White Crane Tea Co

I had no clue about tea and was a die hard coffee snob until I walked into White Crane Tea Company in Japantown. David the owner, broke open a new package of $50 tea just so I could try. There's no chance in hell Starbucks, Peets, or Blue Bottle Coffee would ever do that for me. Never in a million years. After he patiently discussed the differences between the premium tea he carries, I started asking him about the huge amount of high quality Japanese artwork he carried. Turns out he's a professional artist and did it all by himself. I've been going back once a month for the last year to top up on my personal stock of tea ever since. Pros: finest tea available on the market, very helpful owner, high quality scrolls and calligraphy Cons: the tea is pricey, but what do you expect when it's the best green tea in the world? more

As it turns out, the Japanese do not export their finest green teas. Instead they export their inferior 2nd or 3rd rate teas to the US. Pros: Best green tea in the world, great service and knowledge, wonderful art. Cons: little hard to find. middle building in japantown - 2nd floor by the elevator. more