I don't always drink tea, but when I do, you bet it's only loose leaf! I wish I'd known about this place sooner because it's not only close to home, but absolutely fabulous. I found them a few weeks ago when I did a search of stores who actually sell loose leaf tea.
The reason I like loose leaf tea versus the garbage sold in the stores is because it comes out way more flavorful, stronger and seems to taste a lot better than the stuff they sell at the grocery. I am also shocked that nobody else has been here before, as I know a few tea drinker who also happen to be active yelpers. Interesting.
Anyway, the place is easy to find and right off fourth street and visible from the road. There is street parking, but a parking garage is literally right there on the other side of the street if you need it. As you know, downtown Rochester can get busy at times, so easy places to park is important.
Walking in, not only is this place a tea store, but it also sells spices. They also have a ton of cool accessories to choose from throughout, which was really super cool to look at. I've also been on the hunt for the individual honey sticks that seem to be hard to find. Not only do they have the honey sticks, but they came in a variety of flavors? Like flavored honey? Exciting! I just grabbed a packet of regular honey sticks which are sitting in my kitchen now.
The spice area has a much larger selection of items, from different varieties of salt, but other seasonings as well. I didn't really study the selection as the place was busy but let me tell you, there's a lot!
I went to the tea section and they have all sorts of teas to choose from. I wanted something more citrus/lemon/herbal since I have a sinus infection, but I also wanted to see what else they have. Great selection, pre bagged but make sure you have the steeper's at home. If not, they sell them here too.
Service was great, and the staff was knowledgeable. Nobody asked me if I needed help or followed me around the store, but when I did talk to them at check out, these people really seem to be tea oriented and educated on the product. While they aren't cheap by any stretch of the imagination (more along the lines of Starbucks pricing) they are worth every penny. I will be back in the future and I wish they did a better job of advertising! read more