Eli Tea Bar in Andersonville is a vibrant, LGBTQ-friendly tea haven serving up unique loose leaf and bubble teas, plus sweet pastries in a cozy, inclusive space.
"Imported from the suburbs of Detroit, Eli Tea Bar gives Chicagoans a space to enjoy dozens of different types of teas — both iced and hot — from all over the world. The tea drinks appeal to different tastes, and give folks who don’t want alcohol something exciting to enjoy. There’s also plenty of LGBTQ programming and the space welcomes folks of all persuasions. It’s a great place to get work done during the day and to mingle later in the night." - Eater Staff
"This sober bar in Andersonville opened its first location in suburban Detroit and is notable for its intentional creation of a space that’s welcoming to sober people, the LGBTQ community and allies, and pro-Palestine advocates. With late hours, tea lattes, kombucha, boba tea, and over 100 loose-leaf teas, this spot offers tons of options for those who are intentionally sober, and it’s simply a great vibe. The pumpkin chai and Thai tea boba are favorites here, but really, everything is good." - Nylah Iqbal Muhammad, Eater Staff
"Michigan import Eli Tea Bar is a sober-friendly nightlife alternative in Andersonville, with an LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere, late hours, and an extensive menu of 100 loose-leaf teas and blends from all over the world. Owner Eli Majid studied botany and uses that background to mix drinks. Introverts can gather for a silent book club, writers group or arts and crafts night." - Samantha Nelson, Eater Staff
"When it comes to some of those pesky seasonal bugs, only hot liquids will do. Eli Tea, the Andersonville outpost of a popular Detroit-area cafe, has tons of options to try, and those who are feeling less than their best may find themselves drawn to the comforting calm of caffeine-free tea lattes. Try the Lavender Hazelnut Coconut, made with rooibos, honey, and steamed coconut milk; or the Rooibos Chai, which includes South African rooibos, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and clove." - Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff
"This LGBTQ-friendly cafe and sober bar in Andersonville hosts plenty of daily events including drag bingo and trivia. The bar, which specializes in tea, doesn’t offer happy hour specials, but for those who want to gather without booze, Eli Tea provides a tranquil space without judgments." - Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam
