This place is LEGIT!!! Just like the real deal in Hong Kong. Maybe even a better selection. The Jasmine Milk Tea rocks! I think I love this place... read more

Oh Asiantown. How I so wish I had options back at home in L.A. rather than have to come to Kearny Mesa to get my fix. I suppose it could be worse though and not have any options at all. Tapioca milk tea or popcorn chicken...lychee slush if it's hot outside. Those are my only options and quite frankly I have little reason to change that. Parking is horrendous, so it's pretty much your standard Asian parking lot. Those kids at UCSD have no idea how lucky they are to have a Tapioca Express in the Price Center. read more

This is the only place that has my favorite boba drink-#88. The prices are reasonable and the only complaint is the parking...it can get really crowded at peak times. read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Maybe I have been spoiled by the bubble tea joints I've grown attached to in Dallas, but this doesn't cut it for me. I like Tapioca Express (it's probably the best boba place overall in the SD area)...but that doesn't say much. Anyone that knows me knows I LOVE LOVE LOVE boba tea drinks. You can say, I am addicted. But for some reason I don't have those cravings anymore. Maybe the ones in SD doesn't cut it for me. I've tried coffees, teas, snow bubbles, and the icy drinks here and I'm not "attached" to any of them. So if I really am craving it I'll go here, but this place doesn't make me crave boba tea--if that makes sense? read more

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The bubble tea here is excellent! They offer so many options as far as milk tea flavors, icy drinks, and snow bubbles. They have different jelly flavors, as well. You can choose how sweet you want your drink. All the options can make your head spin, but you can come back and never have the same drink twice. I've been to many bubble tea places where the flavors taste artificial, but not here. The flavors I've tried were true to their name. Also, the bubbles had the perfect texture. What more can you ask for in a bubble tea? Too bad I don't live around here, but I came by twice during my short visit. I enjoyed the Matcha Milk Tea - half sweet, Sesame Milk tea which had real sesame, and tried some Taro Coconut Icy. All really great and flavorful. Wish there was a Tapioca Express in NY. East coast bubble tea pales in comparison. read more

Asians! Asians everywhere. Great place to just hang out (if u order food of course). I love their spicy calamari... U can choose the level of spicyness... I get the mild with a side of honey dew slush. My in! They're always busy but still friendly and fast with the orders. read more

Tapioca Express - Jelly - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I give this one more star than the Palm Ave store due to making you feel authentically in Asia during your stay. From the parking lot and to the K-pop/J-pop music videos that eerily remind me of 90's boy bands. It's fun to people watch here. My sister ordered a mango tea boba but it hella smelled like duruon. Like, eew. read more

I just got back from a trip to Singapore where my drink of choice was jasmine tea with aloe. Craving this sweet nectar I decided to check out Tapioca Express. Don't even attempt to park in this chaotic lot. We pulled in and almost got sideswiped twice as there is no flow or direction In this tiny lot. People are coming at you at all angles trying to land a spot. Park on the side street to avoid any issues. You walk in and the space is way bigger than it appears from the outside. It's a great hang out spot since there is plenty of seating and they serve treats from the deep fryer ( calamari, corn dogs, fried tofu, chicken, etc.). You can have a snack, enjoy your drink and kick back. Kind of like an Asian Peach Pit. We had the calamari and it was good. The medium spice level had a good kick to it. My jasmine tea with aloe was all I could hope for and more. My husband got the honey milk tea with boba which was delicious as well. Definitely the go-to spot for boba. Good thing Convoy isn't closer, I would be here on the daily. read more

Tapioca Express - Fancy and spacious - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is one of my favorite places in San Diego to grab a Lychee Green Tea drink. And you have to eat the crispy chicken meal!! It's really good if you like spicy fried chicken pieces with rice, a touch of ground meat and some veggies. Add a side of Fried Tofu, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. It's really good too. You'll love it. The staff is somewhat friendly depending on who serves you, but most of the time they are pretty quick. This place does get packed on friday/saturday/sunday nights even. The line is out the door most of the time. Parking is a pain of course because of this place and all the other places door to door that people go to. The decor is okay, it's a great place to sit and relax and chit chat with your friends. This place attracts a much more younger crowd however, and plays Korean music videos on one screen, and sometimes a Blu-Ray HDTV movie on the other. My friend Tina used to work here but she moved to LA. :( haha so did my sister, she used to work here years ago. PROS:: 1] The Green Tea's are pretty good 2] Spicy cripsy chicken !! Get it! 3] Fried TOFU!! IF you love tofu, you will love this TOFU!! Best ever (well, hopefully) 4] Lots of seating actually, inside and outside CONS:: 1] Parking is a pain 2] Going after 10PM to get a drink, you will most likely wait in a long line out the door on a Weekend night I think the place should serve some alcohol in their boba. haha. I really want to see a place where they start up a Boba place with a touch of alcohol for the older crowd. read more

Tapioca Express - Crispy Chicken MILD!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

About 10 years ago I was a boba noob. I didn't know what to get or what it should taste like. Flash forward to the present, I can definitely say based on taste and overall value that Tapioca Express makes the best strawberry milk tea and fried chicken. The strawberry milk tea has the perfect balance of strawberry sweetness and tea. I've had other strawberry milk teas around San Diego, and they are usually too sweet. The popcorn chicken is my absolute favorite amongst Taiwanese restaurants. It's perfectly sized, crunchy, and come out of the fryer nice and hot. It's an affordable, yet tasty dinner or snack. The only downside to this place is the parking. Why must be located in the worst parking lot in San Diego? read more

I been coming here for many years and every time I come by, they never seem to disappoint me boba is good and service is fast. read more

Tapioca Express - Thai tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

first time trying this place, and I have to say I was impressed! there are many choices, and also a list of different jellys you can add to your drink. We ordered one lychee green tea with lychee jelly and one red plum green tea (extra red plum for more sour flavor) with coffee jelly. they were both pretty good! The drinks come in two different sizes, regular or large. add $.60 more for a large. this place is a a bit noisy with the music though. read more

Tapioca Express - Lychee green tea and red plum green tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

The extended drink menu offers unique choices, good sized drinks, & fair prices. The Green Tea Kit Kat & Avocado Snow Bubble drinks were legit. As a non-local, my first visit was on a late Saturday morning with my boyfriend (who was already familiar with this place). We didn't experience the rush of people as other reviewers have commented on which worked out in our favor. In addition to the boba drinks, we ordered the spicy crispy chicken to go as a snack for the road and it was a pot of gold. Juicy meat, crispy breading, & kick ass spices... sodium content is up there though, MSG much? But still, can't knock the chicken! read more

Tapioca Express - Spicy chicken - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Tapioca express was very delicious because it was very sweet and the boba was very delicious. It was very sweet and it is made in a very short time along with the crispy chicken that I have tried from there. It was crispy and juicy but a little salty. I HIGHLY recommend trying this place in San Diego. read more

Tapioca Express - Coconut iced boba - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

What happened? Did they get a new cook? My favorite meal was spicy chicken steak, but not anymore..it was no where near spicy, rather sweet and salty. But the drinks were okay. Staff are nice but they are always busy. Cashier was friendly and patient. read more

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Some staff here have behavioral issues. Slamming doors, throwing utensils around, and mixing up customer orders; is that really a good idea during a pandemic? Wash your hands! read more

Tapex has really good food and so far the best boba I've had in San Diego. I actually come here to study and it's quiet during the day on weekdays (gets busier during lunch and dinner) if you can study with headphones on it's perfect. It closes at midnight which is awesome if you're trying to study late. It's also a good place to socialize with friends and hangout.The food is bomb and the atmosphere is nice. I've been to the tapex in La Jolla and it doesn't compare to this one. The way the drinks are prepared much better and service is quick. The only reason this place didn't deserve 5 stars is the parking. The parking is horrible but definitely worth it if you love boba and love their food. There is street parking on the left of it too. Besides the parking I love this place. Favorites: 1. Crispy chicken (medium) 2. Milk tea boba 3. Vietnamese coffee (for studying) Enjoy! read more

Tapioca Express - Vietnamese Coffee w/ regular brown boba! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

This is in the worst parking lot ever. Try to find street parking if possible. Otherwise.. try to go on a weekday when it isn't as busy. Tap-Ex is a well-known boba spot on the Convoy Strip located right next to the busy Crab Hut. There's plenty of seats inside with board games offered. I like that you can get actual meals here. I get the crispy chicken combo. It has chicken, rice, broccoli and carrots with an egg. Good with packets of sriracha. The crispy chicken has good flavor and can vary in spiciness depending on your preference. If you don't want a whole meal, Tap-Ex also offers many snacks options as well. They serve snacks like calamari and chicken wings to go with your beverage. My favorite drink here is the Strawberry Coconut Snow Ice with green apple jelly. A very visually appealing drink too. Another favorite of mine is their Cookies n Cream Snow Ice. Quite simple to the other versions of this drink like at Boba Time and Bobalicious, but way better! I usually order the Cookies N Cream Snow Ice with coffee jelly, adds that complimenting coffee taste. I have tried the Avocado Snow Ice and has an interesting taste but it's good. In my opinion, Tapioca Express has the better boba drinks compared to other places I have been. Though I have only stuck to their snow ice collection of drinks, they have not let me down. I also keep coming back for the food. Their meal combos are tasty and filling, I think the added egg won me over. Spicy Crispy Chicken with some rice! Can't go wrong with that combo. read more

Tapioca Express - Crispy chicken plate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Was recommended this place by Kayzel. The jasmine milk tea was off the hook. Would definitely recommend this place to SoCal and NorCal peeps! Yeet. ~Z is for zurfing~ read more

So, it's frustrating... There's no official updates and poor customer service. The workers keep changing their answers on the closing hours and when the kitchen closes. If you want food, kitchen closes on unpredictable hours. If you're hungry be aware coming in the evenings. I'm really sad that a place I used to really love everything about is loosing its quality of customer service. read more

They need to listen to their customer's order better if they care about their business. When I asked for 2 not 1 drink then do apologize when the order was incorrect. I don't mind paying but when it was your fault at least apologize and make sure my order be the priority and not the last person to get the order. Very wrong! Don't appreciate that kind of service. read more

Their BOBA is kinda pricey. My matcha snow bubble boba was decent. Ive had better (lollicup) and the parking is terrible. Its not too bad. I will update my review when I try the other stuff. Customer service was pretty good :") read more

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This place is a little better than the chain! but its pretty much your average boba place, nothing makes it special. The calamari here is alot better than the other chains though. PARKING SUCKS HERE. They do have board games so that's a plus. There are more seating, and its a good place to chill. read more

Decent milk tea joint in San Diego open till midnight on weekends. We came here friday night and got some milk tea/honey green tea and some fries. The fries were really spicy and we only ordered the medium spiciness! The only complaint about this place is it's a little dirty. There wasn't anyone cleaning the tables so they were kind of dirty... read more

Honestly, this is a really great spot. I go here for 90% of my boba fixes. It's a relatively large shop compared to other boba places I've been to, you can gaze like a little teenybopper at the Korean New Kids on the Block, or Katy Perry wannabe on the flat screens, the cashiers are usually really nice, and the boba has a nice consistency. Shout out to JAY cause he is just plain awesome and accommodated to our special request order. One of the other girl cashiers was really great too, as she mentioned to me that the watermelon juice has added sugar (and on my juice fast, that was a no-no), so I got to ask them to hold it. Some things I've had: * Spicy chicken and calamari = BOMB.COM * Passionfruit green tea = light and refreshing, just perfect for those who don't like overindulgent boba drinks * Ginger hot milk tea = SPICY! Omg, do they use real ginger?! Gets your throat a little scratchy. I was sick, and that's what I went with, thinking Ginger was good for it... but maybe a nice simple lemon tea would have been better. * Strawberry, Taro, Honeydew slushies = light and refreshing, not too sweet. I don't usually do the snow bubbles cause the milk argues with my tummy =( * The one Snow Bubble I have had: Coconut = yum. I think they use real coconut milk. * Watermelon Juice = 100% fresh, ask for no sugar if you want it all-natural. Like Mexican agua fresca =) read more

I've been to numerous tap exs in san diego and in la but this location is an ok size. They just remodeled it and it looks way better than before. In comparison to the others their drinks are better and also their food is too. The parking at the plaza this place is in is a nightmare. Small tight spots, not enough parking so sometimes you have to park on the street or a block or two over. Watch out because this place is notorious for people who make up their own parking spot and they wonder why their car gets dinged. It's because the parking is ridiculously small to accommodate so many small businesses in the plaza. If you get scared then park on the street to avoid love taps or worse. It gets crazy at nights towards the weekends because it is the hang out spot for college students. I don't hate but it does get packed with lots of Asians cause DUH it's in Asian town area. So don't be scared. The employees there are really nice. And sometimes food and drinks get out fast or not there is some wait time because it does get packed here and there are lots of orders they have to get through. I used to study here sometimes but it does get pretty loud if you're the type that likes to study with noise. What I have tried here so far and have liked them all are... the passionfruit green tea (sweet and fruity fresh), avocado snow bubble (rich and buttery and sweet), milk tea with egg pudding (tastes like asian chocolate milk with jello/custard dessert on the bottom), thai iced tea with scoop of vanilla ice cream (super sweet and rich. sometimes I add boba and boba worms because I like chewy stuff), green apple kiwi slush with matcha green tea ice cream and mango stars (sweet and sour), watermelon juice (lowest calorie item drink they have and they use fresh watermelon), and strawberry peach green tea blended (slightly sweet and refreshing). Their crispy chicken snacks is very good especially dipped in ranch. There are different levels of spiciness and some days it's spicier or not as spicy. The combo meal deal is awesome. It comes with rice, some veggies, and a fried egg on top and you get a choice of black tea, green tea, or water. Or you can upgrade for a bit more for a different drink. The calamari, crispy wontons, squid balls, and chinese donuts are good. But my fave will always be the crispy chicken. What I really like about this place is that it is consistently good every time I come in. read more

Used to come here like at least once a week. Their drinks are sooo good and I love their crispy chicken. Compared to the other tapx locations I've been to, this one makes the best food, especially with their combo meals. They give better side dishes than the others. Their plain black tea is good and try it with aloe. Delish. I still think Tea Station has the best boba balls tho. The parking lot can get pretty crowded, but the quality of the drink and the price is worth it. read more

I have no complaints about this place besides the authenticity of the tea since it's all made from powder. The drinks are pretty sweet all across the board but great place for the kids Not really the ideal cafe to study at since it's usually pretty loud with other groups their screaming while playing jenga. A very cool place to hang out at but if you want quality bubble tea, you are better off elsewhere read more

Tap-Ex. This was probably the first place I ever got boba. There is nothing extraordinary about their drinks but they're good. I like the frozen slushes opposed to the normal boba. The crispy fried chicken is my favorite thing on their menu, a great snack when you're hanging out there. Parking is absolutely terrible during peak times so definitely avoid dinner time. read more

we order large snow-bubble lychee just right now... looks like its under portion. We also order honeydew snow-bubble and it taste bland. I love tapex but we need to keep the consistency of the quality of the product... read more

Tapioca Express - lychee snow-bubble under portion - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

The watermelon icee with lychee... i LOVE IT. specially on hot days :D they have a great variety of drinks and some food items as well.. its a pretty chill spot if u just wanna hang out with friends... the only thing is that its always packed so expect a long line and a long wait for your drink. Oh and i almost forgot to mention, the parking here is like the parking at all the other Asian places in Claremont.. TINY! its shared with the other 6 or 7 businesses in the plaza. read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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I tried many boba places in the area and by far this has to be one of my favorites!! They have many different flavors to choose from that I wish I had more time to try them all!! This place is hidden in a corner of a busy shopping center. Watch out for that car!! Yup, you will say that to yourself when you try to park in what they call a parking lot. You're better off parking on the street if you find any to avoid the hassle of trying to find a spot. The food here is also great! I had lunch here and their portions are filling. I ordered the Crispy Chicken Rice Combo and it looked small but it filled me up. It does come spicy but you could order it mild or medium. I ordered the hot of course since I love spicy food. The chicken was cooked crunchy and juicy and it was not dry at all. They also give you a heaping portion of rice. Along with my meal, I ordered a Kiwi Slush to wash it all down with. I was very impressed with the food since I walked in here having low expectations for this place. They also offer Wi-Fi and there are lots of tables so you could come here with a big group and still have somewhere to sit. Assuming it's not busy of course. But this is a good place to catch up on work, homework, or just sit and have time for yourself. Great place to just let time pass on by. I highly recommend this place for those that are craving boba or even for those that are hungry! Prices are not that excessive and you get a great meal for under $10. Like I said, watch out for that car!! If you survive the parking, then you will be rewarded with great food and boba. read more

Tapioca Express - Crispy Chicken Rice Combo - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

$3.25 for hot black milk tea that tasted like cigarette ash. Customer service was excellent and the workers worked well together as a team. At first glance, the menu looked awesome. Very reasonable prices and all drinks under five dollars. With that said, I have reviewed 90% of all boba shops in San Diego. I am a pretty staunch critic when it comes to your standard black milk tea. I had my boyfriend try it and he was not a fan either. They use nondairy creamer but possibly a very cheap quality, that does not compliment the drink. I'm not sure if they use teabags or looseleaf tea but the flavor of the tea itself tasted very strange and dirty. I am not a fan of "Tea Station" prices, but sometimes you really get what you pay for. ShareTea, Tea Station , Boba Shop are good choices for milk teas. M.I.Tea is great for blended ices. 86' bakery is fantastic for basic milk tea plus cheap eats. read more

Tapioca Express - There are fewer things that are more tragic than an undrinkable milk tea. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Nom Nom! Almond Slushie!! Wish they had a peanut butter drink, though. Curbs appetite.

Just okay bubble tea. I got the Thai tea and it was a little below average. I had higher expectations too since this is in California (San Diego) and thought it would be better. Nonetheless, prices were fair and the space was large and the line was short (when I went on a Sunday evening). I wouldn't recommend this place unless others aren't open. read more

I came here just for their snacks. I haven't been to a TapEx since I was a student at UCSD. I wanted cream cheese wontons but I didn't want to have to go to a restaurant just to get them. Luckily I searched yelp and saw that they have it here along with mini corn dogs. Pretty cheap and okay tasting. The inside was nicer than I expected. The only thing is parking sucks soooooo much. It's so busy and packed and the plaza patrons are super rude FYI! read more

Worker is cleaning already at 11:45 and they're not supposed to close until 1 a.m. Chairs on top of tables already and we had nowhere to sit to eat our food. Had to put chairs down ourselves. Food took so long and there's only 1 other couple seated across from us. Music is so loud that I can't even have a conversation with my boyfriend without yelling. Ordered 2 drinks and an order of Chinese donuts and it took 18 minutes to get it. Get it together Tapioca Express. No one is coming in because people driving by thinks you're closed because of all the chairs on top of the tables. read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I honestly only come here for the snacks/combos and tea. Their calamari is pretty delicious. The combos come with steamed veggies and some marinated ones that varies from cabbage to celeries. They recently started offering more variety in dipping sauces. It's supposed to be 2 per combo/snack order. I love their jasmine black tea, always refreshing and not overly sweet. My nephew loves their cotton candy drink and surprisingly it tasted like I was eating cotton candy and it wasn't as sweet as I expected. I'm really big on customer service so I'm not too impressed here. the employees rarely smile when they take your order and half the time they are in the middle of their own conversations so I'm pretty much standing there, directly in front of their register looking at them. I miss the old group that use to work there 6 years ago. They were fun. Now I only see the employees smile when their own friends come in. read more

I remember when this place was the hot spot in 2005! And now this place sucks. From customer service to the taste of their drinks. Everything is bad. I gave this place a try last week since I had a great experience at the Oceanside location. Maybe I thought this place will have the same recipe??! But no.... it was just gross. Kung fu tea across the street is better. read more

This place is alright. One of the better places to go when it comes to boba in San Diego. I like to order the green apple green tea w/ lychee and 90% of the time its good. The other 10%.. WAY to sweet. My friend used to work here and she made really good drinks but now they're just okay. Service could be way better. They're not friendly, but they're not mean. They're just kind of there staring at you with their "why am i here" look. I especially can't stand the girl who wears that stupid Von Dutch hat. I have nothing against her, but she just always seems like she has a snooty attitude and when she screams your name like a friggin banchy and you're standing RIGHT there. Yes, I understand that sometimes it's loud so you have to be vocal; if that's the situation then turn the music down. Would have given this place a 4 but the banchy ruined it. read more