JERSEY CITY, NJ — The first location of Uni Uni Bubble Tea in New Jersey opened this month in Jersey City, with its owner promising that it's a great space to sip and work.
The spot opened on April 13 at 485 Marin Drive — the former leasing office of KRE, which developed the residential building.
Owner Patrick Jiang, a passionate Bubble Tea fan, jumped at the chance to bring the store to Jersey City.
“I knew I wanted to open in Jersey City. I love the vibe here,” Jiang said.
He said the spot provides WiFi and electrical outlets next to the desks, because building residents like to come there for meetings, to study, or do do work.
“We are not a café, but we are still providing a café vibe," he said.
He also wants Uni Uni Bubble Tea to be an important part of the community.
"Our goal is to create a space where the community can connect, gather, and celebrate small moments together,” Jiang said. “We are proud to announce our opening and proud to be a part of the Hamilton Park neighborhood.”
Dozens Of Options
Uni Uni Bubble Tea was founded in Chicago in 2020 and has expanded to seven states. The New Jersey location is locally owned.
Customers can choose from a menu that includes classic milk teas, tea lattes, fresh fruit teas, fresh milk drinks with pudding, sago slush, smoothies, fresh brewed teas, and specialty drinks. All teas are grown and harvested in Taiwan.
A variety of toppings are available, many of which are different flavors of boba, the chewy tapioca pearls that give bubble tea its name, texture, and flavor. The drinks are customizable.
Customers can choose their sweetness level and there are caffeine-free options available. Some drinks are iced only, but many can be made both iced and hot. All milk teas are lactose-free and milk alternatives are available.
New To Boba?
Uni Uni Bubble Tea also offers croffles, a croissant and waffle hybrid served with a variety of toppings.
Jiang recommends a classic milk tea for anyone trying bubble tea for the first time, but he invites customers to explore the entire menu.
“For somebody who hasn’t had boba before, we really want them to try a classic milk tea: the Ancient Brown Sugar Boba Milk Tea. It’s non-dairy and it’s very traditional,” Jiang said. “We use fresh fruit in our fresh fruit tea category, and our sago slush category is also becoming very popular. And among kids, our smoothies are a top seller right now. We have mango, strawberry, coconut and Oreo.”
Jersey City Councilperson At-Large Mamta Singh and Jersey City Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Mira Prinz Arey recently joined Jiang, staff members, and officials from KRE to officially open the shop with a ribbon cutting.
Jiang leased the space in early 2025 and spent more than a year preparing to open. With a background in real estate, he knew he needed to get small details right.
Besides passersby, he hopes to serve the residents who live in the building’s 397 apartments. The store connects to 485 Marin via an interior entrance, giving apartment residents direct access to the shop.
Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Jersey City, KRE real estate has built more than 9,000 residential units, with 7,000 in various stages of approval and construction. The company also owns and manages more than 6 million square feet of office, warehouse, and retail space.
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