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RareTea

4.3 (173 reviews)
Closed • 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM

Order RareTea Takeout or Delivery

RareTea Photos

RARETEA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - RareTea

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Erick T.

Solid boba. Just a tad on the sweeter side, even if you ask for less sweet. The tea is also just a touch bitter, even when the milk is added and shaken in. But they put in ample boba and lychee jelly. We also loved that they have various games (eg Uno, chess, Boop) you can play while you enjoy your tea. The tables are really sticky and that was a bit unpleasant.

Ada F.

I'm unsure why there's such a high rating for this boba shop. I ordered the taro milk tea with boba and it tasted like artificial powder taro coloring and flavoring plus watered down milk. The interior is also very lackluster. I would not come back to spend $6+ on a drink.

Strawberry Matcha Latte
Andy W.

This spot should be renamed as Rarely Do We get Your Order Correct! Been here a few times over the years. Always the same trios behind the counter. Strangely, same ambiance behind the scene. Playing some types board game or playing cards keeping their friendship alive! However, strategic decisions behind the scenes per business model, meal prep is poor, overall tastes is by far mediocre and messy. Not worth the price, not even worth as the pit stop for quick bite or sip of boba even if it is mark as the worst "Quickly in town". Overall, still give them a Three Stars, for their good vibes, three trips youth giving their best as entrepreneurs running business and their own business experience!

Mango Passion Green Tea w/ boba & Mango Green Tea w/ boba
Alex C.

Having moved out of San Mateo back in 2020 during the pandemic, I had no idea a new boba shop opened on this side of San Mateo. Having tried basically all the other boba places in San Mateo already, I decided to give RareTea a try. Super glad I did, because they offer a good-sized cup, generous amounts of chewy and delicious boba, and are reasonably priced (without charging extra for no ice). The inside is pretty spacious and has several tables for indoor dining. Ordering is done through a self-service kiosk. When I arrived on a Sunday, the place was not very busy. But there was a number of people behind the counter playing board games with one another. I can only assume some of them were friends with the barista. Otherwise, they are definitely overstaffing only to have their staff just play board games.

Boba

Best place the mood is awesome and boba is delicious highly recommended also boba is the best

Kiwi Fruit Tea
Carine B.

I have a boba/tea addiction and consider this spot my spot (I think they'd consider me a regular at this point too). I've actually turned on a bunch of people to the specific location and we all agree - they're just that good. Prices are very reasonable and quality of tea is good. Staff is friendly and helpful - gives off fun Gen Z Millennial vibes inside with the music and board games. I've seen highschoolers at the tables playing games after school. As a frequent visitor (with my coworkers), they've taken time to know our names and drinks. I love that they can do 10% sweet, which not a lot of places can do. At this point, I honestly recommend the whole menu, but here are some of the regular orders that I mostly stick to: * kiwi fruit tea zero sugar osmanthus jelly * iron goddess tea no milk add snow cream and crystal boba 10% sweet * any of the matcha milk teas Rooting for this location

Inside
Danielle C.

Made a quick stop in San Mateo for some boba, and this place did not disappoint! The boba had the perfect texture, and the menu was packed with a variety of teas, coffee, and tasty snacks. We couldn't stay long, but I loved that they had games available--it'd be such a fun spot to hang out with a friend or a group next time!

Mel C.

A pretty standard boba tea place. It's kinda quiet on a Sunday afternoon. The service is quick. At least they don't charge you extra when you want to choose no ice food your drink. For macha latte, they add fresh milk, not the non-dairy creamer nonsense. I also like they don't pre-add sugar in macha so I can choose the no sugar version. If you are in the neighborhood, definitely, check them out. The store it's pretty spacious too with quite a few seats available.

Taro Milk Tea
Joanna F.

Cute inside, easy kiosk to use, I like the little game corner. The popcorn chicken was really yummy, interesting breading technique and very flavorful. Taro was chill, nothing to write home about but satisfied my craving, boba good texture.

Jasmine green milk tea and Taro milk tea
Anne S.

Stopped in to try their Taro Milk Tea and Jasmine Green Milk Tea. Both came with freshly made boba, still warm, and were made to order--less sweet, light ice. Ordering is through a self service kiosk which makes things quick and convenient. Service was friendly. It's a small space, but there is indoor seating and board games available.

Teapresso Iron Goddess (TGY)
Lauren T.

The Teaspresso - Iron Goddess (tie guan yuan tea) is pretty good, and the boba is a little on the firmer side.

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6 years ago

Very friendly staff willing to make adjustments on drinks ! Very yummy ice cream milk tea :)

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6 years ago

They sold me their first rose milk tea and it tasted really great! The people there were also really nice! Would definitely come back again.

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6 years ago

friendly and quick service, lots of creative drink options, great boba

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Page 5 of 5

Ask the Community - RareTea

Is there a frequent user card here?

What are the store hours?

Tuesday-Sunday: 12-8 pm

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I've come to this place on many occasions and I have to say it never disappoints. Anton stands out…read morewith its Crepe cakes but the other desserts are delicious too. When you walk in, there is always someone there to greet you and inform you of the new crepe cakes available and what they have in stock. So far, I've tried the Hokkaido Milk Crepe Cake, the Matcha Crepe Cake, Tiramisu Crepe Cake, the Pistachio Crepe Cake, the matcha tart and the mango panna cotta. My favorites are the Hokkaido Milk Crepe Cake and the Pistachio Crepe Cake. All of the cakes are not too sweet and have great balance. It's so good that you don't even realize that it's done. If you're feeling adventurous, give the Panna Cotta a try. It won't disappoint! Overall, one of the best crepe cakes I've had on the West Coast.

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