Sun pours through the front windows by 9 a.m., and a steady murmur of conversation fills the room as the first plates of the morning hit the pass.
Set in Phoenix, AZ, Boba Tea By Wanzi has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
Order coffee black and let the kitchen do the rest — French toast made with thick-cut brioche, dusted with powdered sugar, and crowned with seasonal berries.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Boba Tea By Wanzi. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
- Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita
- Country-style biscuits and sausage gravy
- Smoked brisket hash with two eggs and pickled onion
Service is friendly without being chatty, refills come without asking, and nobody rushes you out of your seat.
The chicken and waffles plate hits the table looking like a magazine cover and tastes even better than it looks.
Bring cash if you can — splitting the check is faster, and a few items on the daily-special board are cash-only.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Phoenix, Boba Tea By Wanzi is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Save room for one of the pastries on the way out — they bake everything in-house, and the morning buns are legendary among regulars.
Tips from the regulars
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Boba Tea By Wanzi.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
Hours
Specific opening hours rotate seasonally — call ahead to confirm, especially around holidays. Most weekend brunch service runs from late morning through early afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Boba Tea By Wanzi open for brunch?
Specific hours rotate seasonally, but Boba Tea By Wanzi typically opens for brunch service in the morning and serves through early afternoon. Call ahead on holidays.
Does Boba Tea By Wanzi take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Phoenix are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Boba Tea By Wanzi kid-friendly?
Yes — Boba Tea By Wanzi welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Boba Tea By Wanzi serve?
It's classified under bubble_tea — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Phoenix.
Is there outdoor seating at Boba Tea By Wanzi?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 218 East Roosevelt Street. Coordinates: 33.4588, -112.0672. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.