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    Tapioca Express

    2.8 (377 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Tapioca Express Takeout or Delivery

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    TAPIOCA EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Spicy fried Tofu in sweet and sour sauce
    Judy O.

    12 years later I return here to Tap Ex for Fried Tofu .... and was pleasantly surprised! The spice, seasoning and crispiness of the tofu was up to par and cut into the most perfect bite-sized pieces! I'm very happy! Talk about a redemption story :) I can't wait to return here and try the expansive menu, it's grown so much! I glanced and saw mozzarella sticks, and tempura as well .. On another note** I love that the kiosk also asks how spicy you want the snacks and what sauces you prefer ..

    Watery oolong milk tea
    Asiah N.

    Was really hoping this would be a new favorite but it wasn't. Drink tasted severely watered down. My son even agreed that it was mid at best. We prefer It's Boba Time over this one!

    Crispy Chicken

    I have ordered the crispy chicken from other Tapioca Express that was delicious. The chicken pieces were big and tasted great. I'm disappointed that this is what I got when I opened the bag at home. Looks like the bottom of the bag from their frozen chicken.

    Eric S.

    After a big Korean food outing, 20 of us headed to Tapioca Express in National City, and it was perfect for our group! The service was great, we sang happy bday to our friend, and they even played a happy bday music for us which was funny and nice. the ambiance was laid-back and spacious enough to fit all of us comfortably. As for the boba, it hit the spot! My wife is currently doing a sugar-free diet, and she ordered the taro boba with no sugar--and surprisingly, it was pretty decent! Definitely a great spot to chill with friends and satisfy that boba craving. We'll be back!

    Cravings
    Alma M.

    I always enjoy having a snow boba. I really like the variety of flavors they have here and the most popular flavors. We ordered from the popular flavors this time and I was very glad I did. I got the strawberry peach mango one and my fiance got the cookies and cream with boba. Wow talk about dessert in a cup! So delicious and refreshing. I need to get all the flavors now.

    Coconut MT

    Delicious i got the coconut milk tea & will be ordering from here again. They stay open late too which is nice!

    Hazelnut & melon
    Elizabeth V.

    Located in National City in a large shopping center. Parking can be scarce as there are so many other businesses and restaurants in the same shopping center. Not only do they serve Boba but, they also serve food. Friendly young staff and they are pretty quick on getting your drink orders out. My go to is the Snow Bubble beverage. They offer all sorts of different beverages and add-ons to your liking. Pricing is pretty fair, nothing too outrageous. We have had the following flavors of their Snow Bubble: Strawberry with lyche jelly - delish Cantaloup with lyche jelly - delish Mocha with boba - delish Caramel with boba - delish Hazelnut with boba - good Melon with lyche jelly - delish If in the area and you're wanting a cold refreshing beverage, definitely stop by Tapioca Express! Tip: you can also ask them to make your beverage with extra ice to make sure it is extra thick to beat the heat!

    Entrance
    Abel T.

    Best boba milk Thai tea with always soft boba not over cooked . The reason i like this place is their menu they have a large variety of drinks ,milk teas,snow bubbles ,Red Bull infusion ,yogurt frost,cheese foam , coffee,snacks,rice combo, manager's specials . Kitchen hours 10am/10:30pm Place is always ac cool and clean . My favorite snack calamari with rice combo Check it out:)

    May 2024 menu
    Allison C.

    Still my go to for boba. This location is located inside the seafood city on orange ave. I like fruity boba drinks and snow bubbles(I believe that's mixed with milk). My go to is lychee snow with lychee jellies or mango snow w/ boba. Quick service.

    Crispy Chicken snack
    Jhenny B.

    Usually have a good experience over the years. This time was alright. My chicken had no spice, I asked for medium to spicy. And my drink didn't have flavor. Tasted powdery. I've been here more times than I can count and this was the first time it was a miss. Definitely depending on who cooks your food and makes your drinks. The service this time was probably the best. The girl who helped was sweet and friendly. And she was willing to help, even though I've been here so many times I always like to browse the menus but end up ordering the same thing. Honestly the Clairemont location is better, but I'm not driving there and I'd rather support my local shops. I'm happy they're just down the street.

    Cockroach

    I always loved coming here, I like getting the crispy chicken snack. But seeing this tonight became the downfall of me ever coming back. I was waiting and noticed this roach come out from the bottom of the seats. They need to take clean maintenance serious and actually take care of there store.

    Crispy Chicken
    Vivian T.

    Haven't been to this Tapex yet and it looks much more modern and renovated compared to some of its other locations in SD. I probably was the first customer upon opening but I simply go here for their popcorn chicken. The girl really loaded the bag and the chicken was the freshest I've ever had it. Every location differs in menus and over here the manager's specials that I want to try are the ChiChi or Sisig Fries. Other than that, the establishment was clean and there's plenty of seating. I'll frequent this location more often now!

    I ordered 4 drinks with Boba 2 Almond snow w/ boba 2 vanilla cookie w boba The Almond brinks have no flavor at all And the 2 vanilla cookies drinks are chocolate and I called them and they said oo our vanilla. Cookie are made with chocolate, even in the picture the drink looks like vanilla , makes no sense and tastes horrible

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    10 years ago

    Wondering how can someone mess up a mango green tea. Maybe because the employees can't stop talking to each other cursing so unprofessional.

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    8 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    13 years ago

    Tried sisig fries for the first time. Interesting stuff. We don't have those at the TapEx locations a bit north.

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    13 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Popular in San Diego; you can get your drink from a long list of varieties. Impatient is the name of some of the ladies there.

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    15 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Horrible service and horrible drinks, asian guy up front either really dumb or really rude, either way I'm never going back

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

    they need to improve their snacks here...specially the calamari!! it was so hard and bland taste full of thick coating!!!

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    13 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Romelyne is the best barista here! Makes my drinks perfectly, very friendly and outgoing. I will be coming back.

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    14 years ago

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    8 years ago

    I love the peach green tea boba. So yummy. Their dumplings are good too. Will be back.

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    15 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Very Cute Register Girl Was Down To Earth. Asked Her To Surprise Me And Was Very Pleased. Give Her A Raise Please haha

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    9 years ago

    Food and drinks are awesome but dining area and restroom are dirty, the cashier is very friendly and jolly.

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    14 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    Page 9 of 10

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    4.7(63 reviews)
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    I've been coming here literally my whole life and I've never had a problem with the food. It's kind…read moreof consistent so that's not what my review is about. This review is mainly about the service. (I also don't write reviews on places unless the service is actually just horrible) I went today, I started my order and the lady turned around after asking for the first two things without even letting me finish my order. I figured that when she came back with the first things I'd let her know that I wanted one more thing. She then came back with the first two things which were a sandwich and a smoothie. She asked "will that be all" and I said I would like another sandwich. I don't know what triggered her but I could tell she thought I was telling her that the sandwich was made wrong when that was not at all what I was telling her I was simply telling her I wanted another one (she btw kept repeating this for like 2 minutes before she realized that I was telling her I wanted one more sandwich). In the many years I've been coming here she has always had some sort of attitude, but this time she was actually so rude. Her tone and her expressions towards me were horrible. She needs to keep her attitude in check. So many people who have gone here that I know always speak of her horrible demeanor (so I know it isn't just me). Also after I said "ushh" (as a sigh of like wth just happened) she yelled out "USH QUÉ". The other lady is rlly nice. But this one *the tall one* RUDE.

    Located inside Price Breakers indoor bazaar - just walk inside the main doors and immediately off…read moreto the right in the corner you will find the deli. Walked right up and no wait, yay! Ordered tuna torta and green juice. Honestly impressed by the size of this sandwich. Included lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, and mayo on the torta, plus the bread was nice and lightly toasted. Served with a heavy serving of pickled jalapeños. Next time, I will ask for onion on the sandwich. Green juice was great! She made it right before my eyes, all the different fruits and veggies getting juiced right there to order. There were 2-3 bar stools right at the ledge of the walk up counter available to sit at but I just devoured this in my car in the parking lot. $17.75 later and happy tummy.

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    Freshería - Yummy chicken pesto sandwich!!

    Freshería

    3.9(514 reviews)
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    I drive past this place all the time, and I finally had both the appetite and a minute to stop in…read more I was looking for a light, healthy meal on my break, and this spot was perfect. There's plenty of parking and both indoor and outdoor seating, which is always a plus. I loved seeing such a big variety of options -- fresh juices, salads, bowls, and other healthy choices -- but also some traditional Mexican items you'd find at a tiendita like tortas, aguas frescas, and tostilocos. A really nice blend of nutritious meals and fun treats. I ordered the sandwich meal, and the price felt very reasonable for the size of the sandwich and the generous side of lentil soup it came with. They also offer coffee and lots of canned drinks to go. One thing to note: my to‑go order took a bit longer than expected, so keep that in mind if you're in a rush. I was so hungry I scarfed it down before I could snap a pic, but trust me -- it looked delicious. Overall, it's great to finally have a spot in this area with healthy, good‑quality options on the go.

    Wow! I have always seen this place but never went into it until today. It did not disappoint. They…read morehave everything you can think of. I purchased a soup and salad meal and I got the tuna sandwich and lentil soup. The soup is so yummy. The atmosphere is nice and open. We ate outside and loved the ambiance. We got lucky and came when we did because it all of sudden became really busy. They also service breakfast, lunch and salads and smoothies and tea. Will be back

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    Frutas 100% Natural - Chicken salad

    Frutas 100% Natural

    3.0(178 reviews)
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    Frutas is definitely one of my go-to spots. I usually grab the turkey sandwich with everything and…read moreadd spinach -- simple, fresh, and always hits. And the mango smoothie with orange juice? Easily the best. Super refreshing and pairs perfect with the sandwich. It's just one of those reliable spots you can keep coming back to when you want something quick, fresh, and consistently good. Service is good, but gets busy.

    Very disappointed with my recent experience. On Monday, May 18th, I placed a food order totaling…read moreover $80 and arrived to pick it up around 7:50 PM, with the restaurant closing at 8:00 PM. Before leaving, I politely asked to use the restroom and explained that I was not local and still had about an hour and a half drive home. The employee (looks like Araceli) refused, stating the restroom contained cleaning supplies. I respectfully explained that I would only be a moment, yet she still declined. As someone who genuinely enjoys your food and regularly supports your business whenever I am in town, this interaction was extremely disappointing and lacked the level of customer care and courtesy. I hope the owner takes this review into consideration. As a business owner myself, I would want to know how my employees are treating loyal customers, especially those who continue to support the business.

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    Frutas 100% Natural - Terrible costumer service, my food was ready and tell couldn't even tell me so ofcourse when i went to ask if it was ready, it was cold.

    Terrible costumer service, my food was ready and tell couldn't even tell me so ofcourse when i went to ask if it was ready, it was cold.

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    Tapioca Express - coffee - Updated May 2026

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