Downtown Brooklyn is seeing a wave of new boba spots, serving up quick, customizable drinks made for people on the move. Satisfy your sweet tooth at one of the many shops offering customizable, sweet drinks
Debutea | 71 Smith Street
One of the early brands to popularize fresh-made natural tea drinks in the U.S., Debutea emphasizes high-quality ingredients and a refined in-store experience. The menu balances creative seasonal offerings with dependable classics. Try the Creamy Real Taro Paste Bobo for a rich, textured treat, or the Spring 2026 Guava Strawberry for something bright and refreshing!
Gong Cha | 136 Willoughby Street
Founded in Taiwan and now spanning more than 2,100 locations worldwide, Gong Cha is a global staple in the boba scene. Its Downtown Brooklyn location, just steps from Abolitionist Place, offers an extensive menu of customizable drinks. The Earl Grey Milk Tea with 3 Js is a fan favorite—perfect for enjoying in the park nearby.
hey tea | 52 willoughby street
Since opening its first New York location in 2023, Heytea has rapidly expanded across the city and built a loyal following. Known for its fresh fruit teas and signature cheese foam, the brand delivers consistently well-crafted drinks. Don’t miss the recent special Yingde Cheese Milk Tea, made with premium Yingde black tea.
I’Milky | 105 Court Street
As the name suggests, I’Milky specializes in milk-based drinks made with locally sourced fresh farm milk. Alongside its signature milk teas and flavored milk series, the shop also serves riceballs and bento boxes, making it a convenient stop for a quick, satisfying lunch. A combo of boba and two riceballs is a popular pick.
KUNG FU TEA | 80 livingston st
Known for a diverse menu of expertly crafted hot and cold drinks, including specialty teas, coffee, and slushes, Kung Fu Tea strives to innovate and expand the options they offer, becoming a trusted destination for quality and variety in bubble tea.
Mixue | 519 Fulton Street
If you’ve been Downtown lately, you might have seen a huge crowd at Mixue: our neighborhood’s newest bubble tea option. This Chinese dessert & drink chain has more than 45,000 stores worldwide, and is famous for unbeatable prices. It’s constantly filled with customers because no one can resist a $1.19 soft serve or a $3.99 boba of good quality!
Vivi Bubble Tea | 113 Court Street
Authentic no-frills Taiwanese spot for boba, fruit tea, and a wide range of Taiwanese street snacks. Vivi Bubble Tea retains a retro aesthetic and atmosphere that brings you back to childhood. If you’re around, don’t miss the chance to get a cup of Vivi Bubble Milk Tea and some crispy Popcorn Chicken!
yaya tea | 80 dekalb avenue
Yaya started as a side hustle in Chinatown, and has since expanded to 5 locations across 3 boroughs. Here you can find boba and tea drinks, along with a wide range of Japanese-inspired riceballs and appetizers. Located across the street from Brooklyn Paramount, this could be your go-to spot for a quick dinner before a fun night!
chun yang tea | 402 Jay Street
Chun Yang Tea offers Taiwanese boba and tea. They use fresh fruits and organic milk to bring the most authentic and delicious drinks to their customers!
