Barrett Balzer 
Northern Virginia is full of boba shops. Each shop’s menu feels endless, with toppings, teas, and foams; it all can be intimidating at first glance. Beyond the extensive menus, these shops are Instagram-ready for the perfect picture or hangout spot to brag about on social media. Each corner of these shops is uniquely created to achieve their photo-ready aesthetic. Read on to learn more about the most aesthetic boba shops in Northern Virginia.
Ben Gong Tea | 10760 Fairfax Boulevard, Fairfax
View this post on Instagram
This is the place to go to order boba from the future, as you order your boba via a robotic kiosk. With the hands-off, futuresque ordering style, it only takes a few moments on the screen, making it a streamlined process. Of course, the drinks are made by humans, ensuring each combo is created per the customer’s order.
TFG pick: Tiramisu Boba Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls.
GONG CHA | 13850 Braddock Road, Unit C, Centreville
Gong Cha in Centerville is a cozy spot. It’s a great place to stop in for a quick solo study session or just to grab a cup of boba. The outdoor seating great spot to sit and relax on a hot day. Gong Cha makes it easy for you to order, with a 5-step process consisting of the base, size, sweetness, ice level, and topping(s). We also like the futuristic ordering system, where you use an interactive screen to place your order.
TFG Pick: Strawberry or Mango Marble Green Tea Latte.
Read more: Northern Virginia Locals to Watch: Makers Edition
Kung Fu Tea | 13830 Lee Highway #5, Centreville
View this post on Instagram
Kung Fu Tea is a classic for every boba beginner. The interior gives coffee shop vibes with dim lighting, and the drinks are fun with special customizations depending on seasonal collaborations, like Mario or Pokémon. It’s a great spot for boba on the go.
TFG pick: Honey Tea Cap.
Möge Tea | 8051 Tysons Corner Center, McLean
View this post on Instagram
For some, a cup of boba is the way to power through an afternoon of shopping. This minimalist shop in Tysons Corner is located on Level 1 near Nordstrom, and it’s a great place to refuel. Patrons can grab a seat or take their boba on the go.
TFG pick: Taro Mochi Bubble Milk Tea, made with real Taro, not the powder.
See more: Fairfax County’s Independent Bookstores
TeaDM | 9416 Fairfax Boulevard, Fairfax
What sets TeaDM apart from other shops is the spiral staircase that leads to a second level with additional seating. While the first level is your grab-and-go, the second level is a space for customers to hang out and enjoy their cup of boba. The cozy couches make it an inviting space to sit and sip.
TFG pick: Moonlight Mango with either Mango popping pearls or Mango jelly.
TeaDo | 11075 Fairfax Boulevard, Fairfax
View this post on Instagram
TeaDo is open late till 1:00 AM, which makes it the spot for late-night hangouts or an after-work spot with coworkers. With its outdoor seating area, TeaDo is popular, which means it’ll be busy. While you wait for your cup of tea, sit down at one of the three retro arcade machines for some Pac-Man or Galaga.
TFG pick: Sakura Rose Latte.
T.zone dessert bar | 21015 Pigeon Drive #110, Sterling
View this post on Instagram
This is our pick for a boba outing with friends: there are board games galore, a huge menu with other dessert and drinks items, and of course, great boba. This chic, modern bar has a variety of fun drinks to choose from, including drinks with toppings like Oreos and donuts.
TFG pick: Aiju Winter Melon Lemon Tea.
Spill the Tea | 515 E Braddock Road, Alexandria
With bubble chandeliers and flower-filled walls, this lounge-esque boba shop is a picture-ready spot for a selfie with your drink. The lounge chair seating is great for gathering friends to gossip and enjoy the many boba options offered.
TFG pick: Thai Milk Tea with tapioca pearls.
Vivi Bubble Tea | 9974 Main Street, Fairfax
If you want a Barbie-themed shop, this is it. Everything is pink. The seating, walls, counter, everything. With kiosk ordering stations, Vivi Bubble tea is a great spot to sit down, get a tea and food, and study with friends. If you think the pink stopped there, it doesn’t. Many of the drinks are pink, too.
TFG pick: Dragon Fruit Cream Float with Tea jelly.
Y-Tea | 22621 Amendola Terrace, Suite 185, Ashburn
View this post on Instagram
This spacious boba shop in Ashburn has plenty of seating and plenty of standing space. The team frequently hosts car meetups, so keep an eye on the shop’s Instagram for the next one. Protip: If you are a super fan of Y-Tea, you can get a personalized cup with the logo on it.
TFG pick: Brulee Thai Tea.
Follow @thefairfaxgirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Northern Virginia updates, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse. Sign up for our newsletter here.
