Elitea - Chicago

The drinks were alright, but I've definitely had better. They weren't overly sweet, which I appreciated, as I've often had to request 50% sugar in the past beca... read more The drinks were alright, but I've definitely had better. They weren't overly sweet, which I appreciated, as I've often had to request 50% sugar in the past because drinks tend to be too sweet. Unfortunately, that option wasn't available here, so I assume the sweetness level was standard. I also wished the matcha flavor was stronger; I could hardly taste it. The mango drink was just okay as well. I might have to try some of their other offerings to see if it's worth sticking around or if I should explore other boba places.

A bit tucked way in the Chinatown basement food hall, but Elitea offers some of the best boba in Chicago read more A bit tucked way in the Chinatown basement food hall, but Elitea offers some of the best boba in Chicago

The drink was enjoyable, but I was frustrated by the tipping option that appeared on the checkout screen. I typically tip well (20-40%) at other places, but her... read more The drink was enjoyable, but I was frustrated by the tipping option that appeared on the checkout screen. I typically tip well (20-40%) at other places, but here I wondered what the tip was for since I was picking up my own food. The only reason I ended up leaving a tip was that I was concerned the drink might not be as clean if I didn’t. However, I plan to visit these establishments as infrequently as possible. It feels like a sleazy business tactic to make good customers pay more and guilt them into tipping.

The milk tea here is delicious. It tastes better than what I have drunk with money. The proportion of tea and milk is very good. The treasure milk tea in the ba... read more The milk tea here is delicious. It tastes better than what I have drunk with money. The proportion of tea and milk is very good. The treasure milk tea in the basement.

Kinda hard to find the location due to it being in a basement like setting of a mall but worth it. Definitely recommend getting 50% sugar because the teas are q... read more Kinda hard to find the location due to it being in a basement like setting of a mall but worth it. Definitely recommend getting 50% sugar because the teas are quite strong and bitter. The other shops near it have very delicious options to immerse yourself.Parking: Very very hard to find parking might have to park a mile away if you find some or be ready to pay.