Dynastea Club

Let me start by saying this is the ONLY place I get my QUALITY tea. I trust their distinction so much that when I moved to Los Angeles, I kept the business card handy to order my teas. YES, that’s how good they are.
If you’re not paying attention as you walk up the steep hill (away from Polk) you might miss it. But that would mean you were absolutely blind and self-​absorbed. (I’m just kidding.)
The front window is smartly decorated in a simplistic Asian style, and if someone’s not sitting there, you can peek inside to see the cozy front tea room.
Stepping inside is the only way to truly appreciate this establishment. There are two rooms to this unassuming tea house. The front room is comfortably furnished to give tea drinkers options to cozily drink with others, or blissfully drink alone. There is also an alcove to shop for teas and supplies. It’s a One-​Stop-​Shop for your tea brewing and serving supplies. They have everything from fair cups to gai wans, and more.
In addition to providing all types of teas (more on that in a minute), they provide tasty treats from a local Asian bakery. My favorite is the GINGER cookies. Yummy.
Herbal supplements, alternative medicine, blah, blah, blah. I’ve always been on the fence about all that stuff. But WAIT, the proprietor of this establishment knows her stuff. The medicinal power of these teas WORKS. Keep in mind this is coming from a SOMEWHAT skeptic. I go in, tell her I’m suffering from a sore throat, she pulls one of the tins from the shelf and scoops out chrysanthemum, and then gives me brewing instructions. It’s been my mainstay remedy since (and it’s been close to 4 years now). This is just ONE example.
If you want a small oasis to get away and relax, this is the place to go.
Other BONUSES:
They have tea classes that are not only informative, but provide tea tastings. For the uneducated, it’s amazing to truly taste the differences.

The best place in SF for traditional Chinese tea service. May knows a huge amount about tea and she is always willing to help with whatever you need to know, from recommending teas, to explaining the tea service, to advising on preparing new teapots, etc. And the tea is fabulous. Very highly recommended whether you are serious about tea or just looking for a relaxing time.

I love this place! I have had a lovely experience each and every time I’ve gone here. They are so nice, and their tea is delicious, and you can nurse a pot of tea for ages and are never rushed. Amazing selection, and you can purchase loose tea here. Plus I think they have an internet business as well.
Did I mention the free wireless?

This is the best kept secret in Russian Hill. They have some spectacular teas. My favorites are the hand tied flower shapes that open spectacularly when you pour the hot water on, and the one with rosebuds.
The atmosphere is quiet and serene. It’s like an island in the rush and noise of the city. The cable car goes by just a few feet away, but you would never know while you’re sitting inside.
Two other 5-​star worthy notes:
— They sell loose tea, and their selection is amazing, rare and seriously special teas.
— The Russian Hill knitting group meets here, and they are awesome.

This place is a gem! That said, this is not the place if you’re looking for a boisterous get together. Tea is meant to be tasted with all your senses here and that calls for a quiet environment. Extensive tea menu and the owners’ gentle and informative service speaks for its supremeness! If you haven’t tried Chinese tea ceremony, it’s worth the $$.

I will echo others who noted the attentive yet demure service. The tea menu was very well documented and they provide heating implements at the table that they set to the optimal brewing temperature for each kind of tea. Best is they keep bringing plenty of water so you can wring a few delicious brews out of their excellent leaves. Very cozy location above it all on Russian Hill and «pet parking outside the front door. Plenty of trashy magazines to read with your tea, if that’s your thing.

Five stars for very attentive service. A little pricey but you don’t get this kind of tea service just anywhere.

REOPENED 5÷9÷05
Relaxed environment and delicious tea. Crackers and other tea snacks also served. The folks there even told us how best to enjoy the tea i.e. how long to steep, etc.