Honeybear Boba
★★★★☆ 4.2 (226) • $$
"When I think of neighborhoods in SF that are home to some tasty boba shops, Dogpatch isn't really the first that comes to mind. The Richmond and Sunset are usually at the top of the list, given just the plethora of options available, but I'm starting to realize this part of the city deserves more consideration! While the number of places to choose from aren't nearly as plentiful, the ones that I've tried here (and in the immediate vicinity) have all been so good! Boba Guys over on 16th (just on the edge of Potrero Hill) is probably the best in the area, and Little Sweet is always a great go-to for me. However, having been to Honeybear Boba a few times now, it looks like I have another to add to the rotation!Compared to other boba shops, Honeybear Boba is rather unassuming. In lieu of the bright, trendy, IG-driven aesthetic others employ, the decor here is a bit simpler and more subdued. That being said, their drink menu is still rather impressive. While they don't offer any sorts of food/snacks, the drinks are interesting, ranging from classic sorts of milk teas, fruity teas, and cremas to slushes, lemon-based drinks, and a handful of house specialties. Similarly, their selection of toppings lacks more unique offerings, like agar and popping boba, but it has all of the staples along with milk substitutes in soy and oat milks.-- WINTERMELON GREEN TEA...$5.25 (16oz)My friend who suggested Honeybear Boba recommended this one to me, but I thought it was just okay. For me, the taste of the wintermelon was rather subtle, so this felt more like a dark colored green tea with a slight aftertaste to it. I can see why she likes it, but it's (literally) not my cup of tea.-- STRAWBERRY MATCHA LATTE...$5.75 (16oz)Quite simply, one of the best I've ever had. Getting this 50% sweet was perfect, as the strawberries at the bottom were a bit intense. However, after mixing it, the overall sweetness was just right and the ratio of matcha to strawberries to the milk was really well balanced. Delicious!-- UNCLE LARRY'S DREAMSICLE...$5.75 (16oz)I love orange creamsicles, so I couldn't resist trying this. Although I do wish the taste and consistency had been creamier, the sweetness level was just right at 50% and I liked the hit of orange flavor. Just make sure you shake this before your stab your straw in (incorporating the two layers is a must!). Beyond the drinks, the other thing that I really liked are the workers here. Each time I've been, they've all been super friendly and the wait for your order is never all that bad. What's more, during my most recent visit, they were giving out samples of a new flavor they are testing out - a Rose Milk Tea that was really, really good!Even though Boba Guys has typically been our default whenever we've found ourselves on this side of the city and in search of milk tea, Honeybear has undoubtedly worked its way into the mix. It certainly doesn't hurt that there's never been much of a line, but it's also nice that we've been able to stop off for a drink while walking around after eating nearby. And considering how it seems like there are more and more interesting places popping up in the Dogpatch, it's safe to say I'll be back, especially if that Rose Milk Tea makes its way onto the menu!"
"Cute little shop. They have a few small tables in the back. The service is pretty quick. Drinks are delicious. I hope they start offering different sizes."
"This tea shop is simply delicious. The shop is very inviting and warm, great for a tea date or catching up with an old friend. The pure iced hojicha green tea was light, refreshing, with just the right amount of roasted flavor. The staff was also very friendly and helpful in answering any questions we had about the best way to brew the loose tea leaf bag we purchased (this also comes with a complementary ptea drink). Will definitely visit here again!"
