This RareTea location took over Sharetea. It is located in the Alameda Landing shopping center and it is usually busy here, so parking in this area is hit or miss. Whenever I come here at night, there are a few spots on the street in front of the store. I opted for my usual, the jasmine milk tea with boba. It was a bit bitter and not as creamy as I would liked it to be. The drink had a weird aftertaste and it made my mouth kind of dry. The boba is super chewy as well.
Cole P.
I like the boba here a lot. The selection is pretty decent with a lot to choose from. A suggestion I have would be, to keep their kitchen open longer. However I'm not complaining, it's an easy 4 stars! I recommend this place if you're in the area!
Jonathan K.
Robbie. Wow. What. An. Employee. Robbie adjusted graciously to all of my requests for the buba tea and all with a smile and friendly attitude. He even helped me learn that tarro tastes just like canteloupe!
Janice O.
Was in the mood for a boba drink and was close to this place. Wandered in and expected good things. It took me awhile to decide on the strawberry milk tea. It tasted good and I liked the boba. I didn't expect to still taste the little ice shards, but since it was a warm day, I didn't mind. What I didn't expect was the cashier seeming to rush me to choose something. As it was my 1st time, I wanted to read the menu. And since there wasn't a long line, I thought I could take my time. Two other people did come in after me, but no one was in line while I waited for my drink. Not sure if I'll return to this shop, but may go to other shops to see if the same atmosphere is at other stores.
Min C.
RareTea doesn't let down - no matter where in the east bay! Spot on the boba, fresh fruit drinks, and friendly staff. I like that the Alameda location is less crowded and "cozier" than the Berkeley and Oakland locations I am used to. One time - I misplaced my card wallet here and walked all the way to central Alameda about to pay for another item at a restaurant. It was 30 second mini panic until I remembered my visit here and called to ask if I left it at RareTea, and what do you know, someone turned it in. God bless. I happily trotted back to West Alameda and reclaimed my wallet. A positive visit in multiple aspects for sure!
Summer B.
Today was my first time trying RareTea and I definitely will be returning! I was welcomed upon my entrance by kind employees and a clean store. The person working at the register had asked if I had any questions and even gave his suggestions since it had been my first time. I ended up going with a Thai Milk Tea w/ Boba, Lite ice & 50% sweet. The tea was made fresh and came as a beautiful milk / tea ombré. I was so happy to find they didn't use any powders as many other boba shops tend to do especially with Thai Milk Tea. The drink has a strong tea flavor but is still perfectly sweet to my liking! The boba is chewy and definitely worth it! It's high on my list for best boba textures and I'd definitely recommend trying it out!
Juana P.
Love the drinks, this is usually my spot but recently tried the popcorn chicken and it was very questionable. The chicken did not taste like chicken nor did it look like chicken and I was given a bunch of burnt bits. Suffering through food poisoning at the moment and had to call out of work. Keep in mind I only had a bit and then decided to throw it out when none of it was tasting good- Not sure if they were just going through it yesterday but the popcorn chicken was so disappointing.. They get two stars because I am a fan of their thai tea.. Please keep in mind my review when ordering food..
Kendra W.
My husband loves this little spot! He likes there brown sugar boba with the Thai tea. He's been stopping here pretty often when we shop in the area. Next time he wants to try the brown sugar shake with brown sugar boba. Hopefully it's as good as it looks! They also have a kitchen where they sale fried snacks but the kitchen closes at 7 if you want a quick bite be sure to come before then! Enjoy!
Mele T.
Honestly, I hate being racially profiled...it Juss kinda digs into me a little I come here all the time. I work in the shopping center. I put my coworkers on this place. I went in today: I ordered online but my coworker wanted another drink. I bought it at the counter and went to pick up my order with my name on it. He took the drink away and asked for my receipt. I said it was done online I didn't have one. I didn't feel a way until the way he looked at me: like I was a liar. I remembered they sent a email. I went through my email and showed him the time and price thinking that should be good and he said go all the way down so he can see it's the right drinks. He sees it: "oh okay" & I ACTUALLY TIPPED HIM! $4 for the online for 2 drinks and $2 at the counter for 1 drink. I always tip bc I know how hard it is to work in fast food. Gave him a tip for him to racially profile me. I know it's probably protocol to ask for the receipt, but I've been here so many times before to pick up orders never got asked, it was just they way he looked at me. I hate that look. That's my rantSrry guys
Adam G.
Good boba spot. Mango was good and fresh. Orders about 10 drinks and they made them super fast! I personally got the mango passion fruit tea with ice cream and it was good but very sweet. Next time I'll try a lower sweetness.
This is now my favorite place for some Boba and sugar. Having had about 11 different separate items now, I can say that there is (wow) so much quality to be had here-- From The brown sugar boba lattes, To oolong milk teas, to fruity ones... This place has my vote, and I feel lucky to know about this business! Just fab
Phung T.
Bought a rose milk tea to throw away, the guy at the counter was very nice. Two girls made my drink, been to many milk tea places. I thought it was common knowledge that since most Asians can't handle real milk. They would use a milk powder or at least ask what kind of milk I wanted or could handle. As they were making it I saw her use a milk carton with a blue cap. I thought hmm weird, maybe that's their milk mixture. It was a cup full of 2 percent milk and very little rose tea. I can't handle regular milk and I had never had to explain to an Asian milk tea chain before. Next time make sure you aren't getting real milk if you have a problem. They won't ask or specify.
Shannon T.
I had lunch in the area and decided to stop and try out this place. The inside is super cute. However, the drinks are not as impressive. I ordered the rose flower spring tea with boba, 50% sweetness and lite ice. There's little rose petals that come in the drink. It just tasted like watered down sweet rose water, with no tea. The drink barely tastes like tea, super disappointing. $6 is expensive for a watered down drink. Also, what the heck??? It's a $0.50 cent charge if you want your drink with no ice. That's the first time I've ever seen a boba place charge for no ice.
Vanessa C.
This place is cute, easy parking, quick service, but needs more attention to quality control of their green and black tea-based drinks. Twice I've had tea drinks where the tea base is oversteeped and makes the tea taste strongly of soap (not covid taste related; I own small batch tea line & know this happens when tea is made incorrectly.) The first time I threw most of it away, the second time I made the 20 minute drive back to let them know. They were kind and offered to remake the drink, but unfortunately since the green tea itself was the problem, it would have just been another soapy drink. I ended up opting for a milk drink, but disappointed that seems to be the only good option here for now.
Jeremiah B.
Highly recommend the coffee ice blend with ICE CREAM! I'm addicted. I have to have one at least twice a week!
This RareTea location took over Sharetea. It is located in the Alameda Landing shopping center and it is usually busy here, so parking in this area is hit or miss. Whenever I come here at night, there are a few spots on the street in front of the store. I opted for my usual, the jasmine milk tea with boba. It was a bit bitter and not as creamy as I would liked it to be. The drink had a weird aftertaste and it made my mouth kind of dry. The boba is super chewy as well.
I like the boba here a lot. The selection is pretty decent with a lot to choose from. A suggestion I have would be, to keep their kitchen open longer. However I'm not complaining, it's an easy 4 stars! I recommend this place if you're in the area!
Robbie. Wow. What. An. Employee. Robbie adjusted graciously to all of my requests for the buba tea and all with a smile and friendly attitude. He even helped me learn that tarro tastes just like canteloupe!
Was in the mood for a boba drink and was close to this place. Wandered in and expected good things. It took me awhile to decide on the strawberry milk tea. It tasted good and I liked the boba. I didn't expect to still taste the little ice shards, but since it was a warm day, I didn't mind. What I didn't expect was the cashier seeming to rush me to choose something. As it was my 1st time, I wanted to read the menu. And since there wasn't a long line, I thought I could take my time. Two other people did come in after me, but no one was in line while I waited for my drink. Not sure if I'll return to this shop, but may go to other shops to see if the same atmosphere is at other stores.
RareTea doesn't let down - no matter where in the east bay! Spot on the boba, fresh fruit drinks, and friendly staff. I like that the Alameda location is less crowded and "cozier" than the Berkeley and Oakland locations I am used to. One time - I misplaced my card wallet here and walked all the way to central Alameda about to pay for another item at a restaurant. It was 30 second mini panic until I remembered my visit here and called to ask if I left it at RareTea, and what do you know, someone turned it in. God bless. I happily trotted back to West Alameda and reclaimed my wallet. A positive visit in multiple aspects for sure!
Today was my first time trying RareTea and I definitely will be returning! I was welcomed upon my entrance by kind employees and a clean store. The person working at the register had asked if I had any questions and even gave his suggestions since it had been my first time. I ended up going with a Thai Milk Tea w/ Boba, Lite ice & 50% sweet. The tea was made fresh and came as a beautiful milk / tea ombré. I was so happy to find they didn't use any powders as many other boba shops tend to do especially with Thai Milk Tea. The drink has a strong tea flavor but is still perfectly sweet to my liking! The boba is chewy and definitely worth it! It's high on my list for best boba textures and I'd definitely recommend trying it out!
Love the drinks, this is usually my spot but recently tried the popcorn chicken and it was very questionable. The chicken did not taste like chicken nor did it look like chicken and I was given a bunch of burnt bits. Suffering through food poisoning at the moment and had to call out of work. Keep in mind I only had a bit and then decided to throw it out when none of it was tasting good- Not sure if they were just going through it yesterday but the popcorn chicken was so disappointing.. They get two stars because I am a fan of their thai tea.. Please keep in mind my review when ordering food..
My husband loves this little spot! He likes there brown sugar boba with the Thai tea. He's been stopping here pretty often when we shop in the area. Next time he wants to try the brown sugar shake with brown sugar boba. Hopefully it's as good as it looks! They also have a kitchen where they sale fried snacks but the kitchen closes at 7 if you want a quick bite be sure to come before then! Enjoy!
Honestly, I hate being racially profiled...it Juss kinda digs into me a little I come here all the time. I work in the shopping center. I put my coworkers on this place. I went in today: I ordered online but my coworker wanted another drink. I bought it at the counter and went to pick up my order with my name on it. He took the drink away and asked for my receipt. I said it was done online I didn't have one. I didn't feel a way until the way he looked at me: like I was a liar. I remembered they sent a email. I went through my email and showed him the time and price thinking that should be good and he said go all the way down so he can see it's the right drinks. He sees it: "oh okay" & I ACTUALLY TIPPED HIM! $4 for the online for 2 drinks and $2 at the counter for 1 drink. I always tip bc I know how hard it is to work in fast food. Gave him a tip for him to racially profile me. I know it's probably protocol to ask for the receipt, but I've been here so many times before to pick up orders never got asked, it was just they way he looked at me. I hate that look. That's my rantSrry guys
Good boba spot. Mango was good and fresh. Orders about 10 drinks and they made them super fast! I personally got the mango passion fruit tea with ice cream and it was good but very sweet. Next time I'll try a lower sweetness.
Restaurantji Recommends
This is now my favorite place for some Boba and sugar. Having had about 11 different separate items now, I can say that there is (wow) so much quality to be had here-- From The brown sugar boba lattes, To oolong milk teas, to fruity ones... This place has my vote, and I feel lucky to know about this business! Just fab
Bought a rose milk tea to throw away, the guy at the counter was very nice. Two girls made my drink, been to many milk tea places. I thought it was common knowledge that since most Asians can't handle real milk. They would use a milk powder or at least ask what kind of milk I wanted or could handle. As they were making it I saw her use a milk carton with a blue cap. I thought hmm weird, maybe that's their milk mixture. It was a cup full of 2 percent milk and very little rose tea. I can't handle regular milk and I had never had to explain to an Asian milk tea chain before. Next time make sure you aren't getting real milk if you have a problem. They won't ask or specify.
I had lunch in the area and decided to stop and try out this place. The inside is super cute. However, the drinks are not as impressive. I ordered the rose flower spring tea with boba, 50% sweetness and lite ice. There's little rose petals that come in the drink. It just tasted like watered down sweet rose water, with no tea. The drink barely tastes like tea, super disappointing. $6 is expensive for a watered down drink. Also, what the heck??? It's a $0.50 cent charge if you want your drink with no ice. That's the first time I've ever seen a boba place charge for no ice.
This place is cute, easy parking, quick service, but needs more attention to quality control of their green and black tea-based drinks. Twice I've had tea drinks where the tea base is oversteeped and makes the tea taste strongly of soap (not covid taste related; I own small batch tea line & know this happens when tea is made incorrectly.) The first time I threw most of it away, the second time I made the 20 minute drive back to let them know. They were kind and offered to remake the drink, but unfortunately since the green tea itself was the problem, it would have just been another soapy drink. I ended up opting for a milk drink, but disappointed that seems to be the only good option here for now.
Highly recommend the coffee ice blend with ICE CREAM! I'm addicted. I have to have one at least twice a week!