holy crap i just walked out of this shop and anything i have to say about it is inadequate. I walked in expecting a run of the mill small tea shop, and walked out so very glad I was wrong. They have an amazing selection of tea and accesories, as well as art and gifts by local artists. there’s plenty of couch and table room, and a bar where you can sit an watch the magic (you know, steeping) happen. I went up asking about a chocolate mint rooibos and Tobin, the owner (who is very very personable I may add), pretty much jumped out of his seat asking if I wanted a sample. How could I pass up a free Dixie cup of tea? Except it wasn’t a Dixie cup. It was a small pot. And he did a second steep. Then asked if I wanted to sample the coconut oolong I had. Which I did, of course. I left after a pleasent morning of chatting about tea with the two aforementioned tea, plus a Pai Mu Dan white tea. I’m severely disappointed that this shop is in Tacoma, which is an hour’s bus from Olympia. Thankfully he said he just signed with a cafe there, so I’ll get to have some of their teas close to home, and also said he wanted to open in Olympia, though I won’t hold out for that one.

If you are ever in Tacoma, do not miss this tea shop! It’s got an amazing selection, knowledgeable staff, and a comfortable space to hang out in. Whenever I go to pick up a bag or two of tea, I end up leaving with a cup to go as well. Highly recommended!!

The store is located in a nice area of Tacoma. I went with my friends for a quick visit, and I wish that I had budgeted more time for my stay. The person behind the counter (I think he was the owner) offered to let us smell or sample any of the packaged teas we were interested in. However, I like to browse on my own, and I wish that there had been samples for us to smell without staff assistance. They have a wide selection of all kinds of tea, and the packaging is charming. Each bag has a black and white picture on it, along with a French sentence that I believe translates to “this is a [insert name of tea]” (their website, charmingly, says “ceci n’est pas un site internet” in the footer). The staff member who helped us mixed a bag of Sandalwood in the City on the spot (it smelled SO GOOD). When I told him that I was visiting from out of state, he gave me an extra bag of Ginger Peach & Apricot to take home—I’ll remember that kindness forever. Overall, I love the store’s quirky sense of humor, tea quality, and array of flavors. I’d give it 5/5 if they had smelling samples.

Great tea shop. They have a great, diverse selection of good-quality teas. I’ll definitely return next time I’m in Tacoma.

Really nice staff and a huge selection of fabulous flavors. If you can’t find a tea you love here, you just don’t like tea.

Great place to try teas and chat. Huge list of teas to choose from Including an impressive botanical list. Maureen knows her stuff! They will also blend anything you want (bonus!). Love the atmosphere in the place and stayed close to three hours sampling teas ($2.50 for small pot of anything they sell) before putting together my “to go” order. I’m hooked!

I stumbled into Mad Hat Tea a couple Saturdays ago right when they were opening. I could have spent all day just going through the mountains of spectacular tea varieties they carry. Instead, I sat at the counter and had a lovely cup of I don’t even remember what. What I do remember is that I had a genuinely delightful chat with one of the owners, Maureen. The shop is charming and eclectic. The tea I purchased was reasonably priced and tasty. I’m in love with their Insomniac’s Delight. I will definitely return.

Great tea shop for Tacoma locals and tourists (why tourists would come to Tacoma, let’s leave that up to the imagination).

The selection is great, they also have some pretty genius blends. Great place to take a parent, sibling, teenager, etc. There is so much to look at, do, and listen to. Local art everywhere, and if you hang out long enough one of the artists will probably show up and order some tea. If you ask, they will mix up something for you on the spot. When possible and if they are not too busy, you should tell them what kind of bunk tea you want in grams. That way, they will give you the freshest batch instead of grabbing the stuff that’s been sitting on the shelf for a little while.

This place is not for the meek and faint of heart. You might hear some strange conversations and see some risque art, but if you can hang then you will certainly not be bored.

Last piece of advice… go to the back. More art, cool typewriter, and a nice guitar to jam on.

Stopped in to Mad Hat tea a couple weeks ago and was thoroughly impressed. Not only do they have the biggest selection of teas (across the entire spectrum of white, green, oolong, black, puer, yerba mate, and especially herbals), but they also have LOADS of information on their products. Very knowledgeable and very reasonable prices. They also have a large selection of tea accessories and some health food-type products…. Not exactly tea, but still very interesting. I drove 30 minutes just to visit this place and I’m planning to go back on a regular basis!

Stopped in here today and WOW! The atmosphere is very eclectic place but you aren’t put off by it. They have a HUGE selection of teas varying in size. The custom blend a lot of their own teas in the store while we were there she made their “My Throat Hurts” and something with passion fruit. We met Maureen, one of the owners, and she was very nice and knowledgeable. She knew most of the patrons by name, introduced herself to us and got our name. She helped us pick out what teas we wanted to sample, and you get a whole pot not just a little Dixie cup!! The prices are very reasonable. I am a customer for as long as they are open!!!!!!

holy crap i just walked out of this shop and anything i have to say about it is inadequate. I walked in expecting a run of the mill small tea shop, and walked out so very glad I was wrong. They have an amazing selection of tea and accesories, as well as art and gifts by local artists. there’s plenty of couch and table room, and a bar where you can sit an watch the magic (you know, steeping) happen. I went up asking about a chocolate mint rooibos and Tobin, the owner (who is very very personable I may add), pretty much jumped out of his seat asking if I wanted a sample. How could I pass up a free Dixie cup of tea? Except it wasn’t a Dixie cup. It was a small pot. And he did a second steep. Then asked if I wanted to sample the coconut oolong I had. Which I did, of course. I left after a pleasent morning of chatting about tea with the two aforementioned tea, plus a Pai Mu Dan white tea. I’m severely disappointed that this shop is in Tacoma, which is an hour’s bus from Olympia. Thankfully he said he just signed with a cafe there, so I’ll get to have some of their teas close to home, and also said he wanted to open in Olympia, though I won’t hold out for that one.

Superb teas, great service, friendly owners. Nice lounge atmosphere, with a new sit at bar. Definitely worth a stop!