ZenTea

I’ve been obsessing over hot tea lately, especially loose leaves one. Several years ago, I only got into hot green tea for health benefits. I drink it plain with no sweetners. I’ve been reading about getting a tea strainer for better quality tasting hot tea. My co-​worker suggested ZenTea since she often goes. She lives in Douglasville but will drive to Chamblee for some ZenTea. Thanksfully, she also shared with me to use ScoutMob for a deal. Networking and sharing!
I stopped by ZenTea before meeting girl friends for dinner and went solo. I couldn’t find parking in the front but there was parking on the side of the café. I walked in, it’s a small, cute café, gave me an antique feel. I ordered organic Japanese green tea with lemon crisps.
A cup and a mini tea pot was brought to me. I sat there, used the Wi-​Fi and chilled for 20 minutes. I was able to finish it all. Even if I wasn’t able to finish, I would be able to take it to go. The lemon crisps were light and flavorful.
If you want a quiet place to study, come here. However, they are not open late. They do have tea classes on weekends too. I will definitely come again.

Came for the tea tasting on 05/​29/​2016, this place was awesome!!! The many tea choices, everyone is friendly and you really feel comfortable. The chocolate raspberry cake and ice cream loved it! I learned alot about tea and look forward to doing «HIGH TEA!». I cant wait to go back!!!

The day started as does any day for a struggling student… in search for a new place to study for a few hours. I stumbled across this place on Unilocal while enjoying a nice steaming bowl of Phở at Phở Bac (this part of the review has nothing to do with ZenTea except that it accentuates my love for Phở) and decided to give it a try. To my surprise, we found a great spot! I’m guessing this is what people call a neighborhood gem? Nice quaint little place with SO MUCH TEA! We went with the Earl Gray Tea and a slice of Key Lime Pie. The Earl Gray Tea was so flavorful. Honestly, I’m not much of a tea person, but this tea was good, even to me. The Key Lime Pie also had great flavor. A tad on the sweet side, but we still devoured it nonetheless. For those of you that are looking for a study spot, there is a back room with a bunch of tiny tables pushed together. It was just the two of us in there for almost 2 – 3 hours before we left. The internet is legit! Really fast for a coffee/​tea shop. I do highly recommend this place. They have something called a «Tea Tasting» that I might have to go back to try. Definitely will be going back to enjoy some tea and quiet studying.

Loved the sweet atmosphere. Yummy iced hibiscus tea for a warm summer day. I’ll be back for dessert soon!

I love the matcha lemonade — so refreshing for the summer. Also the key lime pie was very yummy!

A nice and quaint the house located across from a Marta line and beside a well used road. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the service was superb. They have a vast variety of teas to select from. For the tea lovers out there, there is definitely something you will be able to find to please your senses. Originally my boyfriend and I had hoped to partake in afternoon tea, however, their phones were not working and having driven out to the location, we decided to give it a shot even though we were unable to sit for our original high tea as planned. We both got separate teas. Mine was the Thai black tea, which I found to taste very similar to coffee (I’m a self proclaimed coffee lover). My boyfriend likes his teas on the lighter side and opted for the Georgia peach white tea. I must confess that it was quite good and found myself drinking a fair bit of his. Good thing he ordered the large! We also got some treats to go with our tea. Three scones and a chicken salad sandwich. Both of which hit the spot just right :) If you are into tea and are okay with heading to a bit more of a secluded location — then I highly recommend this spot to you!

I really enjoy this place. It’s quiet with soft yoga music playing in the background. I like this place more than the typical Asian bubble tea places. I really recommend the tea tasting they have. You can check their website for different tea tastings each week. Tea tasting comes with variety of tea for you to taste depending on that day’s theme. They also serve you a piece of cake (varies) with Sherbet (varies). Great delicious combinations. They also offer light food you can order for lunch. I had their chicken salad on a crossiant. It was the best I ever had. Kitchen typically closes early so make sure you get there in time if you want to try it.
Pro:
–Service is always excellent. Very knowledgeable and professional.
–so many variety of tea
–yummy chicken salad crossiant
–quiet, great atmosphere
Con:
–small space (they have a back room seating but if there is a group party, then it’s not available)
–kitchen closes early
–bit pricey but hey you get what you pay for
I love this place and will try more tea tastings. Just be sure to empty your bladder before.

Love this place! The green Matcha drink is delicious. They have a huge selection of teas for a great price.

The ultimate tea haven! It’s a hole in the wall place. You would never know it’s there unless you look on Unilocal (thats how i found it). They sell various tea bags and coffe if you are into that. It also a nice quiet place is for studying or a nice conversation. On sundays they have $ 20 all you can taste tea. I absolutely love this place I would definitely be back!

Zen Tea is a delightful place for the tea lover. The last I heard, they have over 160 teas, and they now serve a few coffees done by French press for those who have friends who might not share their tea interest.
They have move some setting to the back to get more space. The food menu is short but good. They have nice desserts and scones. The high teas (reservations required at least 24 hour in advance) are enjoyable.
If you find a tea you like, you can get some tea bagged to take home with you, and you can order online if you live far from the shop.

The drinks and food are great every time I come here. The matcha frappé and chai frappé are the bomb :) the scones are also delicious!

This charming tea café located near Maison Robert is truly one of Chamblee’s hidden gems. Lovely selection of high quality and unusual teas offered with a selection of sweets and savories: quiche, mini cupcakes, cookies, etc. My two favorites are the Lover’s cup which is black tea flavored with rose petals and the matcha tea latte served either hot of cold… so good!
This place is constantly having events… tea tastings (very fun), music nights, yoga classes, etc. Check it out!

Don’t let the shabby location pull you away. Inside you will find an array of tea’s – hot and cold. They also sell packaged tea’s and tea accessories/​gadgets.
There was also a meditation area near the back where you can have tea and relax. There was also tea and cream that’s served back there as well.
The (iced) seasonal berry tea I got was super fresh. It was mildly sweet, but a packet of sugar added the extra kick it needed. And apparently a friend said the chicken sandwich was super good.
Coffee was also available, but it was only in the hot form that’s from Jittery Joe’s. Needless to say, the bf opted for a black tea since it has the most caffeine.

Zen Tea does a good job of creating a tranquil atmosphere for people who want to sip tea in peace or study. When I went to place my order, the woman behind the counter spoke to me in a library tone of voice. She gave me a look that suggested I do the same.
That said, I was there with a party of 15 or 16. We sat at a community table in the back room to talk and laugh for almost three hours. The shop employees left us alone and never shushed us even when we got loud. So even though most customers are there solo, I’d say Zen Tea is good for a large group too.
On the day I visited the only options were red velvet cupcakes and key lime pie. Although I like them both I would have liked to see more of a selection. I picked the pie and it was just ok. It wasn’t bad but it didn’t wow me. I did think it was a nice touch that they served it on a pretty blue and white tea plate.
I also ordered a glass of the day’s special, Orange Grove Vanilla Iced Tea. I figured it would be sweet but instead it was unsweetened and tart. Even though I liked its subtle vanilla-​orange flavor it’s not something I would order again.
Based on the items I tasted I would give Zen Tea three stars. But I’ll give an extra star for the tea shop itself and its employees. On this visit I didn’t get to explore their huge selection of loose teas and that’s worth a second trip.

Nice location and great service, really good for friends meet up, study, read a book when compared to other café or bakers. But the food… I ordered the key lime pie, it’s really a small slice when compared to other stores; the drink, hot green tea matcha– I’m a really matcha fan, so I expect some thing with strong green tea flavor and creamy base, however, the amount of green tea powder they use is quite limited, and apparently it’s not mixed directly into the hot almond milk but melting in hot water first then add in just a little almond milk, making the whole drink look really bland (Starbucks Green Tea latte taste better, but got tones of sugar in their powder, not a healthy choice tho) Tips: download Scout Mob app — 50% off $ 5max discount when You show it to cashier.

Always friendly, helpful and knowledgeable — a little oasis and just found out they can do a gluten free — high tea and you may come casual dress.

Was looking for a place to do work on a Friday work and randomly came across ZenTea bc I took a wrong turn.
Thank god for that wrong turn. As soon as I entered this place I was welcomed with a great team aroma and a warm smile. Over 160 types of teas! Which was a bit overwhelming being primarily a coffee drinker, but I was helped through my entire decision process and ended up with a fantastic tea. The golden monkey. Would highly recommend it for anyone into non-​flavored black teas.
Also they have a back room where you can enjoy your tea. Isolated room away from the nearby business with soft music. Perfectly relaxing environment to re energize and be productive.
Will definitely be coming back!

WARNING – NO COFFEE HERE!
This place should rename itself: Portlandia tearoom! The tea is great and it’s a wonderful atmosphere, but the management is precisely like the womyn’s bookstore — comically absurd.
After I ordered and sat down I started glancing up from my book for my tea. More staff than patrons. Mine is clearly the only order. The staff is just chatting away. Finally I get up and go to the counter. They all just look at me expectantly. So I says to them, I says: hi, is anything the matter? With that, my tea is produced from behind the bar! It’s been there all along!

The epitome of a tea bar: ZenTea.
We were looking around for a new place to get a cup of joe, and ended up here. Coffee options were limited so we settled on some tea. We ordered a medium pot of masala chai tea, which was enough for two people. I also asked for a side of half and half. The tea was tasty!
The interior is a small tea shop, filled with tea knick knacks, tea leaves and tea bags. The teas are pretty pricey, but I’m not sure how expensive they are in relation to other tea shops like highly franchised Teavana.
While we were sitting in the shop, we could feel the zen-​like atmosphere washing over us, through the background music and the quiet nature of the shop.
This isn’t your usual Starbucks pitstop but rather a quiet place to have intimate conversation.

3 stars for the chicken salad croissant sandwich. I know, I know. I went to a TEA shop and bought food. I was well aware of this and did not have much expectations for the sandwich. However, for a small $ 7 sandwich, I didn’t find it worth it. I’m not sure how they heated up the croissant but it was more chewy than the flaky that I thought it would be, leading me to believe it could have been. microwaved? Regardless of how they heated it, it was not flaky toasted as I would have preferred.
I’ve gotten a matcha green tea here many months ago and remembered enjoying it quite a bit (or just the company/​novelty). I will be back to try the drinks and review it more fairly. I also plan on taking a tea class.
There is not a lot of seating, less than I remembered. Today, there was one high table top for two, and a pair of tables with two chairs for each table. There is also «bar seating». I know 6 people were signed up for the tea class, and each had their own stool. I believe there were also extra vacant stools. There’s a small table with two chairs outside as well.
There are a few parking spots in the immediate vicinity of the place but I’m sure if one is willing to walk an extra minute, parking is not an issue.

Phenomenal place. The owner, Connie, is super nice, very knowledgeable, and very helpful. The have great selections of tea to buy as well as a GREAT High Tea. I took my 2 teen-​age nieces, mom, and sister here and they LOVED it. We did high tea and for like 20 – 25 bucks each, we had 2 personal tea selections (a full mini-​pot of it), quiche, scones, sandwiches, and dessert medley. Very filling and very tasty.
*****THEY EVEN HAVE GLUTEN FREE AND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS!

Took me a while to give it a try, but it was definitely worth trying. Had the matcha latte and it was just perfect, not too sweet and not too over powering.
Definitely a nice nook for some tea and drinks and either enjoy some alone time reading or with your pals. To my surprise, the store was larger than I had imaged with more seating at the back of the store but funiture is little outdated and needs some revamping.
Will come again and can’t wait to try high tea!

I love this place! ZenTea is right down the street from my house and I try to go here as frequently as I can, often having friends meeting me here as well. This cozy little tea shop has really opened my mind to how fantastic tea can be if it’s prepared properly, and I love them for that. The manager and her staff are very friendly as well, and will gladly answer any questions you have or guide you if you’re unsure of which flavor or kind of tea you’d like. I highly recommend ZenTea to anyone who visits Chamblee!

Zen tea is so quaint! But it is missing comfy. Where there should be low light lamps next too cozy chairs and couches there are high and short tables and chairs. I wanted to be comfy with my tea.
Now the menu is intense, but the hostess behind the counter was ready to lead me down the yellow brick road to a great tea! I picked the Kashmiri Chai because when I was allowed to savor its scent prior to tasting it smelled delicious!!! Is chai without ginger and the remaining flavors of cinnamon and cardamom was awesome! I was very happy with my little 16oz pot My friend got a Earl Grey Tea Latte and other than a little too much foam, she was happy with her choice.
You can buy teas to go with you as well. It was lovely for my first tea house experience. Customer service was great in helping explain the different teas and what I may like. It can get cramped and its a nice spot for an early afternoon first date.

When I first walked into ZenTea, I felt like I was walking into a Portlandia sketch; you know the one with Candace and Toni, the two feminists who run «Women and Women First» bookstore. The café was full of women; some alone, reading or working on laptops; others gathered in small groups absorbed in quiet conversation. The owner (s) and all the employees were women. I kinda felt like I was intruding on a coven or Wiccan enclave.
I circled the cramped little café trying to get my bearings, fingering the wall shelves brimming over with shiny pouches of tea and tea related paraphernalia. I had read on Unilocal that there were tea tastings — but not at this time. Missing were soft, comfy chairs or couches in the main seating area. There were just hard top tables and chairs and high bar stools by the front windows. So I bellied up to the countertop bar where I struck up a conversation with a TEA-​ista. These folks know their tea!!! If there were a book that encapsulates ZenTea, it would be called «Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Tea But Were Afraid To Ask.»
Did you know that some tea is best brewed at 175 degrees? Others at 193 degrees? I didn’t, but I do now! The tea menu was 3 pages long. Attempting to look at it, my ADHD started kicking in so I asked for a recommendation. After quizzing me to narrow my choices we landed on a robust and highly caffeinated Earl Grey. Did you know Earl Grey is best when steeped in 193 degree water for exactly 3 minutes? I didn’t, but I do now!
This place is perfect for tea aficionados. It would take years to talk about and taste the vast inventory ZenTea has in stock. It is quite impressive. The next time I come here I will definitely be with Ellen for an orchestrated tea tasting — something I have never experienced. I think that with the variety of teas available and the depth of knowledge the staff brings, it would be fun and I would definitely learn something.
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****Note to ZenTea: there is an annoyance quotient to the timer bell you use when steeping tea — especially for those sitting at the counter. After a while, every time I heard the bell ring I felt I was being conditioned to expected a food pellet!****

Imagine that you were siping a cup of hot tea and it was raining outside… you sit by the window (or bar) and accompanied with nice couples and friendly host, ah, what a nice dream. For me it wasn’t a dream though, that was exactly what I experienced in Zen Tea just yesterday.
I went for the tea tasting because of Groupon but I will definitely be back again for their tea. It was so calming, and so relaxing to be in the store. The host (who I assumed also the owner) was really friendly. She was very good at brewing the tea, and very informative with the tea selection.
For the tea tasting you’ll get 1 small pot of tea of your choice (I chose hojicha and my bf chose matcha. Both were amazing!), a plate of dessert that is to die for and also the small cups of whatever tea they serve for the tasting. The website said 5 – 6 cups, but we had 8 cups of different tea yesterday.
Their Chai tea is unbelievably good! I never like chai tea especially Starbucks’ but this one is a killer.

It’s been a bit since I’ve been back, and 18 months since my last review so I wanted to update.
They’ve really expanded the tea selection. It used to be just the wall toward the back of the bar, but now it’s spread out far more, and there were some teas that were definitely new. I was glad to see prices haven’t really changed, especially on the teas. Two ounce packages are still $ 6 each if you buy less than four. I picked up Strawberry Papaya green tea and a mango flavored green rooibos since they’ll both be great iced.
I also had a matcha lemonade. I was not expecting it to be blended up, so that was interesting! It wasn’t like a slushie, the blender more or less gets all the matcha blended and crushes the ice. It was so good that I may have tried to replicate it at work today.
Also if you want iced tea, they keep a black tea, a green tea, and an herbal tea on the ready for iced tea. On our visit it was apricot black, gojiberry green, and a peach berry fruit tea, which I also had and it was really good. The cups of tea are $ 2.50, but for $ 3, you can pick out anything you’d like and they’ll make it iced. I first picked up the menu with the intention to do that but the description of the peach berry tea had me without even wanting to look at more.
If you’re looking to do something different for iced tea this summer, definitely stop here and get something unique from the usual black tea. They also have everything you need to steep tea so if you don’t have that, one of the gravity steepers would be perfect for making iced tea. (You steep the tea for however long then place the steeper over a cup/​pitcher, which causes it to open and drop the liquid through the bottom.)
Plus if you’re trying to make a decision between coming here or going to Maison Robert, this is the right choice since you can have tea AND something from their store! Win-​win.

I cannot add much more here other than I love this place. I am about 4 blocks away and have fallen in love with Chamblee living. This tea shop adds such flair to the downtown area of this slowly-​wakening ITP Atlanta suburb. I have been here on more than a few occasions and feel more qualified to share my opinion at this point. As a matter of fact, I am sitting here now, sipping on a very refreshing Iced Wild Strawberry Black Tea.
I have been here for a tea tasting, which was fun and informative. The night that I was here, there was some yoga event also happening, which did cause some delay. But the two ladies that I always see here were attentive and apologized for their divided attention. I love having my expectations set and will rarely get upset about not being the center of the universe at any place, as long as it is explained to me in a sincere manner. This will always happen here. That evening, I got to try a variety of green teas and some other ones like Black Chocolate Chai and White Lemon Lemongrass Ginger Tea. A dessert was even included. If you want to acquire additional information about teas, look up their calendar to see what other tastings are available. You won’t regret it.
I’ve tried the Iced and Hot Green and Chai Tea Lattes, which are prepared with soy milk and are quite yummy. I’ve bought loose tea, with my absolute favorite (so far, of ALL TIME) being the Almond Oolong. I was here just a week or two ago to pick up one pound of it. I was standing behind the lady scooping it out for me and it was all I could do to hold myself back from shoving my face into the tin. I just kept my distance (by now, I instinctively know the right amount needed for American personal comfort) and sniffed as hard as I could without making my deep inhalation too audible. Oh, and as I walked to my car with tea bags cradled in my arms, I just ran into Drew Scott of the Property Brothers. No big deal. Yeah…
If you love teas, you need to visit this unique place. There are so many different kinds, I am sure you will need to return numerous times to satisfy your curiosity. Maybe we’ll run into each other, as I think I will walk over more as the weather warms up.