Honi Bear Boba Cafe in downtown Pleasanton has been luring Amador students since it first opened in June 2025. Located adjacent to the beloved Almare Gelato Italiano, Honi Bear is a cute and relaxing place to grab a snack after school or hang out with friends. Staying open late —until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays-– the cafe offers a cozy place for late night study sessions as well.
“I got the mango matcha and it was very good. They have a lot of unique flavors and types of drinks and it’s a family business, so it feels nice to go in there and support their business,” said Rujuta Pranjpe (‘27).
Something for everyone
The boba shop has a diverse menu featuring milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies, milkshakes, and fruit slushies among other drinks. Alongside drinks, the cafe also offers food including fries, spring rolls, and popcorn chicken.
“[Honi Bear] tastes really good and has a variety of menu options. Also, a lot of the workers there are students, so it’s always fun to be served by people you know” said Evelyn Roe (’27).
Besides a diverse menu, the boba shop offers affordable prices with drinks costing between $5 to $8. The website is also easy to navigate, with clear descriptions and pictures. It provides precise information on the stores’ location, phone number, and opening hours. Visitors can place orders through the website and pick up in store to avoid waiting in line.
“I think the prices are relatively cheap, so it’s pretty affordable for students to go,” said Amy Shi (‘28).
With minimalist decor and a bear-themed logo, Honi Bear leans into a sense of cuteness. The shop features plush toys and blind boxes near the cashier, adding to its playful charm. The open layout and understated design adds to a spacious and tidy atmosphere.
“I feel like they make their branding very cute, which is something that teen girls really like. Also, since boba is an Asian dessert, I feel like a lot of Asian girls and just teenagers in general will be attracted to it,” said Shi.
Verdict
Many high school students, especially those from Amador, have had to adjust to i-Tea’s abrupt closure. While Honi Bear offers a wide variety of menu options at affordable prices, its location at the far end of downtown can be a challenge for regular boba-goers.
“i-Tea was really close to Amador. Honi Bear, on the other hand, is like a 15 minute walk. It’s still better than the other options, because it’s cheaper and like, as high school students, we don’t really have much money. But it’s a little too far. Like, you can’t go there right after school just for fun anymore,” said Roe (‘27).
