Last weekend went to SF to visit a friend and I never need an excuse to visit tea shops. What a great establishment. I felt like the entire place was there just for me. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. I started with a sample of the brew of the day and then it was blast off. Sat at the bar and tasted about seven different teas all mostly from Taiwan and of a heavier oxidation and roast, just as I like them. The owner was brewing, chatting and sharing all his tea thoughts to help me choose what I really wanted in my tea. I came out with three types plus a sample. The ceramics are great, expensive, but they are all hand made by fine craftsmen and worth every penny to add a few to my collection, but I will have to leave the other half behind next time to buy some. All in all a great experience.

Excellent shop for Chinese and Taiwanese teas, particularly Oolongs and Hong Cha. Gongfu tasting of three teas with the owner is $10. This is a serious tea shop, and the gongfu tasting is intimate. Peter, the owner, is very knowledgeable and engaging.

Song Tea and Ceramics is a lovely, high-end, stylish shop. Think mid-century design-aesthetic plus expertly curated and packaged teas. The ceramic tea ware are lovely. If you’re in the mood to splurge on tea ware, this is a good place.

I’ll be back, however, for the tastings.

Last weekend went to SF to visit a friend and I never need an excuse to visit tea shops. What a great establishment. I felt like the entire place was there just for me. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. I started with a sample of the brew of the day and then it was blast off. Sat at the bar and tasted about seven different teas all mostly from Taiwan and of a heavier oxidation and roast, just as I like them. The owner was brewing, chatting and sharing all his tea thoughts to help me choose what I really wanted in my tea. I came out with three types plus a sample. The ceramics are great, expensive, but they are all hand made by fine craftsmen and worth every penny to add a few to my collection, but I will have to leave the other half behind next time to buy some. All in all a great experience.

While in Japantown recently I made it a point to visit Song Tea & Ceramics, just a couple of blocks away on Sutter Street. First of all, the space is gorgeous – more akin to an art gallery than a tea shop. Refined, modern, airy and understated, you can ogle the beautiful handmade teapots and teacups for sale while checking out the teas they have displayed on a set of open shelves along one wall. Just because it’s higher end quality does not mean that it’s stuffy or snobbish. In fact, the staff and general atmosphere is friendly and very welcoming. There is a space toward the front on one side with a table and chairs for tea tastings. Amanda was super friendly, helpful, and a treasure trove of tea knowledge. The teas here are Chinese and Taiwanese, chosen for their superior quality. The teas change according to what is best when the owner goes on a purchasing trip, so you can’t expect to see the exact same tea selection all the time. We ended up spending two hours there, browsing and tasting various teas. It was such a wonderful experience, if I lived closer I think I’d have to stop myself from going there every day! If you are in San Fran, I highly recommend checking it out – it’s so unique!