Imperial Tea Court, quietly nestled by San Francisco’s Chinatown, is a serene shrine to Chinese tea. Roy and Grace Fong offer meticulously sourced greens, oolongs, and blacks, brewed via graceful gaiwan service or nuanced gongfu. Conversation flows, craftsmanship gleams, and each infusion reveals another layer of carefully cultivated essence.

Alice's Tea Cup, a whimsical Upper West Side haven, pairs Lewis Carroll charm with serious tea. Over 100 loose teas, expert brewing, flaky scones, tiered Mad Hatter spreads, and inventive sandwiches create unpretentious indulgence. Friendly owners, flexible menus, and cozy, gender-neutral décor invite lingering conversation and repeat visits.