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i went with a friend and there was a bit of a wait. The space isn't very big but still very calm and cozy. The owner and staff are super friendly and accommodating. We got the oolong tea and jasmine tea. The jasmine tea was my favorite cause of its fragrance and slight sweetness. The pastry was pretty good as well. We got the miso cookie and black sesame cookie which both tasted yummy. Overall, a very chill place to relax and enjoy some tea. Do anticipate waiting since the place is quite small.
Went on a Tuesday morning around 11:45/noon in early June. All of seated tables inside were occupied and they suggested either indoor standing tables or one of two benches outside - one at the front window and one around a tree. The outdoor seating is quite comfortable so we went with that. The employee explained everything very thoroughly and seemed knowledgable. The space is very pretty and, when we were there, was quiet and relaxing. I had the pu'er, iced, and the scone. This is definitely a splurge kind of place but I knew that walking in. My friend is a tea connoisseur and she was happy so that was enough for me. All of the packaging was very cute. Overall, when taken to-go it feels like if Molly Tea or something on that level also had a nice sit down space. From other reviews it looks like they've added a waitlist which is great, when we asked they did not yet offer that and there was no time limit on the occupied seating. Overall I had a nice time and would go back on a slow day, but I could see where a lot of online hype would make this concept hard to keep up with, especially in such a small space.
Stopped by around 4 PM on a Friday, and there was already a wait for a table. They don't take reservations, but you can join the waitlist and they'll text you when your table is almost ready. I really appreciated this since it gave us time to walk around instead of standing in the small tea shop waiting. The staff were all very friendly, and I have to compliment them on the design of the space. It's beautifully done and immediately draws you in. There are only about five tables, plus a few standing tables along the wall. I also like that it's a laptop-free space, which encourages people to slow down and enjoy the experience, much like a traditional teahouse. At the same time, they offer iced tea drinks, making it an appealing stop on a hot summer day. For drinks, I ordered the pu'er tea. While it was served in a beautiful cup, it wasn't the most practical--the cup was so thin and big that it was too hot to comfortably hold, so I had to wait for it to cool down. By then, the tea wasn't as hot as I would have liked. Flavor-wise, it reminded me of the pu'er tea commonly served at dim sum restaurants, so it didn't particularly stand out to me. My friend's Iced Anxi Goddess Oolong was was refreshing with a wonderful floral oolong aroma and would be my pick next time. For desserts, the black sesame cookie was the star. It had the perfect crispy exterior with a soft, moist center and just a hint of salt that balanced the sweetness beautifully. I probably wouldn't order the lychee jelly again, as it reminded me of canned jelly, and while the chocolate dessert had a lovely floral sauce, I wish the chocolate itself had been a little softer. Overall, this is a lovely tea spot that's worth checking out, especially if you appreciate beautiful spaces and a slower pace. I'd recommend visiting during off-peak days or hours to fully enjoy the calm, serene atmosphere. IG: Jubes111
Fine little tea spot (but only if you have time)! Be prepared to wait a bit for a table. Only worth it if you're like 1st-3rd on the wait list. The tea is fine and the snacks are unique but could be improved! The lychee candy fell apart very easily and the osmanthus candy texture was ok. The ambiance is cute but not sure worth more than 20 min wait. Note that ech table requires 2 orders per person minimum and has a 50 min limit.
Chinatown's hottest new tea house! They import premium teas and have associated sweet treats with each tea. My friend and I got an iced Wuyi Dahongpao (supposedly chestnut, amber, and dried plum) and Yunnan Dinhong (supposedly persimmon and caramel notes). Unfortunately, both were disappointing as the tea flavor didn't really come through. They definitely tried to make the interior a modern Chinese tea house with all of the wood vibes. I would come here just for the vibes of yapping with my friends; perhaps their other teas are better.
Waited for 45 mins on a saturday in the rain. Check in process is unclear. They rush you out and ask you to leave when it's been less than an hour (I get that you're busy but bad vibes). Not at all worth the hype. The tea was good but overpriced. The cookie and biscuit were both super dry and flavorless. $34 for tea for 2 is some Chinatown gentrification for sure. It is cute inside but seriously not worthwhile. Also strongly dislike their umbrella policy of making you leave it outside the store... My umbrella was stolen. Most places have a place you leave your umbrella inside for this very reason.
Honestly, I stopped by today while exploring Chinatown, and I'm so glad I did. I didn't feel like I was in the city at all--it was such an elegant and peaceful space. The employees were incredibly kind and took the time to explain the menu, especially how the teas pair with the different confections. I had the Sichuan Jasmine Tea with the lychee dew and osmanthus amber candy, and the pairing really did work beautifully. I was traveling alone that day, so it was especially nice to have a quiet space to sit and enjoy some tea before everyone got out of school (it was a weekday). Such a lovely experience, and I would definitely recommend stopping by if you're exploring Chinatown!
the epitome of zen and quiet. we ordered the anxi goddess and yunnan tea along with the two pastries that the owner recommended. everything was perfect. the tea had a very soothing and natural flavor, perfect for a hot summer day to cool you off. it felt like i was in a chinese tea house!
Ordered the Sichuan Jasmine tea (hot) with Yunnan Dianhong tea (cold), paired with confectioneries - rose water meringue, lychee dew, and black sesame cookie. The three confectioneries were among the most popular items on the menu. The teas were very aromatic and well worth the wait. Sichuan Jasmine is floral and very pleasant. The chilled Yunnan Dianhong is refreshing and not too sweet. Our favorite confectionery was the black sesame cookie, which just surpassed our number 2 pick - the rose water meringue. Lychee dew reminded me of the classic lychee Jell-O. If you're not a fan of Jell-O, I recommend skipping it. Overall the experience was a 3/5 due to the environment. The ambience was okay; quite loud for a teahouse. It's more like a busy high paced cafe but even more jam-packed. Seats and tables are extremely limited, and are *supposed to* be first come, first serve. We were among the first 15 people at store opening and still couldn't get a table in time! Expect that other people behind you on line will cut and try to snag the tables and seating for themselves even before ordering anything. If you don't claim seating or a table in time (or mistakenly expect people to be civil and wait their turn), you will end up in some corner of the cafe holding the tray up and attempting to delude yourself into enjoying your time there. There will be at least two people within arm's reach.
Went when they first opened. I was really skeptical about paying that much for tea and desserts, but I absolutely loved it that I went back a second time. The staff were really nice and recommended me different dessert pairings. I do think that's pretty important. Alone the desserts might not be the most stand out, but together with the tea it was an experience. Similar could be said about the tea.
If I was in the area more often, I could genuinely see myself coming to this spot frequently and it being my go to solo date spot. This is a place that really lets you intentionally slow down - at least it did for me. Although I only had 1 tea and 1 pastry, I really enjoyed my time here and the staff were wonderful. There's a lot of thoughtfulness and intention weaved into the aesthetics, food, drinks, service, and even the menus I thought. I love a good scone and was intrigued by the white sesame scallion concept so I had to get one. I was recommended the last 3 teas on the menu as they would pair well with that pastry so I went with the Yunnan Dianhong. First off, fantastic pairing and it'll come with a description card on what to expect flavor wise and even how it's cultivated. The scone, I would say was not bad but still interesting. I was delightfully surprised when they asked for my feedback and you could tell they genuinely wanted feedback to improve. I thought that it was slightly hard on the crust, but the inside was a great texture. I also tend to enjoy my scones warm but that isn't always possible so the temperature of it didn't really detract from my overall experience. I definitely tasted the sesame but the scallion flavor felt a little muted to me, maybe too subtle. However, I'm excited to return to see what changes they might make to it and also to try their other items! It's so refreshing and comforting to find a tea house like this and I believe it has so much potential to evolve into even more!
My favorite tea shop in NYC. Great, quiet, relaxing atmosphere with amazing tea and desserts. The rosewater meringue cookies in lychee jelly are light and refreshing, and they have iced teas, which are great on a hot day. They also have great hot teas. And love their unique cookies. I will definitely go back. I just wish I was closer, and the staff are super nice and everything is made really fast.
black sesame oatmeal cookie ($7) - this was the best out of the 3 dessert! - it had a perfect balance of nuttiness from the black sesame and fragrant flavors from the oatmeal - not too sweet but it could be even less sweet - the cookie was pretty big n robust id get it again but idk if it is worth the price point white sesame scallion scone ($7) - this was an even bigger dessert but not the best execution - it was very dry, so for every tiny bite, i had to pair with a sip of tea - i could smell a waft of scallion but definitely not enough for anyone to clock it right away that this is scallion - this was the dessert no one really touched lychee dew ($7) - the texture was more solid than i thought it would be... it wasn't those typical bouncy gelatinous jelly like dessert and idk how i feel about the texture - the flavor of the lychee was there but also quite faint - i appreciate that they put actual lychee bits in it though dianhong ($7.5) dahongpao ($9) jasmine ($8) - jasmine is the lightest while the dahongpao is the strongest for the tea we ordered - they were all good and it'd depend on personal preference for what your cup of tea is rating: 3/5 - the desserts were a bit disappointing because they all looked better than they tasted and too pricey; if they were well executed then id say they're worth the try but unfortunately not - the tea selection though was good and I loved everything i drank! Still it was quite steep for something i can easily brew at home for less than $5 - service was alright nothing much to note and i wouldnt say it was the most welcoming - there was quite a bit of wait since brewing tea takes a bit of time - the space itself was extremely small, so you likely would have to stand on the side or sit outside since there were only like a few tiny tables indoor - i love the ambiance which was tranquil and smelled sort of like a salon in asia; it's somewhere id go on a rainy day but given how small and expensive everything is, i wouldn't recommend it - i also got charged extra for a credit card surcharge btw IG: @nom.noms.only
2 months ago
If you're a tea connoisseur or simply appreciate high-quality tea, Soft Hours is a spot worth checking out. Their menu isn't massive, but they select top-tier teas that deliver incredible flavor. The ambiance feels very intimate and museum-like, making for an extra elevated experience. We arrived right around opening time, so thankfully we didn't have to wait, though every table was filled shortly around noon! The Tea: Sichuan Jasmine & Da Hong Pao: Both were exceptionally fragrant and bold in flavor. You can truly taste the craftsmanship and art behind the tea. Absolutely loved both and will definitely be back. Note on Policies: They do enforce a 50-minute seating limit and a 2 item min order per person for table service. While that felt like a slight drawback, I completely understand why they need to manage table turnover. read more
On a hot summer day in the city, this was a necessary stop. From the moment you step inside, the thoughtfully curated interior creates such a peaceful atmosphere. You genuinely forget the hustle and bustle of NYC for a while. I will note, I visited with a friend after work on a Thursday afternoon and getting a table was, at a minimum, a 10min wait. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to make thoughtful recommendations based on both the teas and pairings. I had the Sichuan Jasmine paired with the Lychee Dew, and it was such a refreshing combination. The tea had these subtle lychee notes that complemented the sweet pairing beautifully without feeling overpowering. I also took a Vuyi Dahongpao to go. One of the highlights was getting to chat with Juno. She was incredibly down-to-earth and genuinely passionate about her shop. You can really feel that personal touch throughout the space. As someone who frequently visits NYC, I love finding places that feel intentional and offer something a little different from the usual city experience. This is definitely one of those spots. read more
Such a cute cafe!! This Song Dynasty-inspired cafe is meant to make time slow down a bit, for customers to escape the hustle and bustle of Lower Manhattan. It's dimly lit and the architecture is meant to evoke the mountain sanctuaries of China. The tea, lychee jelly, and osmanthus candy I tried were all delicious and unique. Although there were no tables available when I went, there were empty standing tables so we took those instead (no wait, just grab any empty ones). There was a waiting list for the tables you can sit down at. It's quite small inside, so I would say you should expect a wait if you go during a busy time. read more
i went with a friend and there was a bit of a wait. The space isn't very big but still very calm and cozy. The owner and staff are super friendly and accommodating. We got the oolong tea and jasmine tea. The jasmine tea was my favorite cause of its fragrance and slight sweetness. The pastry was pretty good as well. We got the miso cookie and black sesame cookie which both tasted yummy. Overall, a very chill place to relax and enjoy some tea. Do anticipate waiting since the place is quite small. read more
Went on a Tuesday morning around 11:45/noon in early June. All of seated tables inside were occupied and they suggested either indoor standing tables or one of two benches outside - one at the front window and one around a tree. The outdoor seating is quite comfortable so we went with that. The employee explained everything very thoroughly and seemed knowledgable. The space is very pretty and, when we were there, was quiet and relaxing. I had the pu'er, iced, and the scone. This is definitely a splurge kind of place but I knew that walking in. My friend is a tea connoisseur and she was happy so that was enough for me. All of the packaging was very cute. Overall, when taken to-go it feels like if Molly Tea or something on that level also had a nice sit down space. From other reviews it looks like they've added a waitlist which is great, when we asked they did not yet offer that and there was no time limit on the occupied seating. Overall I had a nice time and would go back on a slow day, but I could see where a lot of online hype would make this concept hard to keep up with, especially in such a small space. read more
Stopped by around 4 PM on a Friday, and there was already a wait for a table. They don't take reservations, but you can join the waitlist and they'll text you when your table is almost ready. I really appreciated this since it gave us time to walk around instead of standing in the small tea shop waiting. The staff were all very friendly, and I have to compliment them on the design of the space. It's beautifully done and immediately draws you in. There are only about five tables, plus a few standing tables along the wall. I also like that it's a laptop-free space, which encourages people to slow down and enjoy the experience, much like a traditional teahouse. At the same time, they offer iced tea drinks, making it an appealing stop on a hot summer day. For drinks, I ordered the pu'er tea. While it was served in a beautiful cup, it wasn't the most practical--the cup was so thin and big that it was too hot to comfortably hold, so I had to wait for it to cool down. By then, the tea wasn't as hot as I would have liked. Flavor-wise, it reminded me of the pu'er tea commonly served at dim sum restaurants, so it didn't particularly stand out to me. My friend's Iced Anxi Goddess Oolong was was refreshing with a wonderful floral oolong aroma and would be my pick next time. For desserts, the black sesame cookie was the star. It had the perfect crispy exterior with a soft, moist center and just a hint of salt that balanced the sweetness beautifully. I probably wouldn't order the lychee jelly again, as it reminded me of canned jelly, and while the chocolate dessert had a lovely floral sauce, I wish the chocolate itself had been a little softer. Overall, this is a lovely tea spot that's worth checking out, especially if you appreciate beautiful spaces and a slower pace. I'd recommend visiting during off-peak days or hours to fully enjoy the calm, serene atmosphere. IG: Jubes111 read more
16 days ago
Fine little tea spot (but only if you have time)! Be prepared to wait a bit for a table. Only worth it if you're like 1st-3rd on the wait list. The tea is fine and the snacks are unique but could be improved! The lychee candy fell apart very easily and the osmanthus candy texture was ok. The ambiance is cute but not sure worth more than 20 min wait. Note that ech table requires 2 orders per person minimum and has a 50 min limit. read more
Chinatown's hottest new tea house! They import premium teas and have associated sweet treats with each tea. My friend and I got an iced Wuyi Dahongpao (supposedly chestnut, amber, and dried plum) and Yunnan Dinhong (supposedly persimmon and caramel notes). Unfortunately, both were disappointing as the tea flavor didn't really come through. They definitely tried to make the interior a modern Chinese tea house with all of the wood vibes. I would come here just for the vibes of yapping with my friends; perhaps their other teas are better. read more
Waited for 45 mins on a saturday in the rain. Check in process is unclear. They rush you out and ask you to leave when it's been less than an hour (I get that you're busy but bad vibes). Not at all worth the hype. The tea was good but overpriced. The cookie and biscuit were both super dry and flavorless. $34 for tea for 2 is some Chinatown gentrification for sure. It is cute inside but seriously not worthwhile. Also strongly dislike their umbrella policy of making you leave it outside the store... My umbrella was stolen. Most places have a place you leave your umbrella inside for this very reason. read more
22 days ago
Honestly, I stopped by today while exploring Chinatown, and I'm so glad I did. I didn't feel like I was in the city at all--it was such an elegant and peaceful space. The employees were incredibly kind and took the time to explain the menu, especially how the teas pair with the different confections. I had the Sichuan Jasmine Tea with the lychee dew and osmanthus amber candy, and the pairing really did work beautifully. I was traveling alone that day, so it was especially nice to have a quiet space to sit and enjoy some tea before everyone got out of school (it was a weekday). Such a lovely experience, and I would definitely recommend stopping by if you're exploring Chinatown! read more
the epitome of zen and quiet. we ordered the anxi goddess and yunnan tea along with the two pastries that the owner recommended. everything was perfect. the tea had a very soothing and natural flavor, perfect for a hot summer day to cool you off. it felt like i was in a chinese tea house! read more
3 months ago
Ordered the Sichuan Jasmine tea (hot) with Yunnan Dianhong tea (cold), paired with confectioneries - rose water meringue, lychee dew, and black sesame cookie. The three confectioneries were among the most popular items on the menu. The teas were very aromatic and well worth the wait. Sichuan Jasmine is floral and very pleasant. The chilled Yunnan Dianhong is refreshing and not too sweet. Our favorite confectionery was the black sesame cookie, which just surpassed our number 2 pick - the rose water meringue. Lychee dew reminded me of the classic lychee Jell-O. If you're not a fan of Jell-O, I recommend skipping it. Overall the experience was a 3/5 due to the environment. The ambience was okay; quite loud for a teahouse. It's more like a busy high paced cafe but even more jam-packed. Seats and tables are extremely limited, and are *supposed to* be first come, first serve. We were among the first 15 people at store opening and still couldn't get a table in time! Expect that other people behind you on line will cut and try to snag the tables and seating for themselves even before ordering anything. If you don't claim seating or a table in time (or mistakenly expect people to be civil and wait their turn), you will end up in some corner of the cafe holding the tray up and attempting to delude yourself into enjoying your time there. There will be at least two people within arm's reach. read more
1 month ago
Went when they first opened. I was really skeptical about paying that much for tea and desserts, but I absolutely loved it that I went back a second time. The staff were really nice and recommended me different dessert pairings. I do think that's pretty important. Alone the desserts might not be the most stand out, but together with the tea it was an experience. Similar could be said about the tea. read more
If I was in the area more often, I could genuinely see myself coming to this spot frequently and it being my go to solo date spot. This is a place that really lets you intentionally slow down - at least it did for me. Although I only had 1 tea and 1 pastry, I really enjoyed my time here and the staff were wonderful. There's a lot of thoughtfulness and intention weaved into the aesthetics, food, drinks, service, and even the menus I thought. I love a good scone and was intrigued by the white sesame scallion concept so I had to get one. I was recommended the last 3 teas on the menu as they would pair well with that pastry so I went with the Yunnan Dianhong. First off, fantastic pairing and it'll come with a description card on what to expect flavor wise and even how it's cultivated. The scone, I would say was not bad but still interesting. I was delightfully surprised when they asked for my feedback and you could tell they genuinely wanted feedback to improve. I thought that it was slightly hard on the crust, but the inside was a great texture. I also tend to enjoy my scones warm but that isn't always possible so the temperature of it didn't really detract from my overall experience. I definitely tasted the sesame but the scallion flavor felt a little muted to me, maybe too subtle. However, I'm excited to return to see what changes they might make to it and also to try their other items! It's so refreshing and comforting to find a tea house like this and I believe it has so much potential to evolve into even more! read more
2 months ago
My favorite tea shop in NYC. Great, quiet, relaxing atmosphere with amazing tea and desserts. The rosewater meringue cookies in lychee jelly are light and refreshing, and they have iced teas, which are great on a hot day. They also have great hot teas. And love their unique cookies. I will definitely go back. I just wish I was closer, and the staff are super nice and everything is made really fast. read more
black sesame oatmeal cookie ($7) - this was the best out of the 3 dessert! - it had a perfect balance of nuttiness from the black sesame and fragrant flavors from the oatmeal - not too sweet but it could be even less sweet - the cookie was pretty big n robust id get it again but idk if it is worth the price point white sesame scallion scone ($7) - this was an even bigger dessert but not the best execution - it was very dry, so for every tiny bite, i had to pair with a sip of tea - i could smell a waft of scallion but definitely not enough for anyone to clock it right away that this is scallion - this was the dessert no one really touched lychee dew ($7) - the texture was more solid than i thought it would be... it wasn't those typical bouncy gelatinous jelly like dessert and idk how i feel about the texture - the flavor of the lychee was there but also quite faint - i appreciate that they put actual lychee bits in it though dianhong ($7.5) dahongpao ($9) jasmine ($8) - jasmine is the lightest while the dahongpao is the strongest for the tea we ordered - they were all good and it'd depend on personal preference for what your cup of tea is rating: 3/5 - the desserts were a bit disappointing because they all looked better than they tasted and too pricey; if they were well executed then id say they're worth the try but unfortunately not - the tea selection though was good and I loved everything i drank! Still it was quite steep for something i can easily brew at home for less than $5 - service was alright nothing much to note and i wouldnt say it was the most welcoming - there was quite a bit of wait since brewing tea takes a bit of time - the space itself was extremely small, so you likely would have to stand on the side or sit outside since there were only like a few tiny tables indoor - i love the ambiance which was tranquil and smelled sort of like a salon in asia; it's somewhere id go on a rainy day but given how small and expensive everything is, i wouldn't recommend it - i also got charged extra for a credit card surcharge btw IG: @nom.noms.only read more
3 months ago
i think it's a bit overhyped. the tea was great but as someone who has visited China many times, $9 was extremely pricey. nothing that special about the environment in there and they only had around 8 tables. read more
3 months ago
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More info about Soft Hours
119 Hester St
New York, NY 10002
Lower East Side
Directions
(980) 380-5504
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https://softhourscafe.com
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3 months ago
