The 7 Best Tea Places in Baltimore

According to recent research, Baltimore has over 290 places to enjoy a cup of tea. While there is an abundance of options, not all tea establishments offer the same quality.

In this article, we will explore the top 7 tea spots in the city. We won’t limit ourselves to traditional tea houses. We’ll also highlight regular cafes and even coffee houses where you can enjoy an exceptional cup of tea.

1. Emma’s Tea Spot

Emma’s Tea Spot, located in the Hamilton neighborhood of Baltimore, is a family-owned tea shop established in 2017. It aims to provide a gathering place for the community, combining elements of British and Baltimore culture.

At the core of the cafe’s offerings is a selection of teas. From classic Earl Grey to more unique blends, the focus is on variety and quality. The tea is accompanied by a selection of British-inspired pastries and scones, with a changing array of desserts and afternoon tea options available.

The interior of the tea shop is designed to be welcoming and comfortable, suitable for both quiet, reflective moments and social gatherings. The staff at Emma’s Tea Spot are known for their friendly and attentive service, enhancing the overall experience of the visitors.

In addition to serving tea and pastries, Emma’s Tea Spot serves as a community space, hosting events and activities that reflect the interests and spirit of the Hamilton area. This aspect of the cafe underscores its commitment to being more than just a place to eat and drink, but a part of the local community fabric.

Pros

• Friendly and helpful staff.
• Good selection and quality of teas.
• Enjoyable high tea experience.
• Pleasant and cozy ambiance.
• Delicious scones and sandwiches.
• Reasonable prices.

Cons

• Couldn’t find any.

Location: 5500 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214

2. Cuples Tea House

Cuples Tea House, located in Baltimore, Maryland, offers a unique space for tea lovers since its establishment in 2015. This minority and woman-owned business focuses on providing a diverse range of over 50 premium loose-leaf teas. The selection includes both traditional and more unusual blends, catering to various tastes. Notable choices include the spiced Chai latte and the Lavender Peach Rose tea.

The ambiance of Cuples Tea House is both chic and casual, with comfortable seating that encourages visitors to relax. The interior, though compact, is thoughtfully decorated, creating a welcoming environment for guests. The tea house also features a variety of baked goods, ranging from savory biscuits to sweet pastries, which complement the tea menu.

In addition to serving tea, Cuples Tea House is involved in tea education and community activities. The owners, Eric and Lynnette Dodson, are active in leading virtual events and workshops, aiming to share their knowledge about tea’s benefits with a wider audience.

For those interested in enjoying their tea at home, Cuples Tea House offers a selection of teas for purchase. This option allows customers to experience the flavors of the tea house in their own settings.

Overall, Cuples Tea House provides a space in Baltimore for individuals to explore the world of tea, whether through tasting their wide selection or participating in their educational initiatives.

Pros

• Exceptional customer service and friendly staff.
• Wide variety of unique and delicious tea flavors.
• Cozy, chic, and comfortable ambiance.
• Quality and taste of baked goods and pastries.
• Support for a Black-owned and local business.

Cons

• Limited seating space.
• Restricted hours of operation.
• Some items (like teas) can be a bit pricey.
• Occasional issues with WiFi availability for work purposes.
• Limited parking options in the vicinity.

Location: 409 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD 21201

3. good neighbor

Located in the Hampden area of Baltimore, good neighbor is a café that successfully combines a modern, design-focused environment with a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. This establishment is particularly known for its tea offerings, which are diverse and thoughtfully prepared. Among these, the rose cardamom latte stands out for its unique blend of floral and spice notes.

Apart from teas, good neighbor also serves a range of coffee options and a selection of food items, including a notable chicken salad sandwich with a hint of curry. The café’s dedication to providing quality beverages is evident in both its tea and coffee menus.

In addition to its role as a café, good neighbor functions as a retail space, offering an assortment of local coffee beans, kitchenware, and other home goods. This combination of café and store contributes to the establishment’s distinct character, offering patrons a chance to browse various products during their visit.

The café’s interior features a central bar with surrounding tables and cozy corners, suitable for reading, working, or socializing. Both indoor and outdoor seating options are available, catering to different preferences and needs.

Good neighbor’s staff plays a crucial role in shaping the café’s welcoming environment, providing attentive and friendly service. The overall ambiance of the café, enhanced by its design elements and staff interaction, makes it a suitable spot for a range of activities, from a focused work session to a relaxed coffee break.

Good neighbor in Hampden provides a space where quality teas and coffees meet a thoughtful design, creating an environment that is both stylish and comfortable.

Pros

• Cozy and aesthetically pleasing ambiance.
• Variety of delicious coffee and tea options.
• Offers a range of local products and home goods.
• Friendly and welcoming staff.
• Unique and tasty food menu items.
• Good location with indoor and outdoor seating.

Cons

• Limited seating availability when crowded.

Location: 3827 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211

4. Allora

Located in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, Allora is a cafe that offers a menu inspired by Italian cuisine, with a selection of teas. Among their tea offerings, the ginger peach tea is notable for its aromatic qualities and is served in traditional teapots.

The menu at Allora includes several Italian dishes, with the Amatriciana being a popular choice. This dish features house-made pasta in a slightly spicy red sauce. Appetizers such as the orange salad and shishito peppers are also available.

The interior of the cafe reflects a simple yet elegant style, with decorative elements like a meat slicer, assorted plates, and artwork, contributing to a cozy dining atmosphere. The open kitchen allows guests to observe the preparation of their meals.

Allora also offers a BYOB option with a minimal corkage fee, allowing guests to bring their preferred wine to accompany their meal. This adds a personalized aspect to the dining experience.

Overall, Allora presents a selection of Italian-inspired dishes and a selection of teas in a comfortable setting, suitable for both casual and special occasions in the heart of Mount Vernon.

Pros

• Delicious and high-quality food.
• Friendly and accommodating staff.
• BYOB option with minimal corkage fees.
• Cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• Quick service for food preparation and delivery.

Cons

• Limited seating and space.

Location: 1005 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201

5. Pillion Tea

Pillion Tea, situated in downtown Baltimore, offers a distinctive blend of interests – tea, books, and motorcycles – creating a unique atmosphere. The cafe provides a modestly sized space with comfortable seating by the windows, a few small tables, and a book nook in the back for those looking to enjoy a quiet read with their beverage.

The tea selection is a central feature of Pillion Tea, showcasing varieties from around the world. Among these, the Golden Monkey black tea stands out for its depth of flavor. The iced chai tea latte is noted for its balanced spice blend, and the matcha affogato is appreciated for its smooth taste. These choices reflect the cafe’s effort in offering a diverse range of teas.

In addition to teas, Pillion Tea also serves homemade food items, including both vegan and non-vegan options. Their baked goods menu features items like Oreo Cream Scones, matcha cookies, and almond croissants. The focus is on providing a range of tastes to complement their tea selections.

Located a short walk from the light rail line and nearby bus stops, Pillion Tea is accessible for those in the downtown area. It’s important to note that the cafe is not wheelchair accessible. The staff are known for their friendly demeanor and willingness to share knowledge about their products, contributing to a pleasant visit. Pillion Tea offers a different kind of cafe experience in downtown Baltimore, especially for those interested in a varied tea menu and a quiet place to read or relax.

Pros

• Variety of teas and food, catering to different tastes, including vegan options.
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff.
• Good location, easily accessible by public transport.

Cons

• Some baked goods may be perceived as bland and dry.
• Not wheelchair accessible.

Location: 42 W Biddle St, Baltimore, MD 21201

6. Teavolve

Teavolve Café & Lounge, located in the Fells Point area of Baltimore, Maryland, offers a diverse menu with a focus on tea and healthy dining options. Since its establishment in 2005, Teavolve has been recognized for its extensive tea selection, featuring over 40 varieties of gourmet loose leaf teas. These teas are available by the pot, cup, or iced, catering to a range of tea preferences.

The café’s beverage offerings extend beyond tea, including coffee and espresso drinks made from locally roasted beans. For a unique experience, guests can try the tea-infused cocktails, which blend the nuanced flavors of tea with alcoholic beverages.

The food menu at Teavolve includes a variety of freshly prepared paninis, salads, wraps, and crepes. Emphasizing fresh ingredients, these dishes are designed to offer health-conscious options to diners. The café is a popular spot for weekend brunch, providing a selection of dishes suitable for family outings or casual dining.

Teavolve’s interior is designed to be welcoming, with a décor that aims to create a comfortable setting for various occasions, whether it’s friends catching up, families spending time together, or professionals having business meetings. The availability of free WiFi supports those looking to work or study in the café. Additionally, the café hosts live music events, contributing to the local cultural scene.

In summary, Teavolve Café & Lounge is known in Baltimore for its wide range of tea selections and healthy food options, set in an environment that supports both relaxation and productivity.

Pros

• Delicious food and drinks with a variety of options, including tasty omelets, salads, and specialty lattes.
• Friendly and attentive staff contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
• A diverse menu offering a wide range of choices from breakfast items to teas.
• Pleasant ambiance, creating an enjoyable environment for dining.

Cons

• Occasional long waits.
• High noise levels at times, which can detract from the dining experience.

Location: 1401 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231

7. SACRÉ SUCRÉ

Sacré Sucré, established in 2016, is a patisserie in Baltimore’s Fells Point neighborhood, known for its handcrafted macarons and diverse pastry selection. Emphasizing simplicity and natural ingredients, this café offers a range of baked goods made in-house, visible to customers through an open kitchen.

The menu at Sacré Sucré features a noteworthy variety of teas, with selections like Darjeeling, Earl Grey, and Lavender. These teas are chosen to complement the flavors of the pastries, enhancing the overall dining experience. The café’s interior combines modern elements with a comfortable setting, allowing guests to enjoy their visit in a relaxed atmosphere.

Besides macarons, Sacré Sucré offers an array of pastries such as Yuzu Eclairs, Opera Cake, and various seasonal specials. Each item showcases the skill and attention to detail of the pastry chefs. The pastries are both flavorful and aesthetically appealing, suitable for various occasions.

The staff at Sacré Sucré is knowledgeable about their offerings and ready to assist customers in their selection. This café provides a place for those interested in quality tea and French-inspired pastries to indulge in a culinary experience in the city of Baltimore.

Pros

• Exceptional quality of sweets, especially the macarons and cakes.
• Unique and creative selection offering a wide range of dessert flavors and types.
• Attractive presentation of pastries.
• Pleasant ambiance.
• Friendly and attentive staff.

Cons

• Limited seating and space.
• High price point.
• Parking difficulties near the café.

Location: 2001 Fleet St, Baltimore, MD 21231