Ma Cha Teahouse and Art Gallery

CLOSED as of Dec 22, 2014. Sad to see this place in my ‘hood close. Best of luck wishes for the owners for their next venture.

Sad that Ma Cha is closing, but good luck to the owners and their new adventures! I enjoyed my final visit here with a delicious sweet potato pie and green tea.

Ma Cha is a fun, unique way to spend an afternoon. When it’s cold and there’s not much to do, why not lay on the floor pillows at Ma Cha with some friends instead of laying on your couch?
The ambiance is what makes this place. Do your best to get a spot on the second level. The downstairs looks like your typical café, but walk up the stairs and you have your pick of funky tea rooms with unconventional seating.
Pick a tea and enjoy it with a friend. Order the cucumber cream cheese sandwiches and scarf them down and wish you had more. They also have a few Asian rice dishes on the menu.
If they weren’t about to close I would suggest they extend the menu a bit and offer table service so you can enjoy a lazy afternoon of ordering tea after tea and snack after snack. But alas, in a few days Ma Cha will be no more, rendering this review basically useless. Madison will miss this spot and would surely benefit from something similar opening up soon!

It’s a real shame this place is closing for good because it’s pretty awesome. A pot of tea ($ 3.50-$ 4.50) gets you one refill and is enough for two to enjoy over a very lengthy game or two. The one we had (the name escapes me now) was exactly as described, and it was one of the most earthy and interesting green teas I’ve had in a long time.

Ma Cha which will be closing in December which is pretty much the sole reason you need to get your behind to Monroe street to sip some tea in a quaint, lovely little neighborhood tea house. It’s also awesome, and there’s that too.
My memories there are wide-​ranging, and some of them so strong, everything from lots of laughs to tears talking to friends about loss. But through it all, expertly blended teas and a concise asian inspired menu have left my belly and my heart so full. It’s sad to read their Facebook posts and hear they’re beginning to sell large furniture items and soon pots and other servewave. Seize the opportunity now to own a piece of something so many in Madison have touched and loved for many months.
And while you’re there, treat yourself to a pot of something warm. In addition to several blends which rotate regularly and one or two special teas on the chalkboard. Today I was feeling something smoky and Anthony had exactly what I needed; a black lapsang tea that had similar notes to a full bodied smoky mezcal. A spicy tofu bowl and chocolate-​orange ganache gluten free cake hit the spot.
The November holidays will mean reduced hours, so check before you head over. But know that you have only a few weeks left, mid-​December it all comes to an end.

Some bad news: I heard they’re closing next year!
I saw a board in front of this place: For rent!
If this is true, another tea shop will go… *sad*

I’ve been coming here since it first opened and I’m glad to see business is still going strong.
The best part for me is the space. Each different room has a sort of «tea theme» There’s the Japanese room, the Moroccan room etc. etc.
The owner is extremely knowledgable and passionate about his tea. He is a very kind and caring guy he just doesn’t put it on display in a bubbly sort of way.
Great little tea cookies – my favorite are the basil lemon kind – they have real chunks of herb baked into them.
I’ve yet to have a disappointing tea. Last time I was in there I asked for a recommendation for a black tea and what I got was fantastic! It was malty almost like a beer or miso soup. So unique and delicious.
Things they used to have and I’m sad to see went away:
–pillows in the japanese tea space –they made it so comfy that I’m sure people (me) wanted to stay all day.
–stamp cards for frequent customers

I live for the Chinese sausage and rice dish. I have been here several times. Owners are knowledgable and helpful about the drink choices. Ice teas of the day have a free refill that can be put in a to go cup.
It is a wonderful place to re connect with friends or yourself. There are multiple spaces you can sit in to get a bit of privacy. Or a nice big room for a bigger group. I have come both as a group and as a single and the place seems to morph into what you need. I alway look forward to the times I can get away and head to Ma Cha.
I wish there was a Ma Cha in my neighborhood!

I’ve been going here for years, and it’s always been a favorite place of mine — there aren’t many people that know their tea, and these guys are one of them!
It was always a lovely oasis from the frigid Wisconsin winters, and I hope they’re around for years to come.

I went here for my last birthday and had a great time! They were able to accommodate a large group of people and we had much more than our fill of delicious tea sandwiches, cupcakes and cookies. They are very knowledgable about their teas and make great suggestions. Just tell them what you are feeling, and they will find you a new favorite!

I have a question for you, Ma Cha. Can I move in?
Your spectacular (albeit simply furnished) gallery is cozy in its own right. The asian-​influence and contemporary design make your lounge and gallery a place I’d want to spend my whole afternoon (or the rest of my life, whatever).
Yes, you feature over 40 looseleaf teas. Yes, your staff is helpful in picking out just the right one to quench my thirst, give me a boost, cure my hangover… or something like that. You have delectable fresh baked goods (cardamom and thai basil-​lemon-​oat tea cookies GET AT ME!) and simple lunch items. I got the sweet soy-​glazed tofu rice bowl, which comes with scallion, black sesame, shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, and daikon. So gingery and good! I will be back again, Ma Cha, and next time you’ll want to start charging me rent.

Ma Cha Teahouse is one of those places that desperately makes me miss Madison. Bakersfield has nothing like this, and even if we did, it would never survive. You Mad-​town folks best be grateful!
I came here with my sister, a Madison local, about 3 years ago. We wanted somewhere to go for a light afternoon snack. Plus, she wanted to show me this neat little spot.
It’s in the most adorable little house. They’ve kept most of the inside historical architectural elements, which I love. It keeps the charm and beauty of the building. When you walk in, there’s a very strong aroma of a variety of teas. There are giant apothecary jars filled with loose tea leaves. Some are made in house, some are not.
On our stop, it was a very warm and humid Wisconsin summer. We opted for their rose iced tea. We picked out a few tea sandwiches, paid, and then found a vacant room on the second floor. Each room has its own theme, and is very accommodating for small groups. It’s cozy, comfortable, and just plain cute. The majority of rooms lacked doors, but did have curtains. If you intend to visit to have a super secret confidential meeting, you may want to choose somewhere a little less… um…audible. Most people tend to read, quietly chat, and meditate with their cup of tea. That’s just the vibe-don’t mess with it! Of course I’m sure they can accommodate parties and whatnot, but sometimes common courtesy goes a long way.
The food was delightful. Tiny tea sandwiches cut in triangles delicately placed on a platter. The presentation was dainty and creative. Now mind you, this isn’t a dinner joint. These are small nibbly items, nothing major. But the quality and creativeness is there to keep most grumbly tummies satisfied until later.
I hope to be back soon. This place couldn’t be better to hang with your girlfriends, by yourself, or in my case my big sis. Love it!

Ma Cha Teahouse and Art Gallery is a charming lounge-​sanctuary that makes you feel like squeezing yourself into tiny spaces just to hang there for awhile. It’s not ergonomic, but it will be a compulsion. Just Google Maru the cat.
I had the privilege of gulping the best black iced tea I’ve ever had — their house blend. It was caffeinated and fragrant. Lunch specials are limited in selection, but reasonably priced, well-​balanced, and thoughtfully arranged. I suggest getting a lunch to go with your tea.
On a weekend, there might be kids around, or workaholics quietly tapping away at their computers. A couple friends having a private conversation. You will hear everything, since here you are one with the universe.

I went here to catch up with a friend after being out-​of-​town for several weeks. It was such a warm and inviting spot to just hang out and chat. Actually, the friend I met there was 9 months pregnant and she happened to jokingly ask the tea guy what she could drink to help with labor. He did give her two recommendations and even let her smell the tea before making a final choice (something they customarily let you do). I love how knowledgeable the staff is about the tea selections AND only time will tell if the herbal firecracker works its magic for my friend :)
This was my first time going to Macha, so I had the iced tea of the day: their house blend black tea. Usually I have to add a ton of sweetner to my tea because I’m not a huge fan, but there was no need to in this case (a testimony to the freshness of their teas!). My friend who opted for steeped, hot tea got the benefit of one free refill… pretty good for the price and quality of tea.
Macha is a must during a warm summer day! (And be sure to sit on the grass while sipping on your drink.) I will be back to try the hot coffee once fall kicks in :)

I’m traveling through Madison and am really glad I stopped here. It’s a really cool spot and the people working there know their stuff. Don’t be afraid to try something new; if you’re not a tea junkie then chances are you might be pleasantly surprised by something they’ve got behind the counter. Enjoy!

This is the BEST PLACE EVER. I cannot believe I haven’t reviewed Macha yet.
1. Their name is so fun to say. Macha. Maaaachachacha. Machaaaa.
2. The food and drinks are absolutely incomparable. Madison doesn’t have many teahouses like this, but Macha dominates them all. As far as I know, every cupcake, muffin, scone, bowl of soup or rice (the miso is just… ridiculous) is made in-​house by Rachel, one of the owners. The other, Anthony, really knows his teas, and he can help you find something to fit whatever mood you’re in. I’m pretty sure he’s traveled to Asia solely to study tea, so yeah, you can trust him. Also, he won’t judge you if you order something pathetically mainstream like a chai latte. I know this from experience.
3. The space! Macha used to be a house (can you please just take a second to imagine what it would be like if you got to LIVE IN MACHA? Oh my god.), so you get to choose from four cozy, cushion-​filled rooms upstairs or an open area with tables and chairs on the main level.
One thing to know ahead of time: they do accept credit cards. But as a local, small business, they prefer cash, so give ‘em a break and bring some with you!
In sum: I love Macha. Macha macha macha. Here it goes down, down into my belly.

Such an awesome place! This teahouse really IS a house, with tons of different rooms to hide out in, each with a different personality but all equally tasteful. Came here with the intention to cram for an exam but realized immediately that it would almost be blasphemous to do so in such a zen-​like space. I just wanted to sip my green tea (which the guy working here so skillfully helped me choose… he is like a personal shopper of teas– it was perfect!) and ponder the mysteries of the universe. The tea cookies are awesome as well– the basil lime ones are my fave!

LOVED THIS PLACE!!!
Seriously, it was like heaven for a tea lover. Their drink menu was almost overwhelming, but we persevered and ordered a ginger honey green and rose white teas to share. For a small group of three, two pots were plenty. I enjoyed the ginger the best because I have a soft spot for everything spicy, but the rose was so delicate and reminded me of high tea.
My sister and her husband both chose cupcakes: carrot cake and vanilla raspberry. They were super in love. The awesome owners were incredible in informing us at what time each tea needed to be steeped and also gave us tons of cookies for free since it was our first time. Did I mention how awesome they are?
I bought a bag of mint chocolate herbal tea because, I mean, how could I go wrong. It was spectacular!!! I appreciate the detail to the packaging by including tea amount, brew time, and temp.

Anthony and Rachel, the co-​owners of Macha Teahouse and Art Gallery, are the coolest tea-​tenders I’ve met so far in Madison.
Anthony makes an effort to get to know all the regulars and newbies.
They have a large variety of teas (and some coffee for those who resist the tea wave), and Rachel puts a lot of time into innovating the food menu. I’ve eaten their pork buns, the handmade dough is fantastic.
Their cupcakes are the best I’ve eaten in town — I’ve had their chocolate peppermint, zuchinni chocolate, coconut flavored, mango, etc. Each one is hand made by Rachel yours truly.
The local art they feature is also selected in good taste.
Whether you’re looking for a place to study or to take friends to for a low key social ambiance, the rooms are gorgeously decorated.
Macha teahouse is like a home away from home, or like Cheers, where everybody knows your name. And they play good music.
Come often enough and you’ll see Aidan, Anthony’s little boy, doing cartwheels, and be sure to look for them on facebook to check for store hours.

I’ve never really been a huge tea-​drinker; I prefer the bubbly acidic taste of coffee. But I’ve been inclined to drink more tea (and kindly persuaded, as well), so I thought I would try a tea service. Ma Cha was the picked spot.
Located inside an old house, Ma Cha was a smaller venue, but it was laid out between two floors with enough room between tables not to crowd the guests or make you feel on top of one another’s conversations. The teas available for consumption or order lined the walls, alongside various pieces of art worth looking over as you enjoy. My lady friend (the kind persuader) and I ordered the tea service for two. It included two pots of any kind of tea for each of us, various bites (cookies and sandwiches), full service, and probably something else I cannot remember. We also ordered separately (I think) a few cucumber sandwiches and a vegan-​BBQ bao.
Again, I am not a tea aficionado, but I thought the leaves were lovely. I ordered a white, she ordered a green, and we shared pots. I preferred the white I had ordered – it was more subtle and balanced – but the cookies (delicious shortbread circles, tea cookies), sandwiches (refreshing and different, light), and bao (better than Wow Bao, although I enjoy their product, too) were all equally delectable. The environment was quiet and paired well with the teas, which I’m sure all have «healing properties» and the like.
Apparently what we had was not a «true» tea service, but we had tea that was served to us, so I think it was pretty similar. And similar or not, it was a nice time. I was not able to finish both pots of tea, but a full 2 pots should be enough for even the biggest tea enthusiast. Ma Cha was a pleasant find during an altogether pleasant trip to Madison.