Things to do around Alsion
Title image credit: https://www.teazentea.com/uploads/b/286b2b70-b762-11ea-b664-4dad4d858e3b/TZTFremontFront02.jpg
Once done with school it’s common to find Alsion students roaming around the businesses that surround the school. With a long standing favorite Alsion after school hang-out spot Mission Coffee Roasting Company closing it’s time to explore other options. As this is my sixth year with Alsion, I became familiar with places near our school. Surrounding Alsion are mostly tutoring and after school services with a mix of various saloons, there are a couple of places to hangout. Here are some places that you can go that are located within walking distance from Alsion.
First up is TeaZenTea
Located on Mission Blvd I would say TeaZenTea is the most popular Alsion student hangout spot. Before TeaZenTea’s business, an ice-cream shop Icy-Blue used to sell rolled ice-cream and cotton candy. Sadly, the business couldn’t survive after COVID-19 and TeaZenTea was added to the street. For one year there were two boba shops Alsion students could go to, but TeaZenTea quickly won the competition between T4 U.
Ambiance
Over the years TeaZenTea has developed its ambiance featuring a modern style sitting place, a lego board, and displays dedicated to K-Pop idols. There are a couple of tables and chairs outside the shop. I would give it a 8/10
Quality of tea
I have had very mixed opinions about tea. Last year I didn’t like the drinks at all. I ordered the Creme brulee and fruit teas but they were either too sweet or not sweet at all. They also charge more for asking for no ice. I find it very peculiar that customers have to pay more for the absence of something. Depending if you order during a busy time the quality of the drink will greatly vary. The cost is pretty average for a boba tea shop. As for the boba itself, I think it is very low quality as there is usually a hard center in each peal. I would give it a 5/10
UMI tea Ramen
On the topic of boba tea another spot nearby is UMI tea and Ramen is another spot for boba tea. Being near the Pine street and Mission intersection the walk to this boba shop is a little longer. Unlike TeaZenTea which only sells boba tea and waffles, UMI tea also sells ramen and other appetizers along with boba tea.
Ambiance
Situated in a small complex with steps leading into the shop. The shop is very quaint and has an aesthetic simplistic atmosphere.
Quality of tea
I personally like the taste of the tea but I don’t appreciate the lack of customization. There is only one sweetness level, so if you are not looking to indulge in a sugary drink I don’t recommend visiting UMI tea. Regarding the food, I would definitely classify it to be on the pricier side. I ordered a vegetarian ramen and I found it to be very bland.
Kitayama Yoichi
A small Taiwanese restaurant on Anza St. Having only tried one item on the restaurant menu I have my opinion from very little experience. This restaurant used to feature a small convenience store in the back where I usually bought my favorite lychee marble soda but that closed. Now they only sell items from the menu ranging from noodles to fried rice. Menu items are very pricey. With string lights and tables outside Kitayama Yoichi has an amazing ambiance and a great place to go with your Alsion peers.
Palmdale Gardens
On Washington street is the Palmdale Gardens, one of the lesser known spots. Featuring a picturesque landscape and cottage-like building style houses lining the gardens, the Palmdale Gardens is the perfect place to go on an after school walk with your friends. The gardens have pretty strict rules regarding biking, food, etc. Make sure you read the sign at the entrance. Visitors are not allowed to bring food into the gardens, although I think you can get away with beverages.
McDonalds
This is an average Mcdonald’s fast food chain location a 20-30 min walk from Alsion. I would rate it 4/10 overall, since a small grub fell from the ceiling onto my table once.
So these are the places near Alsion you can hang out in, each offering something different.