Tea and Milk

- 32-02 34th Ave, Astoria, NY 11106

Introduction / Overview: Tea and Milk—More Than Just a Sandwich Shop

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Astoria, Queens, Tea and Milk is a true neighborhood gem that masterfully blends multiple culinary experiences under one roof. While categorized as a versatile Sandwich shop, the establishment functions as so much more—a dedicated Bubble tea store, a traditional Coffee shop and Tea house, a charming Pastry shop, and even a Vietnamese restaurant specializing in the iconic Banh Mi. This unique combination makes it an essential stop for New Yorkers seeking high-quality, specialty beverages and quick, flavorful food.

This Asian-owned business is particularly celebrated for its commitment to high-quality ingredients, shunning artificial powders for authentic preparations. Highlights include the Signature Taro Root Milk Tea, which is made from taro that is chopped, cooked, and puréed in-house every morning, and the Vegan Taro Root Milk Tea utilizing coconut milk. This dedication to authentic flavor is also applied to their food menu, which features an enticing array of Vietnamese Sandwiches - Banh Mi. Options like the savory Lemongrass Chicken Vietnamese Sandwich and the plant-based favorite, the Mushroom & Tofu Vietnamese Sandwich ($14.65), provide a substantial and satisfying meal.

Beyond the menu, Tea and Milk is known for its warm, inclusive, and community-oriented environment. The staff are frequently described as "super friendly" and "always nice." Crucially, the establishment is proudly LGBTQ+ friendly and identifies as a Transgender safespace, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that extends to hosting regular community events like local gatherings and meet-ups. This focus on inclusivity makes it a standout choice for local residents seeking not just a meal, but a genuine place to connect.

Location and Accessibility in Astoria, Queens

Tea and Milk is perfectly situated on a lively, yet slightly more residential stretch of Astoria, easily accessible to local commuters and visitors alike.

32-02 34th Ave, Astoria, NY 11106, USA

The location on 34th Avenue places it in a highly convenient area of Queens, well-served by local transit options, making it a quick stop for those traversing the neighborhood. In terms of physical access, the business ensures broad compliance with urban accessibility standards. It features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a crucial detail for ensuring the comfort of all New York patrons.

For patrons arriving by personal vehicle—a perennial challenge in NYC—the restaurant is situated in an area that offers both Free street parking and Paid street parking options, providing flexibility for a quick pickup or a more leisurely stay. The combination of excellent transit access, dedicated off-street parking possibilities, and physical Accessibility reinforces Tea and Milk’s commitment to being a convenient destination for all Astoria residents.

Services Offered for the NYC Customer

Tea and Milk provides a wide array of service options designed to cater to the busy, modern New York lifestyle, prioritizing flexibility and customer safety.

• Comprehensive Takeout and Delivery: Offers multiple convenient service channels including standard Takeout, rapid Curbside pickup, standard Delivery, and No-contact delivery, catering to all safety and convenience preferences.
• Onsite Dining: Provides Dine-in service, allowing customers to enjoy the inviting atmosphere, often with seating available on the sidewalk during pleasant weather.
• Specialty Drinks at Home: Features a unique Tea and Milk at Home section with products like Cafe Du Monde Can coffee and Homemade Herbal Jelly, allowing patrons to recreate a piece of the experience at home.
• Versatile Payment Acceptance: Simplifies transactions by accepting all major forms of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and modern NFC mobile payments.
• Community Hub Services: Actively hosts community events and gatherings, making it a social, rather than just a commercial, center for the neighborhood.

Features / Highlights: Quality Ingredients and Community Focus

The true value of Tea and Milk lies in its core commitments—to ingredient quality, beverage variety, and a powerfully welcoming atmosphere.

• Authentic, Real-Ingredient Tea: The store is lauded for its Great tea selection and commitment to avoiding powders and artificial flavors. The Vegan Taro Root Milk Tea is a prime example, made with real, freshly-cooked taro and coconut milk, providing a superior flavor profile.
• Diverse Banh Mi Selection: The Vietnamese Sandwiches - Banh Mi menu is robust, offering traditional choices like the Classic Cold Cut Vietnamese Sandwich ($13.15) and fresh, praised options like the thoughtful vegetarian Mushroom & Tofu Vietnamese Sandwich.
• Signature Drink Creativity: The SIGNATURE DRINKS menu features unique, locally-inspired creations like the Astoria Drink - Passionfruit Rose Tea and the Chelsea Drink - Japanese Strawberry Milk Inspired, appealing directly to the local NYC customer base.
• Inclusive Atmosphere: Clearly identifies as an LGBTQ+ friendly space and Transgender safespace, backed by a reputation for "super friendly" staff, fostering a genuinely comfortable environment for all segments of the diverse New York community.
• Quality Pastries: Offers delicious treats like the Portuguese Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts) which are noted by customers for being "delicious and served warm," providing a perfect companion to any of their specialty drinks.

Contact Information

For your next order of Banh Mi, a refreshing bubble tea, or to inquire about community events, please use the following contact details for Tea and Milk:

Address: 32-02 34th Ave, Astoria, NY 11106, USA

Phone: (917) 294-0450

What is Worth Choosing Tea and Milk

Choosing Tea and Milk is a decision to support an Asian-owned local business that values authentic ingredients and community inclusivity. It is worth choosing for a combination of exceptional beverages and convenient, quick-service food that is perfectly tailored to the New York lifestyle.

The primary reason to choose this shop is the superior quality of its drinks. While one customer noted a preference for less sweetness, the overwhelming feedback focuses on the use of real fruit and homemade purées, differentiating it significantly from competitors. If you seek high-quality Bubble tea or Vietnamese Style Pour-Over Coffee made with integrity, this is your destination.

Secondly, despite some mixed feedback on the Banh Mi quality from one self-identified Vietnamese customer, another local praised them as "so fresh and honestly I think the best ones I’ve found in Astoria," particularly highlighting the thoughtful Mushroom & Tofu Vietnamese Sandwich. This suggests that the sandwich quality is highly competitive within the neighborhood, offering a fresh, quick, and satisfying lunch option. The variety, including the BBQ Pork Vietnamese Sandwich and Classic Cold Cut Vietnamese Sandwich, ensures an option for every preference.

Finally, its status as a "lovely neighborhood gem" with super friendly staff and its commitment to being a Transgender safespace makes it a socially conscious choice. For a New Yorker looking for a quick meal from a welcoming place that is genuinely invested in the local community, Tea and Milk delivers on every front, offering the convenience of Curbside pickup and the warmth of a local gathering spot.

Tea and Milk

32-02 34th Ave, Astoria, NY 11106, USA