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A person pours bright red tea out of a pot into three glass mugs.
Any time can be tea time if you just believe.
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Outstanding Spots to Sip Tea in Chicago

Terrific fancy and casual ways to enjoy the world’s beverage

by Eater Staff and Naomi Waxman Updated
1 comment / new
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Any time can be tea time if you just believe.
| Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago
by Eater Staff and Naomi Waxman Updated
1 comment / new

While Chicago counts as one of the country’s strongest coffee scenes, the great work of local tea sellers — like Rare Tea Cellar, Spirit Tea, and Kilogram from Intelligentsia — is transforming the city’s tea culture and expanding its horizons, too. Beyond trendy drinks like matcha lattes, Chicago is experiencing a swell in establishments serving properly-brewed teas, wherein the temperature of the water is taken into consideration, along with the brewing method, and the ratio of leaves to water.

From oolong to green, black to chai, peruse Eater Chicago’s selection of the city’s best places to sip tea.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Eli Tea Bar

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Michigan import Eli Tea Bar is a sober-friendly nightlife alternative in Andersonville, with an LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere (including drag queen bingo), 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.

5507 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 961-7111
(773) 961-7111
A person pours bright red tea out of a teapot into glass mugs.
The team at Eli Tea takes the brew seriously.
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

First Sip Cafe

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This cozy cafe in Uptown serves sweet and loose leaf teas in a storefront filled with plants and antique furniture. First Sip also hosts musical performances and community events, such as Lunar New Year celebrations.

1057 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640

Backlot Coffee

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Backlot Coffee, which also operates a location in suburban Evanston, serves brews mostly made from Rare Tea Cellar teas. And for those keen on unique tea-based beverages, pop in to try the lavender-imbued matcha, sweetened with house-made lavender syrup. There’s also the chai option, made from a chai concentrate, chai spice-infused steamed milk, and — for an extra rush — make it “dirty” with a double shot of espresso. As of fall 2023, a third outpost is in the works in Lincoln Square.

3982 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 657-3797
(773) 657-3797

Intelligentsia Coffee Broadway Coffeebar

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Local specialty coffee chain Intelligentsia offers drinks made from Kilogram Tea. Pick from English breakfast, chamomile, and jasmine green teas, in addition to matcha drinks. Select locations also offer seasonally rotating sparkling Kilogram teas, like turmeric tonic, schizandra berry, and organic golden needles tea. In 2023, the company closed unionized shops in Wicker Park and Logan Square to consolidate operations to the Lakeview flagship and two outposts in the Loop.

3123 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 348-8058
(773) 348-8058

Superkhana International

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The tea options at mod Indian haunt Superkhana International in Logan Square skew, well, Indian. Try chef Zeeshan Shah’s auntie-approved extra-strong milk chai, made with Red Label loose tea, ginger, green cardamom, black peppercorns, water, milk, and sugar. The recipe was inspired by a family recipe that he grew up drinking. Beyond chai, the team has built a list using Spirit Tea, including Nepal white, rosella, and okumidori sencha.

3059 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 661-9028
(773) 661-9028

Also featured in:

Chiya Chai Cafe

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Chiya is the place for chai fans. This modest Nepalese cafe in Logan Square serves more than 150 different combinations, with classic and creative flavors like masala and cardamom to “Salty Pink Himalayan” with almond butter. Order some momos (dumplings) to eat on the side. 

2770 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-7541
(773) 360-7541

Also featured in:

The Peninsula

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Served in the heart of the hotel, the Lobby at the Peninsula offers afternoon tea daily from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The house tea brand of choice is Le Palais des Thés, served alongside a rotating seasonal menu of scones, tea sandwiches, and small desserts.

108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 337-2888
(312) 337-2888
The Peninsula’s tea time is full of swanky bites and beverages.
The Peninsula [Official Photo]

The Langham, Chicago

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Pavilion at the Langham offers daily afternoon tea service, with tea sandwiches and scones served beside jam and clotted cream served on Wedgewood china. Brews are not outsourced; instead the hotel commands its own proprietary brand with 25 unique blends. From time to time the property also offers specially-curated afternoon tea sessions, including a special for Valentine’s Day.

330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 923-9988
(312) 923-9988

Also featured in:

Metric Coffee Co.

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Though sleek micro roaster Metric might be best known for its excellent coffee, the tea program here is also one of the city’s best. The team carefully sources its teas from Spirit Tea, offering a mix of whites, blacks, greens, and matcha. Unsurprisingly, its matcha has been the biggest seller lately, available both as a steamed latte and as a shaken iced drink. 

2021 W Fulton St suite k-101b, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 982-2196
(312) 982-2196

Gaijin

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Over at West Loop savory pancake specialist Gaijin, the teas lean toward Japan. The leaves are sourced from Rare Tea Cellar, and guests can choose from five hot and two iced tea options daily. Think samurai chai (sencha tea with popped rice and chai), and sakura Kyoto cherry blossom tea (Japanese green tea with cherry blossom and wild rose).

950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 265-1348
(312) 265-1348

Also featured in:

Kumiko

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It’s no surprise that Kumiko, Julia Momose’s Japanese cocktail den in the West Loop, is big into tea. Momose is sourcing all of her teas from a single, family-owned plantation in Hoshinomura, a village located in Fukuoka’s Yame District (an area famous for green tea production). Flavors include gyokuro, kukicha, oolong, hojicha, and kodemari matcha. Those looking to go caffeine-free can choose from tisanes such as red chai and emperor’s chamomile.

630 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 285-2912
(312) 285-2912

Also featured in:

Chicago Athletic Association

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With its fireplace and comfortable furniture, Drawing Room at the Chicago Athletic Association hotel is one of the city’s coziest places to sip tea during colder months. Here, the team worked with Rare Tea Cellar to draft a menu of unique and seasonal teas, and right now guests can choose from options like emperor’s house chai, magnolia blossom oolong, and royal chamomile mint. Meanwhile, rooftop bar Cindy’s also sources its teas via Rare Tea Cellar, and those brews flavor drinks both boozy and alcohol-free.

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 940-3552
(312) 940-3552

Living Water Tea House

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Find milk tea and other beverages at this East Asian tea parlor situated in Little Italy. Living Water Tea House sports a unique mission and even allows customers to book their own tea ceremonies, a unique way to sip tea and learn about Chinese traditions. Not only does the tea deliver, but ownership is very particularly about the vessels — tea is only as good as the equipment it’s made and served in — and the pots and cups at Living Water are something to behold.

1453 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 846-6919
(312) 846-6919

Also featured in:

TeaPotBrew Bakery

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True to its name, TeaPotBrew Bakery offers an extensive selection of teas, plus freshly made baked goods, including cookies, scones, a variety of banana breads, and doughnuts on Fridays. There’s also gelato. The tea comes from Milwaukee-based importer Rishi.

1802 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 966-6001
(312) 966-6001

Also featured in:

Saint's Alp Teahouse

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A Chinatown staple since 1994, this casual teahouse is a favorite among those in the know for its lineup of traditional teas (black, green, and oolong) as well as frothy versions with boba or jellies. Fans also rave about its food, especially the Cantonese and Taiwanese dishes.

2157 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 842-8882
(312) 842-8882

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Afro Joes Coffee & Tea

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Since it opened in 2020, this family-owned Auburn Gresham cafe has become a community hub with weekly open mics. It also serves both hot and iced tea, chai, and matcha, plus a variety of blended drink specials.

1818 W 99th St, Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 830-4782
(773) 830-4782

Also featured in:

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Eli Tea Bar

5507 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Michigan import Eli Tea Bar is a sober-friendly nightlife alternative in Andersonville, with an LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere (including drag queen bingo), 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.

5507 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 961-7111
(773) 961-7111
A person pours bright red tea out of a teapot into glass mugs.
The team at Eli Tea takes the brew seriously.
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

First Sip Cafe

1057 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640

This cozy cafe in Uptown serves sweet and loose leaf teas in a storefront filled with plants and antique furniture. First Sip also hosts musical performances and community events, such as Lunar New Year celebrations.

1057 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640

Backlot Coffee

3982 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Backlot Coffee, which also operates a location in suburban Evanston, serves brews mostly made from Rare Tea Cellar teas. And for those keen on unique tea-based beverages, pop in to try the lavender-imbued matcha, sweetened with house-made lavender syrup. There’s also the chai option, made from a chai concentrate, chai spice-infused steamed milk, and — for an extra rush — make it “dirty” with a double shot of espresso. As of fall 2023, a third outpost is in the works in Lincoln Square.

3982 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 657-3797
(773) 657-3797

Intelligentsia Coffee Broadway Coffeebar

3123 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657

Local specialty coffee chain Intelligentsia offers drinks made from Kilogram Tea. Pick from English breakfast, chamomile, and jasmine green teas, in addition to matcha drinks. Select locations also offer seasonally rotating sparkling Kilogram teas, like turmeric tonic, schizandra berry, and organic golden needles tea. In 2023, the company closed unionized shops in Wicker Park and Logan Square to consolidate operations to the Lakeview flagship and two outposts in the Loop.

3123 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 348-8058
(773) 348-8058

Superkhana International

3059 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The tea options at mod Indian haunt Superkhana International in Logan Square skew, well, Indian. Try chef Zeeshan Shah’s auntie-approved extra-strong milk chai, made with Red Label loose tea, ginger, green cardamom, black peppercorns, water, milk, and sugar. The recipe was inspired by a family recipe that he grew up drinking. Beyond chai, the team has built a list using Spirit Tea, including Nepal white, rosella, and okumidori sencha.

3059 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 661-9028
(773) 661-9028

Chiya Chai Cafe

2770 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Chiya is the place for chai fans. This modest Nepalese cafe in Logan Square serves more than 150 different combinations, with classic and creative flavors like masala and cardamom to “Salty Pink Himalayan” with almond butter. Order some momos (dumplings) to eat on the side. 

2770 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-7541
(773) 360-7541

The Peninsula

108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611

Served in the heart of the hotel, the Lobby at the Peninsula offers afternoon tea daily from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The house tea brand of choice is Le Palais des Thés, served alongside a rotating seasonal menu of scones, tea sandwiches, and small desserts.

108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 337-2888
(312) 337-2888
The Peninsula’s tea time is full of swanky bites and beverages.
The Peninsula [Official Photo]

The Langham, Chicago

330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Pavilion at the Langham offers daily afternoon tea service, with tea sandwiches and scones served beside jam and clotted cream served on Wedgewood china. Brews are not outsourced; instead the hotel commands its own proprietary brand with 25 unique blends. From time to time the property also offers specially-curated afternoon tea sessions, including a special for Valentine’s Day.

330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 923-9988
(312) 923-9988

Metric Coffee Co.

2021 W Fulton St suite k-101b, Chicago, IL 60612

Though sleek micro roaster Metric might be best known for its excellent coffee, the tea program here is also one of the city’s best. The team carefully sources its teas from Spirit Tea, offering a mix of whites, blacks, greens, and matcha. Unsurprisingly, its matcha has been the biggest seller lately, available both as a steamed latte and as a shaken iced drink. 

2021 W Fulton St suite k-101b, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 982-2196
(312) 982-2196

Gaijin

950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

Over at West Loop savory pancake specialist Gaijin, the teas lean toward Japan. The leaves are sourced from Rare Tea Cellar, and guests can choose from five hot and two iced tea options daily. Think samurai chai (sencha tea with popped rice and chai), and sakura Kyoto cherry blossom tea (Japanese green tea with cherry blossom and wild rose).

950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 265-1348
(312) 265-1348

Kumiko

630 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661

It’s no surprise that Kumiko, Julia Momose’s Japanese cocktail den in the West Loop, is big into tea. Momose is sourcing all of her teas from a single, family-owned plantation in Hoshinomura, a village located in Fukuoka’s Yame District (an area famous for green tea production). Flavors include gyokuro, kukicha, oolong, hojicha, and kodemari matcha. Those looking to go caffeine-free can choose from tisanes such as red chai and emperor’s chamomile.

630 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 285-2912
(312) 285-2912

Chicago Athletic Association

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

With its fireplace and comfortable furniture, Drawing Room at the Chicago Athletic Association hotel is one of the city’s coziest places to sip tea during colder months. Here, the team worked with Rare Tea Cellar to draft a menu of unique and seasonal teas, and right now guests can choose from options like emperor’s house chai, magnolia blossom oolong, and royal chamomile mint. Meanwhile, rooftop bar Cindy’s also sources its teas via Rare Tea Cellar, and those brews flavor drinks both boozy and alcohol-free.

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 940-3552
(312) 940-3552

Living Water Tea House

1453 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

Find milk tea and other beverages at this East Asian tea parlor situated in Little Italy. Living Water Tea House sports a unique mission and even allows customers to book their own tea ceremonies, a unique way to sip tea and learn about Chinese traditions. Not only does the tea deliver, but ownership is very particularly about the vessels — tea is only as good as the equipment it’s made and served in — and the pots and cups at Living Water are something to behold.

1453 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 846-6919
(312) 846-6919

TeaPotBrew Bakery

1802 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

True to its name, TeaPotBrew Bakery offers an extensive selection of teas, plus freshly made baked goods, including cookies, scones, a variety of banana breads, and doughnuts on Fridays. There’s also gelato. The tea comes from Milwaukee-based importer Rishi.

1802 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 966-6001
(312) 966-6001

Saint's Alp Teahouse

2157 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616

A Chinatown staple since 1994, this casual teahouse is a favorite among those in the know for its lineup of traditional teas (black, green, and oolong) as well as frothy versions with boba or jellies. Fans also rave about its food, especially the Cantonese and Taiwanese dishes.

2157 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 842-8882
(312) 842-8882

Related Maps

Afro Joes Coffee & Tea

1818 W 99th St, Chicago, IL 60643

Since it opened in 2020, this family-owned Auburn Gresham cafe has become a community hub with weekly open mics. It also serves both hot and iced tea, chai, and matcha, plus a variety of blended drink specials.

1818 W 99th St, Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 830-4782
(773) 830-4782

Related Maps