FLOATING MOUNTAIN Tea House: A Serene Escape on the Upper West Side

FLOATING MOUNTAIN Tea House |2nd FLOOR| Introduce

In a city that never sleeps, finding a true haven of tranquility can feel like a small miracle. FLOATING MOUNTAIN Tea House, nestled on the second floor of a building on West 72nd Street, is that miracle. This women-owned establishment is a quiet retreat from the relentless energy of Manhattan, offering a meditative and deeply personal experience centered around the art of tea. It is a place that feels worlds away from the busy street below, a "haven of calm and quiet joy," as one customer eloquently described it.

FLOATING MOUNTAIN is not your average coffee shop or bubble tea spot. It is a tea house in the truest sense, dedicated to the careful, artistic preparation of high-quality, specialty Chinese teas. The atmosphere is deliberately set to be unassuming, pleasant, and serene. It invites patrons to slow down, to be present, and to truly savor each sip. The decor, with its simple yet beautiful aesthetic, contributes to a peaceful environment where you can watch the world go by from a large window while enjoying a truly special brew. This commitment to creating a full experience—one that engages all the senses and encourages a moment of stillness—is what makes FLOATING MOUNTAIN so unique and why it is considered a highlight for both New York locals and visitors alike.

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Location and Accessibility

FLOATING MOUNTAIN Tea House is located at 239 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023. This prime address places it in the heart of the Upper West Side, a vibrant and bustling neighborhood. What makes its location particularly special is that it's situated on the second floor. This elevation provides a welcome separation from the street-level noise and activity, contributing to the tranquil atmosphere.

Access to the tea house is convenient, with major public transportation options nearby. The 72nd Street subway station, served by the 1, 2, and 3 lines, is just a short walk away. This makes it easily reachable from various parts of Manhattan and beyond. For those driving, paid street parking is an option, although it is important to be prepared for the typical challenges of finding parking in a busy New York City neighborhood. When you arrive, you will need to ring the doorbell for "Floating Mountain" to enter, a small detail that adds to the feeling of it being a secret, hidden gem.

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Services Offered

FLOATING MOUNTAIN provides a number of services focused on providing an authentic and educational tea experience.

Dine-in and Onsite Services: The tea house offers a unique and immersive dine-in experience. Customers are encouraged to sit and enjoy their tea, often in a traditional gong fu style. This is a space designed for lingering and appreciating the ritual of tea.
Takeout and Delivery: For those who cannot stay, the tea house offers both takeout and delivery, allowing customers to enjoy a taste of their special teas at home. It is noted that patrons can purchase teas to brew on their own, a great feature for tea lovers.
Reservations: Given its popularity and intimate size, it is highly recommended to make a reservation, especially for window or floor seating. This ensures a spot and a proper tea experience, and it is a testament to the fact that this is a destination rather than a quick-stop cafe.
Tea Education: The staff is "extremely knowledgeable," and they are ready to guide you through the intricacies of the tea menu. This is a key service, as it allows even beginners to have a truly rewarding experience, learning about the different types of teas, their origins, and how they are best prepared.

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Features and Highlights

FLOATING MOUNTAIN stands out for its exceptional and specialized features.

Truly Special Tea Selection: The most significant highlight is the extensive and carefully curated selection of teas. The menu features rare and high-quality Chinese teas, including Green, White, Dark, Pu'er, Wulong, and Red teas, with names like "Lu An Gua Pian" and "Lao Ya Shi Xiang." The teas are described as "truly special," "exceptional," and "worth every penny."
Knowledgeable and Welcoming Staff: The staff is a crucial part of the experience. They are known for being "extremely knowledgeable and welcoming," providing personalized service that guides customers through the menu and the tea-making process.
Calm and Quiet Atmosphere: The tea house provides a rare sense of peace and tranquility in New York City. The cozy, pleasant, and unassuming environment is a primary reason people visit, seeking a moment of respite from the city's noise.
Women-Owned Business: FLOATING MOUNTAIN identifies as a women-owned business, a feature that many customers will appreciate and want to support.
No Food, Sugar, or Milk: A unique highlight is that the tea house does not serve food, milk, or sugar. This intentional choice reinforces the focus on the pure, unadulterated flavor of the tea, encouraging a purist approach to the experience.

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Contact Information

To make a reservation or inquire about their tea selection, you can contact FLOATING MOUNTAIN Tea House using the following information.

Address: 239 W 72nd St #2fl, New York, NY 10023, USA
Phone: (646) 541-0636

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What is Worth Choosing

FLOATING MOUNTAIN Tea House is worth choosing for New Yorkers who are not just looking for a drink, but a genuine experience. Its primary value lies in its identity as a sanctuary of calm in a city of constant motion. This is a place to go when you need to slow down and reconnect. The tea itself is the star of the show. The extensive selection of rare, high-quality, and specialty teas is a tea lover’s dream. One customer's sentiment that "if you love exceptional tea, this place is for you" speaks volumes. The staff's expertise and welcoming nature further elevate the experience, transforming a simple visit into an educational and personal journey. For a small price, you can enjoy a single pot of tea for over an hour, making it a great value for the time and atmosphere provided.

The unique elements—such as the quiet, second-floor location, the reservation system, and the "no food, milk, or sugar" policy—show that the business is dedicated to its specific, high-quality mission. It is a place that sets clear expectations and delivers on them, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a more traditional and meditative tea experience. For a New Yorker who has "tried so many" places and wants to escape the noise, FLOATING MOUNTAIN is an ideal destination. It offers a rare opportunity to engage with a 5,000-year-old tradition in a modern setting, proving that some of the most profound experiences can be found in a simple pot of tea.

FLOATING MOUNTAIN Tea House |2nd FLOOR| Food & drink

Green Tea | Immune Booster | 15 grams
Tai Ping Hou Kui | Peaceful Monkey King $30.00
March 2023, Taiping, Anhui Province. Named “King Tea,” Tai Ping Hou Kui is sweet and gentle. Its unique long blade-like shaped leaves will brew many infusions to keep you company and bring you peace and tranquility. (1110)
Lu An Gua Pian | Lu An Mellow Seed $33.00
March 2023, Lu An County, Anhui Province. This tea is made out of whole leaves with no buds (like most Japanese green tea). Gua Pian is soft and refreshing with a strong sweet fragrance and long-lasting aftertaste with ripe Midori melon’s slight and pleasant flavor. (1111)
Bi Luo Chun | Green Snail $45.00
March 2023, Dong Ting Mountain, Jiangsu Province. One of the famous teas of China, Bi Luo Chun, is usually served on special occasions. Its tender young leaves still have spring fur. The fragrance of meadow flowers and the sweetness of wild fruits with a light hint of nuts will fill your day with happiness and calmness. High-quality leaves are suitable for a dozen infusions. (1101)
Long Jing | Dragon Well $48.00
March 2023. Hangzhou, Zhejiang. The most famous tea of China, the highest quality Long Jing, was picked in early March of 2023, carefully sorted for even tiny leaves and hand pressed against a hot wok. Light in color, this tea will surprise you with its full body and rich, velvety structure. Share the experience of the Emperors of China. (1102)
Mengding Ganlu | Sweet Dew $36.00
March 2023, Meng Mountain, Sichuan Province. Spring pick of 2021, this tender tea still has silver fur of the young leaves. The aroma of roasted pumpkin seeds is noticeable even in dry leaves; silky and buttery, this tea is delightful and relaxing to have. (1100)
An Ji Bai Cha | An Ji White Tea $45.00
March 2023, Anji county, Zhejiang province. Yet another famous tea on our menu. Anji Bai Cha is light and gentle with an elegant fragrance of herbs and wildflowers. It has a smooth, mouth-coating taste with a sweet long-lasting aftertaste. Very relaxing and calming, this tea can be steeped again and again to bring you peace of mind for hours. (1105)
Xin Yang Mao Jian | Pale Tips $33.00
March 2023. Xinyang, Henan province. Dark green tea leaves are shaped like pine needles and have a comforting aroma of baked rice. The tea bushes are shaded before harvesting season to accumulate more tannin (a technique often found in Japanese green teas), enhancing sweet taste and promoting calmness. This tea has a more pronounced flavor than green tea, which is usually found in Japanese Teas. (1107)
Huang Shan Maofeng | Hello Mountain Furry Peak $33.00
March 2023. Huang Mountain, Anhui Province. Well-known tea, Maofeng, can be easily found in any Chinese tea list. Famous for its grassy, fresh aroma and sagebrush-like taste, as with all green teas, Maofeng is loaded with antioxidants and amino acids. (1108)
Qui Shi | Sparrow's Tongue $30.00
March 2023. Sichuan Province. Bright green leaves shaped like sparrow tongue, they have a similar bright and sharp aroma. Its crispy green taste, however, is surprisingly smooth and soft. We have the highest quality Qui Shi this year. It will be a refreshing and mood-lifting partner of yours for many steepings. (1112)

White Tea | Calming | 15 grams
Bai Hao Yin Zhen | White Hair Silver Needle $33.00
2015. Zhenghe, Fujian Province. The highest white tea, Bai Hao Yin Zhen has a light, delicate, fresh and sweet taste. Only the top buds are used to produce this tea. The leaves are so young, they are still covered with silver fuzz, which explains the “white hair” in the name of this tea. The extremely gentle, smooth, and balanced taste of this tea stays with you for an endless number of infusions. White Hair Silver Needle used to be served only to the Emperor of China. (3101)
Bai Mu Dan | White Peony $30.00
2015 Zhenghe, Fujian Province. Extremely high-quality white tea, one of the best we’ve ever carried in the house. Smooth and gentle, this tea has a silky and full of wildflowers taste and aroma. It is so patient, you can enjoy its company for hours. Bai Mu Dan is well known for its calming and balancing qualities. (3102)
Shou Mei | Longevity Eyebrow $27.00
2015 Zhenghe, Fujian Province. As all white tea, Shou Mei is rich in antioxidants and filled with health benefits. Full of vitamins and minerals, Shou Mei may help prevent high blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and regulate sugar levels. With a more pronounced taste than higher grade white teas on our list, Shou Mei will transport you to a field of wildflowers and leave a taste of herbs and minerals for hours after the session. (3103)

Dark Tea & Pu’er | Cleansing & Grounding | 15 grams
1999 Light Fermented Shou Pu’er $42.00
Kunming tea factory, Yunnan Province. A small batch of this tea was produced from high-quality raw material in 1999 for export. This shou pu’er has light fermentation, and it has been nicely aged. As a result, the tea is bright and vibrant, smooth, and very pleasant to drink. This one will appeal to lovers of aged sheng and shou pu’er. (6109)
2003 Golden Needle White Lotus Shou Pu’er $36.00
Menghai Factory, Yunnan Province. Made out of buds and small leaves only, this nicely aged shou puer is creamy and concentrated. Tea has a smooth mouthfeel and clean aftertaste. It is a perfect companion for an afternoon tea session, which will keep you company for many infusions, making you feel more relaxed and comfortable with every sip. (6107)
2017 Shou Pu’er Zen Tea
2017 Shou Pu’er Zen Tea Yunnan Province. The beautiful thick and buttery brew of this tea is night-sky dark yet gentle and smooth. This is the tea I love to drink in the evening after dinner. It is so relaxing and grounding that I sleep soundly after. (6103)

Single Tree Wulong | Mood Enhancers 15 grams
Ya Shi Xiang | Duck Shit $27.00
Wu Dong Shan. Guangdong. Received its name by the original farmer who wanted to hide the success of the tea from fellow farmers. A pleasant balance of floral notes, oxidation level, and slight toastiness linger on your breath long after finishing. (4203)
Lao Ya Shi Xiang | Old Tree Duck Shit $36.00
Wu Dong Shan, Guangdong Province. Ya Shi has the highest fragrance from all Fenghuang Dancons cultivars. With its exceptional long-lasting quality, it can be brewed many times. The complexity of the tea makes the flavor change wonderfully with each steeping. (4204)
Song Zhong Fun Shui Xiang | Sweet Potato Flavor $54.00
High peaks of Wudong Shan, Guangdong. Grown at over 1000 meters above sea level on Wudong Mountain. Propagated from a 700-year-old Phoenix Shui Xian mother tree, this tea has sweetness and richness of a sweet potato, lasting for many infusions. (4220)
Lao You Hua Xiang | Old Tree Grapefruit Fragrance $39.00
Wu Dong Shan, Guangdong Province. 350-year-old tree. The combination of high altitude and the tree’s age, with the extraordinary skills of the tea master, makes this tea unforgettable. One of the best Wulong on our list will bring you the joy of tea experience for hours. (4208)
Da Wu Ye Dan Cong | Big Black Leaf $33.00
Wu Dong Shan, Guangdong. It is the least known Dan Cong because of its limited yearly production. Havier roasted wulong has a distinct orchid and magnolia blossom favor. The very round and rich taste stay strong after dozens of infusions. (4214)
Ba Xian | Eight Immortals $30.00
Chaozhou, Guangdong. An incredibly unique tea, grown naturally and carefully processed to preserve its lovely character. Ba Xian is produced in a few villages and is not mass-produced. The taste is gentle with fruit and floral sweetness. It has a white magnolia blossom aroma and a long-lasting aftertaste. (4205)
Zhu Ye | Green Bamboo $39.00
Chaozhou, Guangdong. Zhu Ye is very complex and tasty. It has an amazingly thick and oily texture, which becomes silkier and silkier during the infusions. A long-lasting aftertaste keeps the mouth coated with minty freshness for hours. (4210)
Xing Ren Xiang | Almond Fragrance $36.00
Chaozhou, Guangdong Province. Comprehensive skill is necessary to impart the almond aroma in just the right way. This tea has a strong flowery fragrance with notes of chocolate and a taste of hazelnut and almonds. Its long-lasting aftertaste is sweet and silky. Vital energy vitalizes the whole body. (4239)
Bai Ye Dan Cong $36.00
Single tree black tea. Chaozhou, Guangdong. Bai Ye (lit. White Leaf) Dan Cong has a deep sweetness that lasts many infusions. This tea is so complex and unique that it is unlikely to have a similar experience with any other tea. It enhances focus and stimulates creativity to the mind, strongly recommended for students and creational professionals.
Lao Huang Zhi Xiang | Old Tree Orange Blossom $39.00
Chaozhou, Guangdong. 250-year-old tree. It is one of the most elegant teas on the menu. The age of the tea tree, high altitude, and profound skills of the tea master create complex and defined taste leaves. The mastery of brewer is also required to open up the full beauty of the tea. It has a hint of citrus and a long-lasting sweet aftertaste. (4236)
Lao Rou Gui | Old Tree Cinnamon Flavor $39.00
Wu Dong Shan, Guandong. Lao Rou Gui has an aroma of ripe exotic fruit and a long lingering aftertaste. The quality of old tree leaves stays with you for many infusions. This tea will cheer you up and make your day bright and happy. (/4238)
Lao Xing Di | Old Tree Big Brother's Tea $36.00
Wu Dong Shan, Guandong. My friend gave me this tea as a gift, and I loved it so much that I decided to add it to our tea list. With the flavor of white peach, this tea is one of my personal favorites early in the morning. It brings me to the calm yet alert state, the perfect start of a successful day. (4242)
Qi Zhong Wulong $45.00
Special kind wulong. This is a new addition to this year’s tea list. This tea is for demanding tea drinkers who need instant relaxation of the mind and body. Special Wulong will take all your worries away in no time and bring tranquility and peace. Light taste and subtle flavor make this tea the perfect companion for the true tea lover.
Lao Yelai Xiang $48.00
Old tree night jasmine flavor. Another new tea is on our list. Night Jasmine has become a time favorite for a lot of tea lovers. The sweetness of the summer night jasmine blossom with stay with you for a long time after the tea session ends. This tea will just make you happy.

Wuyi Mountains Cliff Tea | Comforting & Revitalizing | 15 grams
Da Hong Pao | Big Red Robe $40.00
Zhen Yan, Wuyishan, Fujian Province. One of the most well-known teas from the Wuyi mountains. Cultivated from original legendary six Da Hong Pao trees, this tea will keep you company for many steepings. It is beautifully balanced and complex, with honey - floral and nutty - vanilla flavor. It’s believed to fight cold and smooth the sore through. This tea cured me when we were in Chana. (4222)
Shui Xian | Water Sprite $40.00
Shui Xian | Water Sprite Wuyishan, Fujian Province. Shou Xiang has a slightly cooling effect, one of the most common varietal tea trees in the Wuyi Mountains. It is a beautiful tea to have in the afternoon on a rainy day or when you feel overwhelmed with the business of life. Water Sprite will take your worries away. (4199)
Rou Gui | Cinnamon Bark $42.00
Zheng Yan, Wuyishan, Fujian Province. Rou Gui is well-balanced and highly patient. It will keep you company for dozens of infusions. This tea brings concentration and calmness besides relaxation and a pleasant journey to the hot summer evening in the forest. (4226)
Jin Yao Shi $42.00
Golden key. Wuyishan, Fujian province. A very rare varietal of Wuyi tea, grown only by a few families inside protected Natural reserve. It is another complex and multi-layered tea on our list. With heavier oxidation and darker roast, this tea has muscular energy and has become a good supporter in an uncertain situation. Grounding and relaxing, Jin Yao will stay with you for many infusions. It is 1 of the treasures on our list.
Zhi Hong Pao | Purple Robe $38.00
Wuyishan, Fujian Province. Another fantastic tea from Natural Reserve. It grows in a wild environment among caves and waterfalls. This tea has happy and eager energy, with a whole body and round structure. Sweet and delicious taste with stay for many infusions and in the long-lasting aftertaste. (4225)
Zui Ba Xian | Drunken Immortal $34.00
Wuyishan, Fujian Province. Drunken Immortal is as mysterious as the legendary immortal of Chinese legends himself. It had more profound oxidation and darker roast, yet relatively light in the body. This tea brings happiness without "hangover payoff" on the next day. (4229)

Red Tea | Relaxing & Rejuvenating | 15 grams
Jin Jun Mei $48.00
Golden eyebrow. Wuyishan City, Fujian province. JJM is the most prized red tea on the market. It is made out of undeveloped tiny leaf buds and has a sweet taste with amaretto, vanilla, and chocolate notes. This tea is a beautiful companion for evening tea sessions. It activates fire energy, helping with digestion and bringing internal warmth and coziness, allowing sound sleeping.
Xiao Chi Gan | Little Red Sweetness $33.00
Wuyi, Fujian Province. Picked from Huanggan Mountain, this tea has smaller tender leaves, lending distinctive sweetness, with initial flavor notes of cacao and sweet potato. Little Red Sweetness is one of the most demanding teas amongst tea house guests. (5101)
Da Chi Gan |Big Red Sweetness $32.00
Wuyi, Fujian Province. Similar to Little Red Sweetness above, this tea grows in the Natural Reserve of Wuyi mountains. The larger leaves go for the production of Da Chi Gan, which gives the name to the tea. Because Da Chi Gan has a lighter body yet still brings pleasant sweetness and satisfying flavor of cacao. (5102)

FLOATING MOUNTAIN Tea House |2nd FLOOR| Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great tea selection

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid street parking

FLOATING MOUNTAIN Tea House |2nd FLOOR| Photos

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FLOATING MOUNTAIN Tea House |2nd FLOOR| Location

FLOATING MOUNTAIN Tea House |2nd FLOOR|

New York New York County New York West 72nd Street

239 W 72nd St #2fl, New York, NY 10023, USA

FLOATING MOUNTAIN Tea House |2nd FLOOR| Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 235 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Cozy, pleasant, unassuming tea shop. I came on a rainy afternoon, sat near the large window to watch the rain fall while enjoying sips of truly special teas. Staff was extremely knowledgeable and welcoming.
July 22 · Elena Galindo
This place is special. Tucked into the second story of busy Westside Manhattan, it’s a haven of calm and quiet joy. Many special teas are made with such attention to detail and exacting artistry. It was the highlight of my visit to the city.Come expecting to spend a bit of money. But to have an experience worth every Penny. If you love exceptional tea. This place is for you.We ordered 1 pot of tea enjoyed it for over an hour, and I went home with some more teas to try on my own!!Make a reservation. And enjoy your tea!Absolutely magnificent place! Thank you.
February 02 · Miranda Zirnbauer
Really nice spot to have a tea and chill. Had the Radiance which was smooth and great for the evening. They have a wide range of teas, the floor seating and proper preparations. The place is white pricey I must say. And the ambiance could be better. The first thing I smelled was stinky shoes when I walked in.Still, overall really nice experience must wish they would bring prices down or advertise better why prices are so high and decorate a bit more.
April 15 · Leonard
Very intimate and zen tea tasting experience. You have to take your shoes off and sit on the floor and enjoy tea the traditional way. The menu offered extensive Chinese tea offerings so we had a lot to choose from. We ended up choosing jasmine and purple robe and we were happy with both choices. It is quite expensive (85$ for 2) but you go for the vibes and experience. Service was convivial and ambiance was very relaxing. Overall fun experience.
July 06 · Amandip Kaur
We had a lovely afternoon here. The woman who was hosting (Vivian? I think) was super kind and informed. There were three of us. We shared a white tea. One pot goes a long way! It’s a tiny place but clean and doesn’t feel claustrophobic because the furnishings are simple. Loved the vibe!
April 03 · Joanell Serra