Portal Tea

Cute decor but we went there for the matcha and frankly it was kind of bitter. Their biggest size needs to be bigger. Staff wasn’t UNFRIENDLY but not the best barista energy I’ve ever encountered and wait time was long. Overall, as charming as the place was I don’t know that I would be back as I just didn’t enjoy the drink.

It's very cute, but my drinks have always been very mid. This time, the tapioca pearls in my bubble tea were undercooked and seemed to be unsweetened. The unsweetened may have been on purpose and likely would have tasted fine had they in fact been cooked soft.

Tea is great but I noticed a conversation that was directed towards me by the staff. Apparently if you crochet in public, its for attention. Regardless of what I was doing, not sure why the baristas thought it was wise to gossip so loudly. Like girls, you want me to teach you just say that. The tea and atmosphere was amazing.

Always wonderful to come here! So many lovely teas to choose from (there's a legit menu) and the staff are super knowledgeable with helping you pick the right one. It can get a bit loud when super busy, but they have lots of seating. Not a lot of snacks available.

I had a chocolate maté chai, and it was delicious. The prices seem high if you don't know your teas, and even then, the atmosphere and staff are worth it. There's a gender neutral bathroom here, and the sign even says, "Whatever, just wash your hands when you're done." 11/10 - will visit again.

Portal Tea has a lot going for it in terms of atmosphere—the space is cute and cozy, with a laid-back vibe that's perfect for sitting down with a good cup of tea and catching up with a friend. The tea itself was delicious, with a solid variety to choose from and well-crafted blends. That said, the overall experience was a bit mixed. The staff didn’t seem particularly welcoming or attentive. When we needed the restroom code, it was difficult to get their attention, and they barely looked up from what they were doing. Once we did get access, the restroom was messy and not well-maintained, which was disappointing in an otherwise nicely designed space. If you’re going for the tea and a comfortable place to sit, it’s worth a visit—but the customer service and cleanliness could definitely use some attention to make the experience feel more complete.

This is by far the best tea shop I’ve ever been to and if you know me, you know this shop. The people on staff go out of their way to get to know their regulars and make the tea with love. Soothing atmosphere and music as well.

Best tea shop I've been to! They've got an extensive tea list and fun mugs to buy. I love that you can buy any tea in bulk at the store front. The more you get, the less it is per ounce. They've got very high-quality teas. The atmosphere is very cozy. It is a perfect place to sit with a friend & catch up.

The menu is huge. Not great if you get overwhelmed by choice, but great if you want something very specific. I enjoy different teas for different moods and times of day. They also have a variety of milk options and are able to customize drinks. Unlike places like Starbucks or Black Rock, the menu is complete and has clear pricing. In other words, clear pricing and menuing with no mind games. Service is friendly. The ambiance is a bit nostalgic for me; it reminds me of coffee shops in the 2000's. Good drinks, nice atmosphere, and good staff.

When you are downtown and want TEA instead of coffee, and a place to sit and read, craft or talk to a friend, this is a chill place to come. The menu of teas is extensive, service is friendly and be sure to ask for the bathroom code if you think you'll need it. This is not a "hand you a tea bag in hot water" type place. They steep the tea for you and "for here," you can get a mug or one of two sizes of tea pot kept warm with a tea light. It is not uncommon to wait 20-40 minutes for your beverage so expect that. They also have an array of tea ware and teas for purchase.

I'm so looking forward to another visit. But, so far: * C= caffeine NC= non-caffeine * Mt. Hood Vanilla- C My favorite. Rich vanilla notes without the sweet aftertaste I avoid in boxed teas. As close as I've come to Taylor's of Harrogate Black Vanilla. Love- NC #2 Lovely floral notes in a delicate, but full-flavored tea. I've never had a tea quite like this one before... it is amazing! The leaves are crushed quite small, so the tea leaves spill out of my new square-shaped tea infuser (that I purchased at Portal). You'll definitely need a very fine screen to keep your teacup clear and leaf-free. Peppermint Mate- C #3 Fresh bright peppermint infusion. No bitterness, just a smooth balanced experience. I love it. Coconut Oolong- C I don't like anything coconut flavored. Fresh or toasted coconut only is my preference... and because of that, I thought I'd step outside the box. This is my favorite tea for the aesthetics. It's dark and rich in appearance with thick twisted leaves giving it a rustic, rogue appeal. The aroma is intoxicating. It does not have that chemical coconut flavor that I abhor and if I loved coconut, this would have ranked #1. My issue with so many tea companies is the lack of flavor or the bitterness that comes with a strong tea. This is neither. I'm enjoying it iced with a small spoonful of local honey. Much to my surprise, I will be finishing this beautiful tea. Clarity- NC Another quality tea. I expected a bright, sharp tea to enhance my clarity... lol... instead it offers up a perfectly balanced tea with exceptional flavors. I would call this tea: Tranquility. Hangover- C What can I say? Had to give it a whirl. As with all the others, this tea did not give the jolt I was expecting. Smooth and balanced. As with all the other teas, a very enjoyable experience. Vanilla Rooibus- ? I gave this tea to my mama, since Rooibus gives me intense headaches. It's been over a decade since I've tested these waters and nothing has changed... but, the flavor was perfect. That smoky flavor that only Rooibus can deliver, along with the powerful vanilla top notes were absolutely perfect. Also, an unusual tea visually, which I prefer. My apologies for not remembering if this tea has caffeine. :)

My friend and I ordered a vanilla rose chai and matcha latte. Quite subpar. My matcha almost taste spicy? And was more expensive than the other places I tried around town which were actually good. The art and ambience are super creepy, demonic, and give bad vibes immediately. We both ended up throwing away our drinks within 5 minutes of purchase.

An incredible tea selection! Plus a lovely place inside. And. I love the hand pies! Everyone I've had serve me has been sweet as honey too. Love it

This is my new favorite coconut chai tea with ginger root, cassia cinnamon, and cardamom! So good and a great place to sip tea and hang out.

I feel like I really owe this place an update. Since my first review, Portal has become one of my favorite destinations for remote work. My favorite thing to do is to order a pot of their teas and slowly sip away while I type away on my laptop. Their chai varieties are so good!

Relax, study, work, draw, read, chat, drink tea! Portal Tea (formerly Tea Chai Te) is one of my favorite hang outs in Eugene. Located in downtown, this homey cafe is a place where you can just feel at ease. Twinkly lights, flickering candles, plush chairs, artistic decor, the light clank of ceramic, gentle chatter and soft music culminate into the exact atmosphere I crave when I want to spend a few hours outside the house. Their tea menu is extensive and you can order it any way you want. Depending on the tea I might get it as is, or with a little sugar or milk. The staff are always friendly and can provide recommendations as well.

I love the Highland Chai! I get it sweetened and made with oat milk. It is a treat! One of the staff is especially careful about the way she prepares the chai. I wish I knew her name i order to thank her.

Short: very causal comfortable ambiance, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and delicious selection of teas, need I say more?! [Beverage & Baked goods] they have macarons! But I've always been in love with their gluten free and vegan banana bread. You get a pretty good thick slice for $2! I was luckily enough to come in close to opening so it was supperrr fresh out of the oven! I usually get Boba Tea (bubble tea). My all time favorite flavor is served here, the Japanese Toffee milk tea flavor. It has a subtle sweetness but almost more caramel-rich flavors than a usual original boba milk tea. They also have lots of boba selection!! I got lychee stars! The Boba Tea here is around $5 so reasonable especially for the quality Staff, I come in with the usual worker. Super efficient not too long of a wait and accurately tasty each time. I love coming here and it's definitely worth! Especially located conveniently in Downtown Eugene. If you're a tea lover, please check them out!

The macarons are wonderful, especially the inside. The drinks delicious. The couches are just adorable. The artwork is beautiful and I like it. The colors of the interior are peaceful. Most of this review was spoken to me by my 8 and 10 year old. The staff were kind and were patient while they took the kids orders

Pricier than other boba places, but it actually has comfortable seating and looks nice. I was a bit disappointed because I didn't expect blended to mean a full on slushie, so beware! I'll have to order regular if I go again. I was also bummed because another reviewer mentioned they had oat milk and vegan pastries, but there wasn't any kind of nondairy options for milk tea and none of the desserts were labelled vegan. Overall, it's a bit on the pricier side of things, but it is a good place to meet up with new people if you've got the budget for it. EDIT: my review was trying to turn a positive spin on what became an $8 slurpee, but I wish I had looked at all the reviews before coming. One would think if a customer came to you with a concern about racism you'd try to privately message or explain instead of being crass. Bummer, I would've given this place another try but I'll have to go a bit farther out to get boba.

This sweet tea shop has been through many iterations over the years, but they have retained a great selection of tea and a cozy atmosphere. They have a lot of options, from basic brewed tea to tea lattes to bubble teas. I got a mug of vanilla rooibos made into an oat milk latte and (plus honey) and it was sweet and delicious--like a chai but with no caffeine. It was a great spot to catch up with a friend. It can get busy (and therefore loudish), and people tend to camp out on couches and at the tables (guilty), so be prepared for that if you're looking for a spot to sit. Also, they have a limited food selection, mostly just pastries (although some are GF and/or vegan)--the focus here is the tea!

Most wonderful ambiance with the cutest teapot with a little flame to keep it warm! Such an authentic place shows where the tea is from , very unique and a super sweet place

I love spending time in Portal. Whether it's for an oat milk matcha latte or a chamomile bliss tea I'm never disappointed. The staff is really friendly, the environment is calm and beautiful. All the art on the walls and the furniture layout. Definitely recommend going with friends or by yourself.

This place has excellent ambiance-like a coffee shop, but for tea! I have never seen so many varieties of tea for a small place! Good tea, good service, and the fresh bubble tea is yum! So nice there's a bubble tea shop on Broadway Street! I'll have to try some other flavors!

I love having a nice tea cafe in a world of coffee shops. I've been to 3 different locations, and they are all good in their own way.

I honestly hate giving a not great review and being the first one...but I don't want to lie. I'll start with my positive and go from there. I got a Macaron with sprinkles and it was delicious! I will also say my friend went in when a girl was working and said she was really nice. So it may have just been an off day?? Ok now...so I loved Townsends so this place kind of had big shoes to fill, and I've been looking forward to going to go visit! So I went in and was the only person in there (as you can see from pictures) and the guy at the counter just stayed on his phone and didn't even look up at me...I finally said "hello!" in a kind way, and from there it continued to be weird. He just seemed to not want to be there as well as wasn't too pleased I was there. I even tried talking to him a little and he just acted so strange and unfriendly. Told me it has not been very busy (which you would think he would treat customers great if that were the case). I have worked in food so I understand maybe he's having an off day as well. I wondered if I was just me so I sat and waited for my order. 2 other groups of 2 people came in after me and same thing...they had to get his attention while at the counter and he continued to just act like he wasn't too pleased they were there. My Boba Tea wasn't all that great. I wouldn't mind going back and giving it another shot but if that guy was working I probably wouldn't place an order again just because it was that uncomfortable. And I'm extroverted and fine with talking to anyone. Anyways, give it a try for yourself and see! I hope you have a better experience!

I came here when it was Townshend's almost everyday. It's changed a lot over the years, including the name. For a minute I didn't want to go back in because it had changed. Finally I did, and I'm so glad, because it has evolved into what I could only describe as Townshend's cool, well dressed cousin. The menu is pretty much the same as it was after all. My favorite blends, like "Love" and golden milk, are still here. I love that there's an opportunity for artists to display their art. The bathroom has a really pretty wall for the background of a selfie if I'm being completely honest. I love it here. It's my safe space. Always great tea tenders and always great music. Healthy plants. Cool decor. Chill vibes. There's a sort of "community" journal. They now seal their iced teas to go which I actually really appreciate because I don't have to commit to experiencing it now. I can enjoy it from the comfort of my own home if I choose to.

Super cute cafe with plenty of seating and lounging areas. Great ambiance and very chill vibe. Great place to work, read, hang out, etc. Plenty of tea options, hot or cold, milk teas are also available. Definitely a tea lover's haven.

Immaculate vibes. Always so relaxing and cozy - incredible tea selection with the cutest tea kettles for hot tea and delicious boba drinks if you're in a bubbly mood. Highly recommend checking it out or spending a few hours working and drinking really great teas.

Oddly enough I've had at least four different second dates here. The kind where the guy picks the place. None of them had been and they all thought I would enjoy it. To be fair, they weren't wrong. I've always loved the atmosphere, the proactive support of artists and the general peaceful vibe without it feeling stuffy is always good for a decompressive pot of tea. And the tea itself is good, with tons of options. I always get hot tea so I can't speak to the rest of what's there but I have a hard time imagining anything tasting bad here. The prices are great, especially for the area, and the service is prompt and easy. Never had a reason not to tip well.

While getting a slice across the street I noticed that there was new tea shop where the old tea shop was, so I decided to give it a try since they offered boba. The inside is a bit too upscale for my taste in looks and how it is decorated. After looking at the menu I went with a guava milk boba, but the only thing they had was sour apple boba and guava and apple don't make a good combo. But disappointed that they only had one option. The milk tasted okay, but just overall didn't hit the spot with me. The staff was friendly. Might have to give it another chance someday!

My favorite tea house, anywhere! Anytime I am meeting a friend or bringing a business client from out of town, this is where I bring them! Peter, the manager, and the other tea tenders here take such care in how they prepare the tea -- I've been coming here for years, and always feel so cared for! Even when they hire new staff, I feel like they have such a good vibe and are so kind. I often try something new, because I trust Peter's recommendations, and truly haven't had a cup that I didn't like! I just spent a few days in Portland, and hit the famous Smith tea tasting room, which was a nice experience, but the tea still wasn't as delicious as the tea I get at Tea Chai Té! I also went to the other location on 23rd and I think the Eugene location as where it's at! I ordered the same thing I always order, and it wasn't quite as good. If you're looking for a great Eugene vibe, friendly and knowledgeable tenders and an exquisite cup of tea, this is your spot!

I started coming here awhile ago and have enjoyed trying different teas. There is a ton of options and Im still working through them but peach ginger black tea with honey is a fave so far. The macaroons are some of the best I've had, but i'm unsure if they are made in house or brought from somewhere else. Service is fine, nothing exceptional, but staff is generally friendly and can answer questions. Comfy seating, rotating local art, casual setting.

My partner and I have come here twice now since being in town. There are so many tea and flavor options, and the boba was delicious. The staff were kind and courteous, and our drink were made very quickly. If I were still in school I would study here!

Huge selection, wow! Good vibes inside, lots of seating options and gorgeous local art. I had the banana milk tea with tapioca pearls; very sweet, but delicious.

Still love the Creme de la Earl Grey. Still love the vibe. Really enjoy doing online work here. The bubble tea is not as good as it used to be, but the Okinawa is tasty enough for me to keep coming back for it. Thai tea is too sweet and rose is a little fruity, so not a huge fan. I'd recommend sticking to their general tea list if you're a boba snob.

The best tea shop in Eugene. I've been a customer here for close to a decade and the shop is .

Honestly this place has chill ambience, great tea, and friendly staff BUT... 2 stars because it is ALWAYS severely understaffed. Wait time is loooong and the poor workers are sprinting around constantly, working super fast, multitasking, never pausing for a moment as the line grows and grows. I've seen people get in line then leave after waiting for a long time. It's like this all the time. Management/ownership is definitely skimping on staffing and it shows.

First time coming in here. This place feels so stale inside. It feels like the inside of a target, with quiet music and even has fake plants to accompany its plastic feel. I wish it wasn't so bubble tea driven too. That stuff is so incredibly bad for our health and the environment. People are going to drink what they want, though. I guess I was expecting more of a comfortable environment . Kinda made the tea taste fast food like because I didn't want to sit in and enjoy my latte. What made the visit nice was the girl who made my tea knew a lot about the teas. I got a tea latte that I'd never think to try. Super yummy recommendation. Will most likely return. But will probably have to get over the decor.

My favorite place. For many reasons, for many flavors, & many smiles. You just have to try it for yourself.

Absolutely the best tea in town the have an abundance of choices and you can mix and match your fav flavors, the are super quick with the drinks. I come here weekly and i love the vibe of the inside & i recommend this place to everyone. If you like boba pls come here!

Cute spot for tea! I'm not really a bubble tea person so I can't comment on that, but I really like their selection of brewed teas and I like all the plant milk options. Employees are kind and helpful, very queer friendly spot with a comfy vibe :) I usually will come with a friend and get a tea latte. I also like how the mugs are unique and hand made. The interior decor is not necessarily my personal style but I like it and I appreciate the vision. Would be cute if they added plants or some little tea lights haha but I like it how it is right now just the same

The tea here is great. They have plenty of choices but not so many that it's overwhelming. The employees have always been pleasant and it's usually a cozy spot. However, while the shop itself is cute, the "art" selection leaves a lot to be desired. I had enjoyed taking my kids to TCT as a special time out together, but this last time the "artwork" was all superficially woke political pieces, several of which were extremely graphic. I want to go get tea and have a nice time with my kids, not explain to them what a lynching is and that the people in the picture have had their genitalia cut off. I guess the atmosphere may work for 20 something college students but it definitely isn't family friendly. And I don't really want to take that gamble every time I go.

Tried the Kashmiri chai; it was good! Huge tea selection. Good ambience and location in Eugene.

I love all the menu options, and my chai was delicious! My partner liked his too. The barista was nice and helpful.

Lots of people giving poor reviews on the interior and the milk teas, so here's my take as someone who has never had their milk teas and usually doesn't care too much for decor/interior so long as it's clean, which it is (I usually walk around or read/scroll with tea and zone out anyway). Their selection of loose-leaf is AWESOME, consisting of pretty much any and every tea you can think of, including tons of varieties and blends that you may not have even known to exist, and each cup to my knowledge is brewed upon ordering with (again, based on observation so correct me if I'm wrong) precise temperatures and ratios ideal for each type of tea (which absolutely makes a difference compared with my experience in just heating/adding water to however many leaves at home). Also, I've been helped by different employees each time, but they've always been pleasant and knowledgeable, not to mention patient with me being indecisive (lol). If you're a tea fan, I'd definitely recommend checking this place out. And since I'm sure one person may wonder based on how jazzed I am on this place: no, I don't work here or have any other affiliations with this business- places that exclusively/primarily sell tea that's not Lipton or other generic brands and/or types are hard to come by (I find, anyway), so I'm just genuinely stoked to have found this tea shop.

Absolutely love this place. When I'm visiting from Long Beach I bulk up and always try something new on top of my favorites. Super friendly and knowledgable staff! Theres an insane amount of options so its really cool that they know about them all and are happy to help you find what you like best. High quality but very affordable :)

I LOVED this place and will be returning! The whole experience was great. The girl working the register was super nice and knowledgeable about teas. She took her time to explain which ones she liked and why. Super cute place, happy I found it.