When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Ding Tea PSU
Why Ding Tea PSU is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ding Tea PSU, located conveniently at 536 SW College St in Portland, Oregon, serves as a vibrant gathering spot ideal for friends and tea enthusiasts alike. This location is part of the global Ding Tea brand, originating from Taiwan in 2004, which has gained international acclaim for its fresh, natural tea leaves and exquisite brewing techniques delivering unique tea experiences. Ding Tea PSU offers a diverse menu of tea beverages including classic milk teas, fruit teas, and innovative seasonal specials, catering to a variety of palates. The store’s welcoming atmosphere combined with Portland State University nearby creates a lively social environment where students and locals can meet, enjoy quality drinks, and relax. The venue’s operating hours are accommodating, open daily with extended hours on weekdays and weekends, making it accessible for spontaneous meetups or planned social outings. Additionally, Ding Tea PSU provides delivery through popular platforms like UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, enhancing convenience for those preferring to enjoy their tea at home or study spaces. This blend of quality, variety, and accessibility solidifies Ding Tea PSU as a great place for friends to connect over delicious tea beverages.
Here's what people think of Ding Tea PSU
As of recent, Ding Tea PSU holds a 3.9-star rating based on 137 reviews.
Customer reviews for Ding Tea PSU reflect a balanced perspective, leading to an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 from 137 reviews. Positive reviews frequently highlight the pleasant variety of tea flavors available, praising the freshness of the ingredients and the authentic taste that aligns with Ding Tea’s international reputation. Many customers appreciate the friendly and efficient service, as well as the inviting atmosphere that makes it a convenient spot for socializing or taking a break from a busy day. The convenience of delivery options through major platforms is another noted strength, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorite drinks remotely. On the other hand, some negative reviews cite inconsistencies in drink preparation, with occasional complaints about sweetness levels being too high or certain drinks not meeting expectations, indicating room for quality control improvement. There are also remarks about wait times during peak hours and occasional issues with order accuracy. Despite these critiques, the general consensus underscores Ding Tea PSU’s solid standing as a reputable tea shop with appealing offerings. In conclusion, while there are areas for service refinement, Ding Tea PSU remains a popular, accessible choice for tea lovers and friends seeking a flavorful and sociable experience in Portland.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tony H
Ding Tea PSU was a great experience. They have a self-service keypad or tablet, which is very convenient. I ordered a medium strawberry tea, which was delicious. The price was around $5.50 to $5.75; I forgot the exact amount. I definitely recommend it, and I will be coming back.
Arthur T
Ordered my usual passion fruit green tea with boba. Boba was cooked well, but the tea tasted a bit off compared to other Ding Tea's I've had. Shoutout to the staff for taking my order with smiles with a few min before they closed. Street parking only.
N F
*Updated review: Still one of the best places to get various types of drinks, with decent sizes, plus they have a rewards program: purchase 8, get 1 free. I love the blended Thai iced tea with lychee jelly, 25/50% sweet, and the monster boba but don't be afraid to take your time and ask questions when ordering (I hadn't even noticed you can choose the ice quantity). Monster boba latté was good, and tailored nicely to personal taste. Ham & cheese and Original (custard filled) taiyaki (fish stamped waffle sandwich) were really tasty, with a beautiful, pastry-like texture. Spam musubi was decent, with good amount of eel sauce. Window seating, and vending machines of candy, ramen, drinks etc. towards rear.
Charlie Te
Another popular boba tea shop has opened up in the Portland area and this time its located right near PSU. The drinks here are pretty tasty and their golden boba tasted better than my previous experience. The nice thing about them and some of the other boba tea shops is that you can adjust the ice and sweetness level for most drinks. The service was pretty efficient for being in the soft opening stages. I had their signature milk tea (slight ice and slight sweet) and it was good. I also came back and had their lychee green tea (0 %sweet) with grass jelly and it was akashi refreshing.
Heidi Agostinho
We ordered via a kiosk five Boba teas and one of the orders was wrong, when we brought it back to the girl behind the counter she basically said she was too busy and we got the drink the way it was supposed to be. Too bad so sorry. Customer service zero. The quality of the tea wasn’t worth the service.
How to reach Ding Tea PSU
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Website: None
Why rally at Ding Tea PSU with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Ding Tea PSU is an excellent choice for a casual, fun meet-up spot that combines delicious drinks with a welcoming vibe, especially if you are near Portland State University (PSU). This Vietnamese tea house is conveniently located just across the street from PSU, making it an accessible and easy-to-find destination for students and locals alike. The atmosphere inside is bright and minimalistic, with playful touches like Pusheen prints adorning the walls, adding a cozy and friendly touch that encourages relaxed conversations and good times. Ding Tea PSU offers a wide variety of bubble teas, fruit teas, and milk teas, ensuring there’s a drink to satisfy every taste preference in your group. The efficient service means you won’t wait long to enjoy your order, making it perfect for quick meetups between classes or after work. Moreover, Ding Tea PSU maintains safety with measures like plastic partitions and contactless payment options, helping everyone feel comfortable while socializing in person. If you want a reliable and fun spot to rally your friends for refreshments and chatter in a casual setting, Ding Tea PSU is an excellent venue to do just that.
What activities can you enjoy at Ding Tea PSU during a group meetup?
While Ding Tea PSU primarily focuses on serving its signature drinks, it offers more than just beverages to enhance your group outing. One key activity is simply sharing and exploring a diverse menu of bubble tea options, including classic milk teas, fruity infusions, and specialty drinks with chewy boba pearls, which are a fun, interactive treat for friends to enjoy together. The quality and texture of the boba are consistently praised for being perfectly soft and flavorful, making it a delicious topic of conversation and tasting competition among friends. Although the shop does not have indoor seating, its location near PSU’s food carts and open spaces allows you to gather outside comfortably, turning your drink stop into a social picnic or walk-and-chat experience. Additionally, Ding Tea PSU’s welcoming staff makes ordering easy, and the quick service keeps the energy high and waits low, ideal for groups on the go. For those wanting to extend their gathering, Ding Tea PSU also offers catering and event services, letting you bring their popular drinks to private meetups or celebrations, making it a versatile place for more structured group occasions.
Why is Ding Tea PSU perfect for hosting a group meetup?
Ding Tea PSU’s proximity to Portland State University places it in a thriving, youthful area with plenty of foot traffic, which makes coordination with friends straightforward. The location features convenient street parking on weekdays, reducing the hassle commonly associated with urban meetups. When it comes to accommodating groups, Ding Tea PSU’s reputation for efficient, friendly service helps keep your meetup smooth and enjoyable—even when the store is busy. The variety of drinks ensures that every member of your group can find something they love, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences, which is important when organizing gatherings. Moreover, the shop’s provisions for contactless Apple Pay and safe interactions via physical barriers reflect its commitment to maintaining a comfortable environment amid health concerns, allowing groups to meet without worry. Additionally, Ding Tea PSU’s casual yet charming vibe promoted by its bright decor and playful elements makes it more than just a tea stop—it’s a place to unwind, bond, and create shared memories. This combination of convenience, quality, and atmosphere makes Ding Tea PSU an excellent choice for hosting your next group gathering.
What makes the drink selection at Ding Tea PSU unique and ideal for groups?
The hallmark of Ding Tea PSU is its impressive and diverse drink menu, which appeals strongly to groups looking to try a variety of flavors together. Their bubble teas stand out due to the perfectly chewy boba pearls, a key feature that turns every sip into a tactile, satisfying experience. The teas themselves range from rich milk teas to refreshing fruit blends, providing a balance of creamy and bright options that suit different palates. Group members can have fun sampling each other’s drinks to find favorites or even order customized sweetness and ice levels for a personalized experience. This variety is ideal for group interactions because it sparks conversations around preferences and encourages sharing, making your meetup interactive and engaging beyond just sitting and chatting. Additionally, the drinks arrive quickly, so everyone can start enjoying their beverages without delay, keeping hangouts lively and uninterrupted. The careful attention to detail in drink preparation reflects Ding Tea PSU’s dedication to quality, further enhancing the overall group experience.
How does the ambiance at Ding Tea PSU enhance the meetup experience?
The ambiance at Ding Tea PSU is an important factor that elevates your group gathering from ordinary to enjoyable. The shop’s decor is modern, clean, and minimalistic, featuring bright lighting that creates a welcoming and cheerful environment. The walls are decorated with playful Pusheen prints, adding a whimsical and friendly touch that resonates well with students and young adults, encouraging a relaxed and happy mood. Even though indoor seating is not typically available due to the shop’s layout and current health measures, the open storefront facing PSU and nearby outdoor seating options provide a comfortable space to linger and converse. The friendly and helpful staff further contribute to the positive atmosphere by creating a warm and approachable customer experience. This non-intimidating, casual setting invites groups to feel at ease while they enjoy their drinks, catch up on life, and plan their next adventure together.
What logistical advantages does Ding Tea PSU offer to groups planning a meetup?
Ding Tea PSU provides several logistical benefits making it an attractive choice for group meetups, especially for college students and local residents. Its location just across the street from the Portland State University campus ensures easy access for anyone affiliated with the university or nearby neighborhoods. The availability of street parking on weekdays simplifies arrival and departure, removing a significant stressor for urban meetups. Additionally, the store’s hours—open from late morning through the evening every day—allow groups flexibility to plan meetups that fit varying schedules, whether it’s an early afternoon break or an evening hangout. The quick service speed is another logistical plus, minimizing wait times even during busy periods, which is crucial when coordinating multiple people. Ding Tea PSU also supports contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, enabling fast, seamless transactions that reduce lines and physical contact—important considerations for health-conscious groups. For larger gatherings, the option to arrange catering further extends logistical convenience, allowing the tea shop’s offerings to come directly to your group event, whether on campus or elsewhere.
How does Ding Tea PSU cater to groups with diverse preferences and needs?
Ding Tea PSU excels at accommodating diverse tastes and preferences, an essential feature when hosting groups with varied likes and needs. Its broad menu spans traditional Vietnamese milk teas to innovative fruit teas and customizations that let guests choose sweetness levels and ice amounts. This flexibility means everyone can tailor their drink to suit their dietary preferences or cravings, whether they prefer something sweet, fruity, creamy, or less sugary. The chewy boba pearls add a universally loved texture element that makes most drinks a playful treat regardless of flavor choice. Moreover, Ding Tea PSU’s staff provides helpful recommendations and friendly service, assisting newcomers or those unfamiliar with bubble tea in selecting a drink they will enjoy. This inclusivity encourages participation and group bonding, as everyone can find something that appeals to them, enhancing the overall satisfaction of your meetup. The shop’s health-conscious measures also ensure a safe environment, making it suitable for groups concerned about hygiene and social distancing.
What additional perks does Ding Tea PSU offer for special occasions and larger gatherings?
Beyond everyday meetups, Ding Tea PSU supports special occasions and larger group events through its catering and event services. Groups planning birthday parties, study sessions, or celebrations can take advantage of Ding Tea’s ability to cater large orders of their signature bubble teas, offering a fun and unique refreshment option that guests will enjoy. This service simplifies event planning by providing professionally prepared beverages delivered to your venue or ready for pick-up, reducing the stress of organizing drinks for many people. Ding Tea PSU is also open to event inquiries via email or phone, showing willingness to work directly with customers to meet specific needs. Such options make Ding Tea PSU not just a casual meetup spot but a versatile partner for your group’s social life, capable of elevating your gatherings with high-quality drinks that appeal to all ages. This added convenience is especially valuable for PSU students and local groups looking for something easy, tasty, and memorable to enhance their group experiences.
In summary, Ding Tea PSU combines convenient location, diverse and high-quality drink options, inviting ambiance, and attentive service to create an ideal setting for group meetups. Whether catching up after classes, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying bubble tea together, this tea house offers a unique, enjoyable experience that keeps groups coming back.