Lollicup!!!! = )

The bright orange and yellow exterior of Lollicup Tea Zone is sure to attract attention from people walking down the street.  Located at 23 South Ninth Street next door to Sparky's Ice Cream and also in the Columbia Mall near the food court, Lollicup is best known for their boba tea, sometimes referred to as bubble tea or pearl tea.  Originally founded in California, Lolli has  locations across the country that are all independently owned and operated.

According to their website, Lollicup has more than 170 different drinks, consisting primarily of milk tea, flavored tea, coffee and smoothies.  My personal favorites are Vanilla Chai Snow and half Taro Milk Tea, half Jasmine Milk Tea, both with boba of course.  Boba, or "mysterious marbles" as they are called on Lolli's website, can be added to almost anything on the menu.  The unique thing about boba tea is that it has tapioca balls, similar to the size and color of a blueberry, that settle on the bottom of the drink.  They are chewy and are a little bit sweet, but other than that, they have very little flavor.  The first time I had boba I thought the concept was very strange, but it is quite addicting once you get over the initial trepidation.  Most of the teas on Lollicup's menu will come in a cup with plastic cellophane sealing the top so they can be shaken.  They have straws large enough for the boba to fit through with a  point on one end to puncture the cellophane.

If you become a Lolli regular, they will give you a card that they stamp every time you buy something.  Once you get ten stamps, the eleventh boba is free!  = )  They usually let you mix two of the different types of flavored or milk tea so you can customize your drink however you want.  Don't let the employees try to dissuade you from getting exactly what you want!

Lollicup on Ninth Street is very welcoming and friendly.  The smiling sunflower logo, brightly colored walls and cute tables and couches make Lolli the ideal place to go to study if you want to get off campus and have a little time to relax with something yummy to eat.  If you have not had the opportunity to go see what Lollicup has to offer, you should definitely stop by and see for yourself why so many people love boba tea!!