Across the porch at the front door to the Boba Lounge, the sound of blenders can be heard as baristas are hard at work making drinks. 

Offering a variety of drinks from shaken iced teas to milk teas and Vietnamese iced coffee, the Boba Lounge, located on Old Morgantown Road, gives customers a chance to delve into a unique experience. All menu items are handwritten on the wall, showcasing 23 drink flavors.

Boba, or bubble tea, is a popular Taiwanese drink consisting of tea with milk or flavoring. Toppings can also be added. The Boba Lounge offers chewy tapioca pearls, popping boba, jellies and puddings to add to the drinks. Also available are blended drinks such as the Frappioca, which can be compared to a Starbucks frappuccino but with boba pearls at the bottom of the cup.

In addition to drinks, rolled ice cream and waffles are also on the menu. 

Jarod Caliso, an employee at the Boba Lounge, said he hopes customers will enjoy exploring the menu and the different combinations of drinks and toppings it has to offer. 

“Not yet have I had every single one,” he said.

The cafe has a shelf of board games patrons are welcome to play while waiting for their drinks. The lounge has a cup of markers at the counter so customers can sign the wall toward the back of the room. Since the business has been open for a little over a year now, signatures are covering the wall, leaving lasting memories of customers who have enjoyed their experience.

Rob Sparkman, owner, and Von Syhalath, a co-owner, have always wanted to open up a boba cafe. 

“It was just talk and dreams for about 10 years,” Syhalath said in an email. “Since Bowling Green didn’t have a stand alone store yet, we took a leap of faith and finally opened up in September 2017.”

The shop sees a variety of customers, ranging from college students to teachers and business professionals, all stepping out of their comfort zone to try something new.

The Boba Lounge is planning to relocate to a larger location on the U.S. 31 Bypass.

“We are anticipating on opening sometime in December,” Syhalath said. “There will be a more expansive variety of flavors along with some fun new twists with the boba later down the road. There will also be a cafe area where food will be served.” 

Syhalath said the shop plans to serve banh mis, which are Vietnamese baguette sandwiches, and pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup. 

“Our main goal is to provide a taste of culture in a delicious way,” Syhalath said. “The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and we are hoping we will win over Bowling Green’s heart.”  

Features reporter Kelley Holland can be reached at 270-745-6291 and [email protected].