Bubble Queen
1200-8888 Odlin CrescentRichmond, BC, CanadaNestled between an overgrown field and a multi-story business complex, Bubble Queen can be easy to miss. Despite its unimposing exterior, Bubble Queen offers an experience that easily convinces customers to return (even if they have to drive an extra few minutes).
Before talking about the ambiance at Bubble Queen, a few words on
actually getting into the place is probably a good idea. Not that there are heavily muscled bodyguards outside demanding a cover charge or anything, but for a first-timer finding the place (and making it to the door) can be a bit tricky. If you're walking this is less relevant, but I'll assume a car is involved somehow so let's go through the process step-by-step (...ooh baby, gonna get to you Bubble Queen!*):
-You've seen Bubble Queen driving past it, heard about it from a friend, or read it on an awesome website, so you decide to go there.
-You know the address, but as you're driving down Odlin Crescent you don't see Bubble Queen anywhere - this is because it faces Cambie.
-Driving along Cambie, you see Bubble Queen (yay!) but there is nowhere to park, and traffic is moving fast. Make your way back onto Odlin ('right, right, right', if you're heading east on Cambie, 'left' if you're going south).
-Parking is found in the parkade on Odlin. Once you get out of your car head to the north-east section of the parking lot.
-At the NE corner of the first floor of the parking garage there is a small gate leading to a path, follow this path!
-We're almost there. After crossing a small bridge and avoiding falling into the field, Bubble Queen is on the left with a bright sign and inviting glow through the window. NOTE: Make sure to take a left after the bridge, otherwise you'll end up on the road.
*Yes, that was a New Kids reference, and yes, be thankful you can't hear me sing it.
Ambiance[rating:4/5]
In contrast to the larger bubble tea places that promote the 'restaurant' vibe with servers and assigned seating, Bubble Queen is much less formal and customers make their order at the counter opposite the front door. There are a number of tables and chairs which offer a place to relax while waiting for your order to be ready, and an assortment of magazines near the door, wireless access, and a television provide something to focus on. It should be noted that Bubble Queen could easily become cramped should a large number (15+) of people decide to visit at the same time - this being said, the otherwise cozy interior lends itself to friendly atmosphere that accommodates small groups well. Further departing from the larger establishments, Bubble Queen's size makes it easy for guests to be informed about the kitchen's progress - sounds of drinks being shaken and aromas of cooking food are shared with everyone, which can be encouraging or annoying depending on how long you've been waiting!
Food[rating:3.5/5]
The food selection at Bubble Queen can satisfy an appetite but complements the drinks rather than standing on its own. In addition to the small number of Asian inspired dishes on the menu, packages of snacks (Pocky!) are available for purchase at the counter should someone be hungry but lack the time for a fully-cooked meal. Although the food is not the primary focus of the establishment, the dishes that were prepared during our visit were all appetizing and provided excellent value. One should not shy away from eating at Bubble Queen, but may want to consider other options if searching for a wide variety or expecting meals for more than a couple of people.
Drinks[rating:4/5]
Bubble Queen offers a good selection of drinks for a great price. The drink menu is displayed prominently above and around the order counter, and includes milk/red/green tea, fresh juice, coffee, options for hot and cold, and a number of additions (pearls, jelly, caramel pudding, etc.). Despite the lack of specialty drinks such as elaborate ice cream cookie slushes, there is a surprising amount of variety on the menu and enough unique flavors to quench almost any bubble tea thirst. All drinks at Bubble Queen are served 'to go', meaning clear cups with a sealed top for cold drinks, or insulated paper cups with a lid for hot orders. Most of the drinks are priced at $3.00 (fresh juice is $3.50), with $0.50 for additions such as coconut jelly. The price may lead one to think that the serving size would be lacking, but Bubble Queen is shockingly generous - cold drinks measured at 675mL, with hot drinks coming in slightly thinner containers. The '675mL' (22 oz.) isn't a very easy thing to visualize, but the following statement should clear it up: Bubble Queen offers amazing value for price vs size, especially compared against many of the 'restaurant' type bubble tea establishments.
To counter any "Size doesn't matter - it's how it goes down!" arguments, Bubble Queen's drinks do not lack in the quality department. While individual results always vary, the consensus among our reviewers was overwhelmingly positive. Bubble Queen is certainly comparable to other bubble tea establishments in terms of drink variety, and for the value and quality of the drinks Bubble Queen can be looked toward as a great example.
Service[rating:4/5]
Many bubble tea establishments have great ambiance, food, and drinks, but often fall very short on quality of service - not so at Bubble Queen. Ordering at the counter was fast and easy, and our drinks were prepared immediately. The service we received was friendly, and although business picked up during our visit, we were welcome the entire time (despite staying slightly past closing). There was a small mishap of a piece of fluff/hair finding its way into a dish we ordered (which we easily removed). While a minor mistake is easily forgiven (the fluff in the food may have even been from one of us), it does point to the fact that Bubble Queen's small staff may not have the resources to adequately handle a large number of people, a complicated order, or even a bad day - though this could be true at any establishment. Whether the cafe-style ordering removes a layer of complexity, or the staff just knows what to do, Bubble Queen stands out for high quality of service.
Though this isn't a reflection of the actual service, Bubble Queen's hours of operation may prevent people getting served there at all. Open Mon-Thu 2pm-8pm, Fri-Sat 2pm-12am, and closed on Sunday, the lack of bubble tea goodness on weeknights and on Sunday might keep people away from Bubble Queen simply because it's not open when they want to go. While the hours of service don't indicate anything about Bubble Queen's quality, they are slightly disappointing for anyone who enjoys late night bubble tea. Bubble Queen is cash only, which is unsurprising, but offers a stamp card (buy 9 get 1 free!), and provides a phone number for phone-in and group orders.
[rating:overall]
Bubble Queen provides everything expected from a bubble tea establishment: relaxing atmosphere, quality service, great drinks, and satisfying food. While the small staff and limited hours of operation might cause problems in certain cases, the positives definitely outweigh the (potential) negatives, and Bubble Queen is highly recommended as a 'go-to' destination for bubble tea.