Fresh Finkelstein

The Finkelstein is back and freshier than ever!
Hand delivered loose leaf tea & biscuits were delightful — thanks

***LOCATION CLOSED***
So disappointing. I came here for the guac but left with only broken dreams.
The space that had once housed the fabled Fresh Finkelstein and it’s legenary guac has since been renovated by its new occupants. There’s been no word of the guacamole masters securing a new venue so we’ll have to accept the harsh truth that no one will ever get to try their green gold again.
On the plus side, I heard that the new occupants couldn’t pay next month’s rent so the space will be open once again. Fingers crossed for Finkelstein to move back in!

Decided to give it one final go due to peer pressure, so walked by the shop and it was open and empty (that’s a first). The shop owner recognized me from the previous reviews and tried to make me go away, but I insisted on seeing what was so special about this place.
I must say, I was quite impressed at the selection of teas. The owner, though clumsy at times, was very diligent in explaining and preparing the selected tea. In the end, I received a hot cup of tea with a magnificent aroma and a light taste.
If you can find the place open, stopping in is a must!

Yo… the chocolate chip cookies are AMAZEBALLSSS.

I’ve never personally had any of the tea or food here, but I’ve seen the establishment after visiting with a friend. It seems like they have a nice selection of tea and the owner is very friendly. However, the place is super busy and may not be a good choice if you are in a rush. I hear there’s a similar place opening up a few blocks away. May check out that location instead, I hear they have a better selection of teas at cheaper prices.

Challah! This place is off da hook. Do people still say that?

Great service — delivered right to your desk. They used to have fresh fruit everyday, but that has slowed down in recent weeks. The tea selection is great, but sometimes I need to clean the tea pot and I don’t know if I’m down with that.

I love tea time, but sometimes to pick up your order there are some «interesting» people hanging around. Great for people watching if you are into that sort of thing… but I have to say the people that frequent FF are usually pretty weird. Free wifi is a plus!!!

Tea Time is the best time. — That’s all.

OMG!!! That chunky guacamole is heavenly. I especially love it with Challah. Mazel Tov on some great cuisine, Fresh Finkelstein!

The guacamole here is soooo good. He adds fresh chopped cilantro into the mix and its a nice Fresh touch. Mad props to the chef Finkelstein. I’m not sure if the chips are made in house but they are great still. I have never had the tea. I somehow manage to miss tea time every time!

Being a member of the tribe, I would assume I would get special service. Had to summon management to get my piece of Challah before the start of Shabbat.

Not impressed and the owner is not friendly… i saw him kick a dog on my way out.

Such an extensive selection of exotic teas! Plus, the owner pours his heart and soul into this business. So much care goes into every drop. He should consider expanding or franchising.

Guacamole is good, but the service needs improvement. We’ve been waiting for more guacamole for so long. Will not be returning.

I used to frequent the establishment in the early days when they had a great selection available at a low price.
Somehow the shop owner has allowed all the success to get to his head and has lost some of that personal touch he used to have with the people that helped him get on the map where he is now.
Price has gone up, he occasionally has this younger/​homeless female (sometimes two) boil the water and pays them pennies on what they should make in this economy.
It also appears that the owner is starting to expand his menu with odd selections such as Chia Seeds, Year Old Matzah crackers, and Random Guacamole.
I will frequent less, hopefully they don’t think they are the DIVA tea shop of the neighborhood.
UPDATE:
Since my last trip, seems as thought the Paparazzi lives in this place. RIDICULOUS!!!

I have to say that the sole proprietor of Fresh Finkelstein is the closest thing to having a Jewish mother who regularly encourages you to eat more and asks you if you’re sleeping enough. For us Gentiles, Fresh Finkelstein is a fantastic place to get one’s fresh challah fix and artisanal teas (freshly-​steeped on request) in addition to lunch recommendations. One time, they even sourced Indonesian food, which was a rare treat!
My only complaint is that the location is slightly inconvenient for those closer to 3^rd Street Promenade and the waterfront in Santa Monica, especially with lunch hour traffic. Perhaps they could look into delivery options or a mobile food truck?
P. S. The owner is really into giving his patrons hugs, so if you’re not okay with sharing your personal space or just plain dislike hugs, this may not be the eatery for you.

I like that I never have to pay for anything. More businesses should be like this! And the service is impeccable although the portions seem to be small. I often have to fight with other restaurant goers for more servings.
The guacamole is so good that I licked the bowl. awkward.