Fine tea in the Quaint Surrounds of Old Town San Clemente...
The shop is on El Camino Real, up a small stairwell on the the 2nd floor. If you walk along Avenida Del Mar, you'll see a stairs and a metal door with the sign--not the way in, and they aren't closed. You go around the corner, there's another sign hanging over your head--go up those stairs.
I like a good English high tea and I'm a cream and sugar black Assam tea drinker. This place is a little towards the health-conscious side--no dairy, no sugar. They offer coconut, soy and almond milk, and honey or açaí for a sweetener. I've been in a few times and the space is bright, has windows looking down the shopping street and up Camino Real and the houses on the hill. It's a good little set up and the music played is "new age" and Reggae, typically--"Night Nurse" from Gregory Isaac and Kate Bush stood out among the mix. The woman working there is helpful and will guide you through the teas if requested (and stunning as well, but let's not embarrass the staff in the review).
Ultimately it's a good cup, brewed individually on request as hot or cold and a relaxing space to enjoy the tea. Worth visiting and relaxing.
Great tea and a cute little shop. Great service and delicious tea—so many to choose from! A little pricey though, and when I was there it was really stuffy and inside, so I ended up taking it to go.
Sooo. Tea is great. But the girl with fringe made this soooo uncomfortable. She was making someone’s drinks, so we patiently waited at the counter, fiddling with all the stuff everywhere. She calls out the order than completely ignores us. Takes a selfie. Then stands and stares at us.
Sooooo, I said “hi.” She continues to stare, so we order and then she starts talking. I hope they have some sort of video of this exchange. Girl was special.
So going to wait a year or so and try back. The teas good, but there are others...
Went to this place because of the good reviews, unfortunately my experience was a disappointment. I went on a Saturday at 5pm, I ordered two featured iced teas (one with black tea and other with green tea), they taste like nothing! Like iced water, no flavour at all! The concept of the store is nice, good selection of loose leaf tea for sale.
Tea was fine, but I wouldn’t pay $7 for it again. Staff were not very friendly and not helpful in recommending what to try. Interior is small and stuffy, but might be good for people who need a quiet study place.
I have been coming here since the location opened above Baskin Robins. I was a frequent customer who still has an active account with them. Joel the owner is a very kind and genuine person. I have enjoyed coming here throughout the years and still come back whenever I am in San Clemente. It is truthfully the best spot to grab tea in all of San Clemente.
Cute little place with really nice teas. Tried the champagne tea and I honestly couldn't believe how good it was. The owner is lovely, she helped me pick the tea and gave us information about the neighborhood.
I guess I met the owner today at the POway Farmers Market. The woner was very kind and allowed my son to sniff and taste Tea's, which is something most booths that are vending do not allow and are smug when it comes to a child wanting to be social and explore. We had a great time on our mom/son outing and enjoyed the variety of teas and even bought a glass of tea. We look forward to visiting the Tea Lounge when we head to San Clemente. Next to Cofee bean and Tea Leaf this pace knows Tea.
Fantatic service and tea selection, over the years everything I've tried is delicious. The staff is super friendly and they can help you find something by flavor profile. You could even relax and read a book or have a date here.
