl party tray catering sizes! So about the drinks... as I mentioned earlier, the milk teas are underwhelming. As is the "Burlee" series. Where they shine are the FRUIT drinks! They are made with REAL FRESH FRUIT, not the usual canned fruit, jams, or jellies you find elsewhere. If you are looking for something really special, go for the Lychee or Grape Cheese Foam, or my new favorite: Strawberry Yogurt Frostie! The yogurt in it is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy perfection! If you think a frosty at Wendy's is craveable, these Frosties will blow your mind! Note the recommended 100% sweetness level isn't diabetic-strength. When I try a new drink, I usually trust their taste and adjust for next time, which is rare. Pro tip: Grab a stamp card! Get rewarded for free drinks AND save time ordering online for fast pickup. Their food and drinks are made fresh to order so it can take some time. I could go on about the wonderful service this sweet Asian family provides every time we visit and the adorable "neko" cat-themed decor in every inch of the place... but their chicken and fruit drinks will keep me coming back! read more

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New Taiwanese snack shop with lots of drinks and a wide variety on the menu of popcorn, chicken, and curry dishes. I tried the popcorn chicken and the vegetarian eggrolls both delicious. read more

Very delicious especially the chicken. It's crispy and juicy. I was supposed to take it home, but I finished it half a box in the car. read more

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Came here on a sunny afternoon and it appeared to have only one or two staff members at the time which is alright. We weren't in a rush. A lot of variety of drinks and food to check out so we decided on the Tiramisu Milk Tea with Boba and Matcha Frostie with Red Bean. Since we have a long drive ahead, we decided to get two Taiwanese popcorn chicken to-go. Tiramisu Milk Tea, 50% sweet: Unfortunately it was bland. It tasted just like a black milk tea, rarely any hint of tiramisu. But the boba chewy and firm! Matcha Frostie, 50% sweet: best that I've had in a while. Had the right color and taste. And the red bean really gave it that flavor. Popcorn chicken: definitely fresh and it's an authentic Taiwanese popcorn chicken (not just the American popcorn chicken) Overall, one of the milk teas were a miss, BUT you have a variety of options to choose from and I think that's the best part. I'd come back again for the Matcha Frostie! Good job :) read more

Neko Cafe - Matcha Frostie with Red Bean - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

Yooo the Vietnamese ice coffee is fireeee. Not to mention the cups they give you are so nice. The inside is such a nice vibe. Simple and nice. Excited to try more items read more

Neko Cafe - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California

Cute concept~~ I'm a sucker for cat-themed decor. They coulda gone all out IMO! Pretty tame. Boba isn't bad tho. Located in a strip mall next to KFC. The staff are sweet & friendly. LYCHEE CHEESE FOAM (w/boba, 75% sweet and less ice): Very much on the sweeter side. Would recommend reducing sugar. That being said, I really liked it! Juicy, bright lychee + silky cheese foam-- perfect after a hot day. Boba was cooked well. My bf thought his mango tea was ok, mango pieces were a bit underripe and lychee jelly still had hella syrup stuck on it. But the tea itself was aromatic & refreshing. read more

Neko Cafe - Lychee Cheese Foam & Mango Tea - Bubble Tea Near Me - Riverside, California