Written By: Eleanor Wynne

Photos and Graphic By: Britney Spangenberg

Walk through the doors of Lucky Cat Boba and Taiyaki and you see walls lined with brightly-colored Korean stationary, display cases full of anime figures, Hello Kitty and Totoro stuffed animals, and, of course, an expansive menu of boba tea. 

Located at 3424 S. Glenstone Ave, Lucky Cat specializes in boba, also known as bubble tea or milk tea. Aside from boba, their menu includes espresso, mojitos, yogurt drinks, and taiyaki, a Japanese pastry in the shape of a fish. A variety of boba pearls and jelly toppings are available, as well as an array of alternative milks.

Food options include pastries like rolled matcha cakes; dango, a type of Japanese rice flour dumpling; and taiyaki filled with red bean paste, custard, or nutella. Savory options include bao buns filled with pork or mixed vegetables. 

In preparing to open Lucky Cat, owner Jay Jung visited boba shops across the Midwest hoping to curate a space that matched his demographic. 

“I went to Chicago, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, mainly,” said Jung, who took inspiration from other midwestern boba shops as opposed to the ones in his home country of Korea. Finding the balance between classic and unique was the driving force behind Lucky Cat’s interior. 

Ultimately, though, Jung’s biggest wish is to share his love of Boba with Springfieldians. 

“I want everyone to have a chance to try our drinks. Come in and we will help you find a drink you enjoy!”

Lucky Cat Boba and Taiyaki is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and weekends. Follow their Facebook at Lucky Cat Boba and Taiyaki and Instagram @lucky_cat_boba for updates.