Teapresso Bar

My usual pick-​me-​up is an Iced Taro Milk Tea (with Jasmine tea — rather than Osmanthus tea) and I add small boba. The staff is really friendly and always greet me when I walk in the shop. You earn double stamp card points on Mondays, I enjoy that it’s close to my work and it’s fairly inexpensive for the 24 oz. size and quality of tea. Did I mention that this tea isn’t in powdered form and that it’s actually brewed!

I have had coffee here about ten times, so I guess they deserve a review. The reason I have not reviewd sooner is because there ia really not much to differentiate coffee.
The biggest positives is that the staff is stable, they must be full-​timers and they are friendly and remember me. Also the coffee is brewed to order so it is always fresh and very hot.
The negitives of the place iare that the air temperature is very cold and the seating is utilitarian and uncomfortable. Since there are only three tables and a drink rail with chairs you will not want to come here to get on a laptop or relax. Since it is small with hard surfaces it also gets noisy when the machines are running.$ 4.50 is also at the top of the range for a cup of coffee. But I come here regularly so it must be worth it.

They took over the spot that Beach Bum Café used to be in. Right next to Longs on the corner of Bishop and Hotel St. There’s no parking but this place is great if you work downtown. The teas I’ve tried so far have been great minus the ones that tasted like soap which were mostly the fault of the flavor combination that was picked and not them. Also be careful with the sea salt foam here, sometimes it’s a bit on the salty side and it doesn’t match welll with all the drinks. My go to here is the Iced Vietnamese Coffee. They use a decent base coffee for it and make it strong!

I’ve actually been here a few times but kept forgetting to write up a Review. Don’t let the name Fool you although they sell Predominantly Tea Hot/​Cold Tea drinks they also Sell Coffee! I was shopping at Longs at needed a Hot Coffee especially since the weather is getting a little chillier. I’ll admit I was too lazy to walk the extra paces to Starbucks. and I wanted something better than 711 around the corner… and also too lazy to walk up to BRUE up the street, wait! There’s Teapresso! i popped in and looked at the menu board. YES they have Coffee too and they even have a few better options then just house coffee.
Service: The counter lady was so patient and literally explained every type of coffee they have and how they prepare it.
Coffee: When she described the Sea Salt Foam Caramel I was absolutely SOLD. If I remember correctly they use an Organic Medium Roast coffee and they have some other custom made cream based foam and caramel sea salt thingy they add to it. I’m sure I totally slaughtered that description but they had me on organic coffee and house made custom cream based foam! Absolutely loved this! I didn’t have to add any sweeteners to this it was just perfect blend of coffee and flavoring, with a hint of Caramel Salt. It wasn’t overpowering or too sweet but just right! Wow i’m actually grateful I was feeling «lazy» today.
I’ve had their teas here’s too when I’m in the mood, they’ve got excellent customer service and are very patient for indecisive people like me. The vibe in the place is upbeat and positive. So happy I found a new coffee! and Stamp cards are great! Free WIFI only a few tables and counter seat though but convenient.

I’m giving Teapresso a 3-​star rating ONLY because they ran out of pretty much all the ingredients for the drinks I wanted (sad face*) BUT I’m sure that the next time I come here (and yes, there will be a next time) I’ll order something I actually want to try and be more satisfied… enough to update my rating with more stars :)
My favorite thing to add to my coffee, tea or fruit flavored smoothies is the large boba. I have a fantastic regular go-​to place so I’ll admit, I’m kind of a snob about it. Anytime I try someplace new I HAVE to try the boba. But sadly, Teapresso ran out of boba :/​
I struck out on 2 drinks that I was prepared to try so I don’t know why, but I ended up with the Vietnamese Cream coffee. It was alright, nothing special but not bad either. Suggestion: if you are used to the strong and SWEET condensed milk mix they serve at Vietnamese restaurants, you may want to order extra cream or something because their coffee is definitely not on the sweet side.
Otherwise, I LOVE the vibe, the service was great, and they also have free wifi :)

Finally, a decent boba tea downtown! The Freshly brewed teas are highly customizable and the service here is impeccable for a take out boba shop. If you didn’t like your tea, they’ll redo it until you do.
My favorites: osmanthus tea mixed with various fruit flavored and the green tea with sea salt foam. It’s similar to their green tea latte but with a stronger tea flavor with less milk and sugar.

Living in the bay area for all my life where there are milk tea joints in every corner, I had to get my milk tea fix while on vacation. Luckily Teapresso Bar was able to fulfill my needs by serving refreshing and strong tea drinks.
Pros
Teapresso Milk Tea: a very good basic milk tea. I also ordered small pearls where they cooked it enough so that it still has a chewy texture.
Customization: Teapresso Bar has a huge selection of teas, dairy options, and toppings to customize your drink. They even had a «Kinda Sweet» option for those stuck between choosing 50% or 100% sweetness.
Service: The ladies working behind the counter were super friendly and made sure to repeat my drink order so they get it right the first time.

I guess you can call me a «Teapresso» advocate because I am in love with this place! I am a regular customer and visit every single day of my work week! We even joked around about a VIP program for regulars like me! Every single person that works there has consistently been so helpful and I love that about them! They always greet me by my name everytime I walk in!
The 2 questions they always ask me are, «How many drinks today?» and «Are you getting your usual?» That’s the kind of service I like alot is that they take really good care of you by remembering your drinks! I’ve had nothing but exceptional, if not, outstanding service! I remember at one point, the owner gave me a bag of mochi ice cream for order 6 – 7 drinks at one time! This business knows how to take good care of you and that’s what keeps me coming back for more! They also have a great stamp card program especially on Mondays! Stop by on Monday’s and you’ll see why it is so great!
The quality of the drinks have been consistently great and they always know what suggestions to provide me to enhance the greatness of their beverages! I usually get Hibiscus Blend iced tea with chia seeds and it is super good!
If you’re looking for a great place for tea, I highly recommend this place alot! You won’t be disappointed! I guarantee that!

Hmmm should I start out my day with some coffee or tea? I think I’ll try some toffee Assam. What is that you ask me? I don’t know. I saw toffee, and I automatically thought of chocolate with pieces embedded inside.
Well, the choices were extensive as well as the flavoring. It took a while for me to decide. The employees were patient, helpful and attentive.

One of the employees suggested that I try coconut with the toffee making it taste nutty. Sold! I can be adventurous at times;). One ice cold 24oz, toffee Assam, lightly sweetened with coconut tea coming right up! She even offered me to taste it once it was made. Also gave me the option of either discarding it and making a completely different one if I did not care for it. That is A+ customer service!
Well It was refreshing and a good choice to start out my morning. It was a different taste, but I’m glad I stuck with it. :)

*Update* I received a PM from the owner Steve immediately after I had posted this review to the new store near Ala Moana instead of downtown. For the fact that the owners do care and are responsive to feedback, I am adding an additional star. Go small businesses in Honolulu.
For me, the tea depth of flavor was underwhelming probably because I like my tea strong and with less sugar. On the mainland, there are several places that use the same brewing method of what looks like espresso machines to brew leaves. Tea comes out smooth and distinctive in flavor. The two teas I tried had a sort of sweet or fragrant/​syrupy aftertaste (same even though I ordered two different teas – oolong and jasmine green each just tea, with no milk and no syrup, and no toppings/​bubbles/​pudding). The aftertaste existed even when one of the orders I requested not sweet.
However from reading the placard, it sounds like the most popular drinks here that you must try are the milk teas, the drinks that you add a syrup flavor like peach or strawberry to, and those with the famous foam. Try these. I’ll have to be back to up my star rating.
I have to say though, their ambiance is on point w a wall of pics, spaces for sitting (although lots of flies out front near the street) and an efficient ordering and pick up system (when it’s crowded, be sure to find a good spot to wait for your drink so you can hear your order called).
Working near Fort Street Mall, this is a central location that you can go to for a pick me up drink. For these reasons the place gets stars.
Also, remember, they have a stamp card for loyalty but no public restroom.

If you want a nifty caffeinated beverage, check out this place. I’m not a coffee drinker so this review is for the tea. The order menu had numbered steps where you choose your beverage options including iced or hot, tea type, sweetness level, boba flavor or type but I’m a creature of habit, so I’ve only had iced milk tea (I chose Assam tea as I was informed that it’s the strongest tea they have) with regular sweetness without any boba. I’m looking forward to trying their Hong Kong milk tea next time, as I’m a fan of the strength & flavor of HK tea.
The tea drink is pretty flavorful & strong. It will definitely wake you up if you need it.
They have a stamp card where you receive one stamp per beverage purchase & receive a free drink after it’s full (after 9 drinks).

One of my FAVORITE boba places! As I work in downtown Honolulu, I always walk by this location — it’s next to the Executive Center escalators and the Longs Drugs between Bishop Street and Fort Street mall. In the past few years, this space has seen a few changes, but when a new boba place was opening up, you can bet that I was excited.
My usual order is an iced, black tea, less sweet (50%), no milk (I don’t like milk), and coffee jelly. It costs $ 4.70. It seems simple, but it always satisfies, especially when I desperately need a break from work. I love how this ship makes it so easy to customize your drinks. I don’t want my drink to be too sweet or creamy, so I can adjust the sweetness and ask for no milk. I love the coffee jelly because their coffee jelly is actually more like little cubes of jello. It’s the perfect texture with a nice chewyness.
I’ve tried the iced tea with the flavorings, but just a warning, if you don’t like it too sweet and you get a flavor, say no to any sweetner… the flavoring is strong enough to not just give the tea a flavor, but also to sweeten up the tea.
They also sell Bubbies mochi ice cream (limited flavors). They have a stamp card for the drinks, so once the card is filled, you get a free drink! Double stamps on Monday!
The people here are really nice and friendly. They will are always willing tp give suggestions on what to pair with your drink of choice. Cool tip — they use espresso machines to brew the tea!

Oh Teaspresso, how I love thee’s milk teas!
I am a huge fan of milk tea boba drinks and I tend to get really irritated when I’m trying a new place and the milk tea either lacks flavor, watered down or just plain bad!
Coming to Teapresso for the first time, I felt a bit overwhelmed with the selection of different teas, flavor add ins and boba and jelly selections. Instead of holding up the line I asked the friendly lady behind the register (I believe she was the owner) «I love milk tea, what would you suggest?» Oowee, lil lady knew her tea! After a quick schooling on tea, she suggested the Teapresso milk tea. I got that with large boba and «regular» sweet level. Can I just say the freshness of the tea hits you like a ton of euphoria! If you like tea, believe me, you will love it here!
I try to come on Monday’s because it is double stamp day, though they had forgotten to double stamp me today. I guess I’ll just have to make an extra visit *wink*. I’m slowly trying all the milk tea on the menu. Once done I’ll start working on my own franken-​tea creation… ah ah ah ah! Ok, bad mimic of an evil laugh, but the tea here is no joke!
Teapresso milk tea, almond milk tea and thai milk tea all so VERY deliciously fresh, refreshing and tasty! Currently my favorite is the Thai milk tea. I’m hoping I have the will power to try the next time and not order the same milk tea. so hard because it’s so good!
Friendly, fast service. The owner is a tea yoda! Oh, free WiFi and out door seating. Get you a drink, jump on the wifi and just watch the hustle and bustle of downtown, while relaxing and sipping on awesome tea. Teapresso, I am a fanatic!

When: Wednesday July 22, 2105
Where: Teapresso Bar
Reason to go: To meet up with J2 before heading to Bread + Butter
I was currently on the C Ala Moana Center country express bus coming from Waianae when I received a text from J2 to meet up with her at either the King Kamehameha Statue or in Downtown then proceed to Teapresso Bar. I had sent her a text saying that I’ll meet her in Downtown Honolulu.
We met at the Executive Center on Bishop Street where Teapresso Bar is located. Since it was my first time at the Teapresso Bar… I was looking through the window I was reading on the steps of the ordering process. I was planning on getting the cold Jasmine tea in a 24oz cup with lychee until I seen the words MAI TAI. I ended up ordering the Mai Tai Iced Tea with 100% regular sweetness. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the Teapresso Bar.
I took a glance at my surroundings and noticed there was one side of the shop that had a bunch of pictures on the wall. The individuals in the photos were posing with their favorite cup of flavored tea.
J2 and I decided to take our drinks outside to the seating area where there were a couple of reserved tables plus chairs for Teapresso Bar customers. As we exited the shop I noticed that there’s free Wi-​fi. That’s good to know especially for the business workers and the college students. I also noticed the green placard… Teapresso Bar had passed the Department of Health inspection. That’s a plus in my books.
If and when I am in the Downtown Honolulu I’ll make sure to stop by Teapresso Bar and actually get a taste of the cold Jasmine tea with lychee. Now I’m getting thirsty for some iced cold tea from Teapresso Bar. LOL

Really good, but found it rough getting to this location (not to mention I had to pay $ 4 for 30 minutes of parking in a garage), minus a star.
I had the oolong milk tea at less sweet (50%) with large tapioca. The tea flavor is stronger than most milk teas I’ve had, which I absolutely appreciate. Also tried the avocado smoothie at less sweet and husband liked it but wishes he would’ve gone for the full sweetness.
Although this place is good, given the stressful parking situation (I don’t go downtown much for this reason), I would probably not go back (come to Kailua!).

Gimme dat boba, boba, boba
After coming back from Korea and having Gong Cha, bubble tea here was never the same. So naturally, as I do with everything else, a search was started. We already knew Taste Tea was off the list since I really don’t want to support an owner smuggling money into a foreign country anyway. Dragon Tea, Mr. Tea, they’re really both the same except for size and pricing.
Teapresso Bar was suggested by a friend and highly recommended for the freshly brewed tea. And with what I would guess is a $ 5,000+ tea espresso (hence, teapresso) machine, you would really have no other choice but to fall in love with this place.
I remember specifically that I came in for the first time during the soft opening for a Black Milk Tea, but I was recommended what I think was the Hojicha Milk Tea and I must say, she was right. The funny thing is, because I had such low expectations, my first sip while walking back to my car was heaven. Never have I experienced a drink in Hawaii that could make me smile, until that day.
Needless to say, I have been back a quite a few times, trying Black Milk Tea, Viet Iced Coffee, and Hong Kong Milk Tea. I always ask for boba in my drink regardless of whether or not it’s the standard. Now the issue is, I read a lot of reviews about how their Vietnamese Iced Coffee is «the best» and I just came back from Seattle… where I have also had better, unfortunately.
So how am I giving this place 5 stars even though they are not the best? Well the 5 stars goes to the service and also just the pure process of it all. Honestly, this could be one of the best places to get boba in Hawaii, but it still needs some work to stand up against the companies where these drinks originated from. Unfortunately, that includes prices. For what I got in Korea for about $ 3.25 is a whopping $ 5+ here. On days I get a drink here, it’s almost like I need to skip breakfast to pay for it. But of course, for the best in Hawaii, it’s worfff bruh. Come on down and give it a try!

After being greeted with empty trays at Mr. Donuts, I needed something to satisfy my sweet tooth. I turned to my trusty Unilocal!app and found that milk tea at Teapresso Bar was nearby.
The store is super cute with wooden accents and just the right amount of seating to keep it cozy. I like that they have an extensive offering of teas and that I could choose the kind of tea leaves for my drink. At first I thought the service was kind of slow until I realized that they were actually brewing the tea for my milk tea. I love that!
That made the tea in my milk tea so much better than what I am used to. I added large boba and those were just the right texture and taste. You can also choose your sweetness level and your milk: non-​dairy, almond, soy or whole.
Located on the ground floor of the Executive Centre and open Mondays through Saturdays.

Everyone who is in the hype of bubble tea places… or wants to be… needs to head down to Teapresso Bar in Downtown, pronto! Now before you say, «Another one?» let me give you a couple of great reasons why you should visit the little hole-​in-​the-​wall tea/​coffee bar.
1. Their teas are brewed to order. Meaning: They do not serve tea from a batch made hours ago. Meaning: Fresh tea!
2. They have an assortment of teas I haven’t seen at other cafés! I love the scent of osmanthus flowers and was thrilled to see it on the tea leaves option! Other tea leaves offered include: assam (an Indian black tea), black, green, earl grey, hibiscus, hojicha (a roasted Japanese green tea), jasmine, and oolong.
3. Steve, the owner. Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, he hopes to delivery SFO-​grade milk teas to the folks of Oahu. And from what I heard, SF has grade A milk tea. Steve is passionate about his business and cares about his customers. Teapresso Bar’s official grand opening won’t be until March, so Steve hopes that in the next month he will receive generous feedback to make the business an even better experience for everyone.
4. Dat polaroid wall. My Instax broke ages ago, but I still love me some instant film! The owner want to fill the back wall with photos of their customers. One heckuva cute idea.
5. You have to love the customization. The tea options begins with picking your tea leaves, choosing flavors (my faves: lavender, lychee, passion fruit), milk (with or without – then, whole, soy, or almond), tapioca (large or small), bursting boba, jellies, and level of sweetness.
My first drink was on the Staff’s Favorites menu. It was Olivia’s drink: osmanthus tea with lychee and guava. I liked that it wasn’t overly sweet and you could taste the florally osmanthus. My friend had a milk tea (black tea and whole milk) with boba. They also bring in cake from a Japanese bakery called Little D’s Bakery. I had a delicious bundt cake. I think it was butterscotch with Nutella swirls.
All hot drinks are 20 oz and iced drinks are 24 oz. Steve reminded us students to show them our IDs so we can get a 10% discount! My 24 oz drink came out to $ 4. Deals.

WOWZAAAA!!! I am currently riding a very caffeinated high right now thanks to Teapresso Bar’s Vietnamese Iced Coffee!!! (Sorry about the excessive exclamation points!!! I can’t control all of this caffeine-​induced excitement!!!)
After my first visit to Teapresso Bar when my boba was accidentally forgotten, I received a heartfelt message from the owner, Katelynn N., apologizing for the mishap and encouraging me to return for a drink on the house! I happily returned soon after not to take advantage of the free drink (although I appreciated the offer) but to give a business that truly cares about its customers another try! I have received messages in the past from business owners thanking me for great reviews, but not many from business owners proactively trying to better their customers’ experiences! Hats off to Teapresso Bar for going above and beyond with their customer service!
When I arrived, I was struggling to keep my eyes open and desperately needed a quick caffeine fix. I had seen the Vietnamese Iced Coffee on the menu before and immediately decided to give it a try. A friendly employee explained that he had just brewed a batch of coffee so it would be fresh and ready in no time! After my first sip, I was ALIVE! After two sips, I was ready to sprint back to my office and DO WORK! Before I sprinted away, he explained to me that Teapresso Bar’s Vietnamese Iced Coffee is a special brew of coffee beans from Vietnam with a hint of chocolate added at an early stage to make their Vietnamese Iced Coffee truly extraordinary! And it is, indeed, EXTRAORDINARY! The coffee, hint of chocolate, and condensed milk combine for an explosion of awesome!!!
I am so happy I gave Teapresso Bar another try! Who knows where I would be if I hadn’t?! (Answer: Sleeping under my desk.)

New bubble tea place in town. Convenient location in town, with hours for both the downtown work and student crowd.
Likes: Closest place I can get a milk tea during work hours. They brew their tea instead of using powder, which means you can actually taste the tea. They have a variety of tea flavors (but I’ll stick to black or green, no flowers for me please). They also accept credit card.
Dislikes: I tried the Vietnamese iced coffee, and I didn’t like it that much. It had a burnt, almost bamboo-​like taste, but maybe it was a bad batch. At $ 4.50 though, it will be hard to try again because I can get a similar drink at Starbucks for cheaper (Americano extra ice with condensed milk). I might give the only other coffee-​based drink a try though.
Favorites: I like the regular black milk tea with honeydew.
All in all, a great option if I don’t want to walk too far for some milk tea.