Seven Cups (credit: Sarah Carpenter)
Tea time is highly underrated and should be experienced more often, I believe. There are so many benefits from drinking tea, including ceremonious celebrations, learning about all the cleansing qualities, partaking in a traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and getting a break from the happy hour while sipping tea and enjoying conversation with your friends. I was pleased to find that Denver really has a good variety of teahouses. From dainty ones that house red hatters to exotic ones that bear Persian artwork, there’s much to be explored. A game of Mahjong at Seven Cups (credit: Sarah Carpenter)1882 South Pearl Street
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-2877
sevencupsdenver.com
Seven Cups off of Evans and Broadway is truly a teahouse to become a regular patron of. Their imported teas from Asia — plus the education they offer through events and knowledgeable staff — is admirable. Upon walking in you are greeted immediately with smiling faces and hospitality, ringing true to the nature of teatime itself. Be sure to inquire about how the shop was created and don’t hesitate to pose questions to the staff, who are all educated in nutrition and detoxification. In addition to their tea culture classes and Friday free tea tastings, devotees come to play the game of Mahjong on Tuesdays and Thursday nights. And as for the tea itself? Elegant Chinese carved stands hold specialty white tea, a sweet and nutritious tea that is picked from a bud that only grows once a year in one area of China. You’ll find herbal teas, green teas and rare yellow teas — a cooling tea rich in antioxidants similar to green tea. There’s Oolong, black and blended teas. There are tea selections from Japan such as Matcha, a thick bitter tea that is whisked into hot water, and Sencha Green tea, where the leaves are steamed rather than roasted. Perhaps the most impressive tea at Seven Cups is the Puer Tea from Yunnan Province in China, which is processed by taking sun dried green tea and compressing it into cakes which are then left to ferment. It offers a robust taste and supports digestion.
2401 15th Street
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 455-4832
houseofcommonstea.com
If you are searching for a tea house that reminisces and celebrates the long held British tradition of afternoon tea and little cucumber sandwiches, House of Commons in the Highlands is your place! Located on Platte Street, just off of 15th, in the lower area of the Highlands, just north of Downtown, you’ll find the quaint little shop, named after Commons Park nearby. House of Commons imports many of their teas straight from England, by a family in Yorkshire that’s been blending teas since late 19th century. However, teas at House of Commons are not limited to the British taste. Sip on teas such as the malty Scottish Breakfast, South African Kwazulu, China Rose Petals, or (my favorite) Specialty Peach Iced Tea which is blended with sunflower and safflower. Be sure to try their sandwiches, soups, quiches or desserts, and of course, their afternoon tea (which is actually served all day)! It includes finger sandwiches, scones and jam, lemon curd and Devonshire Cream, English Biscuits, Petits Fours and a pot of tea.
Serendipitea (credit: Sarah Carpenter)5610 South Curtis Street
Littleton, CO 80120
(303) 904-2376
serendipi-teashoppe.com
If the adorable type of teahouse is your cup of tea, Serendipitea in downtown Littleton is one to visit. The shop is located in a turn-of-the-century house just north of Main Street on Curtis and features lacy benches, gardens, an outdoor patio and a warm and inviting interior. It is run by Jean Labo, who has a passion for tea and its history, and who is as warm and wise as her splendid tea. Her daughter can be found within the shop, as well as the gorgeous white, tiered cake that was made by her for their party to honor Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding. Lunch and Cream Tea is served until 3 p.m. (reservations recommended) and afternoon tea starts at 2:30 p.m. (reservations required). Serendipitea features “Elevenses” — fulfilling lunch sandwiches — and also provides a cutesy and cozy space for special events like baby showers.
Mrs. B's (credit: Sarah Carpenter)2506 West Alamo Avenue
Littleton, CO 80120
(303) 797-3500
mrsbsteaparlor.com
If I could bundle up my sweet grandmother and transform her into a tea parlor, the result would be Mrs. B’s — and I mean that in the most affectionate and sincere way! Inside even smells like the home cooked meals she would make when I was little, not to mention adorning china that bears the tea, as well as pink, frilly, flowery wallpaper. The dainty aprons that the waitress wears while serving guests also makes me feel all nostalgic and happy. Mrs. B’s was created when a stay-at-home mom decided to open her own tea house in honor of her mother — “Mrs. B.” As a child she learned the many ways to serve tea time and make comfy meals from her mom. Here, you’ll find afternoon tea at 2 p.m.
Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse (credit: Sarah Carpenter)1770 13th Street
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 442-4993
boulderteahouse.com
The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse has to be one the country’s most exquisite teahouses. The entire structure was created after a Sister Cities partnership was formed between Boulder and the city of Dushanbe in Tajikistan in 1987. The mayor at the time visited Boulder and decided to offer the handmade teahouse as a gift. It was designed by more than 40 artisans and features intricate Persian columns, tiles and motifs. All the pieces arrived in Boulder in 200 crates and it reassembled in 1998. Now it is enjoyed by residents of Boulder and its surrounding communities, as well as tourists. You’ll delight here in the more than 100 choices of tea, plus truly delicious Mediterranean style food.
- Sarah Carpenter lives in Littleton, where she was born and raised. She spent a decade in Downtown Denver, and its surrounding neighborhoods, going to school for writing, working in the service industry, and getting to know Denver’s diverse culture. She has a passion for travel writing, local and afar, focusing the story on its people, culture and region.
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