Tea Temptations

From spiced lattes to fresh-brewed loose leaf, discover the depth of Seattle’s tea scene.

By Corinne Whiting

Miro Tea Photo Amy Vaughn

While it’s no secret that Seattle excels in the coffee department, this city’s diverse cuisines and devotion to premier beverages also make it a destination for tea.

Since 2007, loyal fans have flocked to Ballard’s Miro Tea (5405 Ballard Ave N), a cafe that blends a contemporary environment and offerings with the fundamental elements of a traditional teahouse—in other words, a friendly space where community members regularly work and convene with others. “Seattle is a great tea drinking town because it already has a strong beverage culture. We are able to cater directly to that existing culture, while providing a healthier beverage option,” says Jeannie Liu, founder and owner.

Here, the tea drinker chooses between some 150 varieties, about 60 percent of which are unblended, single-origin teas like aged oolongs. Not sure where to start? The friendly staff can help explain the differences between varieties and provide recommendations, including options like iced teas and tea lattes.

Explore other tea dens like Wallingford’s Friday Afternoon (4228 Stone Way N), whose selections include pop culture-themed blends made on-site for those who love Nintendo or My Little Pony. Enjoy the geeky glamour during Friday game nights or quirky events like tea and cheese pairing sessions. In the University District, keep your mug full at popular student hangout Tea Republik (4527 University Way NE) or at Queen Mary Tea Room (2912 Northeast 55th Street).

Finally, indulge in the English tradition of afternoon high tea at Fairmont Olympic’s lobby bar, Olympic Bar (411 University St), complete with the upscale ambiance. Select from a variety of flavorful teas to sip with sweet and savory bites.