I love LOVE this place. I don’t know what it is, but their tea is absolutely delicious! They invented a system to brew tea like you would espresso drinks at a coffee bar, which allows them to make the counterparts to these traditionally coffee-based drinks. I love trying something new every time, but they even make the standard iced honeybrush delicious. They have a limited, yet unique menu of a ramen/noodle bowl or burrito – also delicious! I could not recommend this place more! Definitely check PressTea out if you’re looking to mix up your tea routine!
I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, since my first visit was a mere week after they opened, and a lot of their stock hadn’t come in yet. The staff seemed understandably frazzled, but kind and as helpful as possible. My initial impression is that unfortunately, the emphasis is on fitting into the neighborhood and creating a specific aesthetic.
I was disappointed to find that the brightly packaged boxes serve no real purpose, as they are not on any sort of color-coded system by tea-type as you would find at similar stores (for example at David’s tea, all black teas have navy labels, herbal have yellow and Rooibos, surprisingly enough have red labels). Beyond that the packaging seems unnecessary, and the various buying options for each tea are severely limited and skewed towards either end of the spectrum (i.e. very little- they call them “selfies” – or much too much). With no Goldilocks solutions it’s off-putting to take a gamble.
After looking at and smelling most of the teas on the wall, I found that very few appealed to me. Against my better judgment, I decided to give it a fair shot and purchased their version of a sampler of flavored black teas, since I like most in this category. So far, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. I’m curious to see how the shop fairs once it gets acclimated.
I originally visited this lovely shop years ago, after reading McCormick’s “A Decent Cup Of Tea”. He listed it as one of the best places to find premium looseleaf tea in New York City. I was not disappointed, as I entered the charming shop, and felt as though I stepped back through the decades. Burlap sacks with coffee beans sprawled around the interior, and a mix of teas and coffees in tins, jars, you name it! It smells divine inside, and they even carry my favorite chicory coffee! Lots of different teas to see and try, it’s a mandatory stop for any tea lover!
All I can say is that it’s dangerous living around the corner from this place…
The staff is always a pleasure to deal with, full of great suggestions and recommendations. On a recent trip, they helped me strategize what teas might work best with the new popsicle mold I was buying there. With so many options, there’s always something new to try each weekly trip!!
Very quaint, eclectic menu ranging from traditional to all-encompassing dishes, a range of tea service, and freshly baked scones made to order. What could be better!?
