Jando S.
Yelp
There are numerous locations for The Teahouse, but I'm pretty certain this Montrose one is the most popular one of them all. As one of the city's most celebrated local chains, the brand in general does a really solid job of showcasing a nearly unmatched variety of teas and fruity blends. In terms of abundance, it screams Texas all the way.
Before getting to the plethora of drinks, I think it's worth remarking on the plethora of space. This place is way bigger than it looks from the outside and the strip mall location doesn't really signify what kind of space this is. The front counter where all the ordering / action is, is always bustling with activity. There's the sound of the machines whirling in the background, music playing from TV, and people lining up left and right.
There's a good bit of seating in the main room, which is pretty ideal for small'ish groups and a bit of people watching. Walk a few steps past the kitchen and the lounge is the real deal. There are couches, sectioned off spaces, and plenty of room for groups to mingle or for a private study session. The WiFi is good and the ventilation is great.
As far as the drinks go, I'd be hard pressed to think of something they *don't* offer. There's a dedicated section of green teas, fruit teas, black teas, and even a number of oolong specialties. Then there's actual coffee, blends / smoothies, and even cream tea.
They have a fresh heaping of fruits displayed every day and I think that's where their strength lies. Honey dew is one of my favorite flavors and they do it well here. They infuse fruits with the teas and I think passion fruit with black or green tea is also an easy choice. If I'm feeling indulgent, I'll go with a fruity cream blend, such as taro, peach, or mango.
The prices are standard but my biggest beef is the service. I've had drinks that were poorly made (lid not sealed, too much ice, etc.) previously and sometimes they're so understaffed the wait can be a little long. As a result, I try to stop by when it's during their non-peak hours and usually the experience is pretty good. I'm still constantly filling up my loyalty card and hoping to score my free drink soon.