TeaSource

What a sweet treasure!
I had a friend in town last night and wanted to meet up at a coffee or tea shop. After Unilocaling some shops nearby where she was staying, TeaSource came up on the screen.
While wonderfully familiar with their brand, I had no idea that they had tea shops fully devoted to their blends! Fantastic!
I also had no idea that they had over 200 blends. A wonderful overload to the decision-​making process. My greatest familiarity to their tea is Evening in Missoula when introduced at the restaurant, Wise Acre, a few years ago. I instantly became smitten and started to buy it for steeping at home through The Wedge’s bulk section.
This time, however, I chose Sweet Sarsparilla, for the sake of broadening my ever desirous tea options. My friend first settled on one blend that I can’t recall and I then asked the TeaSource employee to bring the Evening in Missoula blend down from the shelf so my friend could get a whiff of it. She quickly changed her choice to Evening in Missoula. I gave myself a mental pat on the back so as not to appear as an arrogant tea-​blend-​switcher-​upper-​grand-​master-​manipulator.
Loved the glass mugs that the tea was served in.
The ONLY downside was that this shop closes at 8pm. A grand bummer when you arrive at 7:30pm with months-​worth of catching up to do with a dear friend. We kept it classy and went to a nearby McDonald’s that kicked us out around 11:30pm when they discovered us an hour and a half after they closed ;-). Where are the 24-​hour establishments?

Ahhh I miss this place. One would think living in NYC, there would be a lot of options for tea, but I really have yet to encounter an equivalent of Teasource!
There are Chinese teas in Chinatown, and chains like Argo tea, but really no place to find a curated selection of fine teas from all over the world. I miss Teasource!

This poor review of the TeaSource has nothing to do with their tea. Their Tea is fabulous. Their rigid and illogical compliance to policies, on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired. My wife and I were there to buy some Japanese teas. We had it narrowed down to two based on scent. We decided to order a couple of cups so we could compare them and decide. When the representative reached for two paper to-​go cups, we explained that we wanted glass mugs. She explained that she couldn’t do that for a single cup, as they only served the 16 oz in paper; apparently their mugs were 12 oz. We said we were fine with a 12 oz. They said they don’t have a price for the Japanese teas in the 12 oz. mug. We said, fine, charge us for the 16 oz and put it in the 12 oz mug. She said that she couldn’t do this as it was against policy. We explained that we really just wanted to taste the teas without the paper influencing the flavor and that we planned to drink them there, no paper to-​go cup was needed. The representative again explained that this was not their policy. We said, that we «got it,» but clearly in this case it made sense to accommodate our request. Unbelievably, she again that she could not. She recommended ordering two pots of teas (32 oz each) if we wanted to drink it in a glass cup. We explained that that was considerably more tea than we wanted to drink and really just wanted to have a cup of each so we could figure out which one we wanted to buy. She said she could not accommodate us, but if we wanted to we could ask the manager. Since this seemed like something common sense would resolve, we said that we would be happy to ask the manager. Surprisingly the manager backed the policy also, explaining that if they flexed for us, they would have to flex for every customer. I asked what the downside to flexing in this situation might actually be, and was redirected to the same inflexible logic of store policy. In the end they accommodated our request but made it clear that this was a one-​time thing. Sorry, but this is nuts. They are selling tea. It doesn’t need to be this stressful. The TeaSource could do with less policy, and mindless adherence to it, and a more relaxed and common sense attitude towards customer service.

Absolutely amazing. These guys take care of me time and time again. Customer service is top notch, and their staff is extremely helpful. I had an issue with my delivery and it was taken care of IMMEDIATELY by Timothy. I don’t normally write reviews, but their service prompted me to log-​in and do so =)

I cannot express what a Gem this place is. The staff are so kind and endure my silly questions with joy. What a terrific stop.

I stopped in for a quick minute and was overwhelmed with smells and ideas of taste. The staff was so helpful and knowledgeable. I will be back after I finish my first bag.

An amazing amount of tea selections. So far everything I’ve brought home from them is high quality tea!
They have a knowledgable and ready to help staff.
It would be nice if they had more teapot selections, like a variety of Yaxing teapots and such so people can build up their collection and so people can make this place their one-​stop tea shop.
Haven’t tried any of their tea classes but I’m excited to do so.

What a great little tea shop.
I found this place by accident one afternoon and now I find myself trying to find reasons to head back to the area so I can stop in.
The service here is great — they are cheerful, knowledgeable and very helpful, not to mention patient. In the past I’ve been a pretty basic tea drinker with 4 or 5 kinds of tea bags in the pantry that usually sit there for months or years until the dust on the boxes indicates disposal time.
But now, after my fourth stop here, I think I’m quickly becoming a tea snob. I didn’t realize that tea could be so GOOD. At least good tea. During my first visit I was so impressed with the tea I bought a couple of bags of tea and one of the small teapots and I’ve been slowly improving my tea making system at home.
Each time I stop I find a new tea to love although I think that I’ve bought a bag of the rhubarb oolong during each visit — it is certainly my favorite so far.
Thanks for opening my eyes to the joys of tea!

To be honest, I only drink herbal tea, which I understand isn’t actually «tea.» But TeaSource is amazing to me anyway. I go here to get presents around the holidays or for friends’ birthdays, and I can count on the staff to be friendly and helpful in pointing me toward tea that my friends or family might like. Personal favorites are Evening in Missoula to unwind, Margaret’s Soother for a wonky stomach, and Montana Gold (which my niece described as tasting like «cinnamon gum.» She meant it as a compliment). If I ever get into drinking black or green tea, I would go here and get help picking some out.
Never sat down with a pot of tea here, but there are a few tables and it’s never too busy. But, like some other reviewers have said, it’s doesn’t really have that «hang out all day» atmosphere, even though it’s a perfectly friendly and nice space.

TeaSource is hands down my favorite tea shop — no one else comes close. I was spoiled by having one nearby when I lived in Northeast, and now that I live in Los Angeles I always swing by and stock up when I’m back in town. They really don’t have any teas that aren’t great. Right now I’m digging their white teas, and the rhubarb oolong is an old favorite — it has a lovely flavor with just a mild sweetness, not overpowering at all like the fruity teas you’ll find at other shops.

I decided to drive all the way to Roseville early on a Saturday morning to check out highly rated TeaSource.
Even though I knew they were in a strip mall, I drove right by the mall and had to turn around a few miles later. The storefront is fairly small, situated between a few larger businesses.
They advertise availability of 250 teas, and there must have been over 100 stocked in pretty glass containers stacked to the ceiling. As it was *very* quiet until 10 am, I had the lone attendant point me to a strong black tea, which was a nice change from my typical English or Irish Breakfast (or Lipton, god help me!).
I was hoping for a bit of breakfast protein, but they only had a limited selection of high-​end baked goods, including pumpkin bread, apple-​cinnamon scones, a mini chocolate torte, Chai shortbread, and a few other items. The pumpkin bread went nicely with my 3-​cup large pot while I worked on e-​mail for a few hours.
I thought another Unilocaler had noted availability of electrical outlets, but nothing seemed to exist near the tables. The interior is nice, and the tables are typical of a mid-​level café, but the morning sun added too much heat and light, despite the subtly tinted window sunshades. I left about the time my laptop battery got low and it got too warm to sit there any longer.
In short, a great place to check out if you are a tea afficionado. I enjoy tea, but I wouldn’t say I’m a tea snob and ultimately I missed my regular morning latte (and breakfast!).

I buy TeaSource teas at my local co-​op, but there’s no substitute for actually going and enjoying the experience of one of TeaSource’s locations.
While the décor and physical ambiance leave a little to be desired, everything else is spot on. TeaSource excels in both product and customer service. This is a great place to go (or take a friend) if either of you are new to tea. It’s very laid-​back and unintimidating.
PRODUCT
Their selection of tea is inexhaustible. The catalog is well organized and gives good information, then it’s all up to your nose and your palate. Every tea I’ve had from TS is excellent. I love that I can sit down with a small pot of an exquisite, award-​winning Jasmine Silver Needles for $ 5.50 and just savor the experience.
They also stock tons of tea accessories: pots, cups, etc.
STAFF
The customer service is very good. The staff that I’ve dealt with are knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and patient. They’re willing to help you find the tea that’s right for you.
MISC
TS has all kinds of fun things going on. They have free samples, happy hour, classes, events, and my favorite: Tuesday & Thursday Sample Days, where you can sample five teas in a theme for $ 3.50. They really help you discover new teas. They also run great specials on various pre-​bagged teas (when I visited, 20% off).

I am a tea drinker and snob in reference to the coffee/​tea shops. I am so glad to have found TeaSource. Its amazing to have a place with a focus on tea. They have such a great variety of teas and a welcoming atmosphere to allow you to experience.
In comparison to other places the cost of the tea is way cheaper for the amount and quality.
I will be coming back to this place again to try the other varieties of teas. If you are not a tea drinker, I suggest starting here to experience what tea offers.

Awesome tea and service. Nice atmosphere and free Wi Fi! They have a couple tables outside. Power ports on the parking lot side wall counter top.

I was never a tea drinker until I received a gift card to the TeaSource and I don’t know if I’ll ever go back to coffee again. I guess I figured all tea tasted like the stuff you buy at the grocery store. Wow, was I wrong. I purchased a winter sampler pack and was surprised to find that I love black tea. The best part is when I finished my sampler and went back for more, the staff were able to recommend other flavors based on what I had tried that turned out to be as good if not better. I’ve been hooked ever since. They are always willing to take the time to answer my questions without making me feel like a naïve child. Their passion and knowledge of teas keeps me coming back every time.
On a side note, rumor has it they have the best Chai in town. Never having tried it before anywhere else I can’t attest to this, but I do think it’s pretty dang tasty on a cooler day.

Did you know that what is in tea bags is the dust at the bottom of the barrel once all the leaves have been sold? I learned that from the Tea Source owner. Very passionate about tea!
There is a wall full of cans with different teas they will gladly let you sniff. Or you can buy a cup or small pot and sit at a tiny table surrounded by tea accessories. I have bought many gifts here!
Great service and lovely tea.

In an unassuming strip mall (which I think is in the process of getting a much-​needed makeover), sits TeaSource.
It’s small and cozy and a haven for casual and experienced tea drinkers alike. They have a large selection of all kinds of teas, plus a plethora of educational literature, and wonderful gifts and supplies for tea lovers.
My friend and I tried several different kinds of teas and smells dozens more in the two hours we hung out there. With the intentions of only going for a cup of tea, we each ended up spending over $ 30 dollars on small bags of teas and tea accouterments. How did that happen?
After one visit, my interest in tea has bloomed, and my palet has expanded. I’d love to take classes there soon as well (only $ 15!) Bravo, Tea Source!

Enjoyed some fantastic chai here and cheese kalachis here. This is a cute little tea place where I can enjoy some great chai and fresh pastries in a quiet, relaxed environment. The service is great and the atmosphere is fun.

This place is exactly what I was looking for. The staff are friendly, helpful, and passionate about tea, the selection and quality is superb, and the prices are very reasonable.

I’ve realized that I’m more picky about which places I award 5 stars, but I think my general qualifications are: if I’m still dreaming about the place several days later, it deserves a 5. There was a rhubarb oolong a few weeks ago that. .. oh.. . it was THAT good.
And the Teasource is it. I am so fortunate it is across the parking lot from my son’s preschool because Teasource is one of the things that makes me smile when I wake up on preschool days. They have several teas ready-​brewed. I’ve never actually ordered anything but what they have ready to go, despite my weakness for chai. Reasonably priced, with a display of honey sticks and fresh pastries (I can’t remember what bakery they come from, but the strawberry scones are a particular weakness of mine).
They seem very connected with the tea community, too. Advertisements for upcoming tea ceremonies and tea events make me finally not feel left out of the (nasty) coffee community which has had its grip on the hot beverage world for too long. I’m embarrassed to admit I actually thought about forcing myself to drink coffee because there just wasn’t a spot for tea drinkers. Thank you Teasource for preventing such a drastic measure.
Oh, and the bathroom has great tiles and tons to read. These details are important when you have toddlers with very small bladders.
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*tea tip: bite off the end of a honey stick and pop it in to the sipping hole of the cup lid. By the time the honey is infused in the tea, it is cool enough to drink.