"We're all mad here..." at least, that's certainly what the Mad Hatter would say at a New Yorkers tea party.
Whether you're up for a deliciously unique cup of tea, or an escape from the rabbit hole we call New York City, you're sure to find something to fit your fancy.
Tea is one of the most beloved beverages around the world, so it's no small surprise that the devotion to the little leaf has found its way to New York City.
If you're fed up with measly old Lipton tea bags, check out these tiny tea parlors offering delicious blends of tea from around the world.
We're not saying you won't find the likes of the Cheshire Cat or Mad Hatter as company, but you'll certainly find a good cup of tea.
Here are our favorite tea parlors (in no particular order) in NYC:
1. Serengeti Teas & Spices (2292 Frederick Douglass Blvd)
If you're a tea lover, you absolutely have to check out Serengeti Teas & Spices in Harlem. When you enter Serengeti Teas & Spices, the love and dedication for tea is almost tangible. It's truly special to see an establishment as devoted to its craft as they are.
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We're big fans of the ginger turmeric lemon tea, though with over 99 other options, it's incredibly difficult to chose just one tea. Not a tea drinker but dragged along? They offer African coffee, as well as some seriously incredible hot chocolate. You cannot go wrong here.
2. Té Company (163 West 10th Street)
Do you love yourself some oolong tea? Then head to the West Village for some of the best oolong teas in NYC. However, it's a cozy little unassuming spot that you'll be happy you've found-- once you've managed to find it.
Their love for oolong teas, otherwise known as semi-oxidized teas, is evident in the flavor and perfect steeping of each tea served. We're obsessed with the "Iron Goddess," which is earthy, but that's possibly because we dislike sweet teas.
If you love fruity or sweet teas, you should try the "Ruby Brew," which has flavors of cherry, rose, lychee, and pears.
3. T Shop (247 Elizabeth Street)
Not sure what kind of tea you like or how to brew your tea? Check out T Shop in Nolita. For $10, you can have your very own tea tasting with an expert who will serve you five different teas of your choice.
Better yet, check out the T Shop every Monday between 7:30-9:00 p.m., where the T Shop hosts "Tea Making Monday." There people can brew the tea that they provide in their own personal way, before everyone shares and tastes the tea to determine how the steeping affects the tea.
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Too extreme for you? Just stop in and enjoy the quiet atmosphere with a $5 cup of tea.
4. Radiance Tea House and Books (158 West 55th Street)
Do you enjoy reading a good classic while sipping on some perfectly steeped, unique tea, or is that just us? How about sipping tea and chowing down on Chinese food while surrounded by bookshelves of books? That's a win in our books.
You have to get the pork belly buns. For only $9, they will fill you up with decadent pork belly. But what about for tea? Try the Longjing green tea. The tea is served in cute little teapots with matching teacups and extra leaves in case you want to steep yours for a longer period of time.
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5. Ippodo Tea (125 East 39th Street)
Ever heard of matcha tea? You should have, whether you've tried it or not. It's basically on par with the kale phenomenon, as people recognize its health benefits.
If you are looking for a sit down establishment, this isn't it, but if you just want a really amazing cup of high quality tea to-go, you've found the spot for you.
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Try the thin matcha simply to start. We can guarantee that you'll be captivated at how your tea is made: whisking. It's a fairly grassy, bitter drink, though Ippodo has many different versions.
6. Physical Graffitea (96 St. Marks Place)
The next time you're in the East Village, stop in at Physical Graffitea for a cup of relaxing hot tea. In typical St. Marks fashion, the place is simply cool. Most tea parlors tend to lean towards the extreme of great grandma's lacy doilies and flowery teapots, but this place spans the other end of the spectrum.
With posters of the Beatles along the exposed brick walls and light wooden decor, it's no small wonder that this place has grown a pretty extensive fanbase from locals and tourists alike.
7. Bosie Tea Parlor (10 Morton Street)
Do you like tea? Of course you do, otherwise you wouldn't have made it this far in the article. Since you're a true tea aficionado, you'll recognize that every good tea deserves a proper bite to eat.
When you walk into Bosie Tea Parlor, make sure you order a scone or macaron to go with your steaming mug. Better yet? Try the scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam. If that doesn't say sophisticated Queen of England, then we don't know what will (maybe some Corgis with the tea).
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However, if you want to go the lush route, try the "Champagne Tea Service," which serves a glass of Perrier-Jouet Brut Champagne, a two-cup pot of tea, two mini scones, three portions of tea sandwiches, a pastry, and two macarons. Yup, we're officially obsessed.
Check out 8 Best Spots for Bottomless Brunches in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]