Hi Tea is one of those places you must know about if you’re going to carry around a driver’s license with a Chicago address. It’s cozy and inviting with nice window seats where you can stare out at the masses while sipping on your tea. And it’s right off of an el line, so you know you’ll see some interesting locals.
Don’t ask me what kind of tea you got — how would I know? Go there and pick for yourself.

I walked in to Hi Tea expecting the usual bubble tea bull sheet, sweetened with hi frutcose corn syrup,and geared towards amatuers. Instead I discovered a pleasent oasis that does not bastardize what has been the number one drink for 4000 years. Colorful paint, cool music, and LCD monitors showing everyhting from classic home movies to documentaries on Tea. I asked for a green tea and the person behind the counter explained all the greens and the differences. I chose the Gen Ma Chai which has toasted rice and popped corn. The delivery was slick, love the cork cup sleeves. The person behind the counter waited for the water to be the right temp before dropping the tea in. Another sign of true pro’s. I also ordered a turkey grilled sandwich which was awesome. The slaw is totaly different and was a nice addition to the sandwich and tea. The gelato looks good. They also sell all kinds of tea pots and some weird antique stuff. Neato I say > NEATO! I will be back Nice to see another option in semi dead zone known as the Soutn Loop.

i walked into this new tea shop mistakingly believing that i could get boba drinks – instead i found a casual loose leaf tea shop offering oodles of tea (i felt total sensory overload fr/all the teas available to choose from). if you’re a tea buff, you might want to check it out.

While the tea is the focus here (and they do know their tea), it seems like almost everyone gets the sandwiches. The location is cozy and a great place to get some work done since they have free wi-fi.

When I first saw the tea list chalkboard I felt intimidated, but after closer inspection the organization of the teas actually makes it pretty easy to choose (or just get the tea of the day if you can’t choose). The teas are split by type of tea and amount of caffeine. You can order by the cup or the pot and you can get hot water refills, which is a huge bonus since places like Argo don’t let you do this.

Similar to Canady Le Chocalatier around the corner, the service is very personal and friendly.