Great place to chill or work. Not inexpensive. And more expensive everytime I go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Alexandria McCauley
This is one of my favorite places that I can go to read a book. The staff are so kind and really walk you through the teas that you're interested in. The remodel also looks really good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pure Gold Needle
Nicole Hadassah
I have qualms with this place. The tea is technically good. But there's so much left to be desired with the space, service, and ambience. If you have all the time in the world and want to enjoy a tasting, have at it. For tea on the run, skip this spot.
Christine Welsh-Buck
My daughter and I love the teas and the vibe here! *Amazing* tea menu. We often order a custom flight so we can try new things. The 3/4 stars for food is that there isn't always a gluten free treat. Typically several good regular pastry choices, though. Great between meal stop, friendly staff, pretty place; comfy with books to read while you sip Lunar Moon or Bug Bite Oolong.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tea Flight
Bijoux Beauregard
Perhaps it's worth noting that this is one of the few tea houses I've encountered that offers both a traditional tea ceremony and iced/milk teas. Blue Willow offers an impressive selection of pu'erh, as well as layered black and green teas. The white and herbal menu is nothing to scoff at, either. The array of glass and porcelain delivered to the tables might seem a tad intimidating to customers that aren't super familiar with them, but I promise the staff are courteous, friendly, and more than happy to teach patrons about steep times and pour techniques.Kid-friendliness: The children who could sit in a place like this are few and far between. There are shelves housing delicate porcelain cups, one-of-a-kind teapots, and $200 bricks of compact tea leaves at the mouth of the shop. Towards the back, where patrons are drinking their tea, there are metal kettles filled with boiling water on or around every table. For the love of your wallet and your sanity, please don't bring your kids.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Akshay Jain
Perfect place for spending a cozy and warm evening in the winters. You can order a tea pot per person, sit down and have good conversations. Do try their cupcakes, we liked the mochi cupcake.For the green tea, we tried Sencha and felt it was a bit bitter (more powder than leaves) so it did not taste as we hoped it would. Maybe they do it for faster brewing (Sencha leaves usually take 1 minute for brewing, but this one took ten seconds). Would try again next time with a different variety.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Ish
I love Blue Willow and really prop this place up but was really disappointed with the quality of our lattes and service. I understand that for the first day of the new year things were busy but I've never had to wait 45+min for 4 Hojicha Oat milk lattes. The server told me that it would take roughly 15 minutes to make which is understandable given that there were a few orders ahead of me but I never imagined it would take this long. My siblings and I placed our orders at 4:03pm and didn't receive our orders until roughly 4:51pm. The whole time we awkwardly stood indoors bc all the tables were taken and it was raining outside (I get that's not the business fault but still, not a pleasant experience).I've been to Blue Willow several times and love the tea and Hojicha lattes and that's why I wanted to bring my siblings here for their first time but was deeply disappointed :/Also, they had served the drinks for in-house but I had requested them to go so that took another minute or two to correct.What's even more upsetting was that the Hojicha lattes tasted like Oatmilk and hot water with a hint of Hojicha. Definitely not up to standards to the previous lattes I've had here at Blue Willow in the past. Also I think they forgot the date syrup?I'm not giving up on Blue Willow so I'll be coming back bc I love their teas. But I hope folks at BW read this and try to avoid having folks wait around for so long/avoid falling short in latte standard.(Picture: the cup they served the lattes to go was wet with the latte they messily poured in. Yikes!)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Josh G.
Great energy great service if your looking for a sitdown tea spot look no further couldnt have been happier to find this place
Danyelle
Love this spot sooooo much! It’s so cozy and has absolutely the best selection of teas. I love that there are two options for floor seating and plenty of tables too. I had the cozy belly blend which was a warming and a little spicy. Highly recommend! Can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Derek Sakakura
In the labyrinthine landscape of Berkeley's caffeinated establishments, a tea leaf falls softly, quietly making its mark. Welcome to Blue Willow Teaspot, an enclave that successfully defies categorization, flourishing as a crossbreed of a Japanese tea house, a botanical garden, and a hipster café. It is a paean to tea culture, meticulously curated yet remarkably unpretentious.Here, where eastern traditions are honored -it is met by a Western sensibility without compromising the depth of either. It's an environment where tatami-like floor seating coexists with modern counter spaces and well-appointed duet tables. Each seating arrangement is an invitation to a unique experience, whether you're steeping into mindfulness alone or sharing a brew with companions.The warmth and excellence of this establishment hinges on the stalwart team that keeps it humming. Reya, Corinne, Niko, Shafari, Ali,, Bill and more (I haven't learned everyone's name - yet!) and their tribe of tea stewards exude a level of expertise that elevates a simple infusion to an art form. One cannot overstate the care, from the sourcing of tea leaves to the act of pouring, that is poured into every cup.While my visits have largely been solitary affairs, the space expands effortlessly to include social circles, even intimate tête-à-têtes.And though reservations may be prudent for weekend visits, the venue's welcoming aura leaves no one at the threshold.In a city where coffee shops abound but seldom enchant, Blue Willow Teaspot manifests as an urban oasis where tea is not merely a beverage but a medium for community building. As I pen this review, I am enveloped in a sense of gratitude. Thank you, Blue Willow, for steeping Oakland in a culture of tea and togetherness that transcends boundaries.If the essence of a good tea house is to serve as a sanctuary from the chaos outside its doors, Blue Willow Teaspot has succeeded with understated elegance. The question isn't whether you should go, but rather, why you haven't been yet!Parking: There are many street spots because it is just off the beaten-path. No meters!
Today I went to Blue Willow needing something special and comforting to brighten the rest of my day, and I left with just that. The friendly, cheerful staffs were very knowledgeable and helped me narrow down a selection from their extensive tea menu. I left with a smile on my face and warm tea in my tummy. ?☀️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Justin W.
I stopped in a few days ago to get a supplement for a Christmas gift and the staff couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. I will definitely be back for tea after the New Year
Sam Curcio
First time. I usually like to drink tea with milk and sugar but felt awkward asking and most of their teas don't seem to lend themselves to being served that
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Derek S.
In the labyrinthine landscape of Berkeley's caffeinated establishments, a tea leaf falls softly, quietly making its mark. Welcome to Blue Willow Teaspot, an enclave that successfully defies categorization, flourishing as a crossbreed of a Japanese tea house, a botanical garden, and a hipster café. It is a paean to tea culture, meticulously curated yet remarkably unpretentious. Here, where eastern traditions are honored --it is met by a Western sensibility without compromising the depth of either. It's an environment where tatami-like floor seating coexists with modern counter spaces and well-appointed duet tables. Each seating arrangement is an invitation to a unique experience, whether you're steeping into mindfulness alone or sharing a brew with companions. The warmth and excellence of this establishment hinges on the stalwart team that keeps it humming. Reya, Corinne, Niko, Shafari, Ali,, Bill and more (I haven't learned everyone's name - yet!) and their tribe of tea stewards exude a level of expertise that elevates a simple infusion to an art form. One cannot overstate the care, from the sourcing of tea leaves to the act of pouring, that is poured into every cup.While my visits have largely been solitary affairs, the space expands effortlessly to include social circles, even intimate tête-à-têtes. And though reservations may be prudent for weekend visits, the venue's welcoming aura leaves no one at the threshold.In a city where coffee shops abound but seldom enchant, Blue Willow Teaspot manifests as an urban oasis where tea is not merely a beverage but a medium for community building. As I pen this review, I am enveloped in a sense of gratitude. Thank you, Blue Willow, for steeping Oakland in a culture of tea and togetherness that transcends boundaries.If the essence of a good tea house is to serve as a sanctuary from the chaos outside its doors, Blue Willow Teaspot has succeeded with understated elegance. The question isn't whether you should go, but rather, why you haven't been yet!
Jessica Nunya
My review is for my matcha subscription I have delivered every month! Blue Willow Tea goes above and beyond with quality as well as with customer service!!! It's been on my mind to share how happy I am as a customer. UPS delivered to the wrong address last month, and when I reached out to blue willow, without hesitation they helped me and even sent me another package immediately before the claim process started. I appreciated that so much!! I'll be drinking my daily matcha latte powered by blue willow tea's amazing vibrant green matcha powder for as long as they are in business!!! It's the best matcha I've found and fairly priced! Much love and appreciation
Great place to chill or work. Not inexpensive. And more expensive everytime I go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
This is one of my favorite places that I can go to read a book. The staff are so kind and really walk you through the teas that you're interested in. The remodel also looks really good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pure Gold Needle
I have qualms with this place. The tea is technically good. But there's so much left to be desired with the space, service, and ambience. If you have all the time in the world and want to enjoy a tasting, have at it. For tea on the run, skip this spot.
My daughter and I love the teas and the vibe here! *Amazing* tea menu. We often order a custom flight so we can try new things. The 3/4 stars for food is that there isn't always a gluten free treat. Typically several good regular pastry choices, though. Great between meal stop, friendly staff, pretty place; comfy with books to read while you sip Lunar Moon or Bug Bite Oolong.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tea Flight
Perhaps it's worth noting that this is one of the few tea houses I've encountered that offers both a traditional tea ceremony and iced/milk teas. Blue Willow offers an impressive selection of pu'erh, as well as layered black and green teas. The white and herbal menu is nothing to scoff at, either. The array of glass and porcelain delivered to the tables might seem a tad intimidating to customers that aren't super familiar with them, but I promise the staff are courteous, friendly, and more than happy to teach patrons about steep times and pour techniques.Kid-friendliness: The children who could sit in a place like this are few and far between. There are shelves housing delicate porcelain cups, one-of-a-kind teapots, and $200 bricks of compact tea leaves at the mouth of the shop. Towards the back, where patrons are drinking their tea, there are metal kettles filled with boiling water on or around every table. For the love of your wallet and your sanity, please don't bring your kids.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Perfect place for spending a cozy and warm evening in the winters. You can order a tea pot per person, sit down and have good conversations. Do try their cupcakes, we liked the mochi cupcake.For the green tea, we tried Sencha and felt it was a bit bitter (more powder than leaves) so it did not taste as we hoped it would. Maybe they do it for faster brewing (Sencha leaves usually take 1 minute for brewing, but this one took ten seconds). Would try again next time with a different variety.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
I love Blue Willow and really prop this place up but was really disappointed with the quality of our lattes and service. I understand that for the first day of the new year things were busy but I've never had to wait 45+min for 4 Hojicha Oat milk lattes. The server told me that it would take roughly 15 minutes to make which is understandable given that there were a few orders ahead of me but I never imagined it would take this long. My siblings and I placed our orders at 4:03pm and didn't receive our orders until roughly 4:51pm. The whole time we awkwardly stood indoors bc all the tables were taken and it was raining outside (I get that's not the business fault but still, not a pleasant experience).I've been to Blue Willow several times and love the tea and Hojicha lattes and that's why I wanted to bring my siblings here for their first time but was deeply disappointed :/Also, they had served the drinks for in-house but I had requested them to go so that took another minute or two to correct.What's even more upsetting was that the Hojicha lattes tasted like Oatmilk and hot water with a hint of Hojicha. Definitely not up to standards to the previous lattes I've had here at Blue Willow in the past. Also I think they forgot the date syrup?I'm not giving up on Blue Willow so I'll be coming back bc I love their teas. But I hope folks at BW read this and try to avoid having folks wait around for so long/avoid falling short in latte standard.(Picture: the cup they served the lattes to go was wet with the latte they messily poured in. Yikes!)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Great energy great service if your looking for a sitdown tea spot look no further couldnt have been happier to find this place
Love this spot sooooo much! It’s so cozy and has absolutely the best selection of teas. I love that there are two options for floor seating and plenty of tables too. I had the cozy belly blend which was a warming and a little spicy. Highly recommend! Can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
In the labyrinthine landscape of Berkeley's caffeinated establishments, a tea leaf falls softly, quietly making its mark. Welcome to Blue Willow Teaspot, an enclave that successfully defies categorization, flourishing as a crossbreed of a Japanese tea house, a botanical garden, and a hipster café. It is a paean to tea culture, meticulously curated yet remarkably unpretentious.Here, where eastern traditions are honored -it is met by a Western sensibility without compromising the depth of either. It's an environment where tatami-like floor seating coexists with modern counter spaces and well-appointed duet tables. Each seating arrangement is an invitation to a unique experience, whether you're steeping into mindfulness alone or sharing a brew with companions.The warmth and excellence of this establishment hinges on the stalwart team that keeps it humming. Reya, Corinne, Niko, Shafari, Ali,, Bill and more (I haven't learned everyone's name - yet!) and their tribe of tea stewards exude a level of expertise that elevates a simple infusion to an art form. One cannot overstate the care, from the sourcing of tea leaves to the act of pouring, that is poured into every cup.While my visits have largely been solitary affairs, the space expands effortlessly to include social circles, even intimate tête-à-têtes.And though reservations may be prudent for weekend visits, the venue's welcoming aura leaves no one at the threshold.In a city where coffee shops abound but seldom enchant, Blue Willow Teaspot manifests as an urban oasis where tea is not merely a beverage but a medium for community building. As I pen this review, I am enveloped in a sense of gratitude. Thank you, Blue Willow, for steeping Oakland in a culture of tea and togetherness that transcends boundaries.If the essence of a good tea house is to serve as a sanctuary from the chaos outside its doors, Blue Willow Teaspot has succeeded with understated elegance. The question isn't whether you should go, but rather, why you haven't been yet!Parking: There are many street spots because it is just off the beaten-path. No meters!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tea Flight
Restaurantji Recommends
Today I went to Blue Willow needing something special and comforting to brighten the rest of my day, and I left with just that. The friendly, cheerful staffs were very knowledgeable and helped me narrow down a selection from their extensive tea menu. I left with a smile on my face and warm tea in my tummy. ?☀️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I stopped in a few days ago to get a supplement for a Christmas gift and the staff couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. I will definitely be back for tea after the New Year
First time. I usually like to drink tea with milk and sugar but felt awkward asking and most of their teas don't seem to lend themselves to being served that
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
In the labyrinthine landscape of Berkeley's caffeinated establishments, a tea leaf falls softly, quietly making its mark. Welcome to Blue Willow Teaspot, an enclave that successfully defies categorization, flourishing as a crossbreed of a Japanese tea house, a botanical garden, and a hipster café. It is a paean to tea culture, meticulously curated yet remarkably unpretentious. Here, where eastern traditions are honored --it is met by a Western sensibility without compromising the depth of either. It's an environment where tatami-like floor seating coexists with modern counter spaces and well-appointed duet tables. Each seating arrangement is an invitation to a unique experience, whether you're steeping into mindfulness alone or sharing a brew with companions. The warmth and excellence of this establishment hinges on the stalwart team that keeps it humming. Reya, Corinne, Niko, Shafari, Ali,, Bill and more (I haven't learned everyone's name - yet!) and their tribe of tea stewards exude a level of expertise that elevates a simple infusion to an art form. One cannot overstate the care, from the sourcing of tea leaves to the act of pouring, that is poured into every cup.While my visits have largely been solitary affairs, the space expands effortlessly to include social circles, even intimate tête-à-têtes. And though reservations may be prudent for weekend visits, the venue's welcoming aura leaves no one at the threshold.In a city where coffee shops abound but seldom enchant, Blue Willow Teaspot manifests as an urban oasis where tea is not merely a beverage but a medium for community building. As I pen this review, I am enveloped in a sense of gratitude. Thank you, Blue Willow, for steeping Oakland in a culture of tea and togetherness that transcends boundaries.If the essence of a good tea house is to serve as a sanctuary from the chaos outside its doors, Blue Willow Teaspot has succeeded with understated elegance. The question isn't whether you should go, but rather, why you haven't been yet!
My review is for my matcha subscription I have delivered every month! Blue Willow Tea goes above and beyond with quality as well as with customer service!!! It's been on my mind to share how happy I am as a customer. UPS delivered to the wrong address last month, and when I reached out to blue willow, without hesitation they helped me and even sent me another package immediately before the claim process started. I appreciated that so much!! I'll be drinking my daily matcha latte powered by blue willow tea's amazing vibrant green matcha powder for as long as they are in business!!! It's the best matcha I've found and fairly priced! Much love and appreciation
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5