The Northern Lights Tea Company Edit

A charming little shop in the skyway, just down the hall from the YMCA and from a lovely massage studio. Sandy (the owner) is extraordinarily knowledgeable and willing to work with you to find something you’ll like. The first time I walked into her shop I announced, “I want a nice Chinese green.” She lit up like it was her favorite request of the day and proceeded to pull down four or five canisters. I left with an excellent tea and a sample of a Japanese green that turned into one of my favorites even though I’d been sure to that point I didn’t like Japanese greens.

Relatedly, the shop’s Japanese greens are probably the best in the Cities, especially the flavored ones. Stop by in the spring to grab their Sakura Sencha— you won’t regret it. They also have a selection of other teas that are hard to find loose-leaf, let alone in the area: several delicious tulsi blends, a few Indian teas that taste like Chinese ones (Hari Ghatta, Hari Kiran, Hari Talvar). Also, if you’re looking for this, they have one of the widest selections of organic teas locally. I’d highly recommend this shop.

Just about the only place downtown to get an excellent cup of tea, & one of the few places in town to have a selection above & beyond the ordinary. An excellent knowledge of tea, a really wide & interesting range of product, different teas prepared each day to try, a helpful & personable staff, & conveniently located right in the heart of Minneapolis.

This place is the perfect tea break when you’re in downtown MPLS. They have a wide selection of loose leaf teas & will brew any cup of tea you wish. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable on anything and everything tea. The shop also gets limited edition teas throughout the season. There is also a fun selection of tea accessories, from teapots to electric tea kettles.