This is my favorite tapioca express. The chicken and drinks are awesome. When I go to other tapx joints, for some reason their chicken and drinks are never the same. Service is ok. I definitely hate coming here around 3:00pm because it's so packed from all the high school kids. I usually just order my stuff and take it togo. read more

Honestly, I used to only go here because it was the only bubble tea place that I was really close to and easily accessible. But as more bubble tea places opened up that were CLEARLY better, this is definitely not the place to get your milk tea. Although at times, the flavors that this place serves is part of my high school memories. Original tapioca milk tea: Too sweet, not enough tea, too much milk. To be fair, I've been to other Tapioca Express locations and they do not have their milk tea this sweet. Crispy popcorn chicken: Why do I get a look when I say I want 0 spice? I don't think there is much of a difference between the levels of 1-3.. while 4 and 5 you can taste the difference. Yes, I was a stupid kid who wanted to taste it at its worse. XD Customer service is key in your business, learn to work with your customers not against them. Tapioca milk tea has been and still is a big hype. More places are coming up, if you don't fix the customer service then your doors will close unfortunately. read more

This spot is convenient for me because it's near my bf's house so I usually stop by after work to grab a quick bite. I'm sad they don't sell fried calamari tentacles because that is the best. Instead they sell the rings which I don't really like. They have a snack combo with the fried calamari rings and a regular sized milk tea (you can only get plain milk tea) and it's about $7. I guess it'll do, right? read more

One of the better Tap X's out there, but definitely has the worst customer service out of all of them. I've been a loyal customer since 2006, back when I was a junior in hs. I am now 24 and I can truly say, their customer service sucked back then, and it still sucks today. That is one of the reasons why they're getting a 3 star from me, and not a 4. The workers there seriously don't know the meaning of good customer service. All of their workers don't smile at you, and they all give you a dull stare, and monotone voice when communicating with them. One of the workers there with some what spiky hair, all he does is smirk at you and talk to you like he's better than you in life. No offense, but you're working at a Tap X. I know you hate your job, but don't take it out on the people who are paying you your paychecks. BRING CASH!!!! They do accept debit cards there, but there's a surcharge of $1.25.....the hell?! It was only .49 cents about a month ago, and you're going to tell me you think it's okay to take a big jump like that? Their drinks are pretty good, but pretty damn pricey. It's about 4 dollars and something change for a drink. I don't really eat their food, but I do recommend getting their chicken and calamari. Their chicken and calamari come in between levels 1-5 of hotness, 1 is not being hot, and 5 is "ahhhhh my mouth and throat are bleeding"!!!! Here's a fun game you can play with your friends or a date there; challenge everyone to eat a whole bag of a level 4 or 5 chicken with drinking anything. The one who lasts the longest gets a free drink from the other person. My personal favorite drinks that I'd recommend: Taro snow bubble: if anyone reasons my reviews, they know that I determine if a place is good or not, base on how they make their taro drink. Their pearls are soft and chewy, and did I mention, good? Honeydew snow bubble with pineapple and aloe Vera and pearls: it has a sweet and fruity after taste to it. The pearls actually help balance the level of sweetness Strawberry mixed with kiwi snow bubble: I figured out this mix back in 2006 and instantly fell in love with it. It has a sweet fruity taste thanks to the strawberry, but the kiwi relievers that somewhat sour aftertaste that balances out the flavors perfectly. read more

I really don't like the service here. I was out the bill cash and I give them quarters. The lady say I don't take them, so those a tree not money!!!!!! Wtf The owner should put a sign says we only take bills Fu k read more

I've had bubble tea all over the bay area. Hell, when I moved to Melbourne I tried bubble tea there as well. At the end of the day, nothing can come close to my precious Tapioca Express in Union City. Location: Tapioca Express is located in El Mercado Shopping Center, only a quick walk away from James Logan High School and the BART Station. As a result, right after school hours beware because it could get CROWDED (I'm talking about 3 - 5 PM). Customer Service: Tapioca Express is really not famous for its customer service - the people are not very friendly. Thankfully, that's not what you come here for and at the end of the day these employees still know how to provide quick and efficient service. Trust that your food will get out FAST. Recently, they also strangely enough have upgraded to those little buzzers that buzz and flash when your order is ready. Kind of funny seeing as how the shop is so small you can probably hear them calling for your order easily. Food: I haven't been here in over a year and when I came back I'm so glad the quality has not dropped. My recommendations? ~ Honeydew Milk Tea - A delicious sweet drink that should be a favourite for all fans of honeydew. ~ Pepper Crispy Chicken - Like Rita K. said, this place has the BEST. Always absolutely delicious. ~ String Beans - Always deliciously perfect and soaked in spices and flavour. ~ Calamari - To be honest, I actually normally hate squid and calamari. But for some reason, I love the calamari here at Tapioca Express. The calamari are always chewy and delicious. TIPS: ~ Snowbubbles are usually pretty difficult to drink because it ices up quickly. If you order a snowbubble, get it with boba pearls and it'll melt quicker. ~ For the snacks such as pepper crispy chicken, string beans, and calamari, you request it at a spiciness level of 0 - 5 (5 being the spiciest). Trust me when I say that you need balls of steel to handle 5. It's not weak. You can also order .5s such as 2.5 or even 0.5. ~ The snacks also come with basil inside the little bags and they add a lot of flavour and are actually really delicious. The best part is that there is no extra charge if you ask for more basil. I do it all the time. --- Quick service, delicious food, and incredible drinks. You really cannot go wrong with Tapioca Express unless you place huge value on customer service. They're not awful, just not friendly. Your food gets to you quickly so you don't have to deal with them too much. An absolute must-go if you're in Union City. read more

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this TapX yet! Hate their employees, love their drinks. Okay, I don't really hate their employees but they have crappy customer service. I always feel so rushed when I'm ordering because they stand there eagerly at the register, waiting to punch in your order so they can "help" the next person in line. What ever happened to hellohowmayIhelpyouyoutotalis$3.67thankshaveaniceday? Now it's just hello$3.67nexxt! Geez :(. However, I do not care that much about their unhappy cashiers, because their drinks are always perfect; their boba is always chewy with a hint of sweetness while I chew away and that is, ultimately, what matters to me. My main drank is a Milk Tea w/boba, but if I'm feeling for something different, I'll either get a Matcha Snowbubble, Mango Snowbubble, or Peach Snowbubble. All with boba!! That's what makes the drink. yee~ read more

What can you say about Tapioca Express that hasn't already been said? This particular location has been a go-to for my family and me since I was in high school. I even remember a long, long time ago eating the crispy chicken w/ basil and the calamari rings (both level 5) once a day for 7 straight days because my folks were out of town and there was no home cookin'. I've been going to Tapioca Express for so long that I remember when the owners had that beautiful arrowana fish in the aquarium. Being a tropical fish enthusiast myself, I would often come and enjoy a view of the fish tank while enjoying my order. I've been going to Tapioca Express for so long that I remember when the menus were only on the right side wall when you walk in through the door. I've been going to Tapioca Express for so long that I remember when they used to have signs saying no playing Texas Hold 'Em and no gambling (I never played but it was a fad with the high school kids). I've been going to Tapioca Express for so long that I remember when they opened that froyo spot a few doors down and it closed almost immediately after opening. I've been going to Tapioca Express for so long that I used to drive here after high school and hang out because it was the place to be... need a time reference? I finished my Master's degree a few years ago. Tap Ex has been here for so long, it should be recognized as a cultural landmark by the city of Union City. My only critique of this place is that they need to start accepting credit cards. If you've already hooked me into visiting every so often, you could at least let me earn points on my Amex when I stop by for my lavender snow bubble, large with small pearls! read more

The five stars probably has a lot to do with this being home base for my pearl drink needs (I refuse to call it "boba") since high school. They are so generous with the amount of avocado they put in the their avocado snow bubbles compared to every other Tap I've been to... plus everything is dewiiiishous: drinks, snacks, and bentos! It's gotten a tiny bit run down looking over the years, but I don't mind it. Mmm, that's all I have to say. Mmm. read more

Of all the TapEx's I've conquered across the Bay Area, this was the first I went to and is still the best. This is one visit I usually make when I head home to Fremont since the Quickly's and Q-Cups in San Mateo/Burlingame do not suffice. What's funny is that with all the selections, I still go for Tapioca Milk Tea. Fine, I'm boring. read more

I feel bad writing one stars but the service was so terrible and the food was almost as bad. My wife and I came here because we were craving popcorn chicken and the place we just came from didn't have it so luckily there was a tapioca express nearby and it had 4+ stars on yelp, awesome! Can't go wrong right?!? WRONG! I went to the front to order and I don't know if she was just having a bad day or just everyday has a bad attitude, she was not friendly period. (pun not intended) she had a straight face and asked with zero enthusiasm "can I help you?" I asked for a one order of popcorn chicken, then counts from 1 to 5 as a question. I am confused and express my confusion with, "I'm sorry, I'm not sure what youre asking, she gets more of an attitude and raises her voice "HOW SPICY YOU WANT?" I respond 3 please then she ask if I want a drink and I decline. She then tells me the price then I pay. Food takes 15 minutes which is average, no complaints there. I get my chicken and holy crap. Small amount of chicken than usual and not only that, three basil leaves in the entire bag. Some pieces have more.spice than others but that's expected. I can normally deal with bad service as long as the food is worth it but man. It was not. I am shocked they have 4 stars. I mean it terrible service, food, and syrup milk tea. Plus they charge a $1 for using card. Wth! read more

Starbucks was closed & I really wanted a specialty drink. Mom passed by & suggested I get "that Honeydew drink" I used to get years ago. It's been years since I last got one, I really don't know why I haven't been back. It was my 1st time here, though I've been to the Newark locations many times. I'm glad I went, 'cause my taste buds got a reminder tonight of how much I loved the Honeydew Snowbubble. I don't know much about these pearl/Thai drinks, so that's the one I usually get. It hit the spot, next time getting the larger size "ferr sherr". Minus 2 stars for the place being kinda dirty, hectic, crowded & the employees never smile. Seriously, if I were a business & I had a constant overflow of customers who made my business thrive with lots of profit, I would show them that appreciation by AT LEAST giving a free smile. They all seemed like they hated, no, dreaded being there & as if we're bothering them by helping pay their bills. Oh well, sometimes small business owners let the success get to their head & maybe that's why they think they can do/act/charge whatever they want. I'll definitely start going back more often (only for that refreshing, yummy Honeydew Snowbubble), but mostly to the other locations, unless I'm in the area anyway. Oh & the gelato looked pretty old, I don't think they change it out w/ fresh batches as often as they should. read more

This place is the only place I actually enjoy getting boba. The food and drinks are always consist. We have been coming here for years now and its still is our #1 Boba place. Im not sure how they do it but good job!! My normal order here is some sort of milk tea with boba and Popcorn Chicken, Calamari/ Squid Heads, or Green Beans. read more

Tapioca Express - Yummmm! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

the most fuckin rude ass bitches in this tapioca that i have ever been at! lady at the cashier i didnt even place my order your already asking for my payment! read more

No complaints with the drinks. I don't think they can go very wrong with the making of the beverages since it's not that complex. Two stars are for the lack of customer service. I'm the only one in line and the gal behind the counter is too busy looking at her cell phone then shows it to a co-worker. Another person enters, gets in line behind me and she's still too busy to be bothered. When she finally takes my order she has major attitude, like I'm bothering her. I usually put a tip in the jar but not this time. People will still come here, it's a convenient location but there are a few similar establishments within a very short walking distance: Mr. Green Bubble, Sno-crave, and Share Tea. A safety note: Tapioca Express should consider getting a floor mat near the entrance especially when it's raining and the floor is wet. An accident just waiting to happen. read more

The pearl tea is really really good. I'm not sure if it could be called the best but it's still a nice way to treat yourself. I can say however that this is the best TapEx I've been to (NorCal and SoCal). The ambience might not be as trendy as some places but the drinks make up for it. You also don't feel awkward if you're not a fob unlike some places because this place is really chill. The dude with the long hair working at the counter is pretty cool too, he makes awesome drinks and he's always nice (I honestly don't expect that from pearl tea places =X). One star off because a lot of ppl like to smoke around outside and the smoke always wafts into the store, making my throat feel like it's caught on fire. If you go around 3:00 on a weekday, you'll be surrounded by a million Logan kids who yell and talk loudly on their cell phones. It's annoying, but I shouldn't hate on them too much because I used to be a Logan kid myself, and I still remember the days of going to TapEx to hang out after school XD. Overall a good place to get some boba and hang out with friends. read more

Poor service, but good boba and popcorn squid. The cashier had a limited understanding of English, and somewhat messed up my order. Unless she screwed up my order on purpose, my popcorn squid was wayyyy too spicy. But despite the hotness overload, it was good. read more

Not sure what's so good about this location to get 4 stars. The staff was pretty unwelcoming. I was being stared at with dagger eyes from the cashier and when I was ready to hand her my money (which literally took less than a sec) she walked away and assisted on another customer that was already being helped. They were also pretty rude when calling for my order but I suppose it's just because they were grumpy from the store being so busy (still don't understand why) I got a mango green tea with boba and it tasted pretty from what other places offer. The boba isn't even sweet.. It had no flavor. I wouldn't recommend this place. If anything, I should have spent my money at Snow-Crave even if that means handing them $2 more. read more

My best friend & daughters go to after school/work treat. I come specifically for the deep fried oysters I can't seem to find anywhere else!

i love tapioca express!!! i always get the mango snow bubble and pepper crispy chicken!! ITS AAAAWWWWEEESSSOMMMEEE!!!!!! read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! recommend it highly for people who are looking for boba. I like their spicy popcorn chicken and their milk tea boba is very refreshing. The line can be really long but It is absolutely worth standing in line for their boba and popcorn chicken. read more

I just had the best watermelon icy (shake without milk) \ on this side of the globe, a close second to the ones I had in Thailand and Vietnam! You gotta try it! read more

Probably the best tapioca express I've ever been to, because of the quality of the drinks and food. Every other TapEx I go to, everything just tastes different. That's why I'm glad this one is still around. I could care less who hangs out here and who parks in the parking lot, because I ALWAYS order it to go. I never liked hanging out here anyway, it's just a bunch of rice rocketeers and boppers. I hate being in the decoto area anyway. I'm just grabbin my chicken/calamari and milk/jasmine tea and gettin the hell outta there! read more

I prefer this tapioca out of all the ones in Fremont. I get the watermelon juice with aloe chunks. The watermleon juice here actually tastes like fresh watermelon juice...not like water with some drops of watermelon flavor (which I have experienced at some other locations). My partner also prefers this location. He gets taro. read more

I've been coming here for years and it's still one of the bests and one of my favorite boba spots! Sometimes there's a long line but it's always worth the wait. The staff is nice and they're always on point with my order. Highly recommend this place! read more

I think Tapioca Express (not just this location, but the chain in general), is my favorite place to get boba and Asian drinks. Came here on a recent trip to the Bay area. I got papaya milk and the hubs got taro milk tea. What I like about their boba is that the balls perfect- slightly sweet with a tinge of tea flavor, and just the right amount of chewiness. Sigh.... The papaya milk was good too. Not too sweet, and not overly creamy. But I felt like the papaya would've been better if it was a tad bit more ripe. Cash only. You can use debit card, but they charge about 50 cents extra. read more

I really like the food here, especially the crispy fish, but also the head of the fish. The cashier character of the evening class is good. The service attitude is also good. Several of our friends like to come here to eat. I like it here. read more

We have been coming here for the last 2 years. The Milk Tea is awesome! The location is around many other Asian styled restaraunts and a good place to go after a good full meal. There is usually a line when you go there so you will need to be patient. The drinks are really cheap, I believe less than 3$ per drink. The service is ok. They aren't really too friendly, but who cares! As long as I get my yummy drink! The place closes really late, and even around 11pm you see people playing Pokemon or something in the front . If you are in the area. Check it out! read more

$1 surcharge for using debit is excessive! Service is slow and seating area is dirty. Good tea though!

Okay first off, this place presents a very uninviting atmosphere during the evenings because there's always a bunch of hipster and/or tough looking asian dudes who come here to post up with their plastic honda imitations toys but that's besides the point... I am not a fan of boba and to me, boba anywhere tastes fairly the same, but I am here to award this location 4 stars because i am a HUGE fan of their spicy crispy popcorn chicken. I love their popcorn chicken here, it tastes unique from the other tapex' in the area and they fry basil leaves in with it. I always choose spicy level 5 and the flavor is right on point. read more

I still don't understand why it's always pack. Most of the drinks are made from syrup. The food is really whatever. They rip you off more for using your debit card. Plus what's really annoying about this place is that, when it gets crowded it gets more dirty. I get it, it's one of the original boba places around but you have other options like Mr Green Bubble or Sharetea that offers much better drinks and it is much CLEANER. read more

Service is rude and does not help customers. Unless you know Chinese, I would not expect much from this establishment. Does not accept credit cards. Rather go to the one in Pacific Commons that does accept credit cards and gives much better service and quality!!! read more

Tapioca Express - Literally syrup and milk in my Rose Milk Tea. IIICCCKKK :( - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

This is my favorite tap ex out of all the ones that I've been! Cheap price, good quality, I can't think of anything else to say. My usual combo is pop corn chicken (with medium spice) and green apple honey tea. Make sure you said the drink is for to go! Then they won't charge you tax on the drink~ read more

OKOKOK, back in High School I LOVED this place. Like, no other boba place compared to this one until recently. Their snacks are pretty tasty, and so are their drinks, but it is WAY. TOO. OVERPRICED. Two drinks and a snack costs you 13 dollars you have got to be kidding me. Pros: virtually everything there is tasty, everything comes out in a timely manner Cons: Staff isn't very friendly, It's filled with teenagers showing off their "cool" cars while over crowding the place, and it's overpriced to the max. Once the cons started outweighing the pros, I moved on. Sighhhh. I loved you, Tapioca Express... I loved you so, but I had to leave because of Share Tea... and Tea Station. read more

The ONLY location that is consistent with the drink and food quality. Their customer service is shitty though, but I'm not gonna make a big deal about it. read more

This is my favorite Tapioca Express. I've been to other Tap Ex and they're just not the same. Their chicken here is SO much better, more flavor but the worst part is that the smell stays around for a while...esp when you burp! Haha, it's pretty gross but the chicken is to die for! I also like the calamari. The fish ball on the other hand is blahh...yuck...yet my friend loves it! She's also in love with the Popcorn fish but I've never had that. I don't really go for the pearls here because I always go for the coconut jelly and sometimes, if i'm just getting a drink, with less pearls. I used to go here all the time in high school, it was like the "hang out" spot. Every time I walk in there's always someone I knew...which made me not want to go there, but now it's okay. It's not as bad as before and it's more chill. I don't really hang out here...just get whatever I want and go. I'm always craving for the chicken! read more

Long live Taro. I mean, it's a good spot for the teeny bobbers weenie robbers. The drinks are sugary sweet with various dashes of flavors. They all come from powder. The fried calamari is so yummy & spicy (ask for it) with sprinkles of curry which makes it interesting. The f*cking staff consist of rude ass Chinese kids with bad hair dye. If you don't speak the language, be prepared to be shun. Feel free to give them a piece of your mind, they'll be like, "ohh sorry sorry!" Shove it! read more

Very bad customer service, specifically cashier lady. So rude and no respect at all. Don't go there.

One of the very first Tapioca Express in the Bay Area. When I was going to the high school close by, this used to be the hang out spot in Union City. Since it's one of the first, their milk tea recipe is actually a little different from the other Tapioca Express in the bay area. I always used to go there for my Combo A: Milk Tea & Pepper Chicken. Always be careful of the pepper of any food in TapX the medium spiciness is actually pretty hot already. Beside of the milk tea, I dont really like anything else. read more

I'm giving it 5 stars for the teas but I haven't tried any of the food. Now that I've read the review by "Ter M." I'm going to head there more often (not that I take anyone too seriously who hangs out at a place for 6 years but only gives it 2 stars). The tapioca drinks may have been better in Singapore...but hey, most cold drinks are better in 90 degree heat with 150% humidity. My favorites are the jasmine and rose teas. I like this place because their teas actually taste more like tea and less like the sugar water you get elsewhere... read more