The two most perfect places to drink bubble tea are in your pajamas while watching reality TV, and at a shop where the tapioca pearls are so fresh they practically dance in your cup. But when your streaming queue runs dry and you crave that authentic chew, you need real options. That’s why we’ve sipped our way through Monterey to find spots with house-made boba, creative flavors, and atmospheres worth leaving the couch for.
Noodle Bar
$ | (831) 392-0210 | WEBSITE
Head to this Monterey noodle bar for massive portions that’ll make you wish you brought a friend to help finish them. The fast-paced counter service requires some planning—either grab your order to go or find a spot at one of the nearby parks or beaches. It’s worth the trip to dig into fall-apart lemongrass beef noodles and crispy fresh rolls with peanut sauce, and enjoy the amazing ocean views. Just be aware the regular sizes could feed two.
So instead of ordering multiple dishes, get the seafood soup, add some fried rice, and share everything while taking in the scenery.
Mai Thai Cuisine
$ | (831) 901-3963 | WEBSITE
Bubble tea spots are everywhere in Monterey. So what makes Mai Thai Cuisine, yet another boba destination, special? It depends on how often you find a hidden gem in a strip mall with authentic flavors and exceptional service—which, as it turns out, isn’t very often at all. Located in that unassuming strip mall, this spot from an experienced Thai chef is drenched in quick takeout efficiency and friendly staff energy that pairs suspiciously well with customizable spice levels.
Featuring traditional dishes like fresh spring rolls and panang curry alongside popular drinks like their boba tea, Mai Thai Cuisine is an obvious food-and-drinks weekday destination.
360 Health Cafe
$ | (831) 901-3582 | WEBSITE
360 Health Cafe is known for its homemade boba—folks will endure many a traffic-filled drive on Highway 1 just to get their hands on the Green Fairy smoothie without added sugar. But this place is also Monterey’s most popular destination for an energizing acai bowl, especially after a gym session.
There’s cozy indoor seating if you’ve got health-conscious friends with you, or you can settle at one of their small wooden tables and share a panini alongside savory soup, chicken wings, and those smoothies.
Congo Go Cambodian Restaurant
$$ | (831) 202-1829 | WEBSITE
This spot in Monterey has bright walls and simple wooden chairs that make it feel more like a college hangout or a hidden room in a food hall. Aside from the generous portions, what makes Congo Go so great is the made-from-scratch approach they somehow maintain here every day. It’s a perfect lunch stop when you’d rather savor a bowl of beef pho than go somewhere that requires settling for reheated takeout to get through the afternoon.
QQ Noodle
$ | (831) 384-7256 | WEBSITE
At QQ Noodle, you’ll see families sharing meals, steaming bowls of pho on every table, and a cozy atmosphere that feels just right. This reliable spot in Monterey doesn’t try to be fancy, which is why we keep coming back. Noodle dishes are organized under comforting categories like the Rare Beef Pho, the QQ special, and perfectly seasoned chicken chow mein.
And if you want something to start while waiting for your pho, they have a menu of satisfying appetizers like crispy spring rolls, flavorful chicken wings, and fried pork eggrolls. We also appreciate their reasonable prices for the generous portions and clean setting, though remember they close early.
TZONE Monterey
$ | (831) 999-3636 | WEBSITE
TZONE Monterey feels more like a cozy living room than a bubble tea shop, with its comfy sofa chairs, cute plant decor, and staff that will greet you with a smile before you even reach the counter. It’s mostly a takeout spot, but you can also enjoy whatever you order here or try a new flavor. Plus, they have an extensive selection of board games for you to play with your taro milk tea if you want.
Bobalicious and Bites
$ | (831) 666-7030 | WEBSITE
Bobalicious and Bites is a clean, chill spot from the team behind Monterey’s best boba shops. This quiet space can easily turn a quick drink into a relaxed afternoon hangout with its menu of excellent bubble tea and surprisingly extensive food. You should focus on the super sweet Thai Tea with honey boba, the perfectly chewy classic boba, and the mainstay from their popular lineup, the Ice Mocha.
Just make sure your visit ends with one of their homemade snacks—it’ll make you rethink any other boba shop food you’ve ever had. Of course, be sure to ask for customization options to go along with it all.
Quickly Boba Tea & Smoothies
$ | (831) 250-3599 | WEBSITE
This Cannery Row spot is located in a compact, bright space that’s bustling and efficient. And coming here means you can order a cup of your favorite tea (they have smoothies, too), and also take advantage of frequent discounts on certain drinks. But really, come here to try something from their impressive selection, and consider getting the jasmine green tea with lychee jelly and passionfruit, the green tea with boba, or other large, reasonably priced portions to enjoy.
Vegan Thai Way
$$ | (831) 901-3963 | WEBSITE
We don’t often encounter vegan Thai spots serving see eau noodles drenched in rich peanut sauce for takeout. But that’s how it goes at Vegan Thai Way. The Monterey gem from the kind owner reminds us of a hidden treasure without the pretension. Adding to the welcoming feel is a staff known for excellent service, and menu highlights like spring rolls, panang curry, and pumpkin curry—all impressively delicious.
Spice up your meal with their suggested levels, and possibly some basil chicken or shrimp spring rolls.
Chopstix Vietnamese Restaurant
$ | (831) 899-2622 | WEBSITE
Chopstix Vietnamese Restaurant looks like a simple storefront from the outside, but step inside and you’ll find a stylish yet casual space that’s surprisingly relaxing. Beyond the quick and attentive service from the friendly staff, they also have a menu worth paying attention to. Go for the light and flavorful pho, the refreshing mango salad, or the Bun Bo Hue with those thick white noodles if you’re feeling adventurous.
It’s a solid choice for a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
