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Boba Express
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
15600 NE 8th StSte F13
(between N 156th Ave & S 159th Pl)
Bellevue, WA 98008
(425) 641-1165
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
54 reviews for Boba Express
Review Highlights
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"...have really good snacks: popcorn chicken, fried squid balls..." In 6 reviews -
"...Boba Express inside the Crossroads Mall probably provides..." In 4 reviews -
"Must remeber though to bring cash, right Zach." In 4 reviews
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54 reviews in English
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Review from Kevin W.
4/6/2012 3 photos
Yum, bubble tea from a food court at Crossroads Mall. Boba Express's food is simply delicious. I enjoyed everything I tried from here. It's nice that their food isn't tasteless like what you get from some similar places. It's just too bad that I kind of get a junk food vibe from this place. I mean it's good, but it's one of those things that you'd probably want to limit to only your snacks. Other than that, this store seems above average and is one of the better bubble tea places I've visited.
My first impression is that the prices look good. For the milk tea, it's $2.49 for a regular cup and $2.99 for a large. Okay, so they've managed to get their prices under three dollars. But it's 50 cents to add boba, and that's a bit higher than what a lot of the competition has to offer. They also have popcorn chicken, calamari, and squid ball snacks, so they have stuff beside bubble tea and smoothies. The service I got was okay, not too friendly but not terribly rude either. They seem to just be doing their job and don't appear thrilled about it.
Their menu seems to consist of a very short list of tea flavors and that's a bit disappointing. I ordered a Thai milk tea and was impressed both by its speed of delivery and flavor. It came out less than one minute after I ordered it and was super sweet! They also seem to have gotten the ratio of ice to drink perfectly; I like it when they're gone pretty much at the same time and that's what I got here.
I also got a popcorn chicken and calamari here because the reviews mentioned them. I imagined they would have these available right away for some reason, but they kept me waiting for a little over nine minutes, so it's a little like a normal restaurant and not the instant food I had assumed. The smell of these snacks immediately reminded me of Taiwanese night markets selling the same things, which I take to be a good sign. This store offers these items with varying levels of spiciness: mild, medium, or hot. I ordered hot and what I got was the spiciest level of food with which I am still comfortable, and the drink did a good job of cooling my mouth down!
On top of that, these snacks were very salty and I suspect that they're also caked in MSG. They taste very good, but that's about it. Probably not the healthiest thing in the world. I was also somewhat disappointed with how they gave these to me in small paper bags. Some of the pictures uploaded seem to show the snacks served on actual plates. I don't know whether they assumed I wanted everything to go or just forgot to ask, but it's not a big deal.
Overall, this place slightly exceeded my expectations. I was thinking that since there aren't a ton of other bubble tea stores nearby in direct competition with this one (as with the stores in the University District or International District in Seattle), they could afford to slack off, but that doesn't seem to be the case here. The location is rather convenient, and I don't mind it being part of a food court and not its own separate store. -
Review from Jacqueline T.
Bellevue, WA
5/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Don't go too adventurous on your flavors! Boba Express is good for their milk teas, and regular teas! Everything else tastes too fake and powdery.
And don't try to be cunning.. and have "popping boba" in your boba tea.. that just ain't right! -
Review from Kevin E.
2/8/2012
This is a dangerous location right across the street from my place of employment. Somehow I managed to not have bubble tea here for 10-months and then one day I wanted bubble tea and tried it. I have been back every week at least once or twice for a sweet cold or hot drink. The customer service is very good and the staff sure know how to handle a crowd. Check it out sometime and see how this place attracts business even during off hours whereas other places in the food court don't have one person waiting (except for $$$$bucks). I would so much rather support Boba Express than $$$$bucks anyday!
I like that they have a good number of flavors for milk tea and smoothies. They are a bit limited in the hot flavors so for that I'd recommend a visit to the International District in Seattle where I think Oasis has the best bubble tea.
I recently tried umeboshi flavor (plum) and it was much too salty for me. Eeeeewwww, I just threw up in my mouth thinking about it. But the better flavors include: almond, taro, lavender, original black milk tea, avocado, kiwi, green tea, etc. They are very generous with their tapioca whether you get a small or a large.
The one thing I don't like is that they won't let you use a credit/debit card for less than $4, which I do believe is illegal. But what can you do? It is what it is and no matter what day I go there...there's a continuous flow of people waiting for their bubble tea. They're doing something right! -
Review from Jayme T.
5/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
It took me forever to find this place because I wasn't expecting it to be inside a strip mall. The boba was cheap and standard. I ordered a jasmine milk tea with boba. I have no complaints but it wasn't anything special.
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Review from Stephanie N.
Seattle, WA
4/11/2012
Iced Taro Milk Tea with regular boba is the best! I've lived in Washington for the past 3 years, and Boba Express is one of my favorite places for Bubble Tea. My only pet peeve is when I have to wait to be helped while the staff is in their corner playing on their computer (even the older gentleman who works there doesn't notice customers waiting). I've noticed them not paying attention to the line of customers a few times now. But overall, the product is amazing, the service has room for improvement! I go to Cross Roads Mall just for the Bubble Tea...and maybe a trip to Michael's.
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Review from Jen B.
Seattle, WA
1/27/2012
Yay for Boba Express!
I've been going here with my family for years, and just re-discovered it while getting some supplies from JoAnn's.
PROS:
-The people who run this location are so sweet. They work really fast and I've always received good customer service.
-Although I stick to my usual, thai tea smoothie with boba, they have a huge selection!
-I can't recall ever having a bad bubble tea from this place. The boba is perfectly cooked, every time.
CON:
-Sometimes I feel awkward waiting for my tea in the middle of the food court, but hey what-er you gonna do.
In summary, if you're in the mood for bubble tea go to Boba Express and you shan't be disappointed! -
Review from Francis M.
Seattle, WA
9/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
When I think of Boba Express, I think of some great bubble tea. This is part of the Crossroads Mall, and for the price, you get a great drink. When the investigation calls for something sweet, bubble tea sounds like the perfect treat.
A drink runs somewhere between $3 - $4, which is quite reasonable. They offer a good array of flavors and styles, and the same goes for the Boba. I've tried the Lemon with Mango Boba and am very fond of it. Zach which did you try before? That's right, the Green Apple with normal Boba. I thought it was pretty good as well. You have good tastes, Zach.
Must remeber though to bring cash, right Zach? Below $5 and you'll have to pay a fee using a card. Do I sound too thrifty, Zach? -
Review from Dorothy C.
10/3/2011
Best bubble tea by far- not exaggerating.
Compared to my Toronto, ON standards... this place is exactly the same as my favourite bubble teas back home!
So I've had bubble tea from Uwajimaya, Boiling Point, cozy bubble tea, wow bubble tea, regeant bakery. I got green apple green tea from most of the places just to be fair (some didn't even know what that was... i should have taken that as a sign). I would NOT recommend any of them except for Cozy Bubble Tea in Redmond.
After trying Boba Express however, I think I'm going to be a pretty loyal customer. My bf and I ordered the Green Apple Green Tea and the Passion Fruit green tea. They were both amazing and reminded me of home. It was not too watery, powdery, or too sweet like the other ones and my first sip didn't hit me with a "wtf am I drinking?"/face scrunching/omg this is gross expression.
The major difference between choosing to go here as opposed to Cozy is that Boba Exp. has small sizes for $3.25 whereas Cozy only has 1 large size, which is way too much for me and actually makes me NOT want a bubble tea because I end up throwing half away.
I now miss home a little less and like washington a little more because I've finally found a bubble tea that will satisfy my weekly cravings :) -
Review from Janet T.
8/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm a boba fanatic, much so that I need my boba fix at least 3 times a week. Being back home in Seattle, luckily I was able to find a Boba store less than 3 miles from my parents house. Boba Express is located in the Crossroads mall in the food court.
Prices are whats expected from a Boba place $2.50 for a small and $3.00 for a large + $0.50 for boba or any other yummy thing that you wanted added. They have these delicious filled sweet juice boba that pops as you bite into it. I've never seen any Boba place have these so they're on top of their game. I almost always stick to the flavored ice tea boba but decided to try something new this time around and went for the almond milk tea boba which was amazingly refreshing and delish! -
Review from Kevin A.
Bellevue, WA
2/2/2012 12 Check-ins Here
So I was @xroad at Sunday till closing time studying. Then when the mall is closing and everyone is leaving, I suddenly had an urge to get jasmine green tea. Then I asked them, is it okay for you guys to make another cup 4 me? Then Andy said, make him one and give it for free. That's how good they were. Even at closing time, the still make 1 for me and for free. Lol.
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Review from Chevelle A.
Redmond, WA
10/31/2011 17 Check-ins Here
Best bubble tea on the eastside, hands down. I'm going to echo my review for Kent's Boba Express, but this one gets a 5 star.
The milk tea is the best I've had anywhere. I love it with and without boba. I plan on trying other flavored drinks as well.
The staff is very friendly. And the best part is, they do listen when we ask for no spice on the snacks (as opposed to the Kent location). So I can finally eat all the delicious snacks. The downside is sometimes they run out of snacks, but seeing as how this location gets busy real quick, it's not a surprise. My favorites are the chicken and calamari.
They also accept card, as long as it's over $5. Thank goodness for that, I pretty much bumped the Kent location from my to-go list. This is my new favorite location~ And they do give you a stamp card, as well as have check-in offers often! It's also a great location, since I can grab some boba and walk over to Half Price Books and peruse the good old' used finds!Comment from Peter L. of Boba Express 11/16/2011
We will definitely improve on having enough snack for… More » -
Review from Olga S.
Bellevue, WA
3/22/2012
Amazing place. Boba tea tastes great. They have an extensive menu with variety of milk teas, boba teas, juices, etc. I wish they had more locations!
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Review from Jamie O.
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
BOBA!!!!! Hands down best Boba around unless you wanna drive to Southcenter and get boba at Big Orange. Boba Express is inside Crossroads mall, by JoAnn's crafts. No powdered junk will be found here, thank goodness! What I love too is in addition to the regular tapioca balls is they have jelly and juice balls! Juicy balls! Mmmmm. My fav is the Peach Black Tea.
Good to note is you can't use a debit card unless you meet a minimum purchase... which I think is like $5 or $6, so bring cash if need be. -
Review from Alan P.
Issaquah, WA
9/8/2011
The Boba Express inside the Crossroads Mall probably provides the best bubble tea drinks in the Puget Sound area! My favorite order is a large Jasmine Milk Tea with large tapioca balls. Their tapioca is fresh, sweet and has just the right 'chewiness'. Also, we ask to get our drinks with 1/2 the amount of sugar they would normally put in it and they are pretty good about doing that - attentive, fast & friendly service!
Some things to note: They open after 11am, but it's best to arrive around 12pm or later so you don't have to wait for them to prepare their large tapioca balls (they seem to be the most popular item to add into their drinks). But don't get there too late in the day, because they are known to run out of their large tapioca balls by then! It's best to bring cash when you order, however any order above ~$5 (I think) you can use a credit or debit card. Finally, if you get their punch card, after 10 drinks you get 1 free drink!Comment from Peter L. of Boba Express 9/12/2011
Thanks Alan! Our minimum is now reduced to $4.00! More » -
Review from Joyce J.
6/22/2011
I went to this place because I saw a bunch of people at Crossroads with orange "Love Taiwan" t-shirts on drinking boba from this place. While being from CA, I am a bit of a boba snob (even after when I use my American standard), this place is agreeable enough with its quality of boba. You can do half sugar, no ice...etc., the same type of boba lingo they have in Taiwan (where boba was invented), and customize the drink to your liking.
My other friend from CA and I were discussing about how there are no good boba places in Seattle while we debated what to get. The cashier was really nice and gave us samples of the different tea. I ultimately settled on a regular jasmine green tea boba with half sugar and no ice. I was reasonable satisfied with it as it beats all the other boba-wanna-be places in Capitol Hill. Would definitely go again if I am near by. For every ten purchases, you get 1 free drinks. -
Review from Kaitlin F.
Redmond, WA
6/9/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Man, I don't know why it's so hard to find good bubble tea on the Eastside. The place at Factoria is so far the best, but this place just jumped up a notch for me. When I used to come here and ask for a green apple blended, it would be the powder and milk variety, which I really hate. But I have been having a craving lately, so when I stopped by Crossroads to run some errands, I just had to go get me some.
BTW, minimum purchase for debit/credit is 5 bucks, or you have to pay a 50 cents fee (which is more than the max that retailers have to pay in the states, so Ripoff!!), so bring your cash!
I saw that they have watermelon juice, which I used to loove back in chinatown in NYC, so I went for that with boba. It turns out that they also do have the syrup, so i could totally do a green tea/green apple syrup/blended with ice deal. Huzzah! Cuz their boba are pretty good. Will definitely be back now! -
Review from Sharon H.
5/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Reminds me a lot of the Tapioca Express chain down in SoCal. I've been here a few times for jasmine milk tea w/boba + popcorn chicken. been very satisfied both times. i agree with others- best boba & milk tea in the area. this is the good stuff. this is the authentic stuff.
really fast service too! -
Review from Dorene S.
3/23/2011
A little hard to find - you have to park and go INTO the Crossroads shopping mall. They're located at the Food Court next to the stage. The Boba's are cooked perfectly - just the right soft chew in them. I would have liked more Green Tea powder for my Jasmine Green Tea but all in all, I love the drink because it's not too sweet. My Taiwanese friend also loves their Black Tea Boba - enough to buy 3 - 4 cups at a time to bring back to Portland with us!!
KPI (Key Performance Indicators) ratings (1-5, 5 - best):
Quality: 4
Delivery/Service: 3
Cost: 4 -
Review from Nathan l.
Bellevue, WA
12/27/2011
I was really satisfied with the taste of the bubble tea here. Very authentic and very quick service. The popcorn chicken here is amazing too. I've been to a fair amount of bubble tea locations and for a bubble tea location in Eastside, this is the best you can get. The owner there is very nice and the employees are quick with making your drink. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants to try authentic bubble tea made right.
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Review from Nisha A.
Bellevue, WA
9/23/2011
Love boba express, been coming here for years. It's def my neighborhood bubble tea spot. The drinks are generally delicious, and not too expensive. The snacks are good too. My favorites are the jasmine green tea and honey milk tea. If you want something extra sweet, I recommend taro milk tea.
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Review from Krista U.
3/25/2011
I've gone to many bubble tea places and have had good/iffy experiences at all of them. But I've had the most good experiences here! I usually get the Jasmine Milk Tea because it has just the right amount of sweetness and flavor. Yummm!
When I'm at home, this is my favorite bubble tea place because there really aren't that many around Bellevue. When I'm at school, I usually go to Oasis! Don't forget your punch card at both places! -
Review from Mia H.
Rock Hill, SC
5/25/2011
Boba Express probably has the best bubble tea in the greater Seattle area! My favorite drinks are the yogurt green tea, honey green tea, watermelon smoothie, pudding green milk tea, or just the simple black tea or green tea are delicious too! The tapioca they have there is the best I've ever had, so chewy and sweet!
Also they have really good snacks: popcorn chicken, fried squid balls, fried tempera, fried tofu so good so good!!!
Too bad I moved to another state, but when I go back to visit Seattle, Boba Express is definitely going to be one of the first places I'll hit up! -
Review from Chris a.
Bellevue, WA
12/2/2011
the best smoothies in Bellevue, I go here when I need my boba fix. staff is friendly and quick service. I tried the the cozy bubble tea that opened recently, not impressed, it was just flavored ice. and expensive. boba tea is the best in bellevue
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Review from Jacob W.
Sammamish, WA
4/21/2011
Best bubble tea stop on the Eastside! Drinks come in small or large with your choice of an assortment of jellies or boba. My favorites include regular milk tea with boba, taro milk tea, honey green tea and passion fruit green tea.
Located inside Crossroads Mall in the food court
Wish they were open later! -
Review from Karen L.
Updated - 12/9/2010
After returning some books to Library Connections, I decided to treat myself to some boba. I ordered a regular sized taro milk tea with small boba, with no ice. The girl who was making my drink was too busy chit chatting with her coworker and she added ice to my drink, right after she asked me, "No ice, right?" She realized her mistake and made me another drink, but the second one had a huge chunk of boba! I didn't realize this until after I left, so unfortunately, I could not get a replacement. The cup was literally filled halfway with boba, and that wouldn't be so bad if the boba wasn't in one huge chunk! I was very unhappy about that. It also made me realize their boba isn't very yummy either. I love boba places that actually flavor their boba.
Nonetheless, the taro milk tea was delicious and it really hit the spot, though my cup was filled with boba that I eventually threw away. I was not happy about my experience, but this is the closest boba place to my house, so I guess I have to settle!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/25/2010
We came here to grab some boba after dinner, and we got here just in time because they were closing… Read more »
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Review from Michael J.
Seattle, WA
I absolutely loved the service and everything looked fresh, I ordered a coconut blinded tea with tapioca pearls and my coworker went with the Taro with pearls. Once our orders were up there was a array of colorful fat boy straws to choice from. I went with the pastel pink straw because it matched my polo shirt I had on that day. So right off the bat had to taste my bubble tea because I had read a ton of reviews on this place and the feedback from the yelp crowd was check this place out, meaning this could be the go too spot for bubble tea with the pearls of course. So with my first taste I was instantly hooked it was not to sweet or under sweet it was just right. After the initial taste it was game time, I think I set a record for how fast someone could polish off bubble tea and the pearls without the brain freeze LOL jk. But seriously, I was like Mike Tyson back when he was knocking people out in seconds before the ear biting. I felt like a little kid who continues to sips on the ice after he or she is done with there drink just annoy there parents " that's a back hand for my back in the day people " . But over all this place was worth it and I have sense been back. I love me some bubble tea and of course the pearls.
P.S. I would also like to add that my first drinking bubble tea from this place also had my stomach do jumping jacks afterwards. So lets just say I had to make a pit stop LOL.
I hope everyone enjoys this post. -
Review from Arry Y.
1/26/2010 7 Check-ins Here
Love it.
I've been seriously committed to turning everyone I work with (clients and colleagues) into boba sucking pods. Puahahahaha... Watch out!
I always get the jasmine milk tea with boba. Most of my boba sucking pods get that too.
They have other good flavors too that are hits with the pods - honey dew, coffee, mint, etc....
It's in the Crossroads mall - park by the Half Priced Books store - walk in the main entrance - walk to the back of the mall and you'll see the place on your left.
Need one of these in downtown Bellevue, damnit! -
Review from Aline P.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 9/11/2009
Some kid acquainted with the management of this place sent me a very nasty private message, telling me to "calm the fu*k down", to think about my "bit*hass attitude", and I should do myself and everyone a favor to "SHUT THE FU*K UP"
What's next? Henchmen knocking on my door? All because I gave what I thought was an honest review? Even though my review was negative, I actually still came here solely because there weren't any other boba joints in the vicinity. I will never come here again. Watch out, if you write a negative review, some hot-headed kid may message you to "SHUT THE FU*K UP".
Give me a break...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/25/2008
What the fuck. How can you mess up bubble tea? Way overpriced and the flavored bubble tea just… Read more »
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Review from Jason C.
5/27/2008
The tapioca balls are far too sweet.
Not accepting credit cards is like saying "we don't want your money that badly".
Just a sourly disappointing Boba experience, I have no intention of returning. -
Review from Selena B.
Bellevue, WA
8/5/2007
Okay, I admit I'm not Bubble Tea Pro, but I like to treat myself to every so often.
This place in Crossroads surprised me.
I ordered my usual Taro Smoothie with Boba and got a good drink!! Probably the most decent one I've had on the Eastside. The staff were very quick (they had handled a 10 drink order before my in a very smooth manner), and seemed to be more helpful than other snooty boba waiters who find themselves having to explain their drink to.. a white person!!
Either way it was good, well priced and the best you can pick from 2 sizes!!! I always go for the small since the larges make me feel very very full. -
Review from Izzy H.
Seattle, WA
2/9/2008
I frequent Crossroads pretty often to go to Tanpopo for their chicken yakisoba and I've watched my friends come here but I've never really inspired to actually order anything from there.
The other day I decided that since the extra five dollars was burning a hole in my pocket (cash tends to do that to me, i just have to spend it on food) so i gave it a try.
It should have been a tip off when my fobby (forgive me, hun) but gorgeously handsome friend David swore by their popcorn chicken and bubble tea. It tastes exactly like the ones in Taiwan, he insisted.
Boy, was he right.
I have to let you guys know that, honestly, the bubble tea in Taiwan (I think?) is a little different from the ones here. Its not half as sweet (the regular milk tea that is) and it has a weird little kick to it - not sweet but not bitter - just significantly different enough to make you go [ oh! ]
I have to agree though, I don't think their tapioca is any good - but I adore the egg pudding and I love even more the popcorn chicken. They package it just like they do on the street markets in Taiwan and smells and tastes exactly like the way it should - the food that is, not the packaging. (oh, its nothing like the popcorn chicken @ KFC just an fyi. Its more heavily spiced and tastes a little more like a mini dish you get @ a chinese restaurant)
At any rate, its nothing stellar compared to the likes of Oasis and Gossip in either the I-district or the Ave, but you know its a helluva lot better than any of the other crap they serve on the Eastside. -
Review from Kat R.
2/3/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Boba? Yes please!
This place never fails to make me happy. I usually order green tea with honey and boba. Sometimes, the black tea with honey and boba or, if i'm feeling hyper and can't have more caffeine, the papaya milk tea with boba.
I've been drinking boba since I was 13. So, believe me, I *know* good boba -- 15 years of solid boba drinking (in Hawaii it was originally called "momi") all over the country. I've had some good, some bad, and some completely awful (Here's looking at you icky boba place in SF!).
BUT! This one is great! I highly recommend it. Word to the wise, Cash only!
** Just going to let you know, I *like* my boba sweet. I'm a sugar freak. If you're not into that, you may want to look elsewhere. But its never been *too* sweet.
Also, the balls are perfectly cooked. (most of the time). I hate balls of mush. Euw! I also hate flavorless boba, small boba, and HARD boba. YUCK!
Yah, the drinks can be on the sweeter side, but believe me, you haven't had bad boba until you tried OLD HARD BOBA BALLS. GROSS! -
Review from Aaron L.
Bothell, WA
1/16/2009
I don't go out of my way for drinks usually, but if I am within a short distance, I will always stop in to grab a drink here. I really dislike crossroads mall, nothing really of interest except this place.
I haven't tried the bubble tea, but for the last 5 years I have been getting a Strawberry Banana smoothie (no tapioca - there is something about balls in my drinks I don't really care for :P ).
The only problem with this drink is that it is just too good! I can almost down a large before I make it back to the car. As others pointed out, they only accept cash (no biggie, who doesn't have 3 bucks in there pocket), and the girls are nice and friendly, but the guy does seem a little irritated to have to work.
There is never a line more than a few people if there is one at all which is good. price is cheap and their smoothie rocks, overall its a pretty good place. -
Review from Mike L.
8/21/2010
If anyone thinks that the fruit smoothies at Boba Express or any other "Bubble Tea" joint that uses powder is good, then you really need to do yourself a favor and go taste REAL Bubble Tea.
I've lived in Tacoma and as far up north as Lynnwood and Everett. Bubble Island in Lakewood and Pochi in Lynnwood are the two best places for Boba in all of Western Washington. Don't believe me, go try it for yourself. Both places uses REAL fruit. Boba Express uses fruit powder and it just takes DISGUSTING! We moved to the Eastside not long ago and have been searching all over the area for some good Boba. Everyone on the Eastside that claims to make Bubble Tea uses powders that give this nasty metallic after taste. Do yourself and your palate a favor and go to a REAL Bubble Tea joint that uses REAL fruit such as Pochi and/or Bubble Island.
Places like Boba Express give Bubble Tea a bad rep, and if you do end up liking it, you're missing out on what the real deal is.Comment from Peter L. of Boba Express 9/24/2010
I apologize for not having myself and employees explain our… More » -
Review from Amanda K.
Mercer Island, WA
9/1/2010
The only time when I come to Crossroads is for the traditional movie gathering with ECCC, to get hair cuts, or to eat at Pho Than Brothers.
In the Crossroads Mall is a Boba Express. It is one of their shops in the food court. I've only come here once or twice. I like their bubble more so than other places in Seattle, but I've had one other place that does it better. The lychee jelly is a good choice here!
Taiwanese popcorn chicken is pretty legit here. -
Review from Rebecca F.
Bellevue, WA
3/11/2011
This "bubble drink" place is located in the Crossroads Mall. I am a huge fan of black milk tea with boba (if done correctly) and it was such a disappointment when I had it here. First, they were out of "large" boba and they asked if small boba would be okay; I agreed and ended up with these tiny slimy balls in my tea (exactly as gross as it sounds); I jokingly call bubble drinks "a drink you can chew" and this had no chewing involved. The tea itself was overly sweet and really didn't have any dimension of flavor (i.e. it was one-note, that note being SWEET from sugar). As much as I love bubble drinks, I always pass on having one at the Crossroads Mall... and I honestly was excited to try it there at first :(
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Review from Giang H.
Bellevue, WA
7/12/2010
Boba Express is located in the Crossroads shopping mall and is a popular spot for a refreshing drink. Too bad it's not located outside of the mall or else I'd be drinking more boba.
Thumbs Up:
- Is the only place I know of that offers lychee juice filled boba, basically a clear, lychee 'skin' with lychee juice inside.
- Friendly, fast service. The fella at the cash register even sold me on the new boba types and recommended new flavors to go with my drink order.
Thumbs Down:
- Charges for credit card orders less than $5. Not a fan of any restaurant that charges for credit card payments as I believe the restaurant should incur the cost of doing business with a credit card holding customer. -
Review from Kat L.
3/6/2010
I was really craving an icy Boba after along day at the dog park with my pup. I wanted to try some place new and didn't want to go far for it. I had my mind set on either a watermelon or strawberry papaya. Boba Express was the closest one. They don't have a big selection of flavors and watermelon was not one of their offerings. They did have strawberry and papaya, but papaya was only available as a smoothie. I was really thirsty and didn't want to debate on an icy flavor so I went with it. I wish I didn't. It wasn't horrible, but it defiantly had an artificial taste. My boyfriend got a grape lychee icy, it was really good! I drank more of his then my own.
On the plus side, price was good, $7 for two regular size bobas with jellies and they were really fast at making it! -
Review from Elisabeth P.
Seattle, WA
9/19/2010
I stumbled upon this place while looking for a good Boba place that wasn't downtown Seattle. It's a little tough to find (located inside the food court in Crossroads tucked away next to JoAnn Fabrics) but it's well worth the search.
They offer drinks from traditional milk tea, to fruit milk tea as well as smoothies. They also offer not only Boba (tapioca) to be put in your drink but various fruit jellies as well as popping lychee (basically a thin skin with lychee juice inside).
The price was descent and the flavor was great although a tad on the sweet side. I've had Boba all over the Asia and Boba Express didn't disappoint. -
Review from Charles S.
Bellevue, WA
7/23/2009
I'm giving this one more star than it deserves, but only because it's the only boba place on the Eastside. It gets a star by default.
Nothing too special about the boba drinks here. They're not exceptionally good, just average, mediocre. And sometimes, that's a good thing.
If you're in the area and feel thirsty, this isn't a bad choice.
I conclude this review with my powerful quote.
"Some boba places are born mediocre; some boba places achieve mediocrity; other boba places have mediocrity thrust upon them. "
-- me
