It’s that time of the year when few drinks are as comforting as a bracing cup of tea. Toss the tea bags and indulge yourself with local offerings that elevate tea to a new level. Whether you like a basic British cuppa or want to meet your matcha, these businesses help you cross your teas and introduce you to new blends and leaves. 

Reminiscent of tea shops of old, this cozy locale provides high-quality loose-leaf tea one can sip in, take out, or brew at home. The shop features over 15 categories of teas, ranging from yellow, black, green, and white to more exotic blends such as rooibos, inclusions, Pu-ehr, and wellness. Whether you’re looking for something to aid sleep (“Serenitea”) or want something smooth and decadent (“Honeybush Chocolate”), the knowledgable proprietors,  Timothy and Angie Hokanson, will guide you through their wide and varied collection.

—dianasteashopandroom.com

Omaha’s oldest coffee and tea shop, this charming downtown locale brings in tea aficionados with its heady mixture of loose-leaf teas arranged in gleaming antique copper canisters. This calming environment is ideal for getting work done or meeting up with friends—or patrons can bring their tea home in brown paper packages.

—13thstreetteaandcoffee.com

This artisan-quality tea shop prides itself in their quality tea and knowledge. The owner, Tim Smith, confesses he founded this shop out of frustration, annoyed with the vast misconceptions about tea, the preparation, the history, and its properties. This welcoming store invites patrons to not only learn about the history of tea and enjoy it, but also to participate in local tea-centered events. The shop hosts chocolate and tea tastings, ugly mug contests, holiday specials, and more.

—theteasmith.com 

Founder and clinical herbalist Andrea Lawse strives to honor the connection between plants and people through the craft of making tea. She incorporates every part of the plant in her tea blends, including the flowers, bark, seeds, roots, stems, berries, and leaves. Her blends are intentionally hand-crafted for what the consumer needs—whether that be for relaxation, healing, or vitality. Artemis Tea brings awareness to what tea drinkers consume and how it influences both body and spirit.

—artemistea.com

Open since in April 2021, Chippy’s is the only British store in the state. Not only do Anglophiles flock to this unique place, but U.K. expats find a sense of home here. Chippy’s stocks an impressive array of British teas, such as PG Tips, known for its conical tea bags. Whether customers are looking for a Yorkshire tea for bedtime or an English Breakfast tea for dunking biscuits, Chippy's is a must.

—chippysomaha.com

This unique coffee shop not only sells tea but also offers books for customers to enjoy while sipping a hot beverage. The store's friendly vibe presents an inclusive environment for different backgrounds to come together and enjoy a peaceful, welcoming space. There are a variety of tea options to choose from, including different add-in flavors. This is a wonderful space to read books, attend a progressive church, and indulge in delicious tea. 

—theurbanabbey.org

 

This article originally appeared in the January/February 2023 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.