#labobatory

Labobatory opened its first location in San Gabriel and recently opened another shop in Old Town Pasadena. The founder is someone who is passionate about boba and wanted to create a next level boba experience, with unique drinks, high quality tea leaves, and a dedication to quality and customer service. The lab references remind me of the old Boba Guys but not as cute.

Score: 33/50

Food: 0/5 – There is no food. It’s a drinks only spot.

Coffee: 4/5 – It’s a tea shop without coffee drinks. The drinks are divided into a few categories: Rich & Creamy or Tart & Fruity. They also have a few other categories like Classics vs. Experimental. You can specify the sweetness level, ice level, and add ons (jelly, pudding, honey boba, grass jelly, butterscotch cream, almond milk, organic milk). Some of the interesting drinks were made with Chinese cough syrup, rosewater, activated charcoal and butterfly flower pea powder.

Wi-fi: 5/5 – Free, unlimited, secure, 5G speed. The password is posted.

Ambiance: 4/5 – Has a modern look with white walls, a wall with lab themed motifs, high ceilings, concrete floor, hanging pendant lights, big windows and lots of board games. It’s popular with young Asians.

Noise: 3/5 – Most people are quiet but the sound echoes

Plugs: 4/5 – Lots!

Parking: 3/5 – Try the parking structure around the corner on Dayton for free two hour parking

Comfort: 3/5 – Outdoor covered seating and lots of seating indoors. The chairs and stools aren’t padded. There are a few sofas. Some of the windows have shades and some do not.

Bathroom: 4/5 – Nice unisex one

Art: 3/5 – Nothing but it’s a cute place

Tips: Ask for a stamp card. Place your order at the kiosk.

Labobatory opened its first location in San Gabriel and about a month ago, and recently opened another shop in Old Town Pasadena. The founder is someone who is passionate about boba and wanted to create a next level boba experience, with unique drinks, high quality tea leaves, and a dedication to quality and customer service. The lab references remind me of the old Boba Guys.

When I walked in, no one greeted me. I looked around and after a couple of minutes realized I had to place an order using the order kiosk (there are two such kiosks). But service was friendly, though they should point out the order kiosk and greet customers.

It’s a drinks only place. The drinks are divided into a few categories: Rich & Creamy or Tart & Fruity. They also have a few other categories like Classics vs. Experimental. You can specify the sweetness level, ice level, and add ons (jelly, pudding, honey boba, grass jelly, butterscotch cream, almond milk, organic milk). Some of the interesting drinks were made with Chinese cough syrup, rosewater, activated charcoal and butterfly flower pea powder.

* Roasted oolong milk tea ($4.75 + 25 cents for grass jelly, 25% sweetness, less ice): I think the drinks only come in one size. The drink was good. While milky, it wasn’t too creamy because I think they use milk vs. powdered non-dairy creamer. I could taste the tea and the grass jelly was reasonably soft. There was very little ice. I’ve had better but it was better than average.  

The shop was filled with young Asians. It’s mostly white, consistent with the science and lab theme.

4 out of 5 stars.