Top 10 Tea Houses in the U.S.

April 16, 2014

Top 10 Tea Houses in the U.S.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.

Top 10 Tea Houses in the U.S. - loose tea leaves

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.

Top 10 Tea Houses in the U.S. - Tea kettles

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

 

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Quincy is an NC-based college student who is passionate about leading a healthy and compassionate life. Aside from classes, she fills her time with cooking, writing, travel, and yoga. You can find more from her on her blog Shugurcän and on Instagram.

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