With all the boujee boba places popping up I had strayed from this OG boba place for probably 2-3 years?! Also, sadly, not all Tapicoa express chains (though they should since its chain) are the same. The one in Oceanside, teas were soo sweet or bland (tried to adjust sweetness). The one near/in Tustin off the 5 freeway (same shopping center as 99 Ranch) their tea was also just ok. Their Chrispy chx I had to stop ordering cuz it just tasted bad. This place -thai tea 50% sweet: yes! -chrispy chx: just as I remembered, good flavor and not too crazy oily Clearly, when you go get boba and fried chx you aren't doing it for your health, ur doing it for indulgence. Indulgence achieved! read more

Tapioca Express - Tap Chrispy chx - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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The food and drink is legit, OG style Boba place. The price is pretty reasonable, and I don't know how they keep the place open in such a busy lot and with that kind of price. But don't get me wrong. I don't want them to raise the price either because it would become too expensive to eat this kind of street style food. read more

The place was good. We got the coconut milk tea and the jasmine milk tea, both with boba. The service was simply and fast. I like what I got, but I like my wife's drink better. The coconut milk tea was rich with flavor. Mine wasn't quite as rich. Compared to other boba shops, mine was average. The place is nice and clean. read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Started coming to this location years back when I first began drinking boba and it's sad to say that I will not be coming back here as much as I used to. I understand that inflation is an issue right now but I paid over $7 excluding tip for a regular milk tea here. For what the drink is, this price is definitely not worth it. Not to mention each time I come here, the customer service is below average. I have never felt welcomed here by the employees. I will no longer recommend this particular location. read more

Tapioca Express - Tapioca Milk Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Not an experience I was expecting when walking to Tapioca Express. They didn't put any sweetness in my drink even though my receipt says less sweet. I got barley milk tea, but it's just regular milk tea, usually it has some texture of barley bits. I asked for less ice, but it comes with full ice..I hate to see such of one of my faves boba chain doesn't keep the same standard in all locations. read more

Bought 2x large taro boba with extra boba and paid $16. No flavor at all. I think they even forgot to put sugar on it. What a waste of money! read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

The fishcake and popcorn chicken were really spicy, even at mild. But they were so addicting that I had to eat more and the lychee slush was really good too. I recommend this for a small snack or just to hang out. The food didn't come quick, but it was fresh from the oven. Everywhere was clean, offering napkins and boba straws to drink! This is a wonderful place and the employees are super nice and understanding. 10/10 read more

Tapioca Express - This is a lychee shush with mini boba and lychee jelly. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Yum! I ordered the mangoneada boba and it was so good! Had chamoy and the tamarindo stick. For about $5 I had no complaints. The inside was cool too. Lots of seating. Too bad about parking, that was awful! read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Been here a few times in the past when I lived in San Diego. Now I live up north and don't come as often. Came in yesterday to grab a quick snack after running some errands in SD. So sad to see everything put away in the midst of covid-19, but glad that I can still support a local small business. They have a good amount of things to choose from for a snack or an entire meal if you're super hangered. The crispy chicken was enough to fulfill my craving. Chicken steak rice was ok, but I forgot to ask for soy sauce to go with it! I do like their drinks as well, but this was my first time trying their mangoñada and I probably won't get it again because it's more of an icee to me. Flavor was good though. I just prefer a creamy texture. Parking here can be really hard when business is good. In these hard times, you won't have a problem finding a spot. Prices are pretty good compared to other boba shops in the area. Idk when I'll be back, but I will definitely come again! Service was pretty quick and they were friendly! read more

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What can I say to the place where I had my first boba experience.. Been here since my college days and now I bring my baby... Yeah keep up the great work tapex read more

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One of my favorite OG boba places! I'm a basic milk tea and green tea person, no fancy drinks with foams or layers that other places are making nowadays. This place is perfect for yummy traditional Taiwanese boba drinks! Also their food is fire! I still haven't found a place in LA or OC that makes popcorn chicken like this place, they give you extra basil too! Their combo meals are where it's at! read more

Tapioca Express - Calamari spicy and crispy chicken rice spicy with green tea. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Average boba place. Selection is good alot of choices. Service is friendly. Greeted upon entering. Got the avocado snow bubble. It was good, boba tasted fresh. Not too sweet which I like. Probably my second favorite boba place on convoy. read more

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It's been a while since I've been to this location, but it's good as I remember. Boba always fresh, enjoy their slushy's. It's kind of the go to spot for me when I'm in the mood for a good Boba. Not taking away any stars, but the parking here is always a pain, but generally parking a block or so away if you can't get a spot in the lot. read more

We were hungry and needed some food in us before our day started. We came around 2pm and this just so happened to be my first meal of the day (mom problems) so of course I was starving.. the curly fries hit the spot and the Thai tea was Thai tea lol. Tastes how it always taste, nothing special. I asked for the spicy seasoning on the curly fries and it did not disappoint. My son ordered the chicken and the melon boba. He said it was pretty good! Drinks: 8/10 Food: 8.5/10 Parking: -1 (if ya know, ya know) read more

Tapioca Express - a tray of pretzels and a cup of coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Have you ever wanted to watch K-Pop videos while listening to Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande songs, and thought to yourself, "this won't be confusing." Have you ever wanted to consume food and beverages that seem like they might be healthy and totally aren't? Have you ever wanted to wait in line for 20 minutes only to yell your order at the person behind the counter, but because they put the drink mixers in front rather than the kitchen, no one can hear your screams? Listen i know this place sounds amazing, but it gets better. Im sure you're wondering how the $%@# thats possible. And the truth is... the food here is just really F@$&ing good. Like crazy super yum. I'd like to make a comment about how the parking spaces outside are all made for smart cars which no one drives. Or how its filled with _____ drivers smashing into each other like bumper cars at the fair. I'd like to expand on my earlier quip about the noise emitted from the drink mixers. I'd even like to talk about how during the summer the door in front is always open and the cold air leaves the building faster than an _____ driver who just nailed your car in the parking lot. Id like to, but I cant. I cant because it doesn't matter. Smash my car and take my money you amazing mid day snack place. Make me sweat in line, and get my order wrong you early asian, pre tinder hook up spot. Confuse me with k-pop videos and modern pop songs you elegant food producer. There are many restaurants better than you Tap Ex. But strangely nothing will take your place. No matter how many franchises you sell, or how many bad businessmen try to rip off your idea, you will always be in a league of your own. PS. Who decided that the one door would be locked forever? And who drew the picture on it of the missle thing? Its been there for more than 10 years and thats weird. read more

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Best popcorn chicken in SD, ask for extra basil, matches great with milk tea. Very distinct nostalgic taste since they have been here forever read more

This place is so yummy and refreshing! Tons of drinks and tons of flavors. You can get milk tea, coffee, icy slush, snow bubble, and more. You can mix and match flavors and add a lot of different kinds of jellies, and boba. I have personally only ordered drinks here my go to is watermelon icy with boba. So cool and refreshing. They also have food. My husband swears by the Crispy chicken, but I have never had it. Pre COVID you could come and chill.. play board games etc. Now everything is to go. Social distancing is encouraged. Also they prefer card now that there is a change shortage. read more

Tapioca Express - Watermelon icy and strawberry passion fruit icy. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I used to come here all the time when I was in college... Today I was craving for crispy chicken and Taiwanese sausage from here, pretty disappointing of what I got...the sausages were all burned.. read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

A great place to grab some drinks with your friends. They offer a wide variety of flavors and topping, meaning there's something for everyone. Today we ordered a mango boba slushie and a chocolate slushie. Also, this place does offer food on their menu in case you're hungry. We didn't take a picture of it, but if you do visit this place and want some food get their crispy chicken. They have both spicy and regular. Highly recommend it! The chicken batter is really crunchy and has a great flavor! read more

Tapioca Express - Mango slushie and a chocolate slushie! :) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

My favorite place to get chicken snack. - Lg Avocado Snow ($5.44)- the boba was perfect in texture. - Calamari ($4.28)- yummy! - Chicken Wings ($5.58) - Salt/Pepper Fries ($3.78) - 2 Crispy Chicken Snack ($4.28) It's often difficult to find a parking space in this plaza. My husband got annoyed and vowed not to come back here during dinner time. That's too bad ... read more

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I always loved TapEx and was so excited that they had a location right by our home. This tapex is usually pretty quick when making drinks/orders, and the line is never too long. They make their popcorn chicken super yummy & can never go wrong with a milk tea w/boba. The downside is their parking can be really bad, the spaces are super small & really compact, so you're better off parking on the street and walking. They are also closed on MONDAYS!! So don't drive & be disappointed like I have before lol read more

Love coming here, this place definitely reminds me of my high school days! I actually never get boba here but my go to is their basil chicken and their calamari! I typically will always call it in ahead of time just because I know it takes about ten minutes to cook and I rather just come in and pick it up instead of waiting! They are always sooo friendly when they answer the phone and are just as friendly when you walk in! Their calamari is my favorite out of all the other boba places I've tried as well as their chicken! For some reason I love the spice that they use and always get a medium even though by the time I'm done eating my mouth is on fire but it is so worth it! I wish I could say I've tried the drinks but I have yet to break out of my normal habits and will just continue to get my snacks here! read more

So many choices so little time. My favorite is the honeydew milk tea with boba. Make it a double boba!:) It just gets so LOUD in there due to their smoothie machine:( read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I came here for of course bubble tea. I tried their cinnamon chocolate chai with tapioca. It was good, however I felt it needed more boba so next time I'll ask for more. Lots of flavors to choose from!! read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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They can not get my order right for some reason. All I get is the fried calamari and squid balls. When I say spicy they barely have any spice. When I say extra spicy, the load it up full of spice where you're eating a mouth full of powder. Also when I say extra basil, they don't give me any basil. This place use to be great but for some reason it changed for the bad. read more

We went to get some boba drinks, at Tapioca Express. The interior and the ambience was very cozy. As we enjoyed our drinks you can see others playing some card games with their friends. Its nice to know we have a safe space that we can gather with a group of friends to be ourselves and enjoy games like league of legends, dungeons of dragons etc. We ordered 2 drinks. Passion fruit snow bubble, and The guava green tea with lychee. Both drinks were very delicious. The passion fruit was very flavorful and there was an abundance of boba in the the drinks. I really enjoyed my guava green tea, the lychee pieces in the drink really complimented my drink. The pairing of the two was pure bliss, and unlocked a lost memory of a place I would frequent back in San Jose where I would get my drinks. As for the customer service, I felt could be some improvement. We were asking questions about the drinks, and staff didn't seem to friendly or was uninterested to help. The vibe coming from the staff weren't to happy and made us feel a little uncomfortable. I really liked my guava green tea, it was very refreshing and I'm glad I ordered the drink. My dislike was customer service, and feel it can use some improvement. Peter and the rest of staff, could be a little more friendly, but they didn't look too happy to be there. My guest and I, did not feel really welcomed or acknowledged at all. We also asked for the wifi, and they weren't too happy to help with that either, but expressed with an attitude to say its at the bottom of the receipt. I'd definitely would come here again, because of the great tasting drinks and the plethora of options of drinks to choose from. For both drinks, total was about $17. read more

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I usually never write a review but this place never seems to pick up their phone. Is it even working? I just placed an order for 3 drinks, 2 popcorn chicken snacks and 1 wonton cream cheese. The honeydew boba that I ordered tasted bland like there's not enough syrup but what I'm more concerned about is their wonton cream cheese. I tried calling but no one picks up, to let the staff know that they might want to check their cream cheese because it has a sour taste. Not the usual taste of cream cheese but more so bad. I had my husband tried tasting it to see if my tastebuds are off and surely the cream cheese has a sour taste like it's old. I've been coming here for years for their popcorn chicken and ice cream . Never had any issues until now. read more

Tapioca Express - It looks fresh but we bit into it to try different ones and they all taste sour like it's old cheese! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

$7.63 for a milk tea. I have seen other place cost $6 for a large with boba(Gong Cha in mira mesa). If anyone see less than $6, please let me know ,.,..........................................,..,................................................................................................................................................................................................. read more

Tapioca Express - $7.63 for a milk tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Just left Crab Hut where we had the most amazing server ever. Outstanding service. My son wanted to get boba after so we headed next door. The guy who was at the counter was not friendly at all. I asked a question and he answered me like I was stupid. Didn't even want to tip but left a dollar since I work in the service industry. Then the girl who served the drink literally slammed in on the counter and slid it toward us. From now on we will to stick to Tea and More. Horrible customer service! read more

This has been my favorite place for Boba & snacks for a long time. They never disappoint. My usuals are Thai milk tea & Yogurt frost. I also love the popcorn chicken. This location has the best service compared to others like Eastlake. I like that they have a large area with seating. TapEx has my loyalty for sure! read more

You can never go wrong with their popcorn chicken. They give a good amount of pieces and it came out hot and fresh. For someone who normally doesn't order spicy foods, the mild is really mild. I tried the hot spicy ones and it's not spicy at all. Just has a little more flavor if anything. I didn't order boba this time around. However I tried some of my friend's and the boba itself was actually nice and chewy. But it's probably cause we were there pretty early, around noon. It's a good place to hang out with friends. Parking can be really tough however. read more

Tapioca Express - Mild Popcorn chicken snack - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Food is good but either need to lower the music when there's a call in order or make ordering online available at convoy location.

I usually like to come here to get food with my coworkers. As usual we order To-Go and take back to work. So our orders are bigger since we order for a group. Anyways, I'm a little upset because our order was not made correctly. In the picture attached, we are here that our ordered was processed correctly on register but it was NOT actually made properly. The Hong Kong tea did not come with mini boba, it came with regular boba and the All Broccoli side for the combo was not all broccoli. It was the usual made order for the standard combo. I'm disappointed because we obviously paid more, shown in photo, that we didn't get. read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I come here for the drinks and crispy chicken snack all the time but this time around was awful. I tried to call multiple times and the line was disconnected. I go into the shop and was not greeted as usual. Everyone in there look stank. I order my usual and it comes out faster than I expected which told me y'all wasn't busy to begin with. Fine. I take my food and drink home and the side of the cup was busted. My mango fruit tea was leaking and the milk tea had a metal wire in it. This is unacceptable. read more

Tapioca Express - Milk tea with a metal wire thing. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

My favorite spicy pop corn chicken spot. I usually come to get the Crispy Chicken Combo and the Salt and Pepper Fries. Gotta get both extra spicy and extra basil on the chicken. Don't really care for their drinks though. read more

Tapioca Express - Crispy Chicken Combo and Salt and Pepper Fries - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Soooo good. Nothing like a refreshing Boba Tea to help break up the work day. They have so many flavors to choose from. I have always had excellent service with delicious tasting drinks. If you looking for some snacks, they have you covered here too! read more

Food was always okay but finding hair in my food was a reoccurring issue I've seen. I've chose to ignore it multiple times by now but I've seen more than a couple hairs in this batch. read more

Tapioca Express - Hair in chicken - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

amazing food get the crispy chicken service was great and boba was the best read more

This place used to be very good. Went there yesterday 11/5/22. Ordered 2 crispy chicken combo and upgraded drinks with boba, plus one snack chicken. $43!! I frequent another TapX and this would've cost me around $32. Also asked for more vegetable and no rice. Cashier said ok. Order comes out with no extra veggies and then he says they can't give extra veggies. Chicken not fresh and dry. Disappointed and annoyed. Not going back. read more

Do not recommend anyone to come here! Would have been a great business if management knows to properly train and supervise the minor employees. Story: I'm bloody mad because my drinks were slashed, basically I paid to make a mess, and waste money. This is not the first time we had bad customer service with the terrible minor employees. We heard stories about the employees at Tapioca Express even spitting in some drinks,and several other horror stories, from this experience, I believe it. They need to put their act together, because each time we order our snacks, they fail to include sauces, forcing us to ask. THEN, has the nerve to give us dirty looks. On the day of this incident, I called back and the phone was left ringing.... finally the same girl who handed me the sauce answered and I requested to speak to Peter Tran the manager but repeatedly told he was not there. I asked for a supervisor or lead and was told none are presence and said I can speak to Daniel whom "sounded like a young boy/minor" and who then absolutely said nothing. He did not even attempt to apologize. I can expect that as he is a minor and wouldn't know how else to respond. There is a new Ding Tea down the street on Balboa Ave., so mind them, this business will not only lose our regular boba craving runs, but my friends and sister (Sandy) who not be coming back. I truly hope they see some merits making a change as I honestly like the drinks and snacks from here. Just really rude kids running the front gives this place a bad rep as over the years, I witness less and less customers coming back. read more

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