When asking yourself about something to do near me in Miami with a group of friends or family, consider
Say Tea & Smile
Why Say Tea & Smile is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Say Tea & Smile stands out as a fantastic place to meet up with friends in Miami, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and expertly crafted offerings. Located in a historic and iconic triangular building on South Dixie Highway in Pinecrest, which was once Miami's oldest Dairy Queen, this spot blends nostalgia with fresh, vibrant flavors. The space honors its history by including ice cream alongside a dazzling selection of one hundred homemade boba tea flavors, specialty coffees, and both savory and sweet pastries. This wide variety makes it easy to find something delightful for every palate whether you prefer fruity, creamy, or classic bubble tea combos, or a cozy pastry to pair with your drink.
Customers appreciate that Say Tea & Smile prioritizes freshness — tea and tapioca pearls are replenished every four hours, ensuring every cup is flavorful and satisfying. The shop’s design thoughtfully creates a bubble bar experience that maximizes enjoyment of tea drinking socially. With three locations in Miami — Coral Gables, Kendall, and Pinecrest — it has become a local favorite, blending quality beverages with a sense of community and a love for tea culture. Its homage to an iconic local landmark and dedication to fresh, customizable drinks make it an inviting destination for friends catching up or enjoying a casual outing together.
Here's what people think of Say Tea & Smile
As of recent, Say Tea & Smile holds a 4.6-star rating based on 116 reviews.
User reviews for Say Tea & Smile reveal an overall positive experience, reflected in its 4.6-star rating from 116 reviews. Reviewers commonly praise the freshness and quality of the bubble teas, noting that the tapioca pearls are soft and flavorful, and the variety of tea blends and toppings are extensive and inventive. Many have highlighted the welcoming atmosphere and the friendly, attentive service as key reasons they enjoy visiting. The nostalgia tied to the historic Dairy Queen site, combined with the modern and bright presentation of beverages and pastries, enhances the overall charm of the location.
Positive reviews often commend the attention to freshness, mentioning the premium taste and consistency in each visit. Patrons also enjoy the balance between sweetness and tea flavor, appreciating how the drinks can be customized to their liking. The inclusion of specialty coffees and pastries broadens its appeal beyond standard bubble tea shops.
On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional wait times during peak hours and the challenge of parking in the Pinecrest location. A few customers have noted that some flavors can be a bit too sweet, depending on personal preference. However, these concerns are outweighed by the quality, and many of the less favorable comments also include compliments about the staff’s effort and willingness to accommodate.
Overall, the reviews illustrate that Say Tea & Smile is a well-loved spot that satisfies bubble tea enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, offering a combination of quality drinks, a memorable location, and a friendly environment.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Beth S
Very cute little tea and pastry bar! This is a tiny place in Kendall/Pinecrest area, just across US1 from Dadeland mall. They have a HUGE selection of bubble teas. They have both popable bubbles, and tapioca. Countless variations of flavors and milk combinations. There are a few outdoor seats, but no indoor seating. This is basically for pickup to go.
Mariana S
When I come here, I truly believe Ricky is the nicest employee at Say Tea & Smile. He runs the whole store by himself most days, and even when it gets busy, his patience and positive energy make the experience so much better. He always makes you feel welcome, no matter how hectic it gets or if he’s the only one covering. If you see him, give him some well-deserved appreciation, because he truly deserves recognition. Also, the shop is super cute, and my favorite part about it is the beautiful pink boba menu framed with flowers outside!
Xano
I went to Say Tea & Smile this afternoon and would say I had an excellent experience. This was my first time ever going to a boba shop and some of my friends recommended me to go this is one. I went and asked the kind gentleman Ricardo which drink he recommended I would get if I like my drinks caffeinated. He had prepared for the Black Sugar coffee latte and it was very good. So good that I had to leave this long review about my experience. Thank you Ricardo ❤️
Flo
Gonzalo was amazing. My drink was delicious, and he had a wonderful attitude—super sweet and patient. Great recommendations and outstanding service. 10/10 ⭐ for raspberry and strawberry lemonade with passionfruit popping Boba.
Lilith Garcia
ricky was literally the best!! He helped me and my friends and served us the most delicious drinks. its clear he shows passion and dedication. he had no problem serving us right before closing and gave us a wonderful recommendation. We love ricky!
How to reach Say Tea & Smile
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Website: None
Why Say Tea & Smile may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Say Tea & Smile with your friends?
Say Tea & Smile stands out as a fantastic venue to gather with your friends or family due to its irresistibly inviting atmosphere and outstanding offerings. From the moment you step inside, the air is filled with the delightful aroma of tapioca pearls and fresh tea – a sensory welcome that immediately lifts the mood and sets the tone for a pleasant hangout. The space itself is charmingly decorated, creating a cozy and relaxed environment that encourages conversation and connection. Whether seeking relief on a hot day with a refreshing bubble tea or indulging in a sweet treat alongside a creamy coffee, this place caters to varied tastes with quality and flavor. The staff’s polite and attentive service further elevates the experience, making every guest feel valued and cared for. With vegan options available and an ambiance that blends comfort with trendy aesthetics, Say Tea & Smile is truly an ideal spot to create memorable moments with your group. It’s a hub where vibrant flavors and warm hospitality come together, ensuring that your meetup is not only enjoyable but also something to smile about for days afterward.
What activities can you enjoy at Say Tea & Smile?
Say Tea & Smile offers a diverse range of engaging activities centered around their specialty drinks and delectable food items. The main attraction here is their bubble tea, with a menu featuring various milk bases including oat, almond, and coconut milk to accommodate different preferences and dietary needs. The perfectly chewy tapioca pearls are a highlight, lending a delightful texture that adds to the drink’s refreshing quality. Beyond bubble tea, the café serves specialty coffee drinks like taro cream coffee and black sugar coffee, which combine unique flavors in creative ways. For those with a sweet tooth, a selection of tempting pastries such as Nutella croissants, ham and cheese croissants, carrot cake muffins, and cookies are available – ideal for sharing and pairing with your drink. The eatery also encourages a relaxed vibe, making it a perfect setting for long conversations, casual meetings, or just hanging out while savoring your chosen treats. Additionally, the comfortable seating and subtle décor provide a welcoming environment for group activities, such as informal gatherings or celebrating small occasions with close friends or family.
Why is Say Tea & Smile the perfect place for a group meetup?
Say Tea & Smile excels as a meetup spot for groups because it creates a harmonious blend of ambiance, delicious menu options, and thoughtful customer service tailored for social experiences. The venue’s cozy and cute interior design invites visitors to linger, making it ideal for sharing stories and laughter without feeling rushed. With spacious seating configurations and a relaxed atmosphere, groups can convene comfortably without feeling cramped or overwhelmed. The extensive drink menu caters generously to diverse palates, including vegan-friendly alternatives, ensuring that everyone in your party finds something satisfying. This inclusivity respects dietary choices while enhancing the sense of shared enjoyment. The staff’s friendliness ensures that orders are served promptly and accurately, supporting group dynamics by minimizing wait times and confusion. Moreover, the combination of specialty teas, coffees, and fresh pastries provides a variety of flavors to explore together, offering a conversation starter for any group. Whether for casual catch-ups, planning sessions, or celebratory moments, Say Tea & Smile offers a dependable space where fellowship and flavor meet seamlessly.
How does the menu cater to different tastes and dietary preferences?
The menu at Say Tea & Smile is thoughtfully crafted to accommodate a broad spectrum of taste buds and dietary needs, making it inclusive and appealing for diverse groups. Their signature bubble teas use premium ingredients and offer plant-based milk alternatives such as oat, almond, and coconut milk, ideal for vegan visitors or those with lactose intolerance. This flexibility ensures that no one has to compromise on flavor or choice. Signature coffee drinks like taro cream coffee and black sugar coffee introduce creative flavors that intrigue and delight regular coffee lovers as well as those looking for something new. The range of pastries includes both sweet and savory options — Nutella croissants for indulgent treats and ham and cheese croissants for more substantial bites — offering something for every craving. Muffins and cookies add another layer of variety, perfect for sharing among friends at the table. This well-rounded offering reflects the establishment's commitment to quality and accommodates varying preferences, which is essential when hosting groups with different dietary considerations and taste preferences.
What makes the ambiance at Say Tea & Smile stand out for social gatherings?
The ambiance at Say Tea & Smile is a key element that enhances its appeal as a place for social gatherings. As soon as you enter, you encounter a soothing yet invigorating aroma of freshly cooked tapioca pearls, setting an inviting and cozy mood. The décor cues a blend of modern chic and casual comfort, with “cute” design elements that add character and warmth without feeling overdone. This balance makes it an appealing backdrop for photos, discussions, and simply relaxing with friends. The seating arrangements are designed to encourage interaction while also providing enough space for personal comfort, making group conversations easy and fluid. Combined with the friendly and helpful staff, this welcoming environment reduces stress and promotes relaxation, which is critical when you want to spend quality time with your loved ones. Whether you're catching up after a long week or celebrating a special event, the calming yet lively ambiance makes Say Tea & Smile a smart choice to foster connections and good vibes.
How does Say Tea & Smile’s service enhance the experience of a group meetup?
Exceptional service at Say Tea & Smile plays a crucial role in making group meetups enjoyable and memorable. The staff are consistently recognized for their politeness, attentiveness, and willingness to accommodate special requests, which eases any potential tension or confusion when handling multiple orders. For groups, this level of care means faster service, clear communication, and an overall smoother experience, allowing guests to focus on their time together instead of logistical frustrations. The employees' friendly demeanor creates a rapport that makes visitors feel welcomed and valued, encouraging them to return. Moreover, by being approachable and responsive, staff help new patrons feel comfortable and informed about menu choices, including the wide range of vegan and dairy-free options. This attentiveness enhances the overall vibe, supporting both casual hangouts and celebratory occasions perfectly. In essence, the service at Say Tea & Smile makes the whole experience effortless and enjoyable, making it easier to relax and connect with friends or family during your meetup.
What variety of drinks can you expect, and why are they special?
Say Tea & Smile boasts an impressive variety of drinks that set it apart from typical tea and coffee shops. At the forefront is their bubble tea, a well-loved beverage featuring tapioca pearls that are cooked to the perfect chewy consistency, blending texture with flavor in every sip. Their tea selection includes classic and innovative flavors, with options to customize milk choices by using plant-based alternatives like oat, almond, or coconut milk, making it accessible for vegans and those with milk sensitivities alike. The café also impresses with specialty coffee creations such as the taro cream coffee and black sugar coffee, which combine rich, sweet, and creamy notes, offering unique taste profiles not commonly found elsewhere. Smoothies and other refreshing drinks add to the menu’s diversity, ensuring that visitors can find drinks to suit any mood or preference, whether chilled or warm. These carefully crafted drinks showcase both skill and creativity, elevating the beverage experience and making Say Tea & Smile a destination for those who appreciate quality and originality in their drinks.
What food options complement the drinks, and how do they enhance the meetup?
The food offerings at Say Tea & Smile wonderfully complement the extensive drink menu, enhancing the social experience with textures and flavors that pair well with tea and coffee. The croissants, with options like Nutella and ham and cheese, provide both sweet and savory choices to satisfy different group members, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. The carrot cake muffins offer a moist, flavorful pastry option, while fresh cookies add a delightful sweet finish to the meal. These snacks are ideal for casual bites during a relaxed meetup or as treats during more lively conversations. By offering high-quality pastries that are both comforting and indulgent, Say Tea & Smile creates an inviting environment where food fuels connection and enjoyment. These menu choices also provide diverse palate experiences, ensuring guests can create their preferred combinations of food and drink matched to their tastes, which enhances satisfaction and the overall quality of the gathering.
Why is Say Tea & Smile’s location and accessibility important for group meetups?
Strategically located in Coral Gables, Say Tea & Smile benefits from being in an accessible and attractive neighborhood that enhances the meetup experience. Positioned on Miracle Mile, the café is easy to reach by personal vehicle or public transportation, helping groups coordinate meeting times without hassle. The surrounding area offers ample parking and a pleasant walkable environment, enabling guests to enjoy the broader neighborhood before or after their visit, perhaps extending their outing beyond the café itself. The location also means it attracts a diverse clientele, adding a lively yet welcoming social atmosphere. For groups, ease of access is crucial—no one wants to spend extra time finding a place or dealing with complicated logistics. Say Tea & Smile’s thoughtful location removes these barriers, ensuring your meetup starts off on the right foot and keeps the group’s attention focused on enjoying each other’s company.
How do reviews and community feedback reflect the quality of Say Tea & Smile?
Public feedback for Say Tea & Smile consistently points to a high level of customer satisfaction, which is essential when considering it for group meetups. With an impressive rating of 4.6 based on over 100 reviews, the consensus highlights the freshness and taste of the drinks, quality of pastries, and the amiable staff as core strengths. Patrons regularly mention the refreshing bubble teas, especially the chewy tapioca pearls, as a standout feature along with creative coffee concoctions like taro cream and black sugar varieties. Many reviews emphasize the venue’s pleasant ambiance, describing it as “cute,” “comfortable,” and ideal for conversation. While some mention slightly higher prices, this is generally accepted as a reasonable trade-off for the quality and experience offered. The positive community feedback reinforces Say Tea & Smile’s reputation as a trustworthy, enjoyable place for social gatherings, instilling confidence that hosting a meetup here will meet or exceed expectations.
What makes Say Tea & Smile a unique venue compared to other tea or coffee shops?
What sets Say Tea & Smile apart from other tea and coffee shops is its seamless fusion of an inviting atmosphere, innovative drink selections, and friendly personalized service. Unlike generic coffee chains, it offers a warm, intimate space where every detail—from the smell of fresh tapioca to the careful crafting of specialty beverages—works to create a memorable outing. The inclusion of vegan-friendly milk options and a well-curated menu of both sweet and savory pastries elevates it to a more inclusive, varied experience designed for all guests. The staff’s reputation for friendliness and attentiveness also plays a significant role, nurturing a sense of community and personalized care rarely found in larger chains. This combination of ambiance, menu diversity, and customer service creates a unique niche where the focus is not just on food and drink, but on providing a setting perfect for social connection. For groups seeking a venue that feels both special and accessible, Say Tea & Smile delivers an experience that stands out in the competitive landscape of Coral Gables cafés.