Sip and Savor: The 16 Best Tea Houses in Portland

In the mood for a break from the buzz of city life? Step away from it all inside one of Portland’s welcoming tea houses.

Portland is home to a rich tea culture with a history that dates back to the early 20th century when its Asian immigrant communities introduced tea to the area. Over the years, tea houses have blossomed across the city, offering a mix of traditional and modern experiences. Today, Portland’s tea culture is colored by a lively blend of both, with inviting spots serving not only exceptional teas but also vegan and vegetarian treats to complement your brew. 

Traditional Asian Tea

To the delight of tea enthusiasts, a variety of tea houses throughout Portland serve authentic traditional Asian tea experiences. These little asylums from the hurried world serve high-quality teas sourced directly from Asia while often featuring traditional tea ceremonies and spaces for tea education. 

You may be a tea connoisseur looking to explore the subtle flavors of a strain of green tea you haven’t tried before or to savor the bold notes of pu-erh. Or maybe Asian teas are a totally exotic mystery to you, and you’re eager to open your mind and palate to their deep-rooted traditions, histories, cultivations, and flavors. Or perhaps you just want to steep in some intimate quiet time with a friend or date. Visit these Portland tea houses rooted in Asian tradition and fulfill your wish.

Bardo Tea 

2926 NE Killingsworth Street

Bardo Tea is a warm and friendly tea shop in a small, remodeled building that feels at once vintage and modern. The shop offers imported and blended teas, along with teaware, incense, and wellness gift sets. There’s also a tea bar with four tall seats where you can sample tea, and a peaceful tea room with low tables and floor cushions to sit and sip. Guests can also enjoy a shoes-off tatami room for a more traditional experience. 

The two owners love sharing their knowledge about tea and local tea lores. Visitors are welcome to have quiet conversations or relax in a calm setting. Once a month, Bardo hosts special tea ceremonies that sell out quickly. If you plan to have a more guided and immersive tea experience, don’t forget to check their events page to reserve in advance!

Behind the Museum Cafe 

1229 SW 10th Avenue

For a Japanese tea house experience of Japanese teas, matcha drinks, and traditional snacks, head to this quiet spot located exactly where its name says it is — right behind the Portland Art Museum. Enjoy a frothy matcha latte or fragrant sencha while nibbling on a black sesame mochi treat. Vegan options of snacks are available, too! 

The minimalist decor and unhurried vibe will have you swearing you’ve been transported to Kyoto. Behind Museum Cafe also hosts occasional tea ceremonies, giving you an opportunity to delve deeper into the storied culture and rituals of Japanese tea drinking. It’s a perfect place to reflect and recharge.

Enthea Tea House 

3533 SE Milwaukie Avenue

Taking up two stories in a classic old house in Portland’s Brooklyn neighborhood, Enthea Tea House welcomes its patrons as a traditional Chinese tea house met with an unpretentious counterculture vibe. Its two-story interior has multiple welcoming rooms where you can sit back and enjoy farm-direct teas poured from handmade teaware.

The owner, Steve, personally brings teas home with him from his trips to China, making each cup an authentic experience. You can also pair with your tea a variety of house-made vegan snacks like sweet lotus steamed buns, mushroom steamed buns, dried pears, and vegetable dumplings.

The atmosphere at Enthea is centering, with soft traditional music and the comforting scent of freshly brewed tea filling the air. Here, you can take stock of your day by yourself or participate in regularly-scheduled social events centered around for connection and mindfulness with others. 

Every Sunday at 11 am, they host a Qi Gong and tea session, and on Wednesdays at 2 pm, you can drop by the Tea Bar for a casual tea experience. On Friday nights at 7 pm, the SpeakTeasy Community Night brings people together for conversation and community.

Whether you come for tea, snacks, or one of their special events, Enthea serves up a calm, convivial space to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Fly Awake 

909 N Beech Street

Fly Awake in North Portland is a warm, inviting haunt tucked away in an alley. They serve high-quality Chinese teas from ancient tea groves along with fresh Indian chai and herbal infusions. The owners are passionate about tea and creating a welcoming community space.

Enjoy your tea on floor cushions, check out the rotating art on the walls, and maybe even catch some live music. It’s the hangout you’ll want to head to and meet up with friends for soulful conversation.

The Tao of Tea 

3432 SE Belmont Street​

The Tao of Tea, Portland’s oldest teahouse, has long been a local favorite for tea lovers. The spacious, airy interior, with its warm woods, soft lighting, and soothing water feature create a relaxing tea experience. 

With over 100 pure-leaf teas sourced from around the world, the knowledgeable staff is always ready to help you find the perfect tea to match your mood. Opt for a delicate silver needle white tea or a rich, earthy shou pu-erh and savor each sip. Dedicated to quality, The Tao of Tea serves fresh, high-grade teas and has grown to include bottled teas, whole-leaf sachets, and an array of teawares.

Round out your moments lingering over a steamy ceramic pot with a savory small plate or light meal from their all-vegetarian, mostly-vegan fusion ethnic food menu.  

Next door to the teahouse, The Leaf Room is a destination retail shop for enthusiastic tea drinkers. For an even deeper tea experience you can choose from over 200 teas, herbs, and spices on the shelves. A wide variety of teaware and accessories are available for purchase, with friendly staff ready to extend helpful advice. Teas can be bought in bulk by the ounce or in The Tao of Tea’s signature packaging.

The teahouse also hosts educational tastings and classes, allowing guests to explore the origins, brewing techniques, and health benefits of different teas.

Qi Fine Teas 

512 NW 9th Ave

Qi Fine Teas in Portland’s Pearl District offers a glimpse into a 17-year journey across China by a team of passionate tea experts. The founders explored over 400 villages and worked closely with tea growers, chefs, and local communities to find the best teas and regional foods. Two team members even earned Senior Tea Master and Senior Tea Quality Judge certifications, the highest in China.

You can sample their hand-picked, first-spring harvest teas at Qi Fine Teas in a traditional Chinese tea room. Their selection is small but exceptional, with teas that meet or exceed organic standards. Each year, the team personally selects teas from regions like Yunnan and Fujian, ensuring top quality and rich flavor.

If you are passionate or curious about traditional Chinese tea, try this farm-to-cup experience and take some special tea souvenirs, too!

Umami Café

Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Drive

Portland has long been home to a resilient Japanese community, and the city proudly celebrates its Japanese heritage through several cultural landmarks, including the Portland Japanese Garden. From within the garden, visitors can step into the Umami Café to enjoy a warm cup of traditional Japanese tea while surrounded by the serene garden. Friendly service and light, tasty snacks complement the pleasurable time to be had there.

The café’s design is inspired by Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera temple, and it sits on a hillside extending views of the beautiful garden. The tea served here comes from Jugetsudo, a well-respected tea company based in Tokyo, known for its carefully crafted blends. Snacks are provided through a special partnership with Ajinomoto, along with treats from local Japanese confectioneries like Yume Confections and Behind the Museum Café.

To enjoy the flavor of Japanese culture, gift yourself with a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden and the Umami Café!

Yun Shui Teahouse

Lan Su Chinese Garden
239 NW Everett Street

Yun Shui Teahouse, set in the serene Tower of Cosmic Reflections at Lan Su Chinese Garden, serves up an immersive tea experience that bridges the cultures of Portland and its Sister City, Suzhou, in China. 

The name “Yun Shui” (雲水), meaning “Cloud and Water,” symbolizes the connection between the two cities, with the clouds from the East (Suzhou) and the water from the West (the Willamette River) coming together. This harmonious blend of energy is reflected in the tranquil atmosphere of the teahouse, where visitors can enjoy a peaceful moment of reflection or gather with friends.

The teahouse features a curated tea menu with over 20 selections of Chinese and Taiwanese teas, sourced both directly from China and from local tea makers like Jasmine Pearl and Smith Teamaker. Yun Shui also offers a seasonal food menu, including comforting dishes like wonton soup and congee of the day, along with Chinese pastries and donuts. 

With vegan and gluten-free options available, Yun Shui Teahouse ensures that everyone can find something to enjoy while learning about the power of tea, guided by the knowledge of their resident Tea Ambassador.

Fusion Tea and Creative Blends

Portland also has notable fusion tea houses that blend traditional flavors with creative twists, reflecting the city’s innovative and laid-back spirit. These tea spots experiment with their own combinations, conjuring blends from unexpected ingredients. The following tea houses are ideal for anyone who enjoys exploring new flavors. 

Bula Kava House

3115 SE Division Street

Kava is a natural plant whose leaves instill a calming effect while maintaining mental clarity. “Bula” — a Fijian word meaning life, greeting, and a toast — embodies the spirit of the centuries-old kava culture. While working in 2007 as a scuba instructor in Hawaii, Bula Kava House owner Judd got introduced to this culture at a local bar and was hooked.

After extensive research, he opened this kava house so that the Portland community could come and relax and connect over the high-quality earthy taste and relaxing effects of this traditional Pacific Island drink.

Patrons can purchase kava in various package sizes to take home and savor, from 100g samples to full pound quantities.

Kava Saia Tea House 

616 E Burnside Street

Kava Bar and Tea House easily draws out the creative and spirited side of Portland. It is open all day and late into the night, offering an alternative nightlife experience for locals and any visitors. The menu features kava, custom herbal and adaptogen tea blends, creative mocktails, and small bites to enjoy.

Live music and weekly events make it a fun and welcoming place to gather. If you are a night owl, shake it on over to this late-night tea house and get even more awake!

Nalu Kava Lounge 

722 N Sumner Street

Do you want to chill like a Portland local? Climb up to this secret little second-story nonalcoholic lounge, and you’ll never want to leave! Nalu Kava Lounge is a quiet haven for anyone looking to mellow out with delicious and mindful drinks. 

In addition to warm and velvety hot chocolate, the traditional kava served here helps ease stress without the effects of alcohol. The lounge also serves a variety of mushroom teas known for their adaptogenic properties to support immunity, focus, and overall well-being.

The biggest treat of the lounge is their outdoor rooftop space, where in good weather you can savor your drinks high among the green of the neighboring trees and blue of the open sky.

Taiji Tea House and Cafe 

310 NW Davis Street

Taiji Teahouse & Cafe, run by Eric Arthur, blends his four passions —tea, tai chi, food, and music—into one space. With over 20 years of experience in the food industry, Eric has worked in nearly every role, from dishwasher to general manager. Now, through Taiji Teahouse, he brings together his love for tea and tai chi, teaching classes before opening for tea service and lunch.

In addition to its curated selection of teas, the meals at Taiji Teahouse are inspired by a Campos family cookbook, blending the best immigrant recipes from Hawaii. This “Asian Fusion” approach includes influences from Filipino, Japanese, Portuguese, Hawaiian, and Chinese styles. Many dishes can be made vegan or vegetarian, catering to a variety of dietary preferences.

Tea Bar 

1055 NW Northrup

Tea Bar is a modern tea shop with a focus on quality and sustainability. The simple menu offers fresh, made-to-order drinks with no artificial flavors or dyes. Their boba is made daily with grade-A tapioca pearls, and many teas come from organic, fair-trade family farms.

Sustainability is another reason to visit. Their drinks are served in reusable mason jars and customers even get one complimentary drink if they purchase a reusable Kanteen bottle in the shop. 

Portal Tea Company

(Formerly Tea Chai Te) 

Two locations:

Sellwood Caboose

7983 SE 13th Avenue

734 NW 23rd Avenue

Formerly known as Tea Chai Te, Portal Tea Company welcomes you at its cheerful red caboose at their Sellwood location, and at a second-story perch on NW 23rd Avenue from where you can contemplate the street life below. 

Inside the Sellwood Caboose, you’ll find a homey, expansive tea house with various nooks from where you can loiter over your brew. The menu lets you choose from a wide variety of teas, chai, and bubble tea, with alternative vegan milk available for a small upcharge. Occasionally, vegan pastries are available. 

Stop in and hang out on the back patio for a lovely afternoon. The staff here is always happy to recommend a tea based on your preferences, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely tea session.

Smith Teamaker  

110 SE Washington Street

Smith Teamaker is driven by a passion for uncompromising taste and creativity, constantly inspired by the spirit of “what if.” Every cup reflects their dedication to innovation and detail, whether it’s through unique blends like Fez, meant to be enjoyed with friends, or Meadow, named after a classic Camaro. 

With a commitment to both people and the planet, Smith fosters a warm, welcoming atmosphere and honors tradition while pushing the boundaries of tea-making. Above all, they aim to make people smile, serving not just great tea but a touch of unexpected joy in every sip.

This spirit of creativity and care extends to their tasting room, a modern, light-filled space where you can explore their expertly crafted teas. The inviting interior makes it the perfect place to enjoy a flight of teas, a pot of your favorite blend, or a tea latte with your choice of milk.

Vegan and gluten-free snacks are available to complement your brew, and on sunny days, you can take your tea to the peaceful front porch to enjoy the outdoors.

Smith Teamaker also leads behind-the-scenes tours, giving you a glimpse into their tea-making process and how they create their high-quality blends. This is a wonderful spot to relax and savor something special.

Where to Stay 

Portland Eco House

After a rejuvenating afternoon at one of Portland’s tea houses, why not continue rolling in the peaceful vibes at the Portland Eco House? This earth-friendly guesthouse in the Alberta Arts District hosts stylish rooms, the homey Patio Cottage and the private Patio Suite.

With organic bedding and eco-conscious amenities, you’ll slip right into an easeful groove. Unwind in the lovely patio or by the fire pit and let your stresses melt away. The kitchen is ideal for preparing your own meals with fresh, local ingredients, and the friendly host is happy to give recommendations for uncovering some of the area’s other secret treasures.

With its commitment to sustainability and its blissful atmosphere, the Portland Eco House is where you’ll find quiet comfort after a day of tea house explorations. You’ll wake up refreshed and ready to discover more of Portland’s magic. The place is conveniently located near public transit, making it easy to venture out and visit more of the city’s tea houses and attractions.

From the traditional Chinese teas at Bardo Tea to Nalu Kava Lounge’s rooftop among the trees, to the airy ambience at Portal Tea, Portland’s tea houses minister delights for every taste and mood. Linger over a carefully brewed cup, sample vegan snacks, and soak in the distinct, one-of-a-kind character of each spot. Then retreat to the quiet eco-friendly Portland Eco House to keep the good vibes flowing. It’s a recipe for the consummate Portland tea experience.

Portland’s tea culture is a testament to the city’s appreciation for quality, sustainability, and community. So grab a friend, or a good book, and embark on a tea-tasting journey that will leave you refreshed and inspired. Cheers to the best-ever cup in Portland!