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Untapped Mailbag: 6 User-submitted Tea Shops in NYC

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Last week, we served up a cozy collection of NYC tea rooms and boutiques. However, since these ten stores barely scratch the surface of New York’s tea scene, we’re offering up more selections based on user-submitted recommendations! Here are six additional tea rooms you don’t want to miss.

1. Alice’s Teacup  

Alice's Tea Cup is the Upper West's most adorable shop.

Conveniently located in three different neighborhoods across Manhattan, Alice’s Teacup is a tasty brunch destination and a favorite among kids. This Alice in Wonderland-themed café is renowned not only for its tea, but also for its variety of scones. Alice’s features an all-day menu, gift boxes, and custom cakes. The tea menu is helpful and descriptive, with details about flavor and origin. Alice’s can get quickly swamped with families, so definitely make a reservation if you plan on stopping by. Submitted by @audreyhawkins.

2. Radiance Tea House & Books

Tucked away on a busy street in Midtown, Radiance is a serene and calm oasis. Radiance serves light food along with its extensive tea menu. Moreover, as the title suggests, Radiance also has a great collection of books. The store is clean and minimalist with an all-around soothing ambiance. The peaceful music makes this an ideal spot to get some work done while enjoying tea and dumplings. Submitted by Sara Shacket, aka @teaHappiness.

3. Té Company

Té Company is new to the tea scene, having just launched in 2012 by Elena Liao and Frederico Ribeiro. The couple draws attention to oolong teas, or semi-oxidized teas, which are mostly grown in Taiwan and south east China. Té Company is eager to spread their knowledge and teach customers about the intricacies of oolong tea processing. Té Company is located at 163 W 10th Street, or will mail your tea in beautiful gold foil packaging along with brewing instructions and a poem. Submitted by Amy Chen, aka @iamamychen.

4. Serengeti Teas & Spices

This unassuming Harlem tea shop is a neighborhood gem. Serengeti Tea creates tea blends and spice blends based on African recipes, with organic African ingredients. Serengeti is home to a wonderful tea tasting room, which accommodates both tasting reservations and walk-in visits. Ample counter space makes for an excellent work setting. You can also check out their tea selection and make purchases online. Submitted by Untapped contributor Lynn Lieberman aka @afinelyne.

5. Porto Rico Importing Co.

Established in 1907, Porto Rico is experienced in the tea and coffee business—to put it mildly. There are now four branches of the store (all within walking distance from each other), but the oldest storefront sits humbly on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village. The store is brimming (literally) with large bags of coffee beans and copper pots hang from the tin ceilings. Porto Rico successfully maintains the feel of a neighborhood shop even with its widespread recognition. Don’t be intimidated by their extensive tea collection, a staff member will be there to help you pick something just right. Submitted by Maeve O’Donnell Morales.

6. Harney & Sons Soho

Harney & Sons is situated in the heart of Soho—a prime location for afternoon shoppers in search of a reprieve. The store usually has some teas out to sample, and all of their blends have helpful descriptive notes to guide your decision. The front of the store is spacious, with soothing lavender-colored walls and types of tea stretching from the ground to the ceiling. In the back, there is a small but cozy seating lounge, which can often get crowded on weekends. Harney & Sons has free wifi and a student discount on teas, not to mention you can take home a free sample if you check-in on Yelp! Submitted by Bob.

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