JustinGN81
Google
Callisto Tea House has been a favorite of mine for at least a year, yet I haven't shared until now. I've been selfish, trying to keep the place my little secret. But that's not fair. Callisto deserves the praise and to reap the accolades of embodying exactly what a teahouse should be.
Any place can sell a decent cup of tea, or have a clever interior with relatable artwork, but the true spirit of tea is in the experience. A teahouse should be welcoming, offering hospitality with an unassuming and gentle aesthetic. A place for a kind conversation, and for thoughtfulness. That is a teahouse, and that is exactly what Callisto offers. Each time I walk through the door, I can feel tension leave my shoulders. Sometimes I stop by for a quick visit, sometimes I linger for hours, but long stay or short, I enjoy every minute.
The tea is top notch, and expertly prepared. The crew knows how to represent each variety to guide you towards exactly what you're looking for. I'm partial to hot tea, but Callisto brings an excellent iced tea preparation and cold brews that stand tall on 100-degree days. The tea list is updated periodically, as it should be, as certain options are seasonal. And if you're looking to bring a piece home with you, they have loose leaf and teaware for sale.
There is an assortment of light bites that pair seamlessly with the tea. I love the scones, generally savory. And they have mini toasts with toppings ranged from local marmalades, roasted red pepper spread with walnut, cucumber with herbed cashew cream cheese, and more. Plus a few baked goods appropriate for those who like something a bit sweet. The scones, the sourdough for the toasts, the cookies, it's all baked in house, and it's all delicious.
Callisto is always a little busy without being too busy. It's a place to read, catch up with a pal, or get some work done. It's the little things that take this shop to the next level, and I think they get that. I'm a fan of how they always ask if I would like to choose my own teacup from their collection. I generally ask them to surprise me. And when they bring me a particular cup because it's their favorite and they want to tell me about it, I can see the chat as the genuine gesture of connection that it is.
If you need a cup of tea, yes. If you want to learn about tea, yes. If you're a tea veteran and have been looking for a local place to kick back and recharge, yes. I've chatted with the owners and they are lovely people, you can tell that this teahouse is a work of passion for them. And that positivity really shines through in their work and the establishment as a whole. I've had a handful of favorite teahouses over the years, but it had been a while. I am very lucky to have Callisto in the neighborhood.