When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Refresh By Ekkamai
Why Refresh By Ekkamai is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Refresh By Ekkamai, established in 2017, is a popular Asian-inspired tea and coffee shop known for its carefully crafted drinks made with quality, wholesome ingredients. Located in Los Angeles, this venue offers a bright, clean, and modern environment that is both comfortable and welcoming, making it an excellent spot for meeting up with friends or enjoying a casual stop. Their drink menu focuses on a diverse range of milk teas prepared from brewed loose-leaf teas and non-dairy creamer, catering to both caffeinated and decaffeinated preferences. Refresh's commitment to authenticity means they avoid artificial syrups and powders, instead emphasizing fresh, natural flavors. Customers can enjoy customizable options including ice level, sweetness intensity, and caffeine-free or alternative milk choices. In addition to milk teas, the shop serves coffee drinks featuring double-shot espresso or house-made cold brew, suited to various tastes and preferences. The staff is noted for their friendliness and professionalism, contributing to a positive and relaxed visitor experience. With reasonable prices and a selection of baked goods such as cookies, along with eco-friendly metal boba straws, Refresh By Ekkamai stands out as a quality destination for tea and coffee enthusiasts seeking a wholesome, flavorful experience.
Here's what people think of Refresh By Ekkamai
As of recent, Refresh By Ekkamai holds a 4.4-star rating based on 158 reviews.
Reviewers of Refresh By Ekkamai consistently praise the shop for its excellent quality boba teas characterized by fresh, balanced flavors that avoid overly sweet profiles. Many appreciate the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, describing them as accommodating and quick with orders, often willing to remake drinks to customer satisfaction. The ambiance also earns high marks, with patrons noting the bright, clean, and modern interior that provides a pleasant atmosphere for both quick visits and relaxed meet-ups. Customers value the shop's focus on fresh, natural ingredients and homemade boba, which often receives compliments for its texture and flavor. The availability of customization options such as sweetness, ice level, dairy-free milk alternatives, and caffeine-free choices further enhances customer satisfaction. On the other hand, some negative points include occasional busy times that may slow service and limited flavor variety compared to other boba shops; however, this is a deliberate choice by Refresh to maintain quality over quantity. In conclusion, the reviews depict Refresh By Ekkamai as a reliable and well-loved spot that prioritizes quality drinks and customer service, with minor drawbacks that do not significantly detract from the overall positive experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Oana Gusatu
This place is my regular go to for Boba teas. The recipe is so good that the teas are always just right in taste: not too sweet and not too bitter, just perfect. There is a small food offering as well, but the Boba teas are their speciality. The venue itself is a bit odd because it has a corner that looks like someone’s living room with a TV and armchairs and lots of child toys and it’s cordoned off so you can’t reach it and that’s why you can’t really use the restroom in here if you ever need to, but it doesn’t affect the quality of their drinks of course. The staff is always friendly and they offer a loyalty card as well so you can get one drink free after ordering 10.
Sandra M. Borges
Really JUST REALLY fantastic Boba!! The flavors are delicious yet not too sweet and the toppings selection is perfect . The food however is not their strong suit as it seemed a bit lazy but overly not bad flavor.
Yessybear
Delicious tea drinks. I got the decaf wintermelon with boba and it was refreshing.
Patricia Richards
Awful!! I had the Thai ice tea Boba. They put a quarter inch amount of Boba in a tall plastic glass.. Then they put in.powered tea, and water. then they added a white powder with sugar. . Next they sealed and put it on a machine that was extremely similar to one's that shakes paint cans. It tasted very bland and watery. It was upsetting really. No condensed milk. Barely any tapioca balls. Horrible. ADDING TO MY REVIEW TODAY 11 5 2021. HERE IS WHAT THE OWNER ANSWERED ME: Hello Patricia, sorry you didn't like your Thai Iced Tea. Our shop is 30% less sweet than other shops and our Thai Tea is about half as sweet as our restaurant next door. Thai tea actually does not contain condensed milk, at our restaurant we use half and half and it's about as sweet as syrup. At our tea shop we use a non-dairy creamer, it does not contain sugar. We could have easily fixed this for you by adding more sugar if you would have simply let us know. There are super sweet shops that give you tons of boba and extremely sweet drinks. Our shop is more for the tea aficionados that prefer their drinks less sweet. But we can easily make drinks more sweet. But help us and other businesses out next time by letting us know you had a problem before you write a 1 star review, it could have been easily fixed. HERE IS MY ANSWER: 1) I told the young woman at the counter that I did not like it and why. Then I said exactly this, "Can you fix this for me?" SHE SAID NO! because there was a formula for the machine and it was IMPOSSIBLE!!!! So, I left it almost untouched on the counter and I left. She did not care at all. 2) It is an insult to label me as someone who is not a " Tea Aficionado" because I did not like your machine formulated and made tea. Your comment epitomizes your problem. It's not me, it's the customer! Saying that your tea would please a tea aficionado is like saying that a steak aficionado would be just as content with a meal from "Steak n Shake," as they would be from "Ruth's Chris Steak House". Please!! 3. You do not read carefully. I did not say it was not sweet enough, did I? I said it was bland. Actually it was very sweet, but thin and watery. What I should have mentioned is that it did not not have the richness of flavor that is usual in Thai iced tea. 4. You wrote this oxymoron: "we use half and half"... and "At our tea shop we use a non-dairy creamer" Huh? Half and half IS a dairy product (which is not sweet btw). Duh!! . And you are delusional, if you believe your fast food Boba and other foods a "Tea Shop". 5. The recipe that you claim is "authentic". Delusional again if not just lying. Look up any AUTHENTIC Southeast Asia recipe that is used in the US!! I did and they say ,. "Similar to hot Thai tea, real Thai iced tea is a mix of black tea, spices, sugar, SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK AND EVAPORATED MILK . You, the owner, are very confused. Why not post that your tea's are healthier than the average tea. Maybe people who are extra careful about their health would choose your place over others? Who knows? But, I am 67, am thin and eat good things in moderation. Picture 1-Me- normal person Picture 2. Notice how few Tapioca pearls there are compared to the average. Picture 3 Notice the counter etc and see that it is not a tea house. Picture 4 Notice the dead bee in the bottom of the drink posted by another customer. Picture 5 What a good Boba looks like. Notice the many pearls and the rich color.
Danielle Fisser
Best place!!! Love their taro with boba mmm!!
How to reach Refresh By Ekkamai
None
Website: None
Why Refresh By Ekkamai may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Refresh by Ekkamai with your friends? This upscale yet inviting café is an ideal spot to gather, unwind, and enjoy quality time with those closest to you. Located in a vibrant area that perfectly blends urban energy with a cozy ambiance, Refresh by Ekkamai offers more than just great drinks—it creates a social atmosphere conducive to memorable meetups. Whether it’s a casual hangout, a celebration, or a thoughtful catch-up, this café caters to a broad range of social occasions. With a strong reputation for quality, evidenced by its 4.4-star rating based on 158 reviews, Refresh by Ekkamai consistently delivers experiences that satisfy both the palate and the desire for connection. The inviting environment coupled with excellent beverages, including exquisite Asian-inspired milk teas and coffee, makes it a magnet for groups. Everyone from tea aficionados to coffee lovers can find something to enjoy, enhancing the shared experience. Furthermore, the emphasis on quality ingredients and a curated menu ensures every drink is made to impress, making Refresh a perfect rendezvous point where friends and families can savor both taste and togetherness.
What activities await you at Refresh by Ekkamai for group meetups? Refresh by Ekkamai specializes in crafting a thoughtful menu centered around milk teas, iced teas, and coffee drinks, ensuring there is something for every preference in your group. Their milk teas are brewed from loose-leaf teas and combined with non-dairy creamers, offering options that cater to both caffeine lovers and those seeking decaffeinated alternatives. This diverse approach means that no one feels left out, which is essential for group cohesion. Besides drinks, although primarily a café, the relaxed yet stylish atmosphere naturally encourages conversation and relaxation, ideal for social gatherings. The opportunity to try a range of Asian-inspired flavors, coupled with their commitment to wholesome, authentic ingredients, adds a sensory adventure to your meetup. Since the menu avoids artificial syrups and flavor powders, you will enjoy drinks that are both delicious and wholesome, amplifying the pleasure of your shared experience. The setting itself acts as a subtle backdrop that doesn’t overwhelm but invites comfort, making it easier to focus on the people you are with and foster meaningful interactions.
Why is Refresh by Ekkamai perfect for your group’s needs? Their approach to the menu is purposefully simplified to ensure every beverage is made with care and precision, avoiding an overwhelming choice that could complicate group orders. This means your group won’t spend excessive time debating options but can instead enjoy quick and excellent service because the staff can focus on quality. The café’s commitment to quality over quantity extends to their use of premium loose-leaf teas and exceptional espresso shots, including house-made cold brews — elements that appeal to both aficionados and casual drinkers alike. This quality focus enhances the meetup experience since everyone in the group will likely find a drink they genuinely enjoy. Additionally, Refresh’s ambience combines sleek, minimalist design with warm, comforting touches, making it both visually appealing and welcoming for groups of all sizes. It is an environment that elegantly balances liveliness and intimacy, catering to conversations that range from light-hearted banter to deep discussions. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for friends reconnecting, families bonding, or even small informal business gatherings.
What kind of drinks and flavors does Refresh by Ekkamai offer that make it unique for group gatherings? The café’s specialty lies in its milk teas brewed from carefully selected loose-leaf teas, blended with a smooth non-dairy creamer, providing a unique flavor profile that emphasizes natural tea essence over artificial sweetness. They serve both caffeinated and decaf versions, allowing your group to customize their drinks based on individual preferences and needs. For coffee lovers, the double-shot espresso drinks and the house-made cold brew cater to diverse palates, served hot or iced. This variety ensures that whether your group seeks a refreshing iced milk tea with subtle herbal notes or a bold espresso to energize the afternoon, Refresh by Ekkamai delivers consistently excellent beverages. The dedicated approach to creating authentic Asian-inspired drinks not commonly found in every coffee shop adds a cultural richness and a point of shared discovery among friends and family. The café’s avoidance of syrupy powders means the drinks taste fresh and real, perfect for those who seek authenticity in their social outings.
How does the ambiance and service at Refresh by Ekkamai enhance a group meetup experience? The café has carefully crafted an atmosphere that is both cozy and stylish, making it a place where groups can feel comfortable lingering and conversing without feeling rushed. The décor embraces minimalist Asian influences with clean lines, natural lighting, and inviting seating arrangements that encourage interaction. The staff are attentive and knowledgeable, understanding the nuances of the menu and happy to guide groups through their offerings, elevating the customer experience. This high level of service creates a welcoming vibe that helps groups feel valued and accommodated. Importantly, the space is designed to balance quiet corners for intimate chats with open seating for lively group discussions, ensuring flexibility depending on your group's mood and size. This nurturing environment enhances social bonding, which is the core reason to choose Refresh by Ekkamai as your meetup destination.
What practical features make Refresh by Ekkamai convenient for group gatherings? Though it is close to the buzzing Ekkamai area, the café offers easy access with parking options nearby, which is particularly helpful for groups arriving together. The location's integration into the community reflects its understanding of local preferences, and the café’s steady reputation ensures that you can rely on consistent quality without surprises. The menu’s simplification helps streamline ordering for larger groups, avoiding delays and mix-ups—a common hurdle in casual meetups. Furthermore, the café’s longevity since its founding in 2017 demonstrates an ongoing commitment to serving customers well and adapting to customer feedback, which ensures your group’s experience will meet high standards. The combination of a great physical location, accessibility, and thoughtful operations means your gathering can start smoothly and continue effortlessly, focusing on what matters most: the people you are with.
How does Refresh by Ekkamai connect culturally, making your meetup feel special? Drawing from strong Thai and Vietnamese roots, the café offers an Asian-inspired menu that honors traditional methods of tea and coffee brewing. This cultural authenticity adds an enriching dimension to your gathering by introducing authentic flavors that inspire curiosity and conversation in your group. It offers a subtle but meaningful cultural immersion, allowing your friends and family to share something unique beyond standard café fare. The emphasis on quality ingredients and traditional techniques reflects respect for craftsmanship and heritage, which can foster appreciation and elevate the ambiance of your meetup. This cultural layer, combined with a modern and approachable setting, means that Refresh by Ekkamai doesn’t just serve drinks—it crafts experiences that can deepen friendship through shared discovery.
What future possibilities and unique features can make your visit dynamic? Refresh by Ekkamai continuously listens to its customers and adapts its offerings, ensuring the experience evolves with customer desires. This dynamic approach means your group can expect seasonal specials, new recipes crafted with care, and possibly events or pairings that complement their drinks. While the menu stays focused and minimalistic, the continuous refinement process guarantees freshness and innovation, keeping return visits exciting. For group meetups, this promise of novelty without overwhelming choice means your gatherings can have new highlights every time you meet, whether through new flavors, special brews, or curated coffee/tea experience moments. The café’s emphasis on quality and community creates an environment that encourages repeat visits and meaningful social bonds, making each meetup at Refresh by Ekkamai memorable and dynamic.