Tealuxe

Though it can be extremely difficult to get a seat at Tealuxe, when you can do so, this is the perfect place to tuck in with a book and a warm cup of tea. The tea menu here is expansive, and everything is available loose to take home as well. They also sell tea accessories, but you'll find these cheaper at your local kitchenware store, so stick to the hot drinks and tins of tea. more

Tealuxe has many varieties of tea and only one coffee (stick with the tea). Each day there are several teas "on tap" and ready to go at a discount. A startling variety of chai - try the peppery Kashmiri or the Tra Que, which is all about cinnamon. Also "chaider" which is half chai, half apple cider. The staff will give you a little timer and tell you how long to steep each tea. The place is less crowded early in the day and right after work when the world is at dinner. It's open until 11pm and has cookies, scones and other baked goods. The place caters to tea aficionados, with liquid sugar for your iced tea, a variety of teapots and accessories both fancy and mundane, and loose tea to be weighed out and brought home. One caveat: there is no bathroom. Even if you beg, they will send you to the Coop across the street. So time your stay according to the vagaries of your own bladder. more

I love this place! This tea place has great service with friendly servers and a cozy atmosphere. I am a tea and coffee lover, so I used to go there often in the middle of the day to read or have a cup of tea with some pastries. This place is great for reading, talking, and having just a cup of tea. Their tables are kind of small, but it's not too bad to sit there to read or to talk to your friend. And it sometimes gets crowded, but that is acceptable. I love their Chai tea, and Mat-cha (Green tea) Smoothie (They have this only in summer.). more

For those days, when you just need a break from the daily grind (no pun intented). Tealuxe has so many varieties to choose from, you just can't lose. Problem is, that it can be hard to get a table, luckily the university is nearby. Waitstaff is friendly and very knowledgeable about the wares. Parking is a little hard to find, just easier to walk from train. more