TeaHaus — Restaurant in Ann Arbor

The TeaHaus is one of my favourite places in A2. I've been coming here (and bringing friends!) for about 5 years, and I have never had a less-than-stellar experience.

The owner, Lisa McDonald, is personable and very knowledgeable and passionate about tea, which impacts the TeaHaus atmosphere to its benefit. Of the 180+ types of tea available (sourced through German tea companies for the sake of highest quality control), there is a surplus of choice for everyone, from the tea snob (SFTGFOP) to the newbie (I would recommend Gwendolina's Baked Apple, which is like apple pie in a cup, or Moroccan Mint—a blend of Chinese green tea and mint!). The tea is never over-steeped or served too weak: the science of brewing—and the variant water temperatures, leaf amounts, and steeping times involved—is strictly observed here. A 12-ounce pot (or to-go cup) of hot tea is about $3, while a 20-ounce hot or iced tea is around $4.

On the café side of things, everything on the TeaHaus menu is made in-house, and it shows! The very popular French macarons (no, not macaroons) are often infused with TeaHaus teas and tisanes, and feature new seasonal (and often holiday-themed!) monthly flavours, such as apple butter (a favourite from fall 2017), strawberry-rhubarb, or blood orange. The ingredients used in their baked goods and more savoury offerings are frequently locally -sourced—and I do mean locally! The Ann Arbor Farmers' Market is just a block away, and the People's Food Co-Op is just a few doors down—and seasonal fruit is especially highlighted year-round. The pastry chefs are always hard at work creating beautiful and delicious pastries, especially during the relatively new Fridays in December events, featuring special holiday pastries and evening hours. These are some of my favourite events, as the Kerrytown district is especially beautiful at night, with fairy lights in all the trees, and magical with the addition of snow! The TeaHaus's window-front seats offer a gorgeous view, rain or shine, and always afford a good opportunity to people-watch. Furthermore, the TeaHaus doesn't limit itself to special events in December alone: they have hosted benefits, free concerts featuring local talent, are heavily involved with the annual Kindlefest (modelled after German Christmas markets), and have hosted Tipsy Tea events with tea-infused and inspired cocktails! This establishment is deeply rooted in its community, and Ann Arbor is lucky enough to reap many of the benefits of this symbiosis.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the English Quickie on offer, which I've found to be a fantastic value (currently $10.25) if any of the other tempting menu items make it difficult to choose just one thing (such as the yogurt bowl with Haus-made granola and tea-poached fruit, the Swedish Pannkakor served with fresh whipped cream, or the tea-infused soup of the week)! The English Quickie features 3 varieties of finger sandwiches (chosen from 6 options), a Haus-made cream scone with their clotted cream, lemon curd, berry jam, and orange marmalade (again, all made in-Haus!), and either a macaron of your choosing, or a different cookie (with gluten-free options) or petit four. I almost always go for the Quickie, both because it's such a good value, and because it means less stress from having to choose just one thing! It's worth noting that there is a limited menu on Sundays, so the English Quickie may not be available.

Finally, the staff at the TeaHaus are always so friendly, helpful, and welcoming! They are always happy to help with the sometimes-overwhelming task of choosing a tea, to answer any questions you might have, or just have a bit of a chat while you're visiting. The atmosphere is a good fit for the eclectic Kerrytown: the TeaHaus is chic yet laid-back, cosy without edging into kitschy, and (seemingly) effortlessly charming. Thank you for continuing to provide a cheerful, tea-and-pastry-filled oasis for us...

[Edited to respond to the owner] Thank you, Lisa, for your response. I appreciate the clarification and understand that “ICED ICED BABY” was meant as a lighthearted reference to the famous song we all know.In recent years that phrase regardless of how it is spelled has unfortunately been used in connection with immigration enforcement, sometimes in mocking or harmful ways. As someone who is part of the immigrant community, I found it especially jarring, even if the intention was playful, because of how the phrase has been used to harm or mock people in other contexts.I am editing this to not hurt your business which I genuinely enjoyed, but simply to raise awareness. Thank you again for taking the time to respond.

[Original review below] Dear Tea Haus Team, I am reaching out regarding a recent visit to your shop where I ordered an iced tea. While reviewing my receipt afterward, I noticed the item was labeled “ICE ICE BABY.” I understand this may have been intended as a lighthearted reference but I found it unprofessional and uncomfortable. As someone who has worked with POS systems I know this kind of label does not appear by default ...it has to be manually entered. There is no operational reason to include “ice” twice in that way and yet another time at the bottom and it is clear the phrase was intentionally added. What makes this especially concerning is the current political climate. The term “ICE” is heavily associated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement an agency linked to deeply distressing experiences for many immigrant communities. The phrase “ICE ICE BABY” has been used in media and online spaces in connection to immigration raids and enforcement. Given that context, seeing it printed on a receipt at a local place was not only jarring, but felt deeply inappropriate. What is disappointing is that I genuinely enjoyed the atmosphere at TeaHaus. I had been exploring new places in the area and even recommended it to others especially because I appreciated the quiet, cozy environment… a place to disconnect from WiFi, stay present and enjoy a moment. But after seeing that on the receipt I no longer feel comfortable coming back. I am sharing this in good faith, with the hope that it is taken seriously. Small choices even ones meant as jokes reflect the values of a business and impact...

This place does have a wide selection of high-quality loose-leaf tea, which is something I appreciate as somewhat of a tea connoisseur. My recent experience with a staff member, however, makes me hesitant to come back. I went in shortly before Christmas to get a few gifts and some matcha for myself. When I asked for what options they had, the staff member told be they only had one type of matcha, showed me a small tin and said "this isn't like Starbucks matcha." This felt condescending, but he couldn't have known my expertise level so I tried to ask him some clarifying questions: what grade of matcha was is? What region is it from? Ceremonial grade matcha can vary significantly, from thicker, higher quality matcha suitable for koicha to silkier ones better for usucha. When I asked if there was a sample I could see to check the color (often a good indicator of quality), I was told TeaHaus doesn't serve matcha because "it takes 30 minutes to prepare." At this point I realized the staff member was not only being condescending, but was also woefully uneducated. Sure, the Chanoyu ceremony can take 30 minutes, but that is because it is a performance, not simply about the tea. Matcha is also a casual beverage in Japan, served in tea shops in latte form throughout the country, and perhaps takes the least amount of time to prepare out of any tea because there is no steep time. Alas, at this point I gave up and took my patronage elsewhere. I have been to tea shops where the staff are much more friendly...