Welcome to the Forest Hills Bubble Tea Guide, a curated list of 20 spots where tapioca pearls meet exceptional flavor. While many cafes offer bubble tea, these establishments make it their specialty. Whether you’re craving classic milk tea, adventurous fruit blends, or a quiet moment with boba, this guide will lead you to the perfect cup in every corner of the neighborhood.
Julieat’s Bubble Tea & Dessert Cafe
$$ | (718) 374-3342 | WEBSITE
Forest Hills has its share of bubble tea spots, but this downtown-feeling cafe can only be described as a dessert oasis. Whether or not that appeals to you, the boba here is solid, and the brown sugar boba—soft, chewy, and so yummy—is hard to argue with. The friendly staff provide quick, amazing service in a beautiful, well-designed interior with comfortable temperature control and a peaceful outdoor seating area.
Customers recommend the lychee jelly and Oreo smoothie, along with the key lime pie cake, while the chocolate chip smoothie and cheesecake drink are equally delicious. With its clean, spacious setting and the option to customize tea to 50% sweetness (though some drinks can’t do 0 sugar), it’s a warm, inviting gem on Metropolitan Shopping Street, perfect for a late-night treat.
Pokeworks
$ | (718) 388-3239 | WEBSITE
Food writers searching for a real “Hawaiian escape” for the lunch scene in your neighborhood guide, check out Pokeworks. They do the whole package: a clean and modern space, bright and airy ceilings, welcoming island-inspired decor, and of course, fresh poke bowls. Naturally, a good spot for a quick bite or a full meal.
Black Pearl Bubble Tea (Green Acres)
$ | (516) 226-3796 | WEBSITE
Forest Hills is filled with great bubble tea spots suited for everything from a quick refreshment to a family outing. Black Pearl Bubble Tea is one of those places that manages to do it all. We like it for a mango cheer on a weeknight, a tropical paradise on a Saturday, and for a Jamaican coffee treat as well.
Pink Forest
$ | (718) 575-4086 | WEBSITE
Pink Forest is a bubble tea spot that serves – you guessed it – bubble tea. But not in a sterile, grab-and-go in a plastic cup way. Pink Forest is more of a cozy hangout, and it can often get welcoming. Think of it as the Queens version of a neighborhood gem.
Bobba Hubba
$ | (212) 365-8269 | WEBSITE
If you find yourself in the Forest Hills area, make your way to Bobba Hubba. As you might expect, this place is a cozy milk tea spot, and it’s actually run by the same welcoming owner who creates that comfortable atmosphere we appreciate so much. The creamy milk tea with chewy tapioca is a must-try here, though some might prefer a stronger tea flavor. They also offer unique options like strawberry matcha with fresh fruit pieces, along with delicious croissants and non-dairy alternatives.
The interior features relaxing wood decor that adds to the chill vibe where laptops are welcome. You’ll find friendly staff serving drinks made with care, complete with special toppings like mango jelly and lychee jelly. The quality tapioca and variety of toppings are highly praised, plus there’s a fun claw machine and a loyalty card that rewards eight purchases with a free drink.
With reasonable prices around $5-7 per drink and that warm ambiance, it’s a top choice for a sweet treat or relaxing break.
The crepe
$ | (929) 333-9619 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever wondered where to find the best crepes in Forest Hills, we have no idea. But we do know that in this small shop, there’s a huge milk tea selection. It’s a classic on-the-go spot for sweet or savory snacks and likely sightings of locals grabbing treats. Yes, that probably is someone enjoying the Coconut Flakes Egg Waffle.
Oops Tea
$ | (718) 668-4484 | WEBSITE
Oops Tea is run by the same neighborhood crew behind the beloved bubble tea spots that feel somewhere in between a cozy cafe and a vibrant hangout on a weekend. Think of this space, which looks like one of those cute little tea houses with pastel decorations and soft lighting, as the more charming everyday version. Get a cup of their rose milk tea, naturally. The mango crepe cake is a must-try, and their drinks come with unique toppings like aloe or cheese foam that add just the right touch.
The spicy chicken sushi pockets with spicy mayo pack a nice kick, while the friendly staff makes you feel right at home in this inviting spot. Though the space is small, it creates that unique aesthetic that’s worth the trip.
One More Charm Thai Restaurant
$$ | (929) 250-2052 | WEBSITE
Owned by the team behind some of the neighborhood’s favorite spots, this is a charming Thai restaurant. It’s a solid choice for a casual dinner – they even take reservations (though walk-ins are welcome too) and have some standout curries and appetizers. The Penang Curry and Drunken Noodles shine with fresh, well-balanced flavors, while the Sticky Coconut Rice offers a sweet finish. The atmosphere is welcoming, though the tables can feel a bit tight, making it better for smaller groups.
Service is friendly and attentive, adding to the overall experience. While the Chicken Pad Thai might not wow everyone, the curries and unique starters like the Tung Thong keep diners coming back. Prices are reasonable, with most dishes around $15-$20, and the décor is simple yet cozy, with warm lighting that enhances the homemade feel of the food. Overall, it’s a delightful go-to for Thai cuisine in Forest Hills.
Cocohodo
$ | (347) 732-0915 | WEBSITE
Cocohodo, known for its traditional Korean walnut pastries, is something of an extension of the authentic dessert experience you’d find in South Korea. This means you’ll order at a self-serve kiosk for easy convenience, and the walnut pastries are made fresh with a red bean filling that isn’t overly sweet.
But for the most part, this is just a cozy spot with quality desserts like the mochi taiyaki, which has a unique croissant-style crust that’s super crispy and flaky, and various shaved ice options big enough to share.
Kung Fu Tea Great Neck
$ | WEBSITE
Take a deep breath. Look around at the bright, clean space. You’ve now experienced the entire vibe of Kung Fu Tea Great Neck, which may very well be the most refreshing spot in Forest Hills. Don’t let its simplicity fool you – this bubble tea restaurant deserves a place on your regular rotation. It’s spacious and welcoming, and has $5 taro milk tea all day.
YAAAS TEA Great Neck
$ | (516) 888-0161 | WEBSITE
The sister spot to the Forest Hills location, YAAAS TEA Great Neck is another very good and very useful bubble tea shop, with fresh authentic tea and delicious boba, and a great atmosphere. At this point, you’re probably catching on to the fact that this neighborhood is full of spots that are perfect for a quick treat. This is one of them.
Möge Tee
$ | (347) 644-1702 | WEBSITE
“Where can my friend and I grab a great bubble tea after class where we can actually sit down and chat, and maybe try something new?” is the question of the semester. And if you’re in Forest Hills, our answer will more often than not be Möge Tee. Cozy space, excellent drinks, and a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere. You’ll like it even more if you can make it for the lemon-green tea with 50% sugar and crystal boba, a customer favorite.
Yaya Tea Elmhurst
$ | (347) 569-8252 | WEBSITE
Yaya Tea Elmhurst has been a neighborhood staple for a while now (the endless bubble tea options apparently keep students coming back, if a spot’s academic pedigree is important to you). After some price adjustments due to inflation, the cozy bubble tea shop still offers very legit rice balls as well as some refreshing signature drinks. Despite the menu updates, this place still has a cute, comfortable feel.
Koo Thai
$ | (646) 490-4608 | WEBSITE
Koo Thai is the restaurant in Forest Hills, but it’s a highly popular spot for bubble tea. There’s a cozy dining area, and the Halloween-themed decor isn’t a bad look. They also have plenty of Thai dishes and lunch specials to go along with your drinks.
Tsaocaa
$ | (718) 353-5937 | WEBSITE
Got your friends in from out of town? Tsaocaa is the kind of chill spot where they’d (almost) fit in. Even if you don’t have anyone bubble tea-obsessed in tow, it’s a great, casual, unpretentious oasis in an area filled with trendy spots. This is a great place to catch up over a few drinks.
PARTEA NYC – Union Square
$$ | (929) 618-8876 | WEBSITE
Claw machines, tasty snacks, and a generally lively atmosphere are what’s happening at PARTEA NYC – Union Square. The game room is great for a group hangout or solo visit, and there are also tables for small gatherings.
TeaMakers
$ | (212) 695-7575 | WEBSITE
Connected to the vibrant Koreatown scene, TeaMakers is a standout spot – a truly fun place for bubble tea. The matcha drink also happens to be excellent.
Vivi bubble tea
$ | (646) 858-0710 | WEBSITE
Like many Forest Hills spots, the entrance to Vivi bubble tea is unassuming, and the space is somewhere between a cozy café and a quick-service counter. The bubble tea is very solid, as are the shrimp tempura and the popcorn chicken. Go during peak hours for lightning-fast service.
糖立方Sugarcube New York
$ | (347) 808-8800 | WEBSITE
A cozy, comfortable bubble tea spot with a great selection. Not a destination for a full meal by any means, but a place we’d recommend to grab a sweet treat and have a low-key catch up with friends.
CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice
$ | (718) 353-2709 | WEBSITE
If you find yourself needing to fuel up before or after tackling the 495 highway, or find yourself in Forest Hills and in need of a reliable refreshment, meet CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice. On Tuesdays, the special is a popular option, and the wait is never too long thanks to the convenient kiosk ordering.
