Taiwanese Sweets and Drinks – 85 Degrees Bakery

Ok so 85 Degrees may not exactly be a boba shop and more of an actual Asian bakery, but they are a bakery from Taiwan, which is the origin of boba. Which also means that along with their bread, there’s a surprisingly big selection of drinks and boba options that it can actually function as a boba shop, kind of. It was in the list of rotation for boba to get back when I was in college and went on boba runs with my friends. I never really went much before that, because it always seemed overrated and the bread was just, ok?, but after I started going to college, even getting some free bread from 85 was pretty good. I will say that even after that and frequenting 85 more and buying bread, my exact opinion of it hasn’t changed much, but if I do go, I do have a few go-to breads I like to buy.

Can it compete with regular boba shops? Well, kind of, depending on the shop. If it’s an actual high-end place that’s super aesthetic and in with the times, then no. I would take 85 over somewhere like Lollicup (sorry not sorry) as the boba and drinks are more proper than even that.

They have a decent selection of teas, which actually have a nice tea flavor. If you have the chance to try out their sea foam (which, a lot of places do offer cheese or salt foams nowadays, so I don’t blame you), the plain tea is actually pretty good, especially the Jasmine. Milk teas are also pretty standard and get the boba job done. With the app, you can also get a deal for a specific drink every month too, which is pretty worth it.

Chain? Yes, I’ve been to the Irvine and a couple San Diego locations.

Drinks Tried: Tiger Boba Latte, Sea Salt Jasmine Green Tea, Green Milk Tea, Peach Green Tea, Taro Lavender Latte, Sea Salt Oolong Tea,

Boba: Boba is just, ok. Sometimes it can have a pretty good texture, other times it’s pretty mushy. It just depends on the situation I guess. They’re not specifically a boba shop after all.

Price: The cups themselves are not that too big for other cups their names, but the price is pretty good for boba. If anything, it’s not a bad deal for what you’re getting. Not the best boba in the world, but if you’re there or craving it, then they do have good drinks.

Size: Two sizes, a regular, and a large. Large is usually just right for me as a drink, but if I just want a small treat from 85, the regular size does well for just a bit of drink! Probably a good size for people that don’t want too much drink though.

Interior: Usually pretty spacious, with enough room to show off the bread selection, have seating, and line for the register.

Wait: Usually very little wait, and if anything, the line moves pretty fast. There’s also a kiosk at most places where you can order just drinks or cakes and skip the in-person line then.

Sell Food? Well yes, they’re mainly a bakery, and have a variety of sweet and savory breads, and cakes for your special day needs. I’ve had quit a few, and my favorites are the Milk Tea Bun, Green Tea Bun, and giant Chocolate Chip bread.

Reward System? Officially, just on the app.