RareTea is located in the Laurelwood Shopping Center in San Mateo. I learned via Instagram that this shop was having its Sof Opening. I hadn't been to RareTea in awhile, so I decided to seek it out. The place is near the College of San Mateo. When I got there, there was a group ahead of me. This gave me time to study the menu and look over the interior. The staff thanked me for waiting. I selected a Grapefruit Green Tea with Aloe Vera and a Strawberry Palmer (Iced Tea), the latter suggested by the staff member. My drinks were ready in a few minutes. The staff member thanked me for my patience. The drinks were refreshing and flavorful -- definitely worth the wait. I would absolutely visit again if I were in the area. read more

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Always a fan of the slush drinks and milk tea options! Fast service and friendly too.

Pretty decent boba shop. Orders come out quickly, and I've never had bad-textured boba. I normally get the High Mountain Tea-presso with less sugar. It's not particularly unique, but if you don't want to go to downtown San Mateo, this is a reasonable alternative. read more

Jasmine milk tea with grass jelly, was refreshing! They offer other fillings and a wide variety of teas to choose from! Popcorn chicken and other small bites for the win! Fast, options on ice levels and sugar servings are available, and readily shaken up drink. read more

I really am not a big fan of paying $6-7+ for a drink, so I rarely go out to get a boba for myself. My daughters love getting it so I may take a sip of theirs as a daddy tax. RareTea is one of the better deals around, where you can get a 24 ounce drink for $6. I was pleasantly surprised by their boba as it is soft and warm and fresh. The teas are flavorful and delicious. I'm not planning on making this a habit, but RareTea would be my stop when I have a hankering! read more

Went back and got a different boba drink and some popcorn chicken. The chicken was hot but not as crispy as other popcorn chicken I've had before. I'll pass on this the next time I come back. I'll likely only come back for their boba. The Thai tea drink was good, but I wish it had a stronger Thai tea flavor. The boba was nice and chewy though! read more

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Tried the roasted oolong milk tea a few weeks ago. It was alright, not much tea flavor but also wasn't too sweet so I liked that. My drink was ready before the estimated time and I just grabbed it from the pickup window - easy/no frills. read more

If your looking for a unique flavored tea, this would be your place. Ordered a milk tea with four season tea, oat milk, and boba. The four season tea has a very unique bitter taste and the boba was perfectly prepared. Customer service was great and prices are very reasonable. You can order in advance or order at the counter. read more

RareTea - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

Rarest fruit teas in the Bay Area! Absolutely loved their peach and passion fruit green teas because they tasted like real fruit! Can't say the same for the milk teas. I've only tried their jasmine and Okinawa milk teas and both tasted milky and lacked tea flavor. I ordered both my fruit and milk teas at 50% sweet which was perfect sweetness for fruit teas but I felt like the milk teas could've been sweeter. Boba was nice and cooked to perfection I prefer using their online ordering system to place an order ahead of time. To the left of the cashier are two windows for online and in store pickups read more

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Came here because I had time to kill in the area, got no sugar Jasmine milk tea with boba. Service was great. The milk tea was very good, could taste the delicious green tea flavor. The boba was given to me warm and got nicely chewy as it cooled. It was just that there was a lot of sweet syrup on the boba, and I wasn't in the mood for a sweet tea. A little sweet, but I would go back if I was in the area. If I went again, maybe I'd get Thai tea, because I think it is more suited to the sweetness of the syrup. Or I could consider getting the Jasmine milk tea without boba. read more

I just happened to be in this part of town a few days ago, and since I had not made it to this area for awhile, I decided to check out what's new in the milk tea scene. Lo and behold, when I searched on this here trusty app, RareTea is what appeared with the highest score. I heard all about the other branches in the East Bay before, but never had the chance to visit. I had always been intrigued, so might as well give it a shot! The location in the non-descript, non-Asian strip mall high up in a secluded residential neighborhood in the hills is somewhat interesting. The majority of the countless pearl tea cafés in the San Mateo area are all dotted around the downtown district, so this is the last place where I'd expect to find a boba shop. However, with all the competition down there, it is hard to differentiate from the pack. In addition, I suppose the ownership is aiming for a different level of clientele, so this could very well work to their benefit. The shop itself is easy to find, as it is in a corner, and parking should be a breeze, at least during the lockdown. The staff is all very young, and although not super friendly or chatty, is quite helpful and patient. To keep things simple, whenever trying a new place, I always stick to the basics. I decided to give the plain honey milk tea a try, with full sweetness (I only get full sweetness when it's honey), and no ice. Wow! Color me impressed! I was somewhat expecting it to be halfway decent, but instead, I was absolutely blown away! The flavor is rather strong, and the consistency is more on the creamy side, just how I like it. I can safely say it is one of the better milk teas I have gulped down of late. If I ever make it back to this neck of the woods again in the near future, I will absolutely stop by RareTea, and completely skip over all of the also rans downtown. I am also much more compelled to fork over my hard earned cash to the branches closer to home (and without toll) in the East Bay as well. read more

Due to COVID, I've only had RareTea through DoorDash so far but it's one of my current favorite boba spots (and I LOVE boba)! My husband is slightly less boba-obsessed and also loves it! Some of the reasons I love RareTea so much: - usually nice cups and straws -- their cups were different and leaky the last time I ordered but I expect that was a one time thing - so many customization options including oat milk (my fave!) and tons of flavor options - fruit teas are so delicious -- mango passion is one of my favorites - my husband loves the flavored pudding as one of his toppings A friend who lives 10 minutes away wasn't seeing RareTea in her DoorDash app so I ordered her two drinks as a treat with our order and dropped them off at her house. She's also a huge boba fan and also loved them! I'm excited to check out this spot in-person post-COVID too! read more

Easily in my top 10 list of best bobas out there. Strawberry Palmer and Mango Mango (with sea salt crema) are my top two picks if you're ready for a boba that will fill you up like a meal would. So good and you just can't stop! Protip: Do not add crema to the Watermelon Palmer. You'd think creamy watermelon (tea) would taste good. It doesn't. The popcorn chicken could use a few more seconds in the fryer and some more pepper salt seasoning -- but that doesn't stop RareTea from being a 5 star bubble shop. Properly staffed, friendly service, knockout drinks and perfectly sweetened and chewy boba. Nailed it, RareTea! read more

I ordered RareTea recently via delivery and thought my drink was ok. I got the black milk tea with 30% sugar and boba. The 30% sugar was still really really sweet. They didn't have anything lower than that besides 0% though (I do want some sweetness). I would say this is almost equivalent to some other shops' 50% sugar. I had a hard time finishing my boba drink because of its sweetness. The drink is also a bit on the milky side if that's your thing! The tapioca (boba) is not bad though. Very plentiful and pretty chewy enough for me. Not sure if I'd order this drink again. I might try some other stuff though. read more

My favorite Bobba tea place to date. Why? Their Jasmine Green milk tea, 25% sweetness, low ice, with Bobba, and salted cheese (snow cream) is the best. And I've tried many places. The secret ingredient for me is the perfect blend of their salted cheese. Most places serve watered down salted cheese. This place has yummy salted cheese. Can you tell it's all about the salted cheese for me? read more

RareTea - Jasmine Green milk tea with salted cheese and Bobba. - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

So I've been to rare tea a lot now and I was never pleased with their drinks. I tried their watermelon Palmer which was meh, regular milk tea, sea foam green tea, and they were all whatever or sub par. I just kept coming bc they're close by, but if I could help it, I would always go somewhere else. I come in today bc I didn't want to drive down the hill, and all my drinks were awesome! I ordered a jasmine milk tea and my kids got a passionfruit blended drink (no caffeine, bc why would I want to make my life hell). Maybe they've tasted what they make and realized it was meh, so now everything is great! Wait, I don't want to say that since I only tried these two that were great! All in all tho, I do want to say that if they keep this up, they will have a regular out of me. People here are nice, and if you order online you just pick it up at the window. Super convenient. read more

Had to try this new boba place in the peninsula. It's located close to the San Mateo Jr. College up on the 92 Hwy, off the Hillsdale exit. Nestled in the busy Laurelwood Shopping Center. Sadly this place opened during the pandemic and they've adapted to the safety COVID rules. Prices are very reasonable. I was extremely pleased with my Okinawa Milk Tea, 80% sweet, with boba. My husband ordered the High Mountain Tea with Creama, he too was really happy with his drink. They have this super fancy tea machine. It looks equivalent to a fancy coffee machine. You just have to see it for yourself. ;^) I agree with other Yelpers, that I don't have to drive super far to buy quality boba. Cheers to this new business and may the word get out and you are successful. I plan to go back and sample more items from their menu. read more

How exciting! Finally this plaza has a boba place! Great addition to the neighborhood. Highly needed. Ordered online super easy - let's u pick ice amount, hot vs cold, sweetness, extras, and type of milk. Order was ready for pick up in a short time. Delicious and satisfying. Husband and I picked up the Hokkaido and Okinawa teas and both were great. read more

The worst popcorn chicken I have ever had. I don't know if you guys always do this or just this time you decided to fry the chicken 352847 times. The chicken is so hard, rubbery and chewy ended up with a bad jaw. Please prepare the orders fresh and not re-fry whatever leftovers you've got else, just straight up don't take the order. read more

RareTea - Popcorn Chicken - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

Great tea, perfect blend of flavours and a lot of options to choose from. From left: Okinawa Milk Tea, Taro Milk Tea, Okinawa, Fruit Tea, Brown Sugar Tea, Matcha Green Tea, Thai Tea Ice Blend read more

RareTea - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

A boba shop in this strip mall was long overdue, and it's arguably the best one in all of San Mateo. My go-to is the taro slush or passionfruit, but all their items are good, including the fried stuff. I recommend ordering ahead via Yelp - they are severely understaffed. read more

So excited to see a boba shop open closer to home! I got the Crema tea with black tea and the Hokkaido w/boba. Both were solid. The Hokkaido had a really nice toffee finish. I'm excited to come back and try the other flavors. Planning to urban hike tomorrow and reward myself with Rare tea boba. You can order via walk-up, their website, or via 3rd party delivery services. Their walk-up doesn't show all their menu options but their website does! read more

RareTea - Half drunk crema tea. Forgot to take a photo before enjoying it - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

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We got their mango green tea crema and mango milk tea. It taste like mango pudding! Definitely recommend it if you want a mango pudding in a liquid form. read more

RareTea - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

Love Rare Tea, its popcorn chicken and various milk drinks! Plus the location is so perfect by not having to drive downtown to get my popcorn chicken fix! Fast friendly service with ample parking to boot! Forget driving downtown and cater to this great place instead! Highly recommend read more

There is no indoor seating yet so we ordered at the window. The person who took our order was nice, and gave me suggestions. The food came out within probably 10 to 15 mins for 2 drinks & 2 snacks. We ordered popcorn chicken & waffle fries. The fries were soggy & super salty. The popcorn chicken was better but it was also a bit Salty for our taste. Both mango & preach drink was ok, but it wasn't like good good for us to come back. read more

RareTea - Peach & mango drink Waffle fries & popcorn chicken - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

one of my fav boba places taking into consideration of their price especially STRAWBERRY PLUSH is my all time favorite. Boba is also always chewy as they keep it warm read more

Great service and beverage. Option for those who can't have dairy, I ordered a Mango mango ice blend. It's a very refreshing drink. Also comes in a plastic reusable cup. Paid 5.50. read more

RareTea - Mango mango ice blend yummmm - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

Western hills of San Mateo has been a Boba Tea desert for years, good to see one finally opening and it is an excellent one. High quality tea custom prepared with teapresso machine, good selection of choices, good services, nice clean shop, and very reasonable prices. Definitely worthy of recommendation and repeated visits! read more

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Friendly employees and amazing tea!! This is my new favorite in the area. I highly recommend coming here. Thanks, RareTea!

Amazing place ! I am new to this Tea world but I have to say this place is amazing. I still wouldn't know what to recommend as I am trying new things of the menu but so far so good. read more

They no longer serve the Yakult drinks or almond jello that made this place unique among all the other boba places in the peninsula.

Like the way they prepare their drinks. Have gone there two times and would go back again.

The milk tea was good however the chicken and pot stickers were gross and burned. They obviously didn't change the deep fryer oil. I'll attach the pics. Chicken didn't have any seasoning either. Really doesn't seem like any place can survive this great location. Sad. read more

RareTea - This was a pot sticker... I think. Very gross and burned tasting. - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

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This place is close to my office. There are not too many Boba places in the Belmont area. The staff there was nice. I ordered the Mango Mango Smoothie with Lychee Jelly. It was very good. I wish they have a frequent buyer program as I will come here often. read more

RareTea - Mango Mango with Lychee Jelly, half sweet. - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

Food: 4.5 Decor: 4.5 Service: 5 Decided to go in and try the new boba shop around the block located in Laurelwood plaza near CSM. Ordered an okinawa milk tea and strawberry plush and both drinks were both really good. The cashier was super nice and very accommodating while I took a minute to make my order. Because of Covid, they opened up the space in the store to accommodate space between customers and have a beautiful teapresso machine in the front with many different kinds of teapressos. This place is definitely unique and conveniently close to my neighborhood. I'm sure this will be the new spot once CSM opens up again to hang out! read more

RareTea - Menu - Bubble Tea Near Me - San Mateo, California

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I've been twice and have had a fruit tea and a milk tea. Both teas were very tasty, but the boba is really terrible. I figured that perhaps the boba was bad on my first visit because I came before closing, but I went again mid-day and the boba was just as bad. The pearls are very over-cooked, so they are mushy and there is no rubbery bite to them. However, the good drinks make up for the boba. Now I know to skip the pearls and stick to the jellies, as those are decent here. read more

I really wanted to like this place due to its proximity to work...but twice now I've ordered drinks and they're tasteless. Taro was clearly powdered and didn't have any flavor. It was purple water. Black tea has no tea flavor and the boba are neither sweet nor chewy. Bummer. read more

Rare Tea serves great tea and boba. Awesome service and cozy location. Their tea is light in general as compared to heavy with milk.

This is by far the best boba place that I have ever been to. I almost didn't come and that would have been such a loss. The boba was hot, fresh, gooey and so tasty not overly sweet like a lot of other places and the Taro was spot on they even serve you through the window. Can you even imagine, I couldn't. best boba ever! read more

Luv the ice cream options! We drive out of our way to get this tea. Their Thai Tea is so creamy and perfect sweetness, and my family loves the boba. They are also super kind and remember us every time we order through Yelp read more