When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Cha Cha Tea Spot
Why Cha Cha Tea Spot is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cha Cha Tea Spot, located at 5950 Balboa Ave in San Diego, offers a welcoming atmosphere where friends and family can gather to enjoy authentic Southern Chinese cuisine paired with refreshing bubble teas. It's a favorite neighborhood spot known for its diverse menu including specialties like Claypot Rice, Beef Porridge, BBQ Pork Pan-Fried Noodles, and a variety of flavorful soups. The restaurant boasts convenient hours from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day, making it accessible for lunch, dinner, or casual meetups. Its setting within or near the 99 Ranch Market adds convenience for shoppers looking for a satisfying meal or a place to relax with friends over delicious drinks. The cozy yet classy ambiance complements their offerings, making it suitable for quick takeout or leisurely dining. Besides food, Cha Cha Tea Spot is particularly recognized for its bubble tea selection, offering a bubbly, fresh experience that pairs perfectly with their savory dishes. Friendly service further enhances the communal and comfortable vibe, making it a great place to catch up with friends or enjoy a casual family meal while savoring flavors that reflect traditional and comforting Chinese culinary heritage.
Here's what people think of Cha Cha Tea Spot
As of recent, Cha Cha Tea Spot holds a 3.8-star rating based on 68 reviews.
User reviews of Cha Cha Tea Spot reveal a mixed but generally positive perception with an average rating of 3.8 from 68 reviews. Many customers appreciate the authentic flavors of the Southern Chinese cuisine offered, highlighting standout dishes such as the BBQ pork buns, claypot rice, and bubble teas as favorites that bring a genuine taste experience. Positive remarks often mention the friendly staff and the welcoming, cozy atmosphere that makes it a pleasant spot for casual dining or meeting friends. Reviewers also commend the convenience of its location near 99 Ranch Market and the consistent quality of their bubble tea drinks and Chinese specialties. However, some negative feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in food quality and portion sizes, as well as suggestions for improving the speed of service during peak hours. A few diners noted that although the tea varieties are enjoyable, the overall experience could benefit from a wider or more creative menu selection. Despite these criticisms, many reviews conclude that Cha Cha Tea Spot remains a worthwhile destination for those seeking flavorful Southern Chinese dishes and a nice setting for socializing. Overall, the mix of positive experiences and constructive criticisms reflect a solid neighborhood eatery with potential for growth and refinement.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Thuthiri Lwin
Today I ordered one entree: salt and pepper tofu at 11:43 am and I did not get my order until 12:17 pm. Not only did I have to wait over 30 minutes for one dish but IT WAS THE WRONG DISH THEY PACKAGED AND GAVE ME. I was not aware until I was on my way home in the car. I checked my receipt and I definitely ordered salt and pepper tofu. You can tell from my picture that definitely is not fried tofu with salt and pepper. It’s some wet tofu with beef…. For me, I will not be returning, it is better to go next door to Shang Xi or cluck n sip , both of which are faster and more reliable! I will call to see if they’ll refund me but I doubt it. I will update my review if they do.
My Le
I get overwhelmed when a place has so many options for food and I don’t know what to order. While we were waiting for chicken next door, we got an almond milk tea and Vietnamese coffee. I can’t find many places with almond flavor and order it any chance we get. It was a tad bit sweet but great flavor. I can’t say the same about the coffee. That wasn’t on the menu but she said could make it so I guess she tried her best.
Patti V
Today was the last time I came here. I've been a customer of this restaurant for over 5 years. They messed up my orders from time to time, but they always fixed their mistake and made it right. Today, the usual auntie wasn't there and a younger guy took my order. The receipt said Andrew Liao. I mentioned salt and pepper chicken wings twice and asked that they not put the pepper flakes on the chicken wings. I paid for my order and went grocery shopping at 99 Ranch. When I came to get my order, I noticed that he had charged me for salt and pepper squid. I mentioned this to him and he said that it was too late to fix it since it was already in the fryer. He supposedly asked someone in the back if I could get a refund, but "there was nothing they could do." Well, that's sad since this was supposed to be my son's dinner and he wasn't going to eat squid. He asked me if I still wanted it (in the bag). Yes, if I'm not getting a refund or my correct order, I'm going to take it home. Why would he even ask that? No, just throw it away. What's $19 for the wrong order? It's one thing if I changed my mind, but he took the order wrong and knew it, too. I used to check the boxes before leaving because they got my order wrong half the time. I guess I should have checked to see if they placed the order correctly. I even gave them a $5 tip. I should stop tipping before getting my food. Another lesson learned. If you're still going to go there despite all the other bad reviews... check that they get your order right before and after you pay. As for me, this was my last time there. The only reason we went there was for my Mapo Tofu. I can get that elsewhere. P.S. The salt and pepper squid is not worth $19. The portion was small and it was mostly batter. It also had pepper flakes all over it when I asked them not to do that. The chow fun was also dry and flavorless.
Jeanine D
I rather go here for takeout than any other! We're hooked. The gentleman that took our order was friendly and helpful. I couldn't remember what I ate the last time, but once I described it, he knew. It was the Singapore style noodles that came with shrimp, beef, and veggies. My son got the salt and pepper wings, and I had to try them. They were delicious! Crispy! We also got the orange chicken. Highly recommend.
Teran H
(2021: Ordered via doordash, ate at home.) This restaurant has AMAZING food. Their xiao long bao? Amazing. Their BBQ Pork puns? Amazing. Their honey chicken and their sweet n sour chicken? Perfection. Their young chow fried rice? Good stuff. Honestly, I'd reccomend just about any of their food. I was very impressed :) I'm likely to purchase from them again someday. (And as I write this, I'm enjoying one of their BBQ pork buns :) ) So all in all, I 10/10 reccomend. (Edit 2023. Picked up food, ate at home.): MY FAVORITE RESTATAUNT. I'll be ordering this every single time it's my birthday. Seriously, beautiful food. I LOVE the Shanghai rice cakes, the beef chow fun, the shrimp har gow– it's ALL AMAZING! AWESOME!!!!! PLEASE GET THIS FOOD ITS PERFECT YOU WONT REGRET IT!!
How to reach Cha Cha Tea Spot
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Why Cha Cha Tea Spot may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Cha Cha Tea Spot with your friends?
Cha Cha Tea Spot offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere that makes it a top choice for gathering with friends and family. When you want to spend quality time together in a laid-back setting filled with delicious food and drinks, this spot stands out as the perfect meet-up location. It boasts a diverse menu featuring authentic Chinese dishes paired with refreshing bubble teas that appeal to many tastes, ensuring everyone in your group can find something they love. The combination of flavorful cuisine and specialized beverages creates a unique experience far beyond a typical cafe or restaurant. Also, its location in San Diego provides easy accessibility for local groups looking to rally without worrying about complicated logistics. Whether you're planning a casual hangout or a celebratory meetup, Cha Cha Tea Spot's balance of quality, variety, and friendly environment encourages lively conversations and memorable moments. This is a spot where food and friendship naturally converge, ideal for sharing good times with those you care about.
What kinds of activities can you do at Cha Cha Tea Spot with your friends?
At Cha Cha Tea Spot, your group can enjoy a variety of social and culinary activities tailored to enhance your meet-up experience. First and foremost, the star activity is enjoying the extensive menu together—from classic Chinese dishes like pork buns and flavorful stir-fries to innovative bubble teas such as the popular Ube Taro drink. Sharing dishes encourages interaction and experimentation with flavors, perfect for groups who love culinary exploration. You and your friends can also engage in casual conversation over these offerings, turning food into a social glue that brings everyone closer. The spacious seating and relaxed ambiance support extended visits where you can chat, laugh, and unwind. Moreover, ordering as a group is simple thanks to their streamlined service, including online options, allowing you to customize orders effortlessly and focus on enjoying time together. For those who appreciate good drink variety, sampling different bubble teas adds an element of fun tasting and comparing. Overall, the activities revolve around food discovery, shared enjoyment, and fostering connections, making it an excellent venue for any social gathering.
Why is Cha Cha Tea Spot ideal for group meetups?
Cha Cha Tea Spot stands out as an ideal place for group meetups for several thoughtful reasons. The venue combines a welcoming environment with flexibility in seating arrangements to accommodate different group sizes comfortably. Whether it's a small circle of close friends or a larger family gathering, you’ll find space that supports lively interaction without overcrowding. Their menu diversity caters to varied preferences and dietary needs, ensuring everyone in the group feels included and satisfied. The emphasis on authentic, quality Chinese dishes coupled with fresh, flavorful drinks like their bubble teas creates a memorable dining experience that sparks conversations and fun. Pricing is moderate, which allows groups to enjoy a bountiful feast without breaking the bank, making it accessible for frequent meetups. Additionally, Cha Cha Tea Spot offers consistent business hours seven days a week, providing convenient options for planning meetups on weekends or weekdays. The staff are reported to be friendly and attentive, which helps maintain a smooth and pleasant experience even for larger parties, enhancing the overall feel of the place as a community hub for friends and family.
How does the menu support a fun group experience at Cha Cha Tea Spot?
The menu at Cha Cha Tea Spot is thoughtfully designed to keep everyone in a group engaged and delighted. It features a wide range of traditional and modern Chinese dishes that can be easily shared, turning the meal into a communal experience. Dishes like the highly praised pork buns and freshly cooked stir-fries come in sizes suitable for sharing, encouraging everyone to sample multiple flavors. Alongside these, the bubble tea options add an extra layer of excitement—with unique flavors such as Ube Taro that have become crowd favorites. This drink variety encourages playful tasting and discussion among friends, as each person can pick something different and then share recommendations. The freshness and quality consistently praised by patrons ensure that the taste matches the fun of the group dynamic. The combination of snacks, main dishes, and customizable tea drinks supports a relaxed, exploratory dining experience that is perfect for socializing. When friends gather here, the menu acts as a catalyst for connection, discovery, and delight.
What should you know about the location and atmosphere of Cha Cha Tea Spot?
Cha Cha Tea Spot enjoys a convenient and accessible location on Balboa Avenue in San Diego, making it easy to reach for local groups. Situated in a bustling area, it benefits from lively surroundings while maintaining a cozy, comfortable interior that welcomes both small and large gatherings. The venue is designed with casual yet modern touches that create a friendly and relaxed vibe, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy their time together rather than rushing. While parking can sometimes be challenging during peak times like weekends due to the busy neighborhood, many find the experience worthwhile once inside. The operating hours from 10 AM to 8 PM daily offer plenty of opportunities to plan meetups from morning through evening, fitting various schedules. The atmosphere combines energetic social buzz with pockets of calm, making it suitable for different moods — whether you want animated conversations or more laid-back chats. This balance, along with attentive service, ensures that Cha Cha Tea Spot remains a popular destination for friends looking to connect over great food and drinks in a welcoming space.