Not a fan of Tap Ex, only stopped by here because my friend wanted to stop by for boba on the way home from Roseville. As far as chain Tea houses go, this is on the lower tier. Their teas aren't as strong, their boba is cooked unevenly. And their kitchen was closed at 730pm because "we have so much stuff to do". I don't really care how much you guys have to do or clean, kitchen shouldn't be shutting down early unless there's no food or some issue with safety. Got a thai tea with boba and there no was no flavor and the boba was undercooked. My friend got the jasmine milk tea, she said it was good and the boba was a bit undercooked. We didn't get to have their fries because the kitchen was closed, but maybe if I decide to come back again, I'll try it out. Staff was friendly and bathroom was clean, so they get 3 stars instead of 2. read more

Used to come here a lot and I still like it here. It's just it kinda died down ever since there's more other boba spots around.

This place is horrible. Drinks and snacks are ok but they have very bad customer service. This is the second time I've experienced their poor service so I will not be returning. read more

I love Tapioca Express. The drinks are sometimes done before I'm done paying, which makes it a great spot to run in quickly to get a drink. The chicken is also pretty good. I like the avocado snow and the almond milk tea the best! read more

Natomas is not known for boba houses by any far stretch of the imagination. So unfortunately when cravings arise, there is only one spot in to feed the hunger. Now, restaurants USUALLY take pride when they are known for setting themselves apart from the pack. And Tapioca Express does that indeed, however, it sets itself apart due to their disappointing offerings. I stopped by TapEx after work to grab something to munch on before having to sit in southbound I5 traffic. Looking for something to keep my moral boosted, I came to learn I was better of dealing with rush hour traffic. When I entered into the store there was only one customer ahead of me with drinks in hand chatting it up with the employees. I did not mind this as it allowed me time to check out the menu. My first time here, I chose to play it safe and stick to my bread and butter, Jasmine Milk Tea w/boba and Popcorn Chicken, (Here it's called Chicken Crisp.) When I was ready to order I found the ONE customer still there chatting up a storm with the employees. They were confirming some plans for hanging out. Now where I come from, when you have customers waiting in line, you ask your friends to step to the side, this was simply inexcusable and unprofessional. You don't keep paying customers WAITING! When it finally became my turn to order, I was treated as though I was being a burden to them and my order was quickly rushed. The Jasmine milk tea I ordered was not made fresh, it was dispensed from a container they keep behind the counter, more on this later...NOW the part that upset me the most. "The Chicken Crisp" I had ordered was handed to me in a paper pouch approximately 1/4 full. RIDICULOUS!! I immediately thought to myself that there better be a happy ending somewhere in that SPACIOUS bag they were handing to me for it to not be at least HALF way full. To add insult to injury, they offered no sauces nor toothpicks, do they expect their customers to reach all the way into the bottom of the bag to eat what little portions they are given only to have seasoning and grease cover their hands?! I left without protest because the employees here seemed like they wouldn't have cared. Now to comment on the jasmine milk tea. My family use to own multiple boba places for years and I know what taste like what. Sad to say their poor attempt at duping me and serving me regular milk tea was quickly recognized. Jasmine Milk Tea is light in color and not dark as chocolate milk. TapEx Natomas, I hope you do read these reviews and do something about your business practices because you're losing potentially loyal customers. True you are the only one trick pony in this part of town, however, that is no excuse for being cheap and cutting corners. The only thing true about your name is Express, because I wanted to get the HECK out of there FAST. That's right, the TAPIOCA in your name is false advertisement because you even managed to forget it in my drink! SMH... Eat Up! (just not here...) read more

This will be short and sweet. They get one star because I truly like their popcorn chicken, but their kitchen closes randomly ALL THE TIME. Now they don't even answer their phone so I can't do the logical thing and call ahead of time to check. This place pisses me off so much. Tip: call ahead--OH WAIT. read more

My boyfriend lives relatively close to this Tapioca Express, and I'm used to going to the one in Downtown Berkeley; Freaking delicious, I must say. Let me start out with the positives: The boba is amazing. Best boba I've ever had; and I love Vietnamese restaurants, Lollicup, etc. Tapioca Express always has the best boba, so I didn't expect it to be any different. The crispy chicken is AMAZING. Doesn't have basil in it like the one in Berkeley, but hey. I'll live. Now for the negatives: WTF Is up with the owners and employees? They are so unfriendly. Why are they in the selling business when they can't say "hi" to their customers? They can't remember names? Gah, I just don't understand. If their boba wasn't so amazing, I'd be at a Lollicup FAST. That, for me, deserves most of the stars. The people and experience make everything. The drink selection sucks, honestly. Taro, Strawberry and Thai Iced Tea are the best to me.. But besides that, no bueno. They need more damn drinks for the thirsty people like myself. Then, they are really cheap. At most Bubble Tea places, if I get 3 drinks, I'll get 3 stamps. What the hell?! I got 5 drinks and received one stamp?! For shame, Natomas Tapioca Express. Hire friendly people to take orders; you guys make good stuff, but you should be in the back. read more

I'm a pretty big fan of Milk Teas with tapioca, as well as the other drinks and snacks they have to offer. The store is small but with a big menu. The ambiance is laid back with magazines, TV, and tables with board games for those needing to kill time while waiting for their order. Over all the service was pretty quick and the items are delicious. There are sooooooooooooooooooo many things to order and I hope the place stays open long enough for me to try them all. The gentleman with glasses and quite demeanor seemed polite and willing to serve. I have seen reviews of his co workers that give the place a bad reputation, so I just hope I don't ever experience the same. I suppose the service is hit and miss depending on who you get, but over all the drinks and snacks are very satisfying. I love the fact we have one in Natomas. I used to only be able to get them when visiting friends in Davis, Berkley, or some other inconvenient place for me. I look forward to many returned visits! read more

Absolutely WORST place for boba to go. I believe in giving places chances to fix mistakes but I have never received countless amounts of horrible customer service and poor quality products from the SAME place. Let me begin.. The first time I went with my aunt, we asked for popcorn chicken that was listed on their snacks section. They exclaimed they didn't have any so we tried a week later, same problem. We decided to go more times in hopes that they would have it but nope! Same problem, EACH AND EVERY SINGLE TIME. Just recently, I came back because my cousin wanted some boba drinks and it was near by. We were waiting for a graduation. Me and my cousin ordered a mocha milk tea and popcorn chicken, my boyfriend ordered a Thai tea, and my aunt a taro slush. Me and my cousins mocha was AWFUL. It tasted nothing like coffee or let alone chocolate. It tasted like watered down chocolate milk! To which my cousin asked to exchange after taking a sip but they rudely refused and rolled their eyes. Then I tried my aunts taro slush. Her taro tasted like a pure blended ice with no flavor; the only flavor was the tapioca pearls that was in her drinks. They didn't give my cousin any dipping sauce with his popcorn chicken even after he asked. If you are looking for rude, poor quality service and products, then be my guest to come here! They never have anything we ask for and never fails to be rude. You'd expect after several different visits that they would work on their mistakes but no. Even consulting to the store manager was a horrid experience!!! I'd give this place negative stars if that was possible. DO NOT COME HERE. read more

I wish I could give zero stars... Once again, like so many others, this place is severely handicapped when it comes to their menu items. I've never wanted to give my money more to a business only to be literally turned away because they were out of this or that. This, actually, isn't even their main problem, it's communication. They don't like to answer their phones which becomes a major PAIN when you go for snacks and find out their kitchen isn't open (90% of the time) or they're out of chicken (99.99999999% of the time). It's as if the kitchen is never open because the owner has to go home and raise his chickens or something. I honestly can't come up with any other explanation. Also their drinks are nothing special, do yourself a favor and drive the 15min or so to the Stockton BLVB area and get some real drinks and service. read more

I gave this location several tries and they continue to disappoint me. The workers are very rude and are not welcoming at all. Been here 3 times at around 8pm and they ran out of all boba! And they weren't apologetic at all about it. Then I asked them when they closed. One of the employees response was "we actually close at 9:15p" I found out that they actually close at 9:30pm. This tapioca express location is a joke compared to the other tapex locations I've been to. read more

Came here after Zumba class on Tuesday. Plus my nieces have been bugging me to come here every Tuesday. It was so hot that day I gave in. Me and two of the youngest girls had the watermelon icy...man, so refreshing and yummy. I love that they use real watermelon instead of the powder. My oldest niece had the Honeydew with small tapioca balls, because she's adventurous like that. They also give out a stamp card . You get a stamp for every drink you buy. If you buy 10 drinks you get your 11th one free. I keep losing my card. I think I have about 3 free drinks already. Now just gotta find them. read more

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This place has good boba drinks, but I have to reduce a couple stars for a few reasons. First, the drinks are overpriced. They are over $5 if you get a large snowbubble with tapioca. That's really expensive, and I don't know why people buy them at this price every day. If you skimp on the drink size and ingredients you can get it under $4, but then you aren't getting everything you want. The customer service doesn't seem very knowledgeable or interested in serving you. There are a few happy workers, but most of them seem like they are miserable and unhappy. They don't offer good suggestions if you want to try a new drink, one would think they would know their products well? I will still come here on occassion, but I have really cut back do to the service and expense. read more

There are no other tapioca places in Natomas, so it's pretty much a monopoly. There used to be a lollicup really close but that shut down for some reason :( Unlike other tapioca expresses, the Natomas one does not have very many foods. Their "snacks" consist of fried chicken, tofu, fish balls, fries and two or three other dishes. Today I saw two new women working there (I come here quite often) and I think because of it my matcha snow bubble was not as smooth as usual :( Pros: only place to get boba in natomas, good for a boba fix :D Cons: the service (the cashiers never seem very happy...) the strawberry snow bubble is flavored with nesquik :(( lack of food Although it's not my favorite place I return here time and time again because it's the only place to get boba in Natomas. read more

Just rude servers all around. The tapioca is very nice, large selection and always made with the perfect amount of tapioca. But I'll only go back to Tapioca Express as a last ditch effort to fill my craving for milk tea. Only to avoid an unpleasant experience with cashiers always cutting me off when I order. Is it me or is it every time I go there, the cashiers always act like they're too busy to take my orders, even if there isn't another soul in the lobby. read more

Been going to this place for a while now, this is your alternative to Starbucks if you're not a coffee drinker and you want to visit a place with a coffee-shop-like atmosphere. When we visit this place, we usually order their popcorn chicken. They can make it to different degrees of spiciness per your liking. We personally like it non-spicy, that way you can taste the chicken-flavor...mmMMMM... Customer service ROCKS!!...but based on other reviews...maybe i'm just easy to please... I'm a very "particular" order-er. I like my drinks and food a certain way and a certain way only. I like how they're willing to accomodate to my picky needs when I ask for my drink to be less sweet than normal, with extra this, and none of that. A lot of other places tend to give me "the look-of-death" when I request this. I definitely recommend this place, and if I weren't TRYING TO watch what I eat, I'd definitely come here daily!!. :) read more

Love this place! They offer various ways of making boba. One is your traditional milk tea version, the other is snow bubble ( my personal favorite) and then there's an icy version and finally, what looks like a newest way is the yogurt frost. My all time favorite order it Taro Snow Bubble with tapioca balls. I usually get a large because frankly, a regular size is just not enough. So what about the sugar? What I like most is that they have a Top Selling list of drinks which I think is a huge help to those first timer's. The menu can be a bit overwhelming if you've never been to such a place. They also offer some food. Moreso, little snacks. Never had the food. Always come for the drinks. read more

The Store: I've been to quite a few Tapioca Express' and this particular Tapioca Express has one of the most relaxing the atmosphere out of the bunch. Being in a plaza thats not super busy also helps. They offer a bit of outdoor setting which I really enjoy. Indoors they always have a comfortable temperature, clean bathrooms [this is always important to me], and boardgames [Connect Four, Jenga, Sorry, and a few others] if you're interested. The Taste: I've been to alot of boba places that don't make their tapioca pearls good at all [too sticky or too hard]. This place does a great job with their tapioca. Their drinks are just as good as most of the drinks I've gotten at other stores. Although I cant say Ive tried every drink at every store, so Im sure it depends on the individual drinks. I personally like the taste of their milktea, and their snowbubbles are always made really well. As far as food options, I know all the Tapioca Express' are individually owned so the menu's don't always match. The food they do offer has always been really good every time I've ordered it, although depending on who make it, sometimes its a bit spicier than you might've wanted it. The Customer Service: The customer service here depends on who is at the register, but Ive never had a negative experience. Though the owners do seem shy. Overall: I continue to go back and enjoy this place. If you want Boba drinks and are in the Natomas Area I'd recommend giving it a try :] read more

We love Tap Ex... Aside from being the only place in Natomas I know of who offers Boba, they are actually really good. My favorite is their avocado snow bubble - made with fresh avocados. May sound weird but I really like it with lychee jelly and red beans. Second fave is their taro snow bubble... Yummy! -1 Star because they don't allow you to mix flavors. I tried Lollicup's Taro-Coconut Smoothie and it was REALLY good... so good, I will travel to South Sac to get it... you might want to consider mixing, Tap Ex... just sayin'! read more

Tapioca Express - Yummy! Watermelon Juice! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Sacramento, California

After driving back home from Target in the Natomas area, I was at a signal light. I normally don't look to see whats around but I was curious to see what was in this plaza to my left, I noticed familiar artwork. I squinted and squinted till I finally figured out what the sign said....TAPIOCA EXPRESS in that blue/orange color. I was SOO excited since this is only 1 mile away from my house. When I got in and looked at the menu, I was taken back at the prices. The tapioca express I usually go in on SoCal is way cheaper, but I cant really complain since there is less competition in the Sacramento Area. Another thing I noticed was that they had my favorite drink at his location - freshly squeeze grapefruit juice green tea. I ordered a large and a order of spicy chicken extra spicy. Grapefruit Green Tea - I asked for half sweet but the drink was still very sweet for my taste. Next time I will probably ask for no sweetener. Crispy Chicken - The chicken pretty flavorful but not spicy enough. I wish there was a way to make it extra extra spicy. It was actually pretty dry and over cooked as well. Probably wouldnt order this again from here. I will for sure be back to try the other drinks when I have my cravings. read more

Whenever I stop by a Milk Tea/Boba drink shop, I am always faced with a tough decision: Taro or Thai Tea. I literally stand there for 10 minutes glancing over the menu telling myself to try something else, but I always come back to Taro or Thai Tea. I have dealt with that struggle for years. Until Tapioca Express created a drink that changed my boba world - Taro thai tea. Is this real life? I couldn't believe that my two favorite flavors collided into an epic swirl of deliciousness. I order this with small tapioca pearls which somehow enhances the drink. With so many drink varieties, it can be overwhelming to try different mixes. That is just part of the fun! There are different drink types, from snowbubbles, icys, milk tea or frosty milk. Pair these with unique jellies such as lychee, tapioca pearls, grass jelly or mango. So many combinations to experience! The tapioca pearls are consistently cooked well and are not too chewy or soft. The service is quick, friendly and polite. While waiting for my order, I usually look at the wall with local business cards. Thumbs up for supporting small businesses! Don't forget to ask for the rewards card: You get one stamp for each drink you order. The 11th drink is free. Come into the shop on your birthday to get a free drink too! With all these promos, why would you not stop by? Looking forward to my next visit to add a couple more stamps to my card! read more

This is a typical Tapioca Express. Don't expect exceptional service, drinks, or food. Their basic Jasmine milk tea is a bit bland. Their popcorn chicken was really dark, so they probably used very old oil. On the plus side, I really love their warm Almond & Hazelnut milk teas. They remind me of a warm mocha. read more

This boba place was definitely Meh.... to say the least. First, when I walked into the place it really seemed boring... it needed some updating inside or better decor.. I felt like it was missing something. Next, the workers seemed like they weren't happy at all! I wouldn't be happy either if I had to stand at a place where all you heard were crickets?! No customers in sight. I was kinda scared at this point.. I mean, was their boba even good? or fresh? or worth it? Anyway, tried the lychee snow with boba. As I mentioned it tasted Meh... the boba wasn't fresh at all. The consistency wasn't right... kinda hard. And the drink tasted chalky. It really wasn't worth getting at all. Note to self: When your craving boba don't just settle and go to any boba place that's nearby. Use the power of Yelp to guide you to a bomb - diggity one! read more

I love how convenient this is! I live in North Sac, so it sucks having to drive far away to satisfy my boba and tea cravings. The drinks here are standard. I've only had one bad drink: banana milk tea. Everything here has been good. I've never had bad service. If you get 10 stamps on your stamp card, you can upgrade your free drink from a regular to a large for like 50 cents, which I think is worth it. read more

This is THEE best Tapioca Express I've ever been to!! I always have to drop by here on my way home from Lake Tahoe from Snowboarding!! I thought I had a great Tapioca Milk Tea joint back in San Francisco, but Tapioca Express at Natoma is THEE best I've EVER HAD!! Their milk tea was not over sweeten & the boba wasn't too hard or too soft. Plus...the workers are very polite & mild manner. TV & Music were not blasting & their dining area was super clean. Dare you to find another Tapioca Express...no no no, dare you to find ANOTHER Milk Tea joint that is better than this one!! (Friday, April 1, 2011) read more

Relatively close to where I live, so basically a straight shot from freeway. I come here at LEAST 3 times a week. The food and drinks are excellent. The staff is above the benchmark for customer service and VERY friendly compared to other places I've been to. Owner is an awesome guy and definitely notices who the regulars are. He even initiates a conversation with you in light of your last visit or how your day was. Will never go anywhere else for drinks. This place is da shiiiiiiiiiet! read more

A tad pricey, but good.

They've got me addicted. I'm not from the area, but they're the only location that does it right. My drink s Green Milk Tea with boba served warm. I've gone to about 5 different tapicoa joints and no one can wooo me the way they do. Very HOT, Slightly Sweet, Soft, Chewy boba balls...*drool* *sigh* See you whenever I'm in the area. read more

I love this Tapioca Express in Sac. because compared to all the other Tapioca's ive been too they have banana milk tea here! and I LOVE banana milk tea :D they have all the other delicious flavors too. Also, they have a stamp card rewards card here. so if you come here frequently, i recommend getting one. Its free and every after 8 or 9 stamps, you get a free drink. read more

This is my favorite place to come to for boba! The staff is friendly nothing but smiles when I come in! The boba is always chewy and just the right sweetness. Their snacks are always made to order and never sitting under a heat lamp. They have a great selection of flavors and different jellies to choose from, occasionally they run out of regular boba, but can you blame them? They are sooooo good! The owner is and staff are great people, they are super nice. There is no other place I would go for boba in Sacramento! Tapioca Express Natomas is the best there is! read more

Terrible customer service that female there had attitude like no tmr every time I come in she always gives me a hard time. She had an off the shoulder tank top which is a violation with health safety at a food place. I don't know whose allowing her to work there like that but I'm not coming back and I've been coming here for 10+ years read more

I'm obsessed with this place and I have been since freshman year of highschool. I'm 23 now. I would come after school to get cream cheese wontons (the best in Elk Grove including all Chinese places) & a boba tea. I looooove this place Idk why they only have 4 stars read more

First off, drinks are made with powder and syrups, no fresh fruits. Staff are ALWAYS RUDE. I'm not sure of her name, but she's tall and Asian with glasses...always has an attitude to not just the customers but the rest of the staff. There are so many other boba places so take the time to stop at another location and not this one for your own satisfaction. read more

Large selection of drinks to choose from. Very reasonably and fairly priced. Great sizes. I like the blueberry tea with tapoica boba. Awesome portion sizes of boba. I got a discount and 2 free drinks. The waiter allowed me to change my drink although they already made it. read more

Sigh. I miss the Tap Ex in Davis .. that was probably the best one i been to next to the location in Elk Grove by Target. When i lived in Elk Grove, i had a frequent buyer card, that's how much i went. Between the two, the EG location is better. When i lived in Davis still, that was also better. But this location is just .. EH. They're not as generous with the food part of it .. so i've strayed away from getting any of their snacks just cuz they're so damn skimpy!! it still tastes good though, so sometimes i can't help but buy it ... I try not to venture too far out in the drinks since they're not made with fresh fruit .. so i stick to the Thai Tea or Milk Black Tea, the farthest i've gone is Watermelon and i'll get the Taro if i'm feelin for that warm type of sweetness .. there's this one girl here that i'm not fond of .. she's part of the reason i hate coming to this location .. at the Elk Grove location, the servers/cashiers are much sweeter and the ambiance is better. at this location, i feel like they're not as welcoming ... i'd come here agen, but only cuz it's convenient ... read more

This is great one a hot day. The drinks are so delicious and satisfying. My favorite is strawberry snow bubble with mango jelly. read more

Great pit stop for boba drinks! I love their Taro milk tea, and their Thai tea! Their boba is always chewy and yummy--never hard. :) They have seasonal fresh fruit smoothies/drinks. The watermelon one was BOMB! OMG delicious. It was fresh, no artificial flavoring added! Definitely would recommend! Have tried their chi chi fries--They are AMAZING! Fries, topped with a cheese, a chili sauce, and fried popcorn chicken. I just wish the french fries were crispier? Their soft and cooked...but a little more crisp would put the cherry on top. ;) read more

Fresh Avocado Smoothie ...with pearl. Yum! This is my new go-to local TapEx. It's no different from any other Tapioca Express, the interior is meh, but the location is key for me!!! Just a few steps away from my children's martial arts place, this Tapioca Express will become my hold grail spot for my mid-afternoon smoothie/milk tea. There's nothing more refreshing than a boba drink on these hot toasty afternoons while waiting for your child to get out of martial arts. Seriously. Tapioca Express is making a killing at this location.... read more

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE...My snow bubble tapioca thai tea! :-) I haven't had anything as fresh as this spot since Zodiac downtown. You've got to try it once if you haven't already! read more

Oh, boba. Oh, the boba. I'm not going to claim to be a tapioca connoisseur, or anything, but I will say this: I love me some boba. I've had boba from near and far: Lollicup, Q-Cup, Vietnamese restaurants, Thai restaurants, you name it. And to me, the mark of a good boba drink is all. in. the. ball. How chewy? How sweet? Well, I go to this Tapioca Express at least once a week on Summer afternoons after I pick up my kid at school. (Yes, I have a wallet full of stamp cards to redeem my free drink). I go there because the boba balls are cooked JUST RIGHT. Not too mushy, not too hard. And they are just sweet enough to taste. The perfect consistency is not like those other places where the balls either stick to your teeth or are so hard that they hurt your teeth. Nope. This Tapioca Express has the boba-making down to a science. AND, my husband loves FRESH avocado snow bubbles, which not many places have.... and they have it at least for all Summer long. We also get the Milk Tea, Mocha Milk Tea, Avocado Snow Bubble, Taro Snow Bubble, Thai Iced Tea, Iced Peach Green Tea, or Cantaloupe Juice-- all consistenly delicious. The place is small with a few tables, and it's common to see a few people in there playing board games or sitting on their laptops while the news or talk shows play on the TV. Don't plan on bringing a huge crowd in here to sit around. There's just not enough tables. If I could take away 1/2 star for seemingly apathetic service, I would. But since I just go in, grab my regular drink, and leave within a few minutes with my awesome bobalicious drink in hand, it's not that big of a deal to me, so I'll round up to 5 stars. Keep that boba classy! read more