Kyra K.
Yelp
If there's such a thing as a chai lovers paradise, this is it. Chai Bar has set and exceeded my bar in terms of chai teas and my perspective has now changed. If you're a chai drinker, I guarantee coming out of your way to visit will be well worth it.
The inside of Chai Bar is expansive, minimalistically trendy, and polished. Unfortunately, they've closed off their indoor seating due to circumstances, therefore it operates as take-out only. In one area the cafe has the menu posted above. Another section is where you can buy David Rio's tea and other items such as packaged food, drinks, and their own pastries. After browsing, order at the chai bar and watch them carefully craft and execute your beverages. Lids, straws, and other items are self-serve in a different area. The barista helping us was swift, and cordial, and made our drinks flawlessly.
When it comes to the flavor profiles of chai, I'm inexperienced as heck!l At Chai Bar their menu consists of specialty chai drinks, cold drinks, and non-chai tea options. In terms of the types of chai, they have several different options. Each comes with a description and the sweet versus spice ratio--sugar-free options and dairy alternatives are available as well. For those interested in hot, you can get all sizes. Iced beverages are only available in medium or large. Gravitating towards sweet, I got a Medium Iced Elephant Vanilla Chai with Soy Milk. It's heavy on vanilla and sweetness, not much spice action. To me it tasted like vanilla milk--not my alley but good to try. My companion ordered a Small Hot Pauli's Drink which is a combination of their elephant and cub chai. This drink was warm, spiced, and soothing--personally too spicy for me but he swooned over it.
Chai Bar by David Rio is a pret-tea special place for chai seekers. I will go out of my way to support this exceptional cafe because it's located in a tough geographical and financial position. You can find a range of chai, coffee, and tea products plus Asian fusion baked goods and small bites. Parking can be tough since it's off Market Street but convenient for those downtown. I'm thrilled to go back and sip on their other signature chai lattes.