Whenever I go to a new city for math travel, no matter how terrible the boba scene is, I make sure to research the best one I can find and rate it!
I use the S-A-B-C-D-E-F rating system (no comment on the incorrect fruit rankings in the picture). "S" means the boba was life-changing (like Boba Guys lychee rose black tea). "A" means that I would recommend to a friend and return again. "B" means I might go again, if there's no better options (depending on how hard the boba cravings hit). "C" means it was average, nothing to write home about, and probably not worth visiting. "D" means that I actively did not enjoy it and won't go again. "E" means it was borderline undrinkable. "F" means it was undrinkable and I wouldn't recommend to my worst enemy.
Keep in mind that although my opinions about boba are strong and I've been drinking it since I was 5 years old so I am kind of an expert, you may feel differently. Keep in mind also that I am very cheap, so cost is definitely a factor.
CUPP (Bristol, UK): B. Had some interesting flavors (I tried the cherry blossom one) and very considerate of dietary restrictions. But it was kind of watery, and way too sweet. I got 30 percent sugar, but it tasted like 100 percent sugar!
Bobo Tea (Fribourg, Switzerland): A-. Solid boba with great non-dairy milk options! Owners are Chinese, which is a good sign. Price was not ideal, which is why I gave it an A- instead of an A, but then again, it's Switzerland.
Le C's Patisserie (Madison, WI): A. Best boba spot in Madison. It's expensive, but treat yourself you deserve it even in this economy!
Sencha (Madison, WI): B. Love-hate relationship honestly. The Starbucks of boba shops. You can get a PSL with boba, which is a huge red flag. But it gets a B for being a good place to work and staying open late.
Whale Tea (Newport News, VA): A-. Chain (there was one in New Haven, CT too!) with very solid drinks. Very pleasantly surprised to find one in a small place like Newport News. I only gave it an A- instead of an A because it was really expensive.
The Alley (Toronto, Ontario, Canada): A. Really solid chain that I've been to multiple times since leaving Toronto. Open (relatively) late.
Kung Fu Tea (Waltham, MA): C+. I knew what I was getting into so this one is kind of on me, but it gets a plus sign for having non-dairy milk options (take notes, KFT Madison) and being cheaper than many other places.
Daboba (Chicago, IL): A. Really solid chain in Chinatown. I have a weakness for strawberry flavored drinks, and they definitely delivered.
Sweet Dots (Nashville, TN): C. You could tell it was made from powder instead of actual tea, which is a huge faux pas in the world of boba. But my seminar hosts definitely get an A+! Shoutout to Spencer and Anna Marie (and everyone else who came with me!).
Teahouse (Houston, TX): D+. Powdery, sugary, artificial-tasting drinks. It's mind-boggling to me that Houstonians love this place (probably because a lot of them don't know any better). I like how they had plenty of seating, and it was the only place that could accommodate our bigger group, so it gets a plus sign.