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The Best Austin Tea Companies and Cafes

Austin, Texas is a lively community where culture and pizazz for life are blended into a unique vibe that entices visitors and locals alike. Austin takes a walk on the wild side and strives to keep things weird. With food infusions and traditional food trucks, the city has staked out its place in the culinary world. While the food in Austin takes most of the glory, there are also high-quality tea companies and cafes to be discovered. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you find the best Austin tea company and tea rooms. You’ll find everything from upscale afternoon tea to laid back tea tastings.

woman flowers holidays girl 6270The 10 Best Austin Tea Companies and Cafes

There’s just something relaxing about sipping a cup of tea in a beautiful setting. Whether you like to down iced tea while enjoying sunny rays on an outdoor patio or you prefer sipping white tea with your pinky up and a tea sandwich in hand, there’s an Austin tea company for you. Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite Austin locales where you can get a spot of tea — whether you want traditional Chinese tea or to sip a fancy blend out of new age teaware.

1. Zhi Tea

https://zhitea.com
Zhi Tea is a local Austin tea room that also serves teas at some of the best restaurants in Austin. Online, you can purchase high-quality loose leaf teas as well as tea bags that the brand refers to as sachets. These tea sachets are roomier than traditional tea bags and allow the leaves to fully expand and infuse rich flavor.

You can also visit the brick and mortar store over on Springdale Road and enjoy teapots full of premium flavors from black tea to rooibos and organic teas. You’ll also find an aroma bar, coworking space and fresh-baked treats from Misty Morning Bakery and The Stroop Club.

2. Levercraft

https://www.levercraft.com/menu 

Levercraft is a quaint coffee shop based out of a silver 1955 Spartan Imperial Mansion travel trailer. The owner, Eric, built out the trailer himself and has decorated the space with stunning vintage espresso machines. Here, you’ll find high-quality single-origin coffees from places like Guatemala, Colombia, and Ethiopia. Try classics like the cortado, chai latte, and cappuccino or opt for one of the specialty drinks like the Freddo and espresso lemonade. You can also sign up for coffee roasting classes to learn more about the art of making a cup of joe.

3. The Steeping Room

https://www.thesteepingroom.com
The Steeping Room was voted one of America’s best tearooms by Travel + Leisure and one of the top 10 tearooms in Texas by Southern Living. The award-winning café features an outstanding collection of premium loose leaf teas.

Located on North Lamar Boulevard, this tea shop is close to all the main attractions and also offers tea classes so you can further your knowledge of tea. Tea classes are broken down by tea type so you can learn more about green tea, herbal teas, or oolong tea and heicha depending on your preferences. Not sure which tea to try? Opt for one of their sampler sets to discover your favorite flavors.

4. Austin English Tea Company

https://www.austinenglishtea.com/sunday-tea
The Austin English Tea Company offers delicious Sunday afternoon tea at Michelle’s Patisserie. There are usually two sittings. The first afternoon tea starts at 12:00 and ends at 3:00 pm while the second starts at 3:45 pm and ends at 5:45 pm. The spread includes a variety of loose leaf teas as well as tasty treats like Devonshire scones and clotted cream or orange and honey madeleines.

Reservations for the Austin tea company tea service should be made in advance and make sure to dress smart. Jeans and tennis shoes are a no-go so make sure to wear the proper attire for a smooth time.

austin tea company: pouring tea5.The Marvelous Vintage Tea Party Co.

https://www.marvelouseventsusa.com

Looking for a place to throw your next tea party or celebrate a bridal shower? The Marvelous Vintage Tea Party Co. offers an indulgent way to experience tea and celebrate life’s adventures. A visit to the company’s website offers an enchanted look into what awaits you at this tea company.

Blending old European vibes with the exuberance of cabaret and a love for tea, this tea shop takes tea parties to the next level. You’ll sip tea out of fine china and snack on afternoon tea favorites like finger sandwiches and pastries served on gorgeous mismatched plates, silver platters, ad exquisite table settings. The atmosphere is amplified by servers in costumes and you can even opt to pay for vintage hair and make-up as well as wigs. Add vintage style bands, burlesque dancers, and silhouette artists and you’re in for a true tea party treat.

6. Sweet Leaf Tea

https://www.sweetleaftea.com
The Organic Sweet Leaf Tea Company was founded in Austin two decades ago. The company strives to “keep it weird, keep it organic, and keep it simple”. While the company doesn’t have a brick and mortar location, you can find a variety of their sweet, semi-sweet, and unsweetened teas at local grocery stores such as Ralphs.

This tea company is famous for its bottled teas that make cooling off in the hot Texas sun a breeze. The tea brand is an Austin favorite and is even the sponsor for Luke Bryan. If you’re looking for tasty tea on the go, grab a bottle from Sweet Leaf Tea Co.

austin tea company: tea cup7. Austin Tea Xchange

https://www.austinteaxchange.com
The Austin Tea Xchange draws on European and Mediterranean influences to create a healthy menu that is complemented by tasty teas. This tea room offers an array of specialty teas, craft coffees, and café fare. In addition, you’ll find several different Greek yogurt options with sweet and savory toppings.

8. The Driskill Hotel

https://driskillhotel.com/austin-events/afternoon-tea/
The Driskill is an Austin legend and one of the best spots for afternoon tea. The hotel has served up hospitality for more than a century and played host to foreign dignitaries and celebrities. The hotel offers a traditional afternoon tea and brunch that allows participants to savor scrumptious scones and sip on exquisite cups of tea.

The afternoon tea menu consists of classic Patisserie favorites including petit fours, French pastries, tarts, and American finger sandwiches. There are several tea party dates and reservations are required. It’s best to book in advance as most tea parties sell out and move on to a waitlist. For a truly special event, check out the holiday afternoon tea parties or sign up for the Premium Veuve Tea or Anniversary Tea events.

food holiday love holidays9. Brentwood Social House

https://www.brentwoodsocial.com
Brentwood Social House serves up teas from local brand Zhi Tea. The tea house aims to offer a community gathering place where neighbors can come together and experience high-quality foods and beverages.

The café offers afternoon tea featuring a three-tiered stand of pastries and high tea snacks. The vintage china adds a touch of glamor to the tea experience and you can also opt for specialty bridal shower or baby shower afternoon tea spreads. The afternoon tea takes place each day at 3:00 pm and reservations are required.

10. West China Tea House

https://westchinatea.com/

West China Tea has been serving Chinese teas in the Austin area for over 10 years and is one of the best tea spots in town for a traditional tea drinking expereince. With more than 200 teas for 40 different vendors, you could spend ages discovering all the different flavors and blends this shop has to offer. Their indoor and outdoor tasting rooms are the perfect spot for an afternoon tea or cozy Sunday morning. Best of all, this tea shop focuses on building a community so there are plenty of classes and events where you can meet with other tea aficionados.

Drink Your Heart Out

With these best Austin tea companies, you’re never far away from a piping hot mug of tasty goodness. In Austin, there’s always something new and delicious to try. Whether you’re looking for tea or something spiked, ATX Guides has you covered. Check out our guides to the best happy hour spots and get the inside scoop on fun events like the Austin Food and Wine Festival. Plus, you’ll find great ways to explore the city whether you’re a tourist or making a new home in town.

Author
Erika Marty
Erika Marty

Erika is an avid traveler who has been to more than 60 countries where she finds food, activities, and hidden locales for touring like a local. When she’s not writing, she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and planning her next adventure.

Learn more about Erika

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