holy crap i just walked out of this shop and anything i have to say about it is inadequate. I walked in expecting a run of the mill small tea shop, and walked out so very glad I was wrong. They have an amazing selection of tea and accesories, as well as art and gifts by local artists. there’s plenty of couch and table room, and a bar where you can sit an watch the magic (you know, steeping) happen. I went up asking about a chocolate mint rooibos and Tobin, the owner (who is very very personable I may add), pretty much jumped out of his seat asking if I wanted a sample. How could I pass up a free Dixie cup of tea? Except it wasn’t a Dixie cup. It was a small pot. And he did a second steep. Then asked if I wanted to sample the coconut oolong I had. Which I did, of course. I left after a pleasent morning of chatting about tea with the two aforementioned tea, plus a Pai Mu Dan white tea. I’m severely disappointed that this shop is in Tacoma, which is an hour’s bus from Olympia. Thankfully he said he just signed with a cafe there, so I’ll get to have some of their teas close to home, and also said he wanted to open in Olympia, though I won’t hold out for that one.
First impression upon walking in: old lady tea shop. but as an old lady at heart, I ventured in, unswayed. I’m happy to say I did not regret it. Albeit slightly disorganized, the Tea Lady has a decent selection of tea and accessories, as well as daily samples! I didn’t buy anything because I’m tragically broke at the moment, but they carry one of my absolute favorite teas ever: the coconut pouchong from Golden Moon Teas. I’ll be back Tea Lady, just you wait.
Amazing selection of teas and spices. Lots of their own house blends. The staff is really friendly and knowledgeable. They’ll let you sample any tea you want, too!
I love Sizizis. It’s the best place in Olympia for tea, hands down. Over 100 teas, including flowering and ayurvedic. Not only is their selection phenomenal, but the baristas actually understand the concept of different steep times and temperatures for different teas. Shocking! I think their blends are made in-house. Vegan cupcakes and a few other snacks, sometimes soup. The best part? open 24 hours!
My only complaint is their complete lack of oolong teas, or any coconut-flavored teas.
