High Tea in H-Town
By Emily Hilton, Citysearch Contributor
Having succumbed to a coffee addiction at an early age, I've recently found myself in search of a healthier caffeine alternative. Luckily, these days there's no shortage of places to drink, purchase, learn about and have tea. With little knowledge of its many varieties, lingo or etiquette, I recently set out to discover all I could about coffee's kindlier cousin.
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Teavana
5085 Westheimer Rd Ste B- 235, Houston, TX
Large tins of loose leaves adorn the wall behind the counter featuring many tea varieties, but only a few daily brews are available for sampling. Loose leaf is available for purchase as well as hot and cold beverages, but without any seating and a rushed environment, this is a spot more for those in-the-know and on-the-go. -
Teahouse Beverage
2089 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
This place is usually packed with individuals plugged into laptops. A bevy of board games is available for those in the mood to linger. The variety in tea beverages features some unique "mix-ins" of chewy sugary confections. -
The Path of Tea
2340 W Alabama St, Houston, TX
The store's proprietor is more than happy to answer questions regarding their sizable inventory. Proud to be the only certified organic tea house in Houston, their variety is impressive, as is their knowledge and attention to customer care. A sniffing bar provides the perfect way to test out your purchase before making it final and loose leaf is available for take-home and gift-giving. -
Ashland House Tea Room Restaurant
7611 Westview Dr, Houston, TX
The house proprietary blend features mango and floral essence along with a tease of spice. Ginger snaps, lemon curd and homemade cheese crackers go great with the variety of teas. Adorable crustless sandwiches cut into whimsical shapes, buttery scones, and cakes galore will make you want to skip lunch. -
St. Regis Hotel, Houston
1919 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, TX
The lushly appointed atmosphere resplendent with orchids and an elegant harpist playing serenely in the corner is the perfect setting to accompany fine china and an exquisite array of delectable treats. The sandwiches are tasty, but tiny and the generous scones are baked fresh daily. Pastries are adorned with fruit and cream.
