La Societe Du The Edit

This is among the best two or three places I know of to get loose leaf tea in the Twin Cities. The focus is definitely on purchasing tea for home consumption, though it is generally possible to sit down for a small pot as well. The proprietor is a very interesting and knowledgeable man, who is well worth getting to know. The shop really excels in green and oolong teas, but white and black teas as well as tisanes are well represented. There a few teas here that I have not found anywhere else. The owner has very well-established relationships with certain estates. I recommend calling ahead to confirm hours.

This is a small “blink and you’ll miss it” place along Lyndale near Uptown. Tiny (5 small tables), quiet (yet there were 5 clients who came through in the half hour I was there), with an eclectic décor (Asian lanterns and European tea tins), the tea is the reason people come here. An amazing variety of teas in stock and available for purchase in 3 oz. increments. The proprietors are engaging and offered good advice on steeping times for different teas. I tried a pot of Rooibos Bourbon, perfectly steeped and offered with rock sugar. Came home with more Rooibos Bourbon and a Pu-Erh to prepare at home. I’m a suburbanite, so it’s not a place I’ll be able to frequent as often as I wish, but I do plan to return and try their greens and oolongs at some point.

A prepared pot of tea for 2 people can range from $3 and up, very reasonable. There were some pastries and scones available, but the selection wasn’t overwhelming. (Should be noted that it’s several doors down from a fabulous organic bakery, if you’re on-the-go and need a particular pairing). Given the size of the store, there was a pleasing variety of accessories: tins, Argentinian maté gourds w/bombillas, infusers, tea cups and pots – serious tea gear.

This is a place to stop for great tea, period. No frills, but the thrill is in the cup.