Good places to sample and buy tea in Tristate Area?

[blr26]

Hello,

I'm looking to try out some new teas, so going to the supermarket and buying a box of 20 bags is a bit unwieldy. Are there are shops that have a great, wide selection and sell individual tea bags? Bonus points if they also allow you to sample the teas right then and there.

As for location, I will be driving up tomorrow from central Long Island, through Manhattan and the Bronx, up through Fairfield County, CT and finally to New Haven, CT. Is there anything along the way?

Thank you for your comments!

[Nattoguy]

There is a fantastic tea shop in Westport, CT named AROGYA. They have well over a hundred teas and will actually create a personalized blend for you from their wide array of herbs as well. They carry some hard-to-find picks as well as some nice pu-erh teas and always offer samples.
Check them out at www.arogyatea.com

[SeoulQueen]

Also forgot to mention - tsalon located in the Chelsea market in Manhattan. Full on tea place with loads of teas ready brewed for you to sample.

[lovessushi]

Admari Tea
Midland Park, NJ

Awesome selection of tea - the owner is great and they just got written up in the Bergen Record!!!

[rapterman]

I 2nd that!

The owner is super cool and a genuine Og'er (ask her what that means)

Admari Tea
Midland Park, NJ

[SeoulQueen]

I love the Drawing Room in Greenwich, between exit 4 and 5 off the I-95. It's more for sitting down and enjoying a cup of tea but the decor is absolutely lovely and they do a full on afternoon tea with freshly made scones.

Here is the website: http://www.thedrawingroom.cc/

[otisman]

Simpson & Vail in Brookfield, CT had numerous teas and coffees. Excellent source.
http://www.svtea.com/foundations/stor...

[mmalmad]

Willoughby's coffee on Church St. New Haven has has a nice selection of bulk teas

[blr26]

Thank you very much for your comments! I will try them out and let you know how I fare.

[laylag]

There is a new tea store in The Westchester. It's on the third level I think (around the corner from Nordstrom and basically across from Starbucks). When I was there they were offering tea samples and had what looked like a nice selection of tea pots and tea related items. I was in a hurry so didn't check it out but plan to next trip.

[Sra. Swanky]

Yup - that was Teavana - great place. Their raspberry black loose tea is my favorite. :o)

[MikiLovesSugar]

I've only been in there once and didn't buy anything but there's Tea Blossom in Scarsdale, right on Garth Road. Check out their website! I don't know if you can sample though...
http://www.tea-blossom.com

[Curlz]

For those who are in northern NJ, check out Cha Ma Gu Dao in Montclair...fantastic selection of loose teas, and a lovely spot to sit and enjoy a cup (or 3)! Their staff (Miu (sp?) in particular) are VERY knowledgeable about tea and are happy to help, too.
www.southsilkroad.com

[Sra. Swanky]

There's a great place at the Westchester in White Plains, Teavana. It's a chain (there's another location at the Danbury Mall). They carry only teas, loose and in bags and they encourage you to sample as much as you want!

Website: http://www.teavana.com

Teavana - Westchester Mall
125 Westchester Ave
Westchester, NY 10601
Phone: [phone]

[martyl9]

silver tips tea room in Tarrytown. also have a web site. largest and freshest selection of loose teas.

[Jon1856]

I forgot all about them. Drive by once a month or so. Good call.

[luvarugula]

I agree...Silver Tips is good, and their selections are excellent and staff is knowledgeable. Not sure about the sampling, but you could ask.
Here's a link: http://www.silvertipstea.com/fusionecommerce/browse/

I also want to add a little gem I discovered a few years ago, via the Westport Farmer's Market. Arogya (here's link) http://www.arogya.net/tea-shop.php
Arogya is more than just tea, but their teas are varied and incredible. They always have a booth at the market (indoor market in Fairfield this winter) Again, here's.link: http://westportfarmersmarket.com/
You can sample teas at the market, as well as the shop. Everyone associated with this place is so nice.
Good luck!

[sugakc69]

Teavana is also at Roosevelt Field in Garden City, NY

If you are going into the city, one of my favorite places -- hands down is - Takashimaya New York. 693 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10022. Go upstairs to the tea room. I have a citrus tea that I LOVE!!!!

[applesauce23]

This is not along the way, but the tasting room at Harney and Sons is a wonderful place to sample and buy teas. I took a tea-loving friend from NYC there once and it was excellent.

http://www.harney.com/visitus.html

[Caralien]

Porto Rico (3 locations in Manhattan): you can buy tea by the ounce, and pre-check the selection online.
http://www.portorico.com

(sorry, I missed the Long Island part, as the place I recommended has their locations in the village)

[Jon1856]

Try stopping here:
Tea House
143 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 [phone]

[laylag]

Tea House is out of business.

[Jon1856]

Wow-I missed that one, Thanks for the catch.