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Guide to Chicago

Interesting tea places

You are looking for a tea house that offers something out of the ordinary, whether in its selection or its environment.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
AUTEA SWEETS & EATS image 1
AUTEA SWEETS & EATS image 2
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Spacious restaurant with cozy, kitschy atmosphere and year-round Christmas decor creates an inviting space. Games like claw machines and board games add a playful touch alongside free wifi and outlets. Cleanliness and unique decor make it a comfortable spot to hang out.

Exotic bubble tea options stand out here, including a lychee jasmine tea that pairs well with snacks. The boba tea consistently hits the mark for flavor and quality.

Fun ambience mixes with loud music, a fog machine, and strobe lights to create an inviting atmosphere. Unique desserts like taro milk tofu and an interesting bathroom setup add to the experience.

People are saying

"I thought the desserts were very good and tasty."

"The fried chicken here is so juicy and perfectly crispy."

"The milk tea base for my dessert was so quality and amazing."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available, making it convenient for gatherings with friends.

2

Expect a 10-15 minute wait time during peak hours.

3

A combo deal includes a crispy rice pot and a drink for $16.99.

02
TARY image 1
Cafe

Cozy, minimal cafรฉ with authentic Kazakh decor and subtle cultural elements creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Plenty of seating and strong WiFi support work or socializing, while unique Central Asian pastries and dishes offer a distinct culinary experience.

Tary tea stands out with its unique preparation and flavor. Other notable options include black tea with milk and quymaq, all served with care.

Unique cuisine and organic snacks stand out here. The coffee with wheat grains and interesting decor add to the overall experience.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"I found the tea here to be absolutely delicious."

"You'll find interesting, tasty snacks and organic drinks here."

Good to know

1

Parking is reserved for commercial vehicles only, leading to potential tickets.

2

TARY serves unique Central Asian pastries and drinks not found elsewhere.

3

The cafe gets packed, making tables hard to get at times.

03
Maman Zari image 1
Persian restaurant

Persian restaurant offers an elegant, cozy space with clean, understated decor and a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Guests experience authentic, elevated Persian flavors paired with unique saffron-infused cocktails in a setting that balances tradition and modernity.

Persian tea offers a soothing finish, pairing well with the sweet Shirini and the house tea served alongside dessert.

Nine courses deliver unique dishes with interesting flavors. Wine choices match and contrast the food effectively, creating a distinctive culinary experience.

People are saying

"The Tasting Menu's dishes were so flavorful and perfectly executed."

"The Persian cuisine here is exquisite and meticulously prepared."

"The tasting menu offered unique dishes with really interesting flavors."

Good to know

1

The next new menu release is set to come on October 31st, 2023.

2

Wine Wednesday offers discounted bottles for a great experience.

3

Reservations are recommended to secure a spot, especially on busy nights.

04
Oro Chocolate & Coffee image 1

Chocolate made in-house and rocking chairs create a unique coffee shop experience. The space features beautiful decor and ample seating with a quiet, cozy atmosphere. A self-serve sparkling water tap adds a practical touch to the inviting vibe.

Soft and unique tea options include cacao tea served alongside rich drinking chocolate. Pouring the tea requires care to avoid spills from the pourer.

Golden milk drinking chocolate tastes super rich with an interesting flavor. Decor includes colorful rocking chairs and warm lighting that stands out.

People are saying

"The chocolate here is creamy with a prominent flavor."

"I thought the matcha was incredible, one of the best I'd ever tried."

"The decor and lighting here are gorgeous, making tea time beautiful."

Good to know

1

Prices are not listed on the menu, which can be confusing for customers.

2

Iced coffee costs almost $8, which some may find expensive.

3

The place is clean and well maintained, providing a pleasant atmosphere.

05
Sweet Bean image 1

Small bakery with vintage decor and self-serve options offers a cozy atmosphere that supports working and relaxing. Music plays loudly, creating a lively vibe that can make conversation challenging. Seating is comfortable but sometimes cramped, with a variety of sweet and savory pastries available.

Honey yuzu tea and masala chai stand out with their balanced flavors. Tea sweetness adjusts easily at the counter, and matcha options offer variety.

Pastries offer unique, interesting flavors with a mix of sweet and savory options. Drinks like coffee, matcha, and hojicha bring distinctive tastes that complement the Taiwanese-inspired baked goods.

People are saying

"The coffee here is exceptional with interesting flavors."

"I loved the sweet and savory Taiwanese pastries and buns."

"The pastries here are really interesting and delicious."

Good to know

1

They close at 5 pm, so arrive early to avoid empty shelves.

2

Only 1-2 pastries are available at a time due to limited oven capacity.

3

Parking can be difficult in the South Loop area.

06
Gangnam Market image 1
Grocery store

Neon lights and gacha machines create a vibrant, playful atmosphere in this Asian grocery store. A food court with diverse offerings and a bar with crafted cocktails add to the lively energy. The space blends unique aesthetics with a casual, fun vibe that feels more American Asian market than traditional.

Boba teas stand out with options like iced brown sugar oat milk latte and caramel syrup tapioca. Rose Oolong Milk Tea offers a delicate fragrance and a gorgeous foam finish. Juice pouches include flavors like green grape and peach iced tea.

Lots of interesting snacks, candies, and sodas fill the shelves. The store offers unique international flavors and a vibrant, luminescent atmosphere that draws attention.

People are saying

"This grocery store has an amazing selection of snacks and Asian ingredients."

"It's interesting to see all the unique Asian snacks and candies here."

"I'll get the boba tea again; it was really good."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, enjoy discounts at the taco stall; Wednesdays feature rice stall discounts.

2

Thursdays offer ramen stall discounts, making it a great day to visit.

3

Certain stalls offer 50% off on three days of the week.

07
Side Practice Coffee image 1

Small coffee shop offers a cozy atmosphere with thoughtful interior design resembling a living room. It features local art displays and hosts creative pop-ups, creating a community-focused vibe. Seating is comfortable but limited, encouraging slow, relaxed visits.

Iced Ube Chai stands out with its unique flavor and can be adjusted for strength. It pairs well with macadamia milk for a vegan option, though it cools down quickly.

Specialty drinks include Filipino options like ube matcha and lemon croissant lattes. Pastries feature unique twists such as ube or passion fruit fillings. The menu offers seasonal selections with interesting flavors.

People are saying

"The coffee here is delicious, especially the ube and pandan vanilla lattes."

"I'd plan a trip just to get another ube chai."

"Their specialty drinks are really interesting, especially the ube matcha."

Good to know

1

The cafe closes at 5 pm, limiting visits for those with late schedules.

2

Seating can be limited, especially during pop-up events.

3

The coffee prices are considered high compared to other cafes.

08
Nomad-Chicago image 1
Coffee shop

Boutique cafe combines upscale shop, comfy lounge, and coffee house with boho vibe. Atmosphere feels cozy, calm, and elegant with plenty of seating and workspace. Unique gifts and vintage thrift items add to the experience.

Tea comes as a 12oz serving and pairs well with a cookie. The tea latte stands out as a solid choice. Prices run around $6 per cup.

Interesting drinks cycle throughout the year, keeping the menu fresh. The store offers unique items, an event space, and a coffee shop with an interesting seasonal menu.

People are saying

"It's a cute cafe with a shop selling unique handmade gifts."

"It's a cute place with a nice vibe for tea."

"The drinks here are really good and interesting."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $9 for a latte, which is on the higher side.

2

Street parking is plentiful around the coffee shop.

3

Restrooms are accessible for customers.

09
Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast image 1

Eclectic building filled with unique art and quirky decor creates a cozy, bohemian vibe that feels like home. Common areas buzz with interesting people and offer amenities like sauna, steam room, and rooftop lounge. Rooms are comfortable and charming, making the stay personable and inviting.

A tranquil deck terrace and a rooftop garden offer relaxed spots to enjoy complimentary tea. Plenty of free coffee, water, and tea keep drinks flowing during long conversations.

Common areas feature art, memorabilia, and knick-knacks that catch the eye. Conversations at the communal table bring together interesting people and create an open, bohemian vibe.

People are saying

"The beds here are so comfortable and inviting."

"The staff's sweet, thoughtful energy made my tea experience so nice."

"The common areas are full of interesting art and collectables."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served from 8 to 11 am daily.

2

The location is a 5-minute walk from the Blue Line train.

3

Street parking is always available near the B&B.

10
City Skyline Chicago - Coffee Lounge image 1

Coffee lounge features aviation-themed decor with real plane seats, cockpit dashboards, and airplane parts used as furniture. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, suitable for reading, working, or chatting quietly. Space welcomes dogs and offers varied seating with some plugs for charging devices.

A limited tea selection offers three or four choices including an iced chai latte made with almond milk that has an unusual color. The curated teas include tasty iced options.

Interior design mimics the inside of an airplane, creating a fun and interesting atmosphere. Coffee options are well-crafted and varied, adding to the overall relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"This cafe's aviation theme and decor are super unique and cute."

"The airline-style decor makes this place really interesting."

"The tea here is served in a super cute plane-themed cafe."

Good to know

1

The lounge is open until 6 PM daily.

2

Parking is limited in the area.

3

The coffee shop is dog-friendly.

11
First Sip Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop offers a Bohemian vibe with painted black walls and whimsical hanging teacup displays. Dim lighting creates cozy, artistic atmosphere suited for working or deep conversations. Features include live plants, outdoor patio seating, and unique menu options for coffee and tea.

Unique tea lattes like ube and earl grey with oat milk stand out here. The menu offers a variety of tea drinks, including iced options with herbs like lavender and thyme.

Combinations of ingredients show unique flavors like matcha strawberry coconut milk. The menu features a variety of interesting drinks and the atmosphere adds to the overall distinctive vibe.

People are saying

"I loved all their unique and fresh coffee flavors."

"The tea here feels so cozy with dim lighting and plants."

"The drink combinations here are really interesting and delicious."

Good to know

1

First Sip Cafe is closed until December 2nd.

2

The cafe is conveniently located near the Argyle red line stop.

3

The menu features a variety of unique Vietnamese-inspired lattes.

12
Sawada Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Large coffee shop with expansive indoor and outdoor space shares seating with a bar and restaurant, creating a unique, hip atmosphere. The vibe stays chill and peaceful, suited for relaxing or working with fast WiFi and plenty of outlets. Decor includes boxing ring elements and wood-metal interiors, adding to its distinct style.

Chai stands out with a blend of sweetness and rich spice. Options like chai latte with oatmilk or macadamia nut milk offer creamy, flavorful choices.

Unique coffee blends mix tea infusions like houjicha and matcha with coffee beans. The Black Camo Latte stands out as a distinctive combo. The interior features a very unique vibe and decor.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was amazing and super flavorful."

"I had the best chai Iโ€™ve ever had, it was delicious."

"The coffee and tea combos here are really interesting."

Good to know

1

Sawada Coffee offers macadamia nut milk as an alternative milk option.

2

The order ahead option allows customers to skip the long line.

3

Sawada Coffee shares a space with a BBQ joint.

13
Del Sur Bakery image 1

Small, beautifully curated bakery with cozy ambiance and thoughtful floral arrangements. Offers unique Filipino-inspired pastries alongside coffee, teas, and specialty items. Lines form early due to highly sought-after, photogenic treats and a warm, inviting vibe.

Housemade chai stands out with its in-house preparation instead of premade blends. The ube mo cha latte features Volition tea, and green tea is offered to people waiting in line.

Pastries showcase interesting Filipino-inspired flavors and excellent textures. Drinks mix innovative combinations like nettle fizz and pandan passionfruit espresso with solid basics.

People are saying

"The pastries here are so creative and delicious."

"The ube mo cha latte, made with Volition tea, was delicious."

"The pastries here have interesting Filipino-inspired flavors and creative combinations."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially on weekends.

2

There is no seating available; all orders are to go.

3

Pastries are priced around $10 each, with some items costing over $8.

14
Minyoli image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Space blends simple decor with Taiwanese cultural references and a welcoming outdoor patio. Atmosphere stays cozy and peaceful, evoking a small Taiwanese restaurant feel. Cocktails show creative twists on classics, complementing authentic dishes like handmade noodles and fried chicken.

Oolong tea stands out with a charcoal-roasted aroma and perfectly cooked tapioca pearls in the bubble tea. The osmanthus cold brew and tea egg also draw attention for their unique flavors.

Small plates feature interesting seasoning like on the fried sweet potatoes. Appetizers and cocktails offer unique flavor profiles with sweet crunch and tender, savory chicken in the Taiwanese Fried Chicken.

People are saying

"The food here is soulful, authentic, and incredibly flavorful."

"The appetizers and cocktails had interesting flavors I'd never tasted."

"You have to try the Taiwanese fried chicken, it's a must-try."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $1, $2, and $3 off for beer, wine, and cocktails.

2

Brunch service is only available on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

3

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

15
The Wormhole Coffee image 1

Coffee shop with nostalgic 80s theme and Star Wars memorabilia creates a unique, nerdy vibe. Spacious seating supports teleworking and socializing, while retro games and a DeLorean car add distinctive charm. Atmosphere feels lively and cool, attracting steady crowds throughout the day.

Tea options include oolong, green tea, and matcha, all steeped precisely for optimal flavor. Drinks like the dirty chai and Lavender Town offer variety, with steeping instructions provided for freshness.

Staff serve an interesting menu with specialty drinks like the Koopa Troopa latte featuring a peanut butter-chocolate flavor. The place also offers interesting art and music, plus seasonal snack and drink options.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was the best I'd ever had."

"The tea here has a really cool, niche vibe with throwback decor."

"It's interesting inside with all the 80s memorabilia and a DeLorean."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash as a form of payment.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends and busy hours.

3

Finding parking nearby can be very difficult.

16
KURIMU image 1
Ice cream shop

Soft serve ice cream shop with a sleek, modern vibe and playful pastel colors featuring Peanuts character art on walls. Atmosphere feels bright, cheerful, and laid-back, inviting people to unwind and enjoy unique Asian-inspired flavors. Sampling is allowed, and ordering can be done via kiosk without interaction.

Flavors like Thai tea with Oreos, ube/taro, and Durian fruit stand out. Boba tea comes with balanced sweetness and good boba texture. Asian teas and coffees also feature on the menu.

Ice cream features a range of interesting flavors including unique waffle cone options and boba. Many cool and amazing flavors offer a fun variety to try.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is so flavorful and delicious."

"I found the ice cream flavors to be really interesting."

"I loved the unique tea flavors like Thai tea with Oreos."

Good to know

1

KURIMU offers unique flavors that change seasonally and are posted on their Instagram.

2

The small cup of ice cream costs $8, which some may find pricey.

3

KURIMU has minimal seating and no restroom available for customers.

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