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    Milk Lab - Cary

    4.4 (554 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

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    MILK LAB - CARY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Taro Latte and Match Latte
    Jake V.

    Milklab has some of the best milk teas we've tried in the NC Triangle area. We've been here multiple times, and here are my thoughts on the drinks we've tried: 1. Purple Taro Latte - Highly-recommended if you enjoy milky snd sweet milk teas. The taro flavor is so rich. Hands down, this is the best taro milk tea we've tried in Triangle NC. 2. Matcha Latte Milk Cap - my girl loves this because the matcha tastes rich and the "milk cap" gives it a creamy, satisfying taste. 3. Thai Tea Milk Cap - This was our first favorite. The "milk cap" makes this more than just an average Thai tea. One of Milklab's best drinks. 4. Dalgona Milk Cap Latte - Rich coffee milk taste. Not bad but I think Milklab's tea drinks are more delicious. 5. Strawberry Matcha Latte - One of my favorites; I'd rank this slightly higher than the Matcha Latte Milk Cap but my girl -who's more of a matcha lover than me- prefers her matcha drinks without strawberry. 6. Brown Sugar Fresh Milk + Boba - Not the best brown sugar tea we've tried, and sometimes, we can barely taste the brown sugar flavor but the barristas here in Cary seem to do a better job getting it just right than the Durham location (not the one inside Southpoint Mall) There are other drinks in Milklab's menu we haven't tried that look delicious. They use quality organic ingredients and fresh milk, and their blends are mostly unique compared to what you can get in a typical milk tea cafe. However, I would not recommend their rolled ice cream. Tried twice, and for $8+, we were not satisfied. It seems that Milklab is more focused on emphasizing the flavors of the rolled ice cream's toppings rather than the ice cream itself, which is nowhere close to Andia's ice cream quality. It also takes longer for them to serve the ice cream. Wish they serve Taiwanese snacks like popcorn chicken or Korean pancakes instead (like how Tea Hill, Quickly & Tiger Sugar do it ). Customer service is usually fast here; you can order using the kiosk or via Milklab's website. I'm not a big fan of Milklab's ambiance (just doesn't look inviting inside and out), with its dull walls and cramped space but this particular location has a nice outdoor area with wooden tables and chairs well-lit at night. Most of the time, we just grab our drinks and devour them in the car. Milklab also has one of the best milk tea containers - higher quality and classier-looking than what most other milk tea cafes use. Despite its flaws, Milklab is still one of the few that made it to my "Best Milk Tea Cafes in the Triangle NC" Collection here on Yelp (https://bit.ly/bestmilkteaNC) because of its various expertly-crafted milk cap teas and high quality ingredients. Overall Score (Cary location only): 4.2/5

    Jonathan P.

    This is by far my favorite boba spot in North Carolina! I love coming to milk lab. I would always get the thai green milk tea it's the best! I've even brought so many of my friends to this place and they all love it! I always put them on to the thai green milk tea. The service here is always amazing with lovely staff. Totally recommend this place for boba.

    Outside
    Lenora S.

    Accept that it's busy and there is minimal indoor seating, and it's a five star experience. I'd recommend order ahead. QR code in the pics. Ice cream is slower than tea. Tried on a Saturday. 4 employees on tea, 1 then 2 on ice cream. Waited 15-20 min. Lost track of time coming out in a corner. Not made. Just waited. Got two. Mango slushy. Real mango with jasmine tea. Fantastic. Would order again. Second was a Hong Kong tea- black tea, cream, brown sugar. Serious caffeine. Kept me up late. I'd order again but only get in the morning. Again, tasty. Super fresh tapioca boba. Lots of outdoor seating. Watched 5 groups leave due to the crowds. Kiosk ordering at door or in person at register.

    Unicorn poop ice cream
    Sienna S.

    The table was very sticky, and there was hair in the cup of my unicorn poop rolled ice cream.

    Menu
    Ellen M.

    Pros: Good location with easy parking Friendly service Fun to watch rolled ice cream getting made Pretty interior with good seating Cons: If you don't specify sweetness level for your drink, you will get a very sugary one They put your drink on one side of the counter but will bring you your ice cream. Would be helpful if they brought your entire order to your table A bit on the pricey side Pro tip: Worth a visit if you are in the strip mall, but wouldn't go put of your way to visit. There isn't anything special, plus it is a chain.

    Peachy Lychee Crush (Large)
    Tess W.

    obsessed with the peachy lychee!! Adam was so sweet with helping me with my drink. Obsessed with Adam- this store is clearly well-managed (I think by him) HIGHLY recommend this location and this drink

    Chocolate factory or cupcake, can't remember name. Lol
    Kelly M.

    Many choices for fresh, organic milk teas and ice cream. Create your own toppings or order off their predetermined menu of concoctions. Service is order at kiosk, online or at the counter. Sterile environment, milk smell upon entering. Chocolate cupcake - yum. Delicious chocolate base.

    Banana milk tea
    Tiffany B.

    Great rolled ice cream great service good variety overall...5 STARS (It has to be at least 85 characters thats why i put this)

    Bang bang ice cream
    Christine W.

    The bang bang ice cream is what I usually get. The Thai tea isn't too strong, and the boba is quite tasty. I do think I'll pick different toppings next time than teddy grahams and Nilla wafers tho. The milk teas here are pretty fantastic, lives up to its name. My boyfriend's Lychee Berry was good as well, especially at 50% sweetness. Cashier is pretty quick and the space is nicely furnished, just a little tight.

    Austin L.

    great cozy little boba shop. i've enjoyed their milk teas and all of them have been consistent in taste and quality. this location was great! staff was friendly and greeted us upon arrival.

    Taro coconut pudding (left) and Strawberry Dalgona Milk Cap Latte (right) with no milk cap
    Ashley B.

    This Milk LAB is in a prime location in Cary. Close to lots of food and shopping, so you can stop by when doing errands. Hubby's taro coconut pudding: 4.2/5 The boba was nice and soft, even when in the cold slush of the drink. The slush was an even, smooth and creamy texture. Surprisingly, not as big of a coconut taste, be did not mind that. My strawberry dalgona latte (requested with no cream cheese milk cap): 4.5/5 A yummy drink! I love anything with strawberries and coffee, so naturally I was drawn to this drink. The perfect ratio of dalgona, milk and strawberries (which were fresh too). The staff was friendly and was happy to customize as needed. The cup packaging is great too! Love the sturdiness and the ability to use a boba straw or you can sip from the lid!

    Strawberry fruit tea
    Amy F.

    Cute place with a large menu. Had to ask for suggestions as it was my first visit. Strawberry fruit tea was suggested, and it was delicious!

    Rolled Bang Bang Ice Cream
    Lynne C.

    Milk Lab never disappoints! I got the rolled Thai tea ice cream during my last visit. There was a very long line but the service was fast and the people were very nice. The ice cream was good but on the sweeter side. I recommend the Kimochi rolled ice cream (vanilla with strawberry) if you're looking for something less sweet.

    Rose Tea

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    5 years ago

    Great place. The taro tea was good. Will definitely be back. They have a lot of options.

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    3 years ago

    The best boba I've had in the Raleigh area! I recommend the mini boba balls in their Thai Tea!

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    Page 6 of 14

    Milk Lab - Cary Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Milk Lab - Cary

    Do you sell your mochi dessert topping?

    Do they have milk alternatives? almond, soy, oat, etc.?

    Soy and Almond Milk for their teas, I don't think for the ice cream.

    Do you serve any non dairy ice cream?

    Yes they do

    Don't have sanitation score posted anywhere?Couldn't find one online either?

    Dear Crystal, Due to the fact that Milk Lab only serves rolled ice cream and milk tea we actually… Read more

    View All 5 Questions

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    Brecotea

    Brecotea

    4.1
    (338 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Stumbled into this gem and the vibe is immaculate -- gold accent décor, that honeycomb light…read moreinstallation, and a neon "Explore sweeter life@Brecotea" sign that practically begs to be photographed. The pastry case is a showstopper: berry-topped croissants with fresh whipped cream, fruit danishes, ube buns, almond twists, and savory options like the garlic-herb bun and hot dog danish. I came for the bakery but stayed for the drink menu, which is huge -- milk teas, fruit teas, yogurt smoothies, sparkling teas, and a full coffee lineup. One heads-up: the Coffee Crush ($4.95) is essentially just Dalgona coffee -- that whipped instant-coffee-over-milk drink that went viral a few years back. It's tasty, but know that you're paying café prices for something you can whip up at home with three ingredients. Would've loved a little more transparency on the menu there. Pastries are fresh (seemingly), drinks are solid, and the space is genuinely lovely for sitting a while. Worth a visit -- just go in knowing what the Coffee Crush actually is.

    Brecotea is a fantastic spot when you're craving both boba and fresh pastries. The selection of…read moredrinks is impressive, and everything tasted fresh and well-balanced without being overly sweet. The boba had the perfect chewy texture, and the pastries looked just as good as they tasted. It's one of those places where it's hard to leave with just one item. The atmosphere is bright, clean, and inviting, making it a great place to relax, catch up with friends, or enjoy a quick treat. The staff were friendly and helpful, especially when deciding between the many drink and pastry options. Overall, Brecotea offers a consistently enjoyable experience, and it's definitely a place I'll keep coming back to.

    Photos
    Iced Mocha
    Iced Mocha
    Pastry case!
    Pastry case!
    Offers

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    Offers
    Thousand Hills Coffee

    Thousand Hills Coffee

    4.5
    (63 reviews)
    7.1 mi
    $$

    I fell in love with Thousand Hills the moment I walked in. The decor is so beautiful and there are…read moreso many comfy places to sit as well as tables inside and outside. It's located alongside the leasing office for the apartment complex. The service is great. There were two young ladies working and they were both friendly. I arrived around 4:30 on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and ordered a muffin and a decaf latte since it was so late (for me to drink caffeine). The cranberry lemon muffin was absolutely perfect, so much flavor, so fresh & moist. The Salted Brown Butter Latte was the best. From the first sip to the last drop, I loved it. I sat on a small section of a very comfortable couch with pillows and all. I later sat out front on one of the benches. They also have a patio seating out back. I can't wait to go back to Thousand Hills!!

    Thousand Hills Coffee is nested in a busy apartment complex. There's plenty of free parking…read moreavailable, though not all immediately by the entrance of the coffee shop. We went on a Saturday afternoon which probably did not help the cause, but there were only a couple of tables available, which luckily we snagged one. I opted for the maple brown sugar latte. I really liked the flavor of the brown sugar itself, though I wished the espresso notes would have cut through more. My preference is for stronger, more acidic tasting espresso though. Glad I was able to check this coffee shop out since it was on my list, but not sure it's one I will rush back to.

    Photos
    Side seating and working areas as well as access to outside seating, July 2024.
    Side seating and working areas as well as access to outside seating, July 2024.
    Thousand Hills Coffee
    One of the seating areas, July 2024.

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    One of the seating areas, July 2024.
    BREW

    BREW

    3.9
    (184 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    I was in the area and decided to finally go to Brew, as I rarely am in downtown Cary! I'm so glad I…read moredid. It took some time to find parking as the surrounding parking lots were full, but I found street parking around the corner. The ambiance is warm and cozy. Brew and the Cary Theater share common space, so you can enter from either entrance. The service is awesome, I was waited on right away and the barista was helpful with suggestions. I ordered a cookie butter latte and an oatmeal raisin cookie w/ walnuts. Both were absolutely delicious, a great combo. When I finished my latte, I dipped my cookie in the cup to get the last of the foam...so good. The baked goods are from Ninth Street Bakery in Durham. How amazing local supporting local. I sat at the bar area. I loved that there were hooks underneath for your belongings, you don't see that everywhere. They have the high top areas, along with a few tables and chairs. I'm so glad I was able to finally experience Brew, looking forward to going back.

    Came for a Sunday stop with a friend…read more Just a note because it's in the downtown area it's extremely hard to find parking and most of it is street parking (with some construction nearby). Overall, the little coffee shop is cute and has a little bit of outdoor seating which I liked but is expensive for being so mid in my opinion. I ended up paying almost $7 for a blueberry latte. Overall, my latte tasted like a regular latte, even though it did have a seasonal blueberry syrup added to it. I know that blueberry is very light in flavor compared to coffee so I asked for more than the allotted amount of syrup and their response was that they had a certain amount added to of syrups added. So I said ok thinking they would take that into consideration but when I got my coffee, guess the amount they added didn't matter because it tasted the same as a latte regular. Unfortunately, at the end of my coffee (like the last 20%) had what I assume to be bits of berry in it? The texture made me toss the remaining amount. With the high prices and the location right on a busy street / no parking I probably wouldn't be back but I did enjoy being about to sit outside under an umbrella and the service was nice / fast. All the stars would go to the servers and overall cleanliness honestly.

    Photos
    Seating area
    Seating area
    BREW
    Iced latte ($4.50) with rose syrup ($1.00) and oat milk ($0.70). $7.95 after tax and tip.

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    Iced latte ($4.50) with rose syrup ($1.00) and oat milk ($0.70). $7.95 after tax and tip.
    Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

    Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

    4.3
    (304 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Cozy neighborhood café-bakery with a sprawling chalkboard menu and a pastry case that's hard to…read morewalk past. I went savory: a chicken salad croissant (flaky, generously filled, with a side of bow-tie pasta salad and a creamy poppyseed slaw) and a pressed caprese-style panini with tomato, mozzarella, and basil grilled to a deep golden crisp. Both solid, satisfying lunches. On the drinks, the cold brew made with Joe Van Gogh beans was great--smooth and well-balanced. The iced café au lait was acceptable, nothing memorable but it did the job. The bakery case alone is worth a stop: cannoli, cranberry almond muffins, strawberry streusel coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, brownies, and a rack of croissants. Friendly counter service and a comfortable spot whether you're grabbing a quick bite or lingering with a coffee. Worth a return visit. Prices are very reasonable.

    Chanticleer is a hidden gem in Cary! I don't know why it's taken me so long to discover it…read more The staff are all super friendly and welcoming. They helped me navigate my coffee order and executed it to perfection. They also answered all of my gluten free questions and took extra precautions for my allergy. The egg white and cheese sandwich with turkey bacon was great. Pro tip: Order it with a double portion of egg white for added protein. I also got an iced cafe latte with caramel. You can get a punch card for every coffee and get one free on your tenth purchase. They have a great pastry selection. I got an almond croissant to go for my mom on a recommendation from a friend that said it's a can't miss! (I can't try it due to my allergy but it looks amazing) The ambiance has a cute cafe with plenty of seating.

    Photos
    Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery
    BLT Salad
    BLT Salad
    Lemon bar Almond Croissants

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    Lemon bar Almond Croissants
    Annelore's German Bakery

    Annelore's German Bakery

    4.2
    (150 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$

    Ich liebe Annelores deutsche Bäckerei!…read more I first got goodies from Annelore's booth at the State Farmer's Market in Raleigh. The Apfel (apple) turnover was delicious, as was the Heidelbeerkuchen (blueberry cake) and Zitronenschnitten (lemon bar). I saw a nice gentlemen there that day who I think may be part owner; based on what I see on their website I wonder if it was Herr Norbert. While waiting for another guy behind the counter to bag my goodies, I happened to mention (to who I think was Norbert) that I'm learning German, and he spoke some basic German to me! Which I understood - OMG, must tell my German teacher. A couple weeks later I needed to bring desserts to our monthly Book Club meeting, and Annelore's was my first thought. I decided to visit their actual store in Cary. Even though it's an hour away from home, I stopped by one day when I had to go to Raleigh for an appointment. An Annelore's employee helped me with selecting about six cake slices and 2-3 different bars, plus some German cookies. The inside of the store is very clean, and there are some places to sit if you'd like to eat there. The employees were kind and helpful (and patient, in my case, trying to decide what to buy for a Book Club group I'd never met in person). Annelore's German Bakery is a wonderful way to take care of your dessert needs and support a local business at the same time. If you need a dessert, cake, scones, or other treats for your home gathering, BBQ, church social, potluck, business lunch, or other event, I would definitely let Annelore's take care of that part for you! 10/10, highly recommend! SO good! Vielen Dank, Annelore's... Ich werde Ihr Geschäft bald wieder besuchen!

    Came here recently and really enjoyed my visit!…read more First, there's a small parking lot right next to the bakery, and I think a larger parking lot at the rear of the building. I got lucky and snagged a spot near the front, though :) I looked around at everything and it all looked so tasty! I decided to grab a loaf of pumpernickel bread, but next time I'll probably get a dessert or two. The staff were helpful throughout my visit. They asked me if I wanted my bread sliced, and when I replied in the affirmative, gave me a helpful chart with a lot of different options for how thick I wanted each slice :) I took the bread home, stuck it in the oven, and ate it with some butter and jam. Delicious! My kids really liked it as well. Overall, I will definitely come back!

    Photos
    Annelore's German Bakery
    Annelore's German Bakery
    Almond orange cake and almond florentine. Both gf.

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    Almond orange cake and almond florentine. Both gf.

    Milk Lab - Cary - icecream - Updated June 2026

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