Cafe Monster (Previously Ding Tea Lakewood)

Cafe Monster, previously known as Ding Tea Lakewood, is a lively bubble tea and coffee spot nestled on Woodruff Avenue in Lakewood. This café draws a steady stream of local students and office workers looking for a flavorful caffeine fix or a refreshing boba treat. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with staff known for their patience and friendly service—even when faced with last-minute large orders close to closing time.

The menu blends classic Asian-style bubble teas with an inviting range of coffee drinks, appealing to diverse tastes. Standouts include the Monster Boba Latte and their Signature Milk Tea, both praised for hitting just the right balance of sweetness and tea flavor. For coffee lovers, options like the Vietnamese Coffee or unique specialty drinks such as the Coconut Coffee—a creamy blend with a Vietnamese coffee kick—add something different to the typical café lineup.

Locals often stop by during mid-afternoon or early evening, a natural downtime for a pick-me-up or a casual meet-up spot. The place is well-suited for those who enjoy quietly sipping a drink while catching up on work or chatting with friends without the rush of a busy coffee chain. Younger visitors, including students, appreciate the occasional discounts and the straightforward menu of both sweet and savory snacks—think creme puffs, flan, and Belgian waffle gelato—that complement the drinks well.

Despite being a bubble tea shop by category, the café strikes a balance by offering solid coffee options, making it a flexible choice for groups with varying preferences. While some might wander in just for the classic Milk Tea with Boba, others keep returning to explore their creative iced coffee blends or fruit smoothie alternatives like the Passion Mango Smoothie.

Overall, Cafe Monster feels like a neighborhood spot that blends familiarity with a touch of innovation, reliable for a cozy beverage break or a casual snack run. It suits anyone from boba enthusiasts to coffee aficionados looking for something a little different, especially in the Lakewood area where options of this style can feel limited.