Coffee? I’m over it. Tea is where it’s at. I’m not talking sugary-sweet iced tea- I mean good old-fashioned hot tea. It’s warm, comforting, and very versatile. If you need to relax and unwind, there’s a tea for you. If you need a pick-me-up or energy boost, there’s a tea for you.
The other great thing about tea is that there’s a culture surrounding it, stemming from years of tradition. Immersing yourself into the world of hot tea is fun, social, and informative because most tea houses encourage a sense community. Engaging in tea related-experiences is not only enjoyable, but can give you insight into the societies (mainly Asian and European) from which it developed. If you’re looking to get a leg up on your tea repertoire, then check out these ten hot spots across the US.
1. Portland, OR- The Hazel Tea Room
Must-try drinks:
- Sticky Rice Puerh
- Green Ginger Chai
Must-try snacks:
- Gluten-free & Vegan French Toast
- Vegan Nut Cheese Spread
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
Shining star: SO MANY milk/sweetener options! Dairy, soy, almond, rice, hemp & hazelnut milk are available, as well as sugar, raw sugar, stevia, Splenda, honey and agave.
2. San Francisco, CA- Samovar Tea Lounge
Must-try drinks:
- Velvet Cacao
- Turmeric Spice
Must-try snacks:
- Coconut Rice Pudding
- Baked Tempeh over Seasonal Greens
Yelp rating: 4/5
Shining Star: Beautiful view of Yerba Buena Gardens.
3. Denver, CO- Teatulia Tea Bar
Must-try drinks:
- WHOA Mama
- Purple Haze
Must-try snacks:
- Breakfast Quinoa
- Vegan Panini
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
Shining star: A very relaxed, casual and friendly atmosphere, according to patrons.
4. Santa Fe, NM- The Teahouse
Must-try drinks:
- Lapacho Orange Vanilla
- Grandma’s Garden
Must-try snacks:
- The ALT
- Polenta Catalan
Yelp rating: 3.5/5
Shining star: A very, very large selection of teas, and they are all loose-leaf to boot.
5. Austin, TX- The Steeping Room
Must-try drinks:
- Chocolate Chipotle Chai
- Pumpkin Pie Tea
Must-try snacks:
- Lemon Edamame Tea Sandwich
- Vegan Tea Cookie Plate
Yelp rating: 4/5
Shining star: Many “tea services” available where you can come as a group and have a tea party consisting of beverages, appetizers, and sweets. Plus there’s several vegan & gluten-free options.
6. Minneapolis, MN- Verdant Tea
Must-try drinks:
- Chai Concentrate
- Ginger Steamer
Must-try snacks:
- Vegan Pot Stickers
- Tangelo Thyme Gluten-Free Donuts
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
Shining star: Unbeatable prices. Bottomless hot tea is available for just $3.50.
7. Cleveland, OH- Algebra Tea House
Must-try drinks:
- Genghis Khan
- Coconut Sencha Almond
Must-try snacks:
- Falafel Sandwich
- Banana Algebra
Yelp rating: 4/5
Shining star: A lot of quirk that gives the place a very cozy, comfortable vibe. (Think hand-painted mugs and home-cooked meals).
8. Orlando, FL- Infusion Tea
Must-try drinks:
- Roasted Maté
- Almond Amaretto
Must-try snacks:
- Watermelon Gazpacho
- Tempeh Tacos
Yelp rating: 4/5
Shining star: Also serves as a venue for tea parties, garden parties, brunches, weddings, and more.
9. Asheville, NC- Dobra Tea
Must-try drinks:
- Sweet Smell of Jerusalem
- Touareg
Must-try snacks:
- Coconut Matcha Shortbread
- Daifuku
Yelp rating: 4/5
Shining star: The back rooms are filled with cushions and small tables that you can share with others. You take off your shoes and sit on the ground, which adds to the experience in a whole new way.
10. Manhattan, NY- Jivamuktea Cafe
Must-try drinks:
- Chocolate Rose Black Tea
- Jivumaktea Chai
Must-try snacks:
- Tavo
- Chocolate Mousse
Yelp rating: 3.5/5
Shining star: The cafe is part of Jivamukti Yoga, one of the most famous studios in the country! It also offers a “Mad Hatter Tea Party” special, consisting of drinks, sandwiches, crudites, and sweets.
Have you visited any of these tea houses? Do you have a tea house you’d like to nominate?
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Photo: Chumsdock, Maks Karochkin, Dimi, all via Flickr
