I just went here with a friend on Tuesday night. It was excellent! We shared a pot of "World Peace" (herbal tea) and I'm craving a cup right now (hence why decide to write this post now). I... More

I just went here with a friend on Tuesday night. It was excellent! We shared a pot of "World Peace" (herbal tea) and I'm craving a cup right now (hence why decide to write this post now). I can't wait to get back and try some of their other teas. I thought it was clever that they provide a timer so you can make sure the tea seeps for the appropriate amount of time.
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The first teahouse in Seattle (unless you count the Japanese Tea Garden in the Arboretum, which has such limited hours) and an oasis of "East/West" calm in the middle of Wallingford on... More

The first teahouse in Seattle (unless you count the Japanese Tea Garden in the Arboretum, which has such limited hours) and an oasis of "East/West" calm in the middle of Wallingford on 45th. Named for the Chinese goddess of mercy (as well as an eponymous black tea). Cozy, intimate, relaxing, particularly in the autumn. Don't stop in very often, but I have always had a pleasant experience. I recall first coming here probably at least 20 years ago. Every once in a while, it is nice to "take time out" from Starbuck's )or whatever your favorite coffeehouse is) and, instead, dive into an independently run teahouse such as this. It is neither a traditional Japanese or Chinese teahouse but still has its own blended ambience. Nice selection of high-quality teas. Live instrumental music in the evening. Unpretentious. Recommended reading:. The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura See also http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=teaculture290&date=20071029&query=Kuan+Yin+teahouse
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Kuan Yin's been around a lot longer than some of the other tea places. The genmaicha here is very rich and strong, which I like (I'm not all about subtle). They sometimes have very nice live music... More

Kuan Yin's been around a lot longer than some of the other tea places. The genmaicha here is very rich and strong, which I like (I'm not all about subtle). They sometimes have very nice live music in the evenings. It's a fun place to while away part of the afternoon, or stop for a cup after a movie down the street.
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I’m not a connoisseur of tea by any means, but always really enjoy having a pot of tea here. It is a perfect place to read or study, or to have an intimate conversation. Yeah, the layout is a... More

I’m not a connoisseur of tea by any means, but always really enjoy having a pot of tea here. It is a perfect place to read or study, or to have an intimate conversation. Yeah, the layout is a little weird and the food options are hit or miss, but overall this place is cute, and yet another attractive alternative to Starbucks.
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Good quality tea. Great place to go if you don't like to hear noisy people yammering their fool heads off in attempt to be noticed.

Good quality tea. Great place to go if you don't like to hear noisy people yammering their fool heads off in attempt to be noticed.
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You can cut the 'tude with a knife in this place. Is it me? I mean tea is delightful but it is a tea house, not a meditation room. We went and felt out of the clique and didn't even love our tea.... More

You can cut the 'tude with a knife in this place. Is it me? I mean tea is delightful but it is a tea house, not a meditation room. We went and felt out of the clique and didn't even love our tea. Try it if you like but I'd rather make a brew of tea in my living room where laughing and joking is considered the norm.
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