TeaHaus: A Cozy Retreat In Kerrytown
You should know that I am not a tea drinker. At all. I'm a coffee-girl all the way. But if any place could make a tea convert out of me, Kerrytown's TeaHaus would be it. This cozy little café and tea shop, with its huge selection of international teas and finger-foods, could turn any college coffee-junkie into a Brit-worthy tea-connoisseur (if only for a few hours).
Photo by Anna Hsu
If you haven't been to TeaHaus before, you might be surprised that the unassuming little shop tucked away in Kerrytown has an international selection of almost 180 loose teas. Each can be bought to bring home or brewed in-store. But don't worry, if the giant menu of tea options scares you (hey, it scares me, too), the attendants really know their stuff and are super helpful.
Based on whether you like green tea or black, fruity or Chai, they will quickly match you up with your ideal tea. I ended up with a light and sweet Chai variety called the Kashmir Khali Kahwa, while the rest of my group were well matched with varieties of a sweet marzipan tea, coconut green tea and light green tea.
Photo by Anna Hsu
We then paired our teas with fresh-baked macaroons (you've got to try these wild flavors: hibiscus and tahini!) and two scone plates — a biscuit and a chocolate-raspberry scone on each, served with lemon curd, clotted cream and raspberry and apricot jams. TeaHaus also has a variety of sandwiches, salads, scones, soups and pastries. (Just note that the menu is limited on Sundays and Mondays, while Saturdays are especially busy).
Photo by Anna Hsu
If you have a few hours to spare (or want an abroad experience without having to fly to London), make an advance reservation for a Full English Tea — unlimited tea, five finger sandwiches, two scones and three desserts for $25/person. Or opt for the "Quickie" version if you want a little less food for less than half the price.
Plus this time of year, the cutesy tearoom — already filled with mini chandeliers, large whimsically shaped tea pots and little girls in tutus (seriously, two came in while we were there) — is also pushing a Valentines-esque theme, with doily heart-shaped decorations and plenty of pink accents. (Is it just me or this place beginning to look like the uber-kitschy, Valentines Day teashop in Harry Potter??) Thankfully the modern wood furniture and walls helps to dilute the frilliness.
Photo by Anna Hsu
But if that's your cup of tea (wink wink), TeaHaus hosts events year round. Coming up in the next few weeks: a chocolate and tea tasting event as well as the shop's Monthly Brew, a tasting and discussion group for true tea lovers. I wouldn't recommend bringing someone you just met, but TeaHaus is surprisingly affordable and a great Kerrytown find to come with a date, a group of friends or just to hang out and study. I promise, you don't even have to love tea.
Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10 am-7 pm, Sun: 12 pm-6 pm
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