Eli Tea Bar

We stopped into Eli’s Tea Bar while exploring Andersonville and initially had a really nice first impression. The employee at the front was very friendly and gave us great drink suggestions, which we appreciated. The space itself has a cool vibe, and we even paid for extra parking because we planned to stay a bit and grab some baked goods after our drinks. After ordering our drinks, my husband brought in a sandwich we had just purchased next door. As we were about to eat, the owner approached us and told us they do not allow outside food or drinks and that we needed to throw it away or pack it up and leave. We chose to leave. We completely understand that businesses may have policies about outside food. However, the way it was communicated felt abrupt and unwelcoming, especially since we were already paying customers and had planned to continue supporting the shop. Unfortunately, neither of us really enjoyed our drinks either, which added to the disappointment. Overall, we loved the neighborhood and the concept of the space, but the interaction left us feeling unwelcome and we just won’t return.

Never thought I'd set foot in a sober tea bar tbh. However, when I started back at college, I realized that there really aren't many spaces to study late at night. A lot of cafes close early, libraries close between 6-8 PM. Since starting school this past September, I've been here 30-something times—great spot to study late, open until 10 PM most days. The patrons here are nice, as is the staff. The back can get busy with events like open-mic, creative writing, board game nights, etc., so if it gets too packed (and I mean, every seat filled), I'll go to the front to study at the tea bar and put my headphones in. Underrated community space for sure!

I tried the Smoked Hot Chocolate, and I really loved it. It’s warm, smooth, and not too sweet. The light smoky flavor makes it unique and very comforting. The atmosphere is cozy, artistic, and inviting. Beautiful teapots, tea shelves, soft lighting, and thoughtful details make the space feel calm and creative. A perfect place to slow down and enjoy the moment. I’ll definitely come back.

I had the pumpkin spice tea latte, and the Traverse cherry iced tea and they were both delicious. I feel as though pumpkin spice can be a hit or miss, but this was totally a hit . My friend had the blood orange, which was very nice and floral. The staff could be a little bit more engaging and helpful due to the fact that there’s so many options but overall very nice place to go and have tea even in the evening. They have many caffeine free options.

You’ll come back for the matcha and stay for the community. This place serves a comprehensive tea selection and expertly crafted drinks. The thing I love most is that owner has gone above and beyond to create a safe inclusive space for the recovering and sober curious community. They host a diverse line-up of monthly and weekly events where you’ll willing put down your phone and engage with someone IRL…