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Cha Cha Matcha (Flatiron)
Master Critic Review
Cha Cha Matcha (Flatiron)
7.9
A matcha-first cafe where the ice-cream move is soft serve that stays smooth and tea-forward rather than sugary. The best orders keep it simple: straight matcha, a swirl, and one bright topping if you want contrast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Matcha soft serve, Matcha + ube swirl soft serve, Matcha affogato-style pour-over
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Matcha soft serve that tastes like tea, not candy.
Who should go: Matcha lovers and light-dessert people
When to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon
What to order: Matcha soft serve, matcha-ube swirl, one lemonade
Insider tip: Order straight matcha first—then try the swirl next visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; expect limited availability midday. Garages within a few blocks if needed.
Dress code: Very casual—athleisure, jeans, and sneakers are standard.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy conversation, but it’s an active counter space.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak afternoon hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of 12–1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—all core offerings are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes—matcha soft serve is dairy-free; confirm toppings if strict.
Gluten-free options: Soft serve itself is gluten-free; cones and some toppings may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a casual or daytime first meet—quick, low-pressure, and visually fun without being too sugary or heavy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no reservation system—ordering is counter-based with limited seating, so plan to stand or take it to-go during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids enjoy the soft serve, but seating is tight and there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Tea-forward, lightly sweet soft serve that feels cleaner and more balanced than classic ice cream shops.
Skip if: You want rich, dairy-heavy scoops, lots of mix-ins, or a place to linger comfortably.