I used to be such a big fan of T4 that before I would drive home to the Bay Area, I would make sure to get T4 before to power me through the 2 hours back home!
T4 was my favorite boba place freshman year. The drinks were the cheap, consistent, and I could get my favorite roasted oolong milk tea. It also had bonus points for being close to Chipotle. However, now the drinks are more expensive for about the same quality-which is okay, but not worth spending $6+. Other places are now higher on this list.
My favorite meal freshman year was T4 & Chipotle
the old classic
*Honorable mention: Jasmine Milk Tea with Lychee Jelly
One of the great things about Teapercent is that it shares a location with Mochinut, meaning you can also get snacks like mochidonuts and korean hotdogs to go with your drinks!
Teapercent is new boba place in Davis, but super popular in Sacramento. The drinks are high quality, but I haven't found one that I absolutely love. This location also has a Mochinut inside which means its easy to get hot dogs and donuts as snacks. Unfortunately, there is not much seating.
#4
Strawberry Overload at Teapercent
the newcomer
*yes I know this is a smoothie, but it's good so it still counts
I'm a new fan of Ume Tea and one of their special drinks is their bunny surprise cup! It comes with random plushies like these unicorns, which are super cute!
Ume Tea is #3 on this list. A recent addition to the UC Davis boba scene, but a staple in the Bay Area. Ume is known for it's unique drinks like the Bunny Surprise which comes with a plushie in the bottom of the cup! Not every drink is my favorite, but you won't be able to find these anywhere else.
Strawberry Matcha Milk Tea w/ Matcha Ice Cream & Boba
the best special-tea
*Honorable mention: Strawberry Matcha Milk Tea w/ Matcha Ice Cream
Since freshman year, Teaspoon has been one of my go-to boba places. During lockdown in 2020 and 2021, I really only left my house to get boba from Teaspoon!
Teaspoon is my go to place when I'm at home in San Jose. No matter the location, the drinks and the boba are always good. I've tried almost everything on the menu, but my favorite is the Thai Tea with Classic Cream.
#2
Freshman year Laura with roasted oolong tea with lychee jelly
the sentimental favorite
*Honorable mention: Strawberry Matcha Latte with honey boba
iTea has such a prime location that it's easy to pick up boba while at the farmer's market or after class! This photo was taken at the farmer's market during my sophomore year!
iTea is the consistent king of Davis boba, offering the best prices, quality, and quantity out of the top 5. iTea is the closest to the UCD campus so it's easy to stop by after class and the service is always quick. iTea reigns supreme at the top of this list.
#1
iTea with friendos
the consistent king 👑
*Honorable mention: Litchi Green Tea with Boba & Lychee Jelly