Brooklyn Tea

- 411 Lewis Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking an authentic, tranquil escape from the city's relentless pace, look no further than Brooklyn Tea. Nestled in the heart of Stuyvesant Heights (Bed-Stuy), this celebrated Black-owned tea house is far more than just a place to grab a hot beverage; it’s a vibrant community hub built on the simple but powerful mission of normalizing rest, elevating ritual, and fostering connection. Co-founded by married couple Jamila and Ali Wright, the tea house was born out of a desire to celebrate the healing power of tea and create a welcoming space that reflects the local culture.

Since opening its brick-and-mortar location after starting as an online retailer, Brooklyn Tea has established itself as an oasis of calm. It offers a meticulously curated selection of over 50 varieties of organic and fair-trade loose-leaf teas sourced responsibly from across the globe—from the fields of China and Japan to Kenya and Sri Lanka. Whether you are a seasoned tea connoisseur or new to the world of loose-leaf brewing, the staff are known for their helpfulness and expertise, ready to guide you to your perfect cup. The ambiance is described by patrons as pleasant and warm, making it an ideal spot for remote work, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment of solitude. It truly embodies the idea of a modern-day communal gathering space, dedicated to providing high-quality tea and a genuine, supportive environment in one of Brooklyn’s most historic and vital neighborhoods.

Brooklyn Tea's commitment extends beyond the cup. The business is deeply rooted in community, providing safe spaces for grassroots organizing, hosting cultural gatherings, and offering scholarships to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This blend of premium product, cozy atmosphere, and strong social mission makes Brooklyn Tea a unique and essential fixture in the New York food and wellness scene.

Location and Accessibility

Brooklyn Tea is conveniently located in the thriving Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn, making it a favorite local haunt and a worthwhile destination for New Yorkers from all boroughs.

The flagship tea room can be found at: 411 Lewis Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233, USA.

The location on Lewis Avenue is situated in Stuyvesant Heights, an area celebrated for its beautiful brownstones, rich history, and strong community focus. The cozy, ample indoor seating with modern décor and free Wi-Fi provides a perfect setting for both productivity and relaxation. For New Yorkers using public transport, the tea house is accessible via nearby bus routes and subway lines, ensuring easy access to this local gem.

Accessibility is a core consideration at Brooklyn Tea, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests. The venue features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. Furthermore, it operates a gender-neutral restroom and is known to be an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace, reinforcing its mission as a safe, inclusive, and connecting community center.

The Tasting Room is generally open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, with all-day light brunch served from 9 AM to 5 PM. Note that service on Tuesdays is often designated as takeout only.

Services Offered

Brooklyn Tea offers a full range of services centered around a high-quality tea experience, complemented by food and espresso options.

• Retail Loose-Leaf Tea Sales: Over 50 varieties of organic and fair-trade loose-leaf teas are available for purchase to enjoy at home. Available types include Black, Green, White, Oolong, Pu-erh, Herbal/Tisane, and Rooibos. Popular blends include Cream Earl Grey, Kyoto Cherry Rose Sencha, and Ginger Turmeric.
• Tea Drinks: Served hot or iced, with a vast selection from traditional brews like Assam and Sencha to unique house blends such as Chocolate Mint Black Tea and Blueberry Rooibos.
• All-Day Light Brunch and Savory Foods: The menu features a selection of light bites, savory items, and brunch favorites, including a strong presence of vegan options. Notable items include various English Muffin Breakfast Sandwiches like the "Make Me Better" (Vegan Egg, Vegan Sausage & Vegan Cheese) and "The Blueprint" (Real Baked Egg, Vegan Sausage & Vegan Cheese), as well as Wraps, Salads, Chia Pudding, and Waffles.
• Espresso Bar: Catering to all preferences, the menu includes standard espresso drinks such as Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, and Latte.
• Pastries and Baked Goods: A selection of delicious treats like Danish, Biggie Cookies, and Matcha Cookies are available, often sourced from local Black bakers, including notable vegan options.
• Onsite Dining: Ample indoor seating is available for customers who wish to dine in and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
• Takeout and Delivery: The tea house offers various service options, including curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery, for convenience.
• Tea Tastings and Events: The establishment hosts interactive tea tastings, book clubs, and cultural gatherings to deepen guests' appreciation and knowledge of tea.

Features / Highlights

Brooklyn Tea stands out in the New York landscape by blending exceptional product quality with a strong sense of community and cultural dedication.

• Exceptional Tea Selection: The tea house is highly praised for its massive selection of over 50 organic, fair-trade loose-leaf teas, ensuring a perfect match for any palate. The in-store "smelling wall" allows customers to interact with dozens of tea-packed jars to discover new flavor profiles.
• Black-Owned Business: Proudly a Black-owned enterprise, Brooklyn Tea is dedicated to creating economic opportunity and making high-quality wellness accessible to historically excluded communities.
• Community-Focused Mission: The tea room actively serves the community by hosting mutual aid events, providing free tea and education to local nonprofits, and awarding annual scholarships to HBCU students, truly operating as a safe and supportive gathering space.
• Vegan and Wellness-Oriented Menu: The food menu includes significant, delicious vegan and vegetarian options, like the highly-rated blueberry waffles and various vegan breakfast sandwiches, appealing to health-conscious patrons.
• Communal and Relaxing Atmosphere: Customers repeatedly highlight the pleasant, tranquil, and communal vibe, often comparing it to a comfortable living room—a "Central Perk" for tea lovers—where one is encouraged to "sit, pause, and read" without feeling rushed.
• Global and Responsible Sourcing: Teas are sourced responsibly from masters across the globe, including China, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Kenya, ensuring both quality and ethical practice.
• Merchandise: The tea house offers branded merchandise, including apparel and accessories, allowing customers to show their support for the local brand.

Contact Information

To plan your visit to this Bed-Stuy staple, use the following contact details:

Address: 411 Lewis Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233, USA

Phone: (929) 234-2355

What is worth choosing

Choosing Brooklyn Tea is more than just selecting a beverage; it’s an intentional choice to support a local, socially-conscious business that prioritizes quality and community. It is an experience—a moment of intentional self-care that is rare in the bustling pace of New York City.

The extensive menu ensures that you can always find a tea to match your mood, whether you need the energizing kick of Superior Grade Matcha or the soothing comfort of a Relax Relate Release herbal blend. For those looking for a specific recommendation, the Cucumber Melon Green Tea comes highly praised by locals as an incredibly refreshing treat, perfect both iced and hot. The care and attention to detail, from the proper steeping instructions provided by the knowledgeable staff to the responsibly sourced ingredients, ensure a superior product every time.

Furthermore, for New Yorkers who value inclusivity and community, Brooklyn Tea provides a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment for everyone. This dedication to its neighborhood, coupled with a genuinely sensational tea and food offering—including those unforgettable vegan options—makes it an absolute must-visit destination in Bed-Stuy. Whether you're craving a gourmet tea, a hearty brunch, or a tranquil space to recharge, Brooklyn Tea delivers a fulfilling experience that consistently earns rave reviews from its loyal customer base. Stop by to sip something sensational and become part of the Lewis Avenue community.

Brooklyn Tea

411 Lewis Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233, USA