Tea Houses in Chicago

A contemporary East Asian tea parlor where gongfu sessions, single-origin oolongs, pu-erh, and matcha share the spotlight with handcrafted teaware. Regular educational tastings and classes make it a community hub, and it’s recognized by Eater Chicago for serious tea service.

Run by a family with tea roots in Nepal, this café builds more than 150 chai combinations—from masala to ginger cardamom—alongside momos and street snacks. Featured on WTTW’s Check, Please! and routinely praised by local editors for treating chai like craft.

A Loop landmark since 1993 offering daily afternoon tea with samovars, sweets, and savory bites drawing from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Lauded by Eater Chicago and celebrated in local coverage for preserving a distinctive tea tradition steps from the Art Institute.

An Andersonville tea bar with 100-plus loose-leaf options, late hours, and LGBTQ-friendly programming. Highlighted by Time Out Chicago and Eater for offering a sober-friendly, social alternative where you can linger over tea lattes, kombucha, and boba without the bar scene.

Gold Coast tea shop and bar pouring curated infusions by the cup and selling thoughtful wares. Actively engaged with the city’s tea scene as a Chicago Tea Festival sponsor, and praised by local tea enthusiasts for knowledgeable service and well-sourced leaves.

Pilsen’s vibrant café channels Mexican flavors into fruit-forward tea infusions served hot or iced, alongside chilaquiles and paninis. Featured by Eater Chicago and profiled by Block Club Chicago for its community roots and owner’s resilient story.

An East Lakeview stalwart since 1975 with barrels of bulk tea and a steady hand brewing cups to go. Recognized by Time Out Chicago and beloved by locals for breadth, value, and a no-fuss approach that keeps the focus on the leaves.

On Uptown’s Asia on Argyle strip, First Sip blends creativity and community with loose-leaf brews, floral lattes, and events. Included on Eater Chicago’s tea guide and backed by an enthusiastic neighborhood following for playful tea drinks and cultural programming.

A Beverly favorite with matcha, chai, and rotating iced teas alongside a locally loved food menu. Profiled by Eater Chicago for its community-first mission, live music, and art—proof that great tea culture flourishes well beyond downtown.

This Lakeview bakery hosts monthly afternoon tea—tiered sweets, savories, and selections from Rare Tea Cellar—now complemented by expanded locations. Noted by Eater Chicago and local press, it’s a polished, independent alternative to hotel tea.