How have I not reviewed this place since the 2000s? I LOVE TAPEX. Every time we are back in the Bay Area we'll make it a point to come here once, if not twice. Walk in, order combo A, no substitutions - you can get a large milk tea for 0.75 and spice level 1-5. Easy peasy. Enjoy and be happy! read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

This is my favorite boba place, im here twice a week, but i noticed that the calamari was tough and hard to chew. my suggestion maybe they could tenderize it first before frying.. read more

awesome food and awesome atmosphere! Great drinks as well and incredible service. Really enjoyed the vibes of the place and how quick and attentive the staff were. read more

Bad service, I dont understand why this store still open, freking lady take adventage that Tapioca express frenchase is good. She treat customers like crap. read more

This's always my favorite go to place for boba drinks, till recently I went there for the papaya milkshake, I asked for upside and they gave me 80% filled drinks, this's disappointing read more

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Best union city spot... my friend has been coming here all his life. Shout out to the cashier lady who's always been there she's been taking care of my friend and his mom forever read more

I'm a sucker for their Lavender Milk Tea! Service is super quick and the older lady cashier is always very nice and helpful. I have yet to try their food but once I do, I will update my review. Edit: I recently tried the pepper fried mushrooms and it was delicious! I'd definitely order again. read more

Tapioca Express - Pepper fried mushrooms - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

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we did not enjoy the popcorn chicken, not like it used to be... we even ordered a spicy level of 1 and 3 and they tasted exactly the same in spice and they were both so spicy couldn't even enjoy. read more

This is a very affordable boba place! I always see a long line so this time I decided I should check it out. Reminder: cash only or debit card (extra fees for debit card) be prepared. I ordered a jasmine milk tea, it taste ok but kind of watery. The environment is very hot, and humid. No table and seats available. Service is alright. I don't think I will be back next time. read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

My go-to boba spot in Union City. Love getting the tapioca milk tea and pepper crispy oysters. Super fast and efficient service.

I have been to this Tapioca Express location a couple of times. My most recent visit was on Sunday, May 8, 2022 (Mother's Day), shortly before 7 PM. It's a standard "TapEx" (as some nickname it) member of the franchise with a C- grade. Located in the El Mercado Plaza Shopping Center in Union City, this locale of the boba chain has plenty of parking in the lot for its customers. Pre-Covid, the venue used to offer tables and chairs for indoor seating. Since Covid, any kind of seats are only memories of the past. Another change due to the pandemic is the cheap plastic wrap around the counter where customers place their orders. It's good to see that they have taken Covid-19 safety precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, but the Saran Wrap look is just tacky. The lady who took our order on 5/8/22 spoke with an abrasive tone to the point that I wondered if she was angry. To boot, when we asked her to repeat our lengthy order, she replied, "No, I won't repeat your order. You can just check your order and tell me if something is wrong." If I were the one paying, I would have immediately cancelled my order after hearing that - why would I want to support a business who is run by unaccommodating sour puss staff members who communicate so rudely? YUCK!! No tip for her! The menu is quite extensive; they serve MILK TEA, COLOR ICY, ITALIAN SODA, JELLY JUICE, SNACKS, COMBO MEALS, the list goes on. Pre-Covid, Sissy and I once shared an AVOCADO smoothie/shake-like drink (AVOCADO SNOW?) which wasn't bad. Our drinks from Mother's Day, 2022 were not as good, unfortunately; my husband found their THAI MILK TEA to be too sweet, the JASMINE MILK TEA lacked the full Jasmine floral flavour, and Mom was not a fan of their SOY TOFU PUDDING (it had an odd aftertaste, in my opinion). In short, the venue, menu items, and service all need improving. If you are desperate for a boba drink and short on time, I guess this place will do. Otherwise, a different tea place will probably provide a better experience. read more

Tapioca Express - Front entrance - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

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Tapioca Express started off the boba craze! It's a gem in Union City and anyone who's lived in Union City has always made a stop here at least three times in their lives. Their drinks ranged from milk teas, cold and hot, smoothies, snow, slush, etc. you think of any type of drink, TapEx has thought of it. Not only have they thought of it, they've created at least ten different flavors for it, lol! Everything you crave in drink form is here! Also, they have so many different types of toppings and some of them in shapes! Like the famous mango stars! How fun!! TapEx used to have snacks, like popcorn chicken and calamari, and now they have evolved to offering meals. Such as bento boxes and soups. All of it so yummy and you can adjust the spice level on everything you order. TapEx is your one stop shop of all things snacky and drinky! So stop by if you're ever in Union City! read more

Tapioca Express - Taro milk tea with boba & vanilla cookie snow with mango stars - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

I'm sorry to say and update my review but this place quality has been changed.. i have been coming here for years since my vet is near by. Today I was super excited to come here order my usuals. I have asked for level 5 chickens and calamari's , none spicy chickens and calamari as well with two drinks. ordered $70 worth , however it was so bad. chickens are very dry, not level 5 spicy level as before. It's more like level 2 they must changed the pepper. Non- spicy chicken was also dried and super salty; it was not worth of drive and gas money I spent. They must have pre- fried the chickens and refried it since it's super dry. They still got a decent boba flavor drinks are still consistent. I won't be back. read more

Tapioca Express - Very dry and not spicy at all - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

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This place sucks.We ordered online and gave us the wrong items.When we went back to tell them that they gave us the wrong orders.They admitted that they made a mistake but wont replace our original orders. read more

The OG Tapioca Express in the east bay! I literally have tried so many out here, the one in auto mall, the ones in South Bay; none of them compare to this location. The original milk tea with boba is chef's kiss 99.9% of the time, the boba can be a little mushy but that's what brings character (only for this shop though)!! All their snacks are so freaking amazing (I usually get fried squid and popcorn chicken). No matter how far I go to explore new boba places, I always find myself coming back for a combo A as my comfort snack!! Downside: They close so much earlier now, but understandable as the workers deserve more rest! read more

Tapioca Express - Combo A - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

Boba shops come and go, but this one has been around a long time for good reason. Prices are relatively lower, the drink menu vast, and there is a tasty selection of Taiwanese street food too. Service is fast and efficient. The new taro icy drink is amazing. read more

I have a main go-to at this Tapioca Express: the crispy popcorn fish, mild. It's a delicious snack that hits the spot in a pinch. My level of spiciness has just enough kick below eye-watering level. I also get the mini steamed pork buns from time-to-time. It's a tasty snack but not as filling because of the small amount of meat. My daughter loves getting crispy chicken and rice meal box, mild spice level and Chocolate milk tea with coffee jelly and boba Don't get thrown off by the demeanor of the workers if they seem distracted. The place is small and can get very loud and frantic when it's busy. From time to time, snack orders can take a while. So I try to go during non-busy times. read more

They were being super rude and these motherfuckers were no even doing there jobs one was playin games on there phone and the other genuinely didn't care and she told the guy in Chinese that don care about my food but I know Chinese so when I confronted them they pretended to not to know what was happening read more

They were acting bitchy when we first came in and they also ignored us and when we asked asked for the food they said that they didn't have the food even when we came in time and then, the other employee playing games asked about us asking about the food the gurl started talking shit about us in Chinese like we didn't understand which we did and said "oh dont worry about them they'll get the food when we finished". Then we asked again about the food and yelled at us saying you'll get it when you get it. Honestly if I could give zero stars I would because their dumbasses deserve it. read more

For a Tapioca Express, this particular one is not that bad compared to their other locations. They are located in the El Mercado Plaza Shopping Center and the plaza is pretty busy, but there is always parking. This is the spot where everyone goes on Friday/Saturday nights and after school, they they can get pretty busy. The food is decent here - I usually get the calamari or popcorn chicken, and recently I had been introduce to their popcorn fish by my coworker (they only have it at this location). I usually get my jasmine milk tea here, it is not the best, but I come here from time to time if I have a weird TapEx craving. They usually close pretty early on the weekdays though. read more

Hands down, this is my favorite Tapioca Express location, and also my go to spot for popcorn chicken and calamari! I've been coming here for many years, and honestly, there's no other place that makes popcorn chicken and calamari as good as Tapex does. I usually get a green apple or caramel snowbubble, and popcorn chicken or calamari with their maximum spicy level! It's just sooooo good and the spice is addicting and actually spicy. The only thing I don't like about this place is how they accept cash only and they charge you for using a debit card. read more

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i have been coming here since middle school and it never disappoints! reasonable prices and perfect popcorn chicken every time. i like their almond milk tea the most :) also a bonus: fast service even when busy! read more

One of the few places with cheap prices still, small boba, and can do a blended drink right. Loved this place since 2011 and will never turn my back on it. Outlived so many boba places in this plaza for a reason. Gets the job done. I don't think they'll ever bring back the tables inside which I'm 100% for. But wish they'd open the bathroom again. read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

It's really unnecessary that they need to look down on you and it shows. Highly impatient and rude, and they dont even accomodate your preferences on either your drink or food. I wanted a low spice level on my squid head, but it ended up burning my tongue within two bites. read more

Really bad customer service. Cashier was rude and ignoring the customers in line. Don't inform customer ahead to order on self service but rather just ignore the customer in line and keep them waited for long. I asked the cashier if I can order and he told me next time use the self service because he's busy but in a rude way!!! read more

Does anyone know who manages the Gachapon machine place? I can't find any information on who manages it or any phone number to call for service. I tried to get a Gachapon but it took my $4 and did not return anything... :( (i did check to see if there was any before I spun it) Also I went to the counter to ask for help. The lady there was very rude and told me they don't manage it and doesn't know who does..??? She had no customer service skills whatsoever...I'm sure all the comments here are referring to the same woman. read more

Tapioca Express - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

This is the OG tapioca/boba shop I'll go to on top of other boba shops. Been going here since high school to my early 30's now. The drink flavor remains the same and that's a plus for me. I always go for their hazelnut milk tea, regular milk tea, or avocado snow bubble with boba. read more

I would give this place 5 stars, as the service is fast and the boba tea is exceptionally great. However, the current gentleman who is taking people's orders is very rude, terse, and unhelpful. He gives off a very off-putting demeanor. Please either talk to him and have him change his attitude, or fire him and find a more emotionally intelligent replacement. Either way, it's not great for your business's growth if you allow this type of customer service. read more

Terrible customer service. Asked for half sugar and they put in full and refused to remake the drink. Every time I've visited the staff is rude. read more

First time here. I ordered the barley milk tea with small pearls. I like barley tea but have never tried barley MILK tea before, so I was caught off guard by the texture of the drink. Aside from the small pearls I added, it had something like dregs in it, akin to the texture of red bean toppings. Not sure if that's the norm for barley milk tea. It wasn't bad in terms of flavor (nothing outstanding about it either) but I couldn't get used to the texture so I personally wouldn't order this drink again. Pros: Service was extremely quick (possibly too quick given what I found in my drink...) By the time I had just put away my receipt, my drink was done. Employees were polite and efficient. The texture of the small pearls was good. Cons: I was already home when I got halfway through my drink and ended up getting a hard, somewhat malleable sliver of metal (harder than aluminum) in my mouth along with the boba and tea. Not sure what it is or how it managed to get in the drink, but it could be dangerous if swallowed, especially by children. Quality control should definitely be improved. I don't plan to return because of this. read more

Tapioca Express - Piece of metal (?) in drink - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

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This the best on their snack menu. Also I like avocado and oreo and taro milk tea here. Cash only and also they need to improve on their customer service here. read more

Tapioca Express - Chi chi fries - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

I have nothing but good things to say about tapioca express. Tapioca Express was a staple spot for me all throughout high school. The combo A was my go to order here and has never failed to satisfy my cravings. Their popcorn chicken is one of my favorite, if not my most favorite out of many boba shops. read more

Tapioca Express - Combo A (milk tea + popcorn chicken) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

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Great service and you cannot skip out on the pepper fries! I've been coming here since I was a student at Logan and the affordable pricing and tasty food have kept me coming back. Very comforting atmosphere and I wish they still had their army of vending machines. read more

Popcorn chicken, medium spicy, the crunch batter is really good, the chicken could use softer dark meat, taste is good.

I'm sorry but Tapioca Express has not failed me. I visit occasionally from the OC, and it's my go to in Union City. Yes, the customer service is not 5/5 but it's bearable. The first thought that came to my head when I saw the menu was "No way this place is going to be any good quality, they have too many drink options." Well, I was wrong. You can't go wrong with any of their milk teas. I don't know what it is, but their milk teas hit the spot ALMOND, COCONUT, THAI,...etc. Their tapioca/boba is nice and chewy. The normal ice level is great, you get a good quality drink for your BUCK!! read more

Tapioca Express - Coconut Milk Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

Honestly have been going here for 20+ years. This was my first boba spot when I was kid and I still continue to go here. Any drink and any snack I get is on point! Will continue to come here! read more

Tapioca Express - Bubble Black Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

Tapioca Express offers great affordability, making it an attractive option for boba enthusiasts. However, I found that the drinks tended to be on the overly sweet side, which could be a bit overwhelming. Despite this, the convenience of their pricing and quick service makes it a decent choice for a quick boba fix. If you prefer your drinks less sweet, you might want to adjust your order accordingly. The environment is a bit simple but cozy. read more

Tapioca Express - milk tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

This place has lines out the door due to the location. I agree with the negative reviews, the cashier is not very nice. I asked for a bag and she said ONE drink NO BAG! I'm a loyal customer and had walked 20 mins to the shop just for a boba. I wanted a bag to carry it back since I was holding other items. Even though I bought one drink I'm still a paying customer and I've been coming almost everyday. I pushed back and she reluctantly gave me one. I'm assuming she's the owner. Made me not want to go back. Boba is ok, but I like how it's within walking distance to me. read more

Quite a jam in a shopping mall. Lots of bubble tea flavors, shaved ice, smoothies, mocha... Only cash read more

Tapioca Express - Cashier - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Union City, California

enjoyed the drink !! ambiance could be improved but would come back since it is nostalgic to me