1st off if you a lover of curated tea & imported teaware, matcha, small spaces, good music, wifi, books, local sourced pastries, cool owners and a clean functional bathroom with a cool walk down entrance, and you haven't been checking out the hole in the spot baltimore has to offer I've know Zena for almost 8 years, originally a chef for years later migrated into the world of tea gave it the same amount of dedication, love and intentionality. She travels internationally to attend tea conventions, summits and for sourcing. She has staple and seasonal menu for those who like the occasional food change up. She intentionally chose to tea to not compete with local coffee shops near by. She has a crazy book collection spanning food, art, history, scifi and more. The teaware is usually imported for artisan from the east; ie japan. She a great conversationalist and heartwarming friend; I love her so much. I could go on but go and visit for yourself. Tell her Bilal sent you. I do have a challenge for you, they have this tea book there that goes nicely with her numbered tea system, every time you come in try one and take notes. I treat it like a postcard of my attendance as I try to understand her world and learn to be more descriptive; play with me and swap notes read more

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I'm back with more Pillion reviews! This is my go-to study cafe if I can muster up any motivation to study, I'll come out here. As mentioned previously, there is extremely limited seating and table space so this isn't the place to necessarily study or work if you aren't coming in right at opening or just are plain unlucky. Regardless, Pillion serves as a nice place for me to sit and get some work done. They also now have a rewards punch card where your 10th drink is free! Yunnan Big Leaf Summer 3/5, this is a light black tea Roasted hojicha w/ salted hazelnut syrup milk tea 4/5, this just tasted like hojicha and was light overall but nice and warm Currant Events Soda 4/5, a citrusy fizzy soda Cranberry and Rosemary Scone 3/5, more rosemary than cranberry Decaf English Breakfast w/ Pumpkin Caramel Syrup and milk (hot) 3/5, quite sweet due to syrup, not very much English breakfast coming through, it was ok but not again Cocoa mint hot tea 5/5, I love mint tea, this is a more unique one as it's a blend of spearmint and peppermint. You will not taste the cacao nibs but it smells like rich dark chocolate as you get close to sip, feels v seasonal!! Butterscotch cookie 4.5/5, solid cookie, would have preferred over softer but this is such a small issue Cider spritz 2/5 let me start by stating I love fall and fall themed items, especially Cider. While I did enjoy the initial taste of Cider, it seemed to not last read more

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I came to Pillion Tea to check it out and get some work done during the week. Keep in mind they only have tea, so you're out of luck if you're a coffee lover. They have SO many teas - it's kind of amazing and overwhelming at the same time. I ended up just going with one of their specials, which was an iced hibiscus tea - really delicious and refreshing on a hot day. I asked for honey as my sweetener, but it wasn't very sweet at all. This wasn't a bad thing for me, and you can always ask for more if it's not sweet enough. I also got two scones to munch on while I was there. They have a decent selection of pastries that I believe were all made by Maillard Pastries. They were both berry scones, though I can't remember the exact flavors. One was noticeably drier than the other, but I still really enjoyed them. It was a nice snack to have with my tea. Definitely a cute spot to work or study from with solid food and drinks. If I lived closer I'm sure I'd come all the time! read more

Pillion Tea - wall decor - Tea Rooms Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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stopped in the middle of a rainstorm, and it was the perfect cozy/quiet spot to dry off in. I had one of their specialty tea drinks, and my partner had an iced version. both were fantastic! it seems like a great spot to WFH in - everyone was very quiet and peaceful. read more

I was on a walk today and stopped in to get something warm. The barista, Zena, was so friendly and helpful! I don't drink a ton of tea, so she helped me choose. I ended up trying my first London fog and it was delicious! I think there were lavender and/or vanilla homemade syrups in it which added nice flavor, but not too sweet- a good balance! The store itself is cozy, there were a few people working on laptops. It's not a huge space, so wouldn't be optimal for bigger parties, but perfect for me. There were also an assortment of pastries at the front. read more

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What a gem! The motorcycle + tea mix was so intriguing. Entering the store is like entering into a den; inside, there are a few comfy chairs by the window, some small tables, and a book nook all the way in the back. I had an iced Golden Monkey (black tea), as well as a Cheddar Chive Biscuit, an Oreo Cream Scone, and matcha cookies. I found the tea less sweet than I was used to, but next time I'll be sure to ask the owners for recommendations. I was not a fan of the biscuit and scone; to me, they tasted just like bland, dense, dry bread, although my friend found them good, but the cookies were delicious and true to the matcha flavor. The owner, who also doubled as staff, was knowledgeable and friendly. It's evident that she has a good rapport with her customers, always a good sign. read more

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This was a unique find. My children and I are usually at odds over where to go for food and drink. However, in Pillion Tea I have found a gem. Their home made teas and food is extremely good and works well, even for my fussy children. They serve teas from around the world and cookies and cakes both vegan an not vegan to my own delight. Having visited them now several times I can confidently say that Pillion Tea is a must visit location in downtown Baltimore. Just a little more info. The store is always clean, and their owners and staff are very friendly and happy to be as helpful as they can. The staff is knowledgeable and will gladly engage in conversation about their products. They are a 5 minutes walk from light rail line and have several busses stopping within a block of the store. Only problem is they are not wheel chair accessible. read more

Pillion was a very pleasant surprise on our overnight near the Meyerhof. The owners are extraordinarily pleasant, engaging, and knowledgeable. Better yet, they take the time to prepare each tea with perfect care. We are very much looking forward to future visits, and hope they enjoy a long, loving business in Mt Vernon. read more

I'm a huuuge coffee snob, but I think these guys have convinced me to try more tea! Their knowledge of the teas they have on offer is UNBELIEVABLE - so much so that it may feel a bit overwhelming when you look at the menu. But don't be afraid to to questions and smell the sample teas in the small bottles to the left of the counter. These guys definitely put some serious time and effort into curating their collection and it shows. I tried the number 9 black tea (pu erh?) with a little cream and it was perfect - mostly a flavor of barley and nuts, very smooth. Owners are super friendly and happy to share their extensive knowledge of teas if asked. I can't wait to go back to try some of the milk teas! read more

This is my absolute favorite cafe in Baltimore (and I've been to over a dozen of them). Great tea, great occupants, great owners (so friendly). This is the place I go to get stuff done. Very chill non-distracting music. HUGE selection of tea options. A small selection of delicious pastries/snacks. Really interesting books in the back. They offer a second steep on their hot loose leaf teas. Really helps me power through. Can't recommend enough! read more

My wife and I are new to the area and were just walking around exploring when we came across Pillion Tea. At the time it was just take out, due to covid restrictions, but the space was really great! I can't wait to go back when it's fully open and we can enjoy our drinks there. I got an iced chai tea latte that at other places can have too much cardamom and it puts me off but theirs had a really nice blend of spices. My wife tried the matcha affogato and she loved it! I didn't expect to like it very much, matcha isn't my thing, but it had quite a lovely, smooth flavor. We also shared an almond croissant that was absolutely delicious. I look forward to coming here again soon! read more

One of my absolute favorite places in Baltimore! The teas are delicious and the owners are great people. I highly recommend the milk jin xuan and cherry blossom loose leaf teas, the London fog drink, and the yummy pastries baked fresh by Little Fig and Bramble. They're currently open for Thursday and Friday pickups during the covid pandemic. read more

A great new tea shop on Biddle near the University of Baltimore. Great vibe. Owners on site, very engaging Portland transplants. 80 plus teas. A Biker theme! read more

Pillion Tea - Pillow Tea Shop - Tea Rooms Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Nice, quiet place to sit. There's a small selection of books in the back that one can look through/read/purchase. I had the Watermelon Arnold Palmer which I found to be pretty refreshing on a hot day. Glad to find a spot like this in the neighborhood. read more

I'll start by saying that I am not a big tea person...but I will try anything once, and let me tell you, the drink I got exceeded my expectations. I also love the chill atmosphere of the space, and they have a great selection of books to boot. Welcome to the neighborhood, we're very happy to have you! read more

A great presence in Mount Vernon. A coworker introduced me to Pillion Tea a few months ago and i've been hooked ever since. The selection of over 60 types of tea, each of which is available hot or iced, is displayed in large quantities behind the counter and in smaller glass jars accessible to customers to take in their aromas. Menus help organize and tame the generous quantity of offerings. The Italian motorcycle theme complements the contemporary and comfortable furniture. Completing the experience is the friendly, knowledgable presence of owner Zena, who quickly begins to feel like a good neighbor and friend. read more

Never knew tea could be so delicious. My husband and I ordered two of the specialty teas. He ordered the egg cream and I ordered the Matcha Mule. When I received my tea I was a bit apprehensive because it was a very grainy green color. However, once I took a sip I realized that it was way better than anything I could have expected! You also have endless possibilities as this tea place has more than 60 different teas! They have the regular menu of teas. Then a specialty one, and a "summer" list. It was a true pleasure getting to try this place out. My only regret is not checking it out sooner. Worth the visit! read more

Pillion Tea - Egg Cream Tea & Matcha Mule Tea - Tea Rooms Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

The best tea place...in the states! Bold statement but very true! The variety of tea and drink options are abundant and ever changing. The tea leaves are always fresh and I can see how well they take care of their ingredients. Most importantly to me however: they don't sweeten the hell out of their drinks! In a world of drinks and foods with hidden added sugar, Pillion Tea keeps it real. The baristas there lets the tea's natural taste and perfumes to seep through their creations without the aid of sugars and sweeteners. I personally think sugars masks original flavors of food and drink but others have disagreed with me. On another note: their baked goods are all from local bakers. Their Matcha chocolate chip cookies are my favorite cookie - again, not that sweet but perfect. Lastly, I appreciate there is a tea place which concentrates more on tea so I can get my fix too! They do serve coffee and lattes so coffee folks don't despair! My only wish is they were located closer to me and my work so I can go there more often! read more

Wonderful cozy place for tea! Had their London Fog latte and also their Masala Tea on separate occasions. Both were very good. The person making the drinks is very friendly and answered my questions too. I'm definitely intrigued by their extensive tea menu and look forward to trying more soon! You can browse an eclectic selection of books and there are also some tables (I've seen people sit and do work there). Will definitely be returning! read more

This place is amazing! A wonderful and wide selection of teas to sip on or buy loose-leaf as well as a plenty of delicious sodas (the blueberry matcha is life) and locally made snacks. The owners are great people and are super knowledgeable about their products. I would (and have) recommend this place to anyone. I've never had less than perfect experience, and would happily drink and eat anything they prepare! read more

Came in on a rainy Saturday morning to meet with friends. I'm normally not a tea drinker but their London fog was the drink equivalent of a cozy warm sweater on a chilly winter day. Perfection. Love the locally sourced baked goods and the chill but personable staff. read more

Been searching for a Loose Tea shop in Baltimore and I'm so excited to have finally found one! They have such a wide selection and I went out of my way to come here because it's so hard to find places that sell loose tea. I was not disappointed! The people working there were very pleasant and the atmosphere is cool. Also points for sustainability in that you can bring back your containers next time you go and they will reuse them. Will definitely be coming back! read more

Thrilled to have this new business on my block! The tea creations Zena makes are fantastic, and the vibe is always cool. Despite the fact that it's summer- you should still try! They have amazing iced tea drinks, matcha, the works. The tea selection is huge and the owners are so chill and knowledgeable about the selection. Zena usually surprises me with something based on my mood, and it's always fantastic. read more

This is such a relaxed and fun place to hang out at. The people who work here could not be more friendly, but in a very chill, unobtrusive way. Their tea is excellent, and the seating is really comfortable. I'd definitely recommend coming here if you like a chill, cozy place with good tea. read more

Just stopped in and enjoyed a Vanilla-Mint Matcha Latte - it was amazing! Very relaxing and welcoming atmosphere with so many options. Highly recommend! read more