Aged oolong in Ballard, game night in Wallingford, English afternoon tea in a hotel lobby: this city pours more than coffee. For a proper tea house in Seattle, start at Miro Tea in Ballard, with its long single-origin menu and helpful staff, then try playful house blends at Friday Afternoon in Wallingford. Tea Republik and Queen Mary Tea Room serve the University District area, and the Olympic Bar at the Fairmont Olympic handles English afternoon tea.
Why Seattle Pours a Good Cup
Coffee may grab the headlines, but a city that takes its drinks seriously and loves a wide mix of cuisines leaves plenty of room for tea. Some spots feel traditional and quiet, while others play the part of a neighborhood clubhouse. Choose the mood you are after, then check each shop for current details before you go.
Five Tea Houses to Visit
Miro Tea
Settle in at Miro Tea, a Ballard fixture since 2007 that pairs a modern cafe feel with the social spirit of a classic teahouse, where regulars come to work and meet friends. Browse a menu of roughly 150 teas, about 60 percent of them unblended single-origin leaves such as aged oolongs. Ask the staff to walk you through the differences, and if you are new to tea, let them point you toward an iced tea or a tea latte.
