Shopping Small Recommendations

Graphic: Carly Anne Francia

The Ticker’s writers came together to recommend small New York City-based businesses ahead of Small Business Saturday, which will occur on Nov. 26.

The holiday encourages consumers to shop from independent and local stores, as opposed to spending at big box retailers on Black Friday. This way, people will spend money to support small business owners and their ventures.

None of the contributors for this piece were paid to endorse these businesses.

Melani Bonilla – Multimedia Editor | The Teapsy

The Teapsy is a local bubble tea shop located in Astoria, Queens.

The shop has a variety of drinks and pastries for consumers. It also has a small glass case with desserts, tea cakes and macarons. Although the storefront seems small, there is ample space inside to accommodate at least 10 people.

What initially drew me into the space was the big lettering on a chalkboard outside, which read “Tres Leches Milk Tea.” In 2018, I had never tried a bubble tea that incorporated Latin flavors. Tres leches is most known for its association with the cake — made up of condensed, evaporated and regular milk.

I grew up eating tres leches cakes, so the combination of my childhood sweet treat and bubble tea was enticing. After I tried it, I knew that I would be back for the drink and possibly many others. The menu also had other drinks I hadn’t seen elsewhere, such as peach hibiscus milk tea, South African rooibos milk tea and Filipino calamansi iced tea.

Going into the shop is similar to stepping into a bakery. There are warm smells of sugar, tapioca balls and fruits lingering in the air. The staff is attentive and always deliver a well-prepared drink, even with long lines out the door.

In more recent times, The Teapsy has added other varieties of drinks to its menu, including seasonal drinks, “frapputeanos” and cold brews. To order, you can visit the shop’s website or stop by its brick-and-mortar 33-17 30th Ave. in Long Island City.