Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Tea & Others – San Francisco
Tea & Others - San Francisco
Photo from Tea & Others
Tea & Others at a glance
San Francisco North of Panhandle
- 🍜 Taiwanese Restaurant
$
Price per Person $1–$10
mentioned by 20 of the guests
#1432 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Taiwanese Restaurant out of 14 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
223
Reviews
71.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious drinks
- Cute ambiance
- Easy ordering
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- No seating
- Poor value
The restaurant Tea & Others, a delightful Taiwanese Restaurant in San Francisco’s North of Panhandle neighborhood, invites you to discover a unique culinary experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in a world of authentic flavors, complemented by a truly great tea selection that sets this spot apart.
It’s a perfect destination when you’re craving traditional Taiwanese dishes and a perfectly brewed cup.
Overview: Introducting Tea & Others
Tea & Others offers a delightful experience, particularly for those seeking quality beverages. Customers often praise the delicious drinks and the wide array of customization options.
The overall atmosphere is often described as cute and welcoming, making it a pleasant spot for a quick stop. However, some aspects could use refinement.
While ordering is generally easy, there have been comments about inconsistent customer service and occasional longer waits. The limited operating hours and lack of indoor seating are also points to consider for your visit.
Good
7.2
out of 10
223
Reviews
71.7%
Satisfaction
50
negative
13
neutral
160
positive
Overall, Tea & Others earns a solid 7.2, reflecting a generally good experience for many. This is supported by a 71.7% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most visitors leave content.
With 223 total opinions, including 160 positive remarks versus 50 negative ones, there’s a clear leaning towards positive sentiment. The standout here is undoubtedly the Food (7.6), particularly the diverse and well-received drinks.
Service (6.9) is generally good, though some experiences vary. The Ambience (6.0) is considered average, offering a pleasant but perhaps not exceptional setting.
However, Value (4.9) appears to be a weaker point, suggesting some feel portions or pricing could be better.
What people like
- Delicious, diverse drinks
- Cute, calming ambiance
- Easy ordering, loyalty
What people don't like
- Inconsistent customer service
- Limited seating, no restrooms
- Value for portions
Tea & Others, with a 7.6 recommendation score, is a solid choice if you’re primarily seeking quality beverages and a pleasant, albeit quick, experience. Their extensive drink menu and customizable options are a definite draw, making it worth a visit for tea enthusiasts.
However, be mindful of the potential for varied service and the lack of indoor seating or restrooms. If you prioritize a quick, delicious drink to go in a charming setting, this spot could be a good fit.
For a longer, sit-down experience, you might need to adjust your expectations.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Taiwanese Restaurant
7.9
out of 10
out of 10
207
80.7%
- $
- Sunset District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Taiwanese Restaurant
7.5
out of 10
out of 10
285
76.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Taiwanese Restaurant
7.1
out of 10
out of 10
274
71.5%
- $
- Richmond District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Taiwanese Restaurant
6.4
out of 10
out of 10
129
58.9%
- $
- Union Square
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Taiwanese Restaurant
6.4
out of 10
out of 10
250
60%
- $
- Dogpatch
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Taiwanese Restaurant
6.2
out of 10
out of 10
236
58.9%
- $
- Sunset District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Tea & Others
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the drinks, this spot is largely hitting the mark! With a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.4%, its clear many are enjoying the experience. Guests rave about the "creative drinks, " "quality ingredients, " and "fresh ingredients, " often noting that they are "not too sweet" and feature "chewy boba.
" This positive sentiment is echoed in 123 positive remarks out of 159 total. However, not every sip is perfect. Some customers have found drinks to be "watered down" or noted "small portion sizes" for the price.
A few also mentioned "tasteless cream" or an odd flavor from "paper straws. " These concerns, though fewer in number with 27 negative opinions, suggest theres still a little room for improvement.
Food
159
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
27
negative
9
neutral
123
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative drink options
- High quality ingredients
- Perfectly chewy boba
What people don't like
- Drinks taste watered down
- Small portion sizes
- Tasteless cream topping
Often praised
- bobaMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to have the best boba in the neighborhood. They offer a much wider selection of teas, toppings and customizations compared to other places like Boba Guys.
- drinksIt was so popular that we didn’t even get a chance to try one ourselves as they ran out so quickly due to high demand. This is a testament to how delicious and perfect the drinks were on a warm day. While it's logistically challenging to deliver cold drinks at the right time, ensuring the ice doesn't dilute the drink and the boba isn't pre-frozen (which damages quality), Tea and Others did an amazing job.
- sweetnessA notable detail was how they filled our drinks to the brim, to the point of spilling due to the lid type. I appreciated the ability to choose ice level, sweetness, and type of milk for my milk tea. Additionally, they have a loyalty program to collect points, which is a nice perk.
- teaDelicious, fresh tea quickly prepared!
- matchasuper impressed by their matcha, doesn't taste too sweet
- strawberry matcharegular milk tea and strawberry matcha at 50% sweetness were a huge hit
- Taro Matcha Lattegot the Taro Matcha Latte with boba which was good
- boba placesI think Tea and Others might be one of my favorite boba places in the city. I have such a hard time finishing my drinks sometimes, but at Tea & Others, I have never had that problem.
- boba spotGreat little boba spot
- bubble teaeveryone at the wedding raved about the bubble tea
Frequently criticized
- portion sizesvery small portion sizes in relation to price
- teaThe tea was mediocre
- Crema Peach OolongThe crema wasn't smooth (wasn't blended well). Tea was average.
- Lil’ GiraffeI wouldn’t recommend the Lil’ Giraffe
- Mango frappeMango frappe is not recommended as it had too many chunks of ice
- aloe toppingseemed like a very small amount so not worth it
- boba optionsbored with other mass produced boba options
- boba pearlsthey didn’t have any flavor on their own
- creamthe cream was tasteless
- cup sizeThe cup was tiny
If you're seeking innovative and high-quality boba drinks with fresh ingredients, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some find the portion sizes a bit small, and occasionally, drinks might miss the mark on flavor intensity.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to service, youll find a lot to like! With a solid 6.9 score, its clear many appreciate the experience. Customers often praise the kind staff and fast service, noting how drinks come out quickly and ordering is a breeze, sometimes even via iPad.
Based on 18 positive remarks out of 27 total, the team is frequently described as wonderful, friendly, and efficient, making for a pleasant visit. However, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction at 66.7%. While many have great experiences, 8 negative comments highlight areas for improvement.
Some found the customer service lacking or even rude, and a few mentioned a longer-than-expected wait. The short hours and early closing times were also a point of frustration for some, impacting the overall customer experience.
Service
27
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Fast service
- Easy ordering
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Longer wait times
- Early closing hours
Often praised
- servicetheir service is outstanding
- staffNice, welcoming and professional staff
- DrinksDrinks always come out pretty fast
- ServiceService:5
- deliverylogistically challenging delivering drinks... Tea and Others did such an amazing job
- iPad orderingordered from an iPad, I liked that it had photos
- kind staffwith kind staff
- loyalty programthey also have the loyalty program
- minuteAlthough the wait was a tiny bit longer than expected, I witnessed my matcha being made from scratch right in front of me. The quality is insanely good, making it well worth every penny and every minute spent waiting.
- orderingOrdering was easy
Frequently criticized
- customer servicethe customer service sucks
- closing timeI'm surprised more people in the neighborhood don't know about it. My only significant gripe is how early it closes. I usually have my group out for tea later, and 6 pm or 7 pm is a little on the early side.
- customer experienceI wish they tried a little harder for a better customer experience
- menumenu was a little hard to understand
- short hoursShort hours, hopefully they stay open longer
- staffadian middle part man was rude and racist
- waitThe wait is a tiny bit longer than expected
If you're looking for generally friendly and efficient service, especially for a quick stop or easy ordering, this place is worth checking out. However, be mindful of potential longer waits or early closing times, as customer service can be inconsistent for some.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot has a lot going for it! Customers frequently praise its unique atmosphere, often highlighting the cute Dino theme and decor and vibes. Many find it a welcoming and bright boba shop, making good use of its space, even if it's just for a quick stop.
With 15 positive remarks out of 26 total, the vibe is generally seen as a pleasant one, contributing to an average score of 6. However, there are some clear areas for improvement. A significant point of contention, mentioned in 8 observations, is the lack of indoor seating, with some noting that even outdoor seating was removed or closed off.
The absence of accessible restrooms also comes up, leading to a strictly take-out experience for many. This contributes to a mixed customer satisfaction of 57.7%, suggesting that while the look is appealing, the practical comfort could be better.
Ambience
26
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute Dino theme
- Unique decor, vibes
- Bright, welcoming ambiance
What people don't like
- No indoor seating
- Restrooms unavailable
- Seating removed
Often praised
- Dino themecute boba shop with Dino theme
- ambianceA welcoming and bright ambiance
- atmospherethe atmosphere is calming
- boba shopReally cute boba shop with Dino theme
- cuteeverything is so cute
- decor and vibesThe decor and vibes are super cute!
- interior and designsInterior and designs in the store were cool
- menuThe menu on the wall is nicely laid out
- parklet with bench seatingThey offer a much wider selection of teas, toppings and customizations compared to other places like Boba Guys. While there's no indoor seating, it's conveniently located right next to a parklet with bench seating and tables, making it easy to enjoy your drink outdoors.
- shopI came in because this shop looks super cute!
Frequently criticized
- seatingThey were very good and more generous than we expected, especially considering some of the comments. However, we couldn't sit down, which the photos suggested was possible, and there are no restrooms. It's strictly a take-out experience.
- restroomsThey were very good and more generous than we expected, especially considering some of the comments. However, we couldn't sit down, which the photos suggested was possible, and there are no restrooms. It's strictly a take-out experience.
- indoor seatingNo indoor seating
- seating sectionThe one seating section is closed off for storage
- vibethere’s no vibe here
If youre looking for a quick, cute spot with a unique Dino theme for a grab-and-go drink, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere. However, if youre hoping to sit down, relax, or need restroom access, you might find it disappointing as its primarily a take-out experience.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.9. While the overall customer satisfaction for value sits at a rather poor 36.4%, some customers still find bright spots. Based on 4 positive opinions, some feel its worth every penny due to quality, noting it can be cheaper than rivals, especially with 25% off deals.
However, the majority of the 7 negative opinions highlight concerns. Many find items very expensive or feel the portion-to-price ratio is off, with small portion sizes. There are also mentions of prices on kiosk not matching, leading to confusion about the overall cost.
Value
11
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality justifies price
- Cheaper than rivals
- Good discount offers
What people don't like
- Quite expensive
- Portions too small
- Inconsistent kiosk prices
Often praised
- 25% offget 25% off the entire order
- cheaperit’s a lot cheaper than boba guys
- pennyAlthough the wait was a tiny bit longer than expected, I witnessed my matcha being made from scratch right in front of me. The quality is insanely good, making it well worth every penny and every minute spent waiting.
- priceso the price isn’t bad either.
Frequently criticized
- pricesmall portion sizes in relation to price
- portion-to-price ratiofair portion-to-price ratio
- prices on kioskPrices on kiosk don’t match wall
- traditional bobasurprise they didn’t already come with the traditional boba
If you prioritize quality and can snag a discount, you might find the value acceptable. However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and smaller portions, as many customers feel it's not always worth the cost.
How are the prices at Tea & Others?
On average, you’ll spend around 7 per person – based on 20 guests. That places this Taiwanese spot in the $1–$10 category. For a Taiwanese Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s quite budget-friendly!
Most diners (17 out of 20) kept it super affordable, staying within the $1–$10 range, with only a few spending a bit more. This shows prices really cluster around the lower end.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 20 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels incredibly fair for a Taiwanese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers great value for those looking for an affordable and tasty meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tea & Others
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Drinks are good, but no vibe
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the drinks were good, there was a distinct lack of vibe. The only seating area was closed off for storage, and ordering was done via a screen.
I wish they had put more effort into creating a better customer experience.
- drinks7
- vibe2
- seating section2
- customer experience3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Horrible Service and Watered-Down Drinks
My experience at this restaurant was horrible. The customer service was terrible, with a staff member described as a 'middle part man' being rude and racist. He made side comments about my black friend.
The drinks were also terrible, with 75% of them being water, making it impossible to taste any milk or matcha. I do not recommend coming here.
- customer service1
- staff1
- drinks2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Delicious Taro Matcha and Boba
My experience was centered around the Taro Matcha, which I rated a perfect 10/10. The boba itself was also noteworthy, possessing a wonderfully satisfying texture and delicious flavor, tasting freshly made.
- Taro Matcha10
- boba9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
7
Sweet Taro, Price Discrepancy
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The Taro was a bit sweet, but still yummy. I noticed that the prices on the kiosk did not match the prices on the wall.
I believe the cost for this was around 7. 25.
- Taro6
- prices on kiosk2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Delicious Matcha Latte with Custom Sweetness
My experience at the restaurant was centered around a basic matcha latte, which I found to be absolutely delicious. I particularly appreciated the ability to customize the level of sweetness, allowing for a personalized taste. The food received a high rating of 5, while service was rated 4, and atmosphere a 1.
- matcha latte9
- level of sweetness8
What Tea & Others offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
What convenient service options does Tea & Others provide for its customers?
Tea & Others offers several convenient service options to cater to your needs. You can enjoy no-contact delivery, traditional delivery, or easily pick up your order with their takeout service, ensuring flexibility for your dining experience.
Is Tea & Others accessible for all guests, and what payment methods are accepted?
Yes, Tea & Others ensures accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, welcoming all guests. For your convenience, they accept a variety of payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
How does Tea & Others generally rate among customers?
Tea & Others holds a good overall score of 7.2, with 71.7% customer satisfaction. Its Food (7.6) is highly regarded, while Service (6.9) is generally good. The Ambience (6.0) is considered average, and Value (4.9) is an area for improvement.
What are the main draws of Tea & Others?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and diverse drink selection, especially the boba and matcha. The shop also offers a cute, welcoming atmosphere with a unique Dino theme, making it an appealing spot for a quick visit.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Tea & Others?
Some customers have noted inconsistent service and early closing times. There’s also a lack of indoor seating and restrooms, making it primarily a take-out experience. Additionally, some feel the portion-to-price ratio could be better.