When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Steep LA
Why Steep LA is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Steep LA is a contemporary tea room located in the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, offering a serene yet stylish space to enjoy premium teas. Since opening in September 2019, it has become a popular destination for friends and tea enthusiasts alike, blending traditional Chinese tea culture with a modern, mindful approach to slow living. The tea room serves a carefully curated menu featuring five major categories of Chinese tea: Black, Green, Oolong, White, and Pu-er, all handpicked from China and Taiwan to ensure exceptional quality. Steep LA’s ambiance is enhanced by its hip and artsy interior design, including a relaxing courtyard patio that provides a comfortable setting for social gatherings or quiet reflection. Beyond just a tea place, Steep LA supports sustainability by showcasing a retail section dedicated to local designers and craftspeople, promoting eco-conscious creativity. This fusion of high-quality tea, community focus, and a dedication to slow, mindful enjoyment makes Steep LA an excellent spot for meeting friends, exploring new tea flavors, and experiencing cultural richness in Los Angeles.
Here's what people think of Steep LA
As of recent, Steep LA holds a 4.6-star rating based on 153 reviews.
Reviews for Steep LA highlight its outstanding tea selection and unique atmosphere. Many users appreciate the quality and variety of teas, praising the authentic flavors and carefully chosen leaves sourced from China and Taiwan. The peaceful and artsy environment, including the courtyard patio, receives frequent compliments for being perfect for both casual hangouts and more intimate tea tastings. Positive feedback often mentions attentive and knowledgeable staff, who enhance the experience by sharing their passion for tea. Additionally, patrons enjoy the complimentary tasty popcorn served with their drinks, which adds a distinctive touch. On the other hand, some negative reviews focus on the challenge of parking in Chinatown, which can be inconvenient for visitors arriving by car. A few customers also note that the pricing is higher than typical cafes, reflecting the premium nature of the teas served. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus remains very positive, with many reviewers recommending Steep LA as a top destination for tea lovers and those looking for a stylish and calming meeting place. The thoughtful combination of quality, ambiance, and culture makes Steep LA a standout spot in downtown Los Angeles.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Aarushi G
Excellent vibes, very nice patio space. Chewy tofu was FANTASTIC, the green tea rice was good. The drink was a little on the bitter side for me , would ask for a recommendation next time. Juni tea was good! Sweeter at the bottom Friday night in August had live jazz right next door in the courtyard!!
Janette Marquez
Came here for a mixer held for lawyers, judges and law students, and we had a wonderful time. The food is delicious, the ambience is pleasant and the drinks are amazing. Let's talk about the staff. They are absolutely wonderful. They aren't putting on that fake customer service game face, these people are easy going and give great service. Thank you so much for such a wonderful time. Also, they serve tea and teach about the meaning of tea ceremonies and that is absolutely beautiful. Learning a different culture in a lovely and comfortable environment. If you are nearby, stop in.
Lydia Cheng
Steep is a great modern tea house in the heart of Chinatown. During the day, they have yummy rice and noodle bowls, Chinese inspired appetizers, and a really lovely selection of freshly brewed tea. I love the chicken rice here. I especially love coming in the evening for their Steep After Dark menu, where they have a selection of tea forward cocktails, as well as a selection of bar bites. A must order for me is the furikake popcorn and the oolong cream soda (non-alcoholic). The bar menu changes a bit seasonally as well, so there’s always something new to try. Steep also does a really good job of supporting other Asian American small businesses in the area. They frequently host markets and events in their courtyard and feature many of them in their retail/main menu offerings.
Chris Ho
As a long-time patron of Steep LA, I’ve enthusiastically supported the space not only for its curated teas and inventive pop-ups, but for what it represents—a thoughtful homage to Chinese tea culture, championed so passionately by Lydia and her team. Over the years, I’ve brought friends, attended events, and spent well over a thousand dollars supporting what I believed to be a rare and meaningful culinary venture. However, my experience yesterday was nothing short of jarring. During a casual visit with friends, what should have been another serene tea session was abruptly derailed by the disruptive and erratic behavior of part-owner Samuel Wang. Visibly intoxicated, he initiated an unprovoked verbal altercation with one of my guests over a trivial matter, and soon after, turned his hostility toward others in the room—including myself—despite my having no involvement. To witness someone in a leadership position behave so belligerently, and inebriated no less, is profoundly disappointing. It casts a shadow over the professionalism and integrity that Steep LA has worked so hard to build. This was not a fleeting lapse in judgment—it was an aggressive, public outburst that left multiple patrons uncomfortable and disrespected. For a hospitality-driven space, this kind of behavior is not only unacceptable—it’s damaging. I strongly urge the management to reflect on how such conduct undermines the very culture they’ve sought to celebrate. At the very least, an acknowledgment and public apology from Mr. Wang is warranted. Steep LA remains a venue with immense potential, but moments like this remind us that ambiance is not just aesthetic—it’s human. And yesterday’s experience was anything but steeped in grace.
Avedon Arcade
This is just a review leans more on their cocktail menu over anything else. We love the vibes, we know the tea is great. Bites are delish (even just the Furikake Popcorn is worth having more of). But after a few cocktails we felt they didn’t match up to the price based on their flavor profiles. Lack of balance was the common consensus across a few of these. I’m not sure he actually taste tested some of these, but they either just love sweet drinks without regard to how they really taste or just a bunch of friends be family. Take for example the Pineapple Cake Daiquiri. A mix of rums, juice (sweet) and some egg and butter (savory). Neither really complimented the other and the ingredients felt disjointed. I’m curious on the ratios because with rums and pineapple especially it can get very sweet and overpower the other ingredients. I honestly felt the lack of some other acid like citrus (yuzu or lime would have probably bridged this better) would have helped. Some others tasted fine though there wasn’t anything that immediately made them pop. I get that this is main a tea spot. So it’s admirable that they even have a cocktail menu. But I’d probably stick to that myself the next time I come in. Their cocktail menu does look adventurous if not for the sake of mixing up a lot of different ingredients together. So maybe I’ll try again someday. The tea as always, is amazing and flavorful and taste pretty much EXACTLY how they describe it.
How to reach Steep LA
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Why Steep LA may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Steep LA with your friends? Steep LA offers a uniquely atmospheric setting that blends calm sophistication with cultural richness, perfect for gathering with friends or family. Unlike typical bustling cafes or loud bars, Steep cultivates a space where you can both relax and engage in meaningful conversation. Its modern tea house environment, located in the vibrant Chinatown district, boasts a minimalist aesthetic with clean lines and soothing tones reminiscent of Scandinavian design, creating a serene backdrop for any meetup. Whether you are a tea connoisseur or new to the world of fine teas, Steep serves premium handpicked teas from China and Taiwan, promising a sensory journey from the first sip. The space also fosters a mindful "slow living" ethos, encouraging guests to savor their moments together over thoughtfully brewed tea and carefully prepared food. For groups, this means you’re not just going out for drinks or a meal—you’re stepping into a shared experience that elevates socializing into an art form. With a strong 4.6 rating from over 150 reviews, Steep LA has clearly resonated with locals and visitors alike as a refined yet welcoming venue to rally your people.
What activities can you enjoy at Steep LA that make it ideal for group meetups? Steep LA is more than a tea shop; it is a destination for various engaging activities well suited for groups. First and foremost, the centerpiece experience is its premium Chinese tea service, including traditional tea ceremonies conducted with meticulous care that turn tea drinking into a ritualistic event. This offers a perfect activity for friends or family eager to learn something new together or simply unwind in a tranquil setting. During the daytime, guests can sample a thoughtfully curated menu featuring premium teas from multiple Chinese tea categories such as black, green, oolong, white, and pu-erh teas, all harvested from respected farmers. For those who love to pair drinks with food, Steep offers Chinese Taiwanese comfort dishes like their acclaimed Hainan chicken—ideal for communal sharing and discussion. As night falls, the venue transforms into Steep After Dark, a mellow cocktail lounge offering innovative tea-infused cocktails. These unique drinks, some spiked with flavors like Sichuan peppercorn syrup or chrysanthemum vodka, provide an unexpected twist that appeals to cocktail lovers and tea aficionados alike. The relaxing ambiance combined with these diverse offerings makes the experience versatile enough for different group moods, whether a quiet afternoon or a lively evening.
Why is Steep LA a perfect place for a group meetup? Its spacious yet cozy layout encourages connection, featuring comfortable seating arrangements that accommodate both small and medium-sized groups without feeling cramped or noisy. The design intentionally promotes conversation, with quiet corners for intimate chats and communal tables for larger gatherings. This spatial flexibility ensures groups can feel comfortable and undistracted while spending quality time together. Additionally, the modern and minimalist ambiance of the tea room creates a visually pleasing and calming environment that enhances the social experience. The venue also markets itself as a platform for "Slow Living," encouraging guests to put away distractions and fully immerse themselves in the company of those around them. Besides this, Steep LA supports sustainability by showcasing local designers and craft makers in its retail section, adding a thoughtful cultural dimension guests can explore and discuss. Whether you want to host a casual get-together, a special occasion, or a culturally enriching gathering, Steep LA’s atmosphere and offerings align perfectly with varied meetup goals.
What dining options at Steep LA enrich your group visit? Steep LA offers a concise but carefully crafted menu that complements its tea selection. During the day, you can enjoy traditional Chinese and Taiwanese comfort foods designed to enhance your tea experience. Signature dishes such as braised pork belly, cold sesame noodles, and their celebrated Hainan chicken serve as satisfying, shareable plates that nourish both body and spirit. These flavorful dishes not only promote communal dining but also provide conversation starters around their preparation and cultural origins. Their food is praised for its quality and presentation, which adds an element of visual delight alongside taste. The flavors are authentic yet approachable, making it easy for groups with mixed culinary preferences to enjoy a meal together. Additionally, there are light snacks available to accompany the tea ceremonies or cocktail hours, so guests can nibble without committing to a full meal if they prefer. This versatility ensures that whether you arrive for brunch, lunch, dinner, or an evening wind down, Steep LA accommodates your group's dining expectations with elegance.
How does the transition from day to night enhance the group experience at Steep LA? One of Steep LA’s most intriguing features is its transformation after dark into Steep After Dark, a cocktail lounge with a mellow, intimate vibe. By day, it functions as a bright, peaceful tea house focused on traditional brewing techniques and elegant food offerings. When night arrives, dim lighting and moody decor set the stage for a more relaxed lounge atmosphere where tea-infused cocktails take center stage. The cocktail menu is innovative, featuring creations like chrysanthemum vodka with cucumber and a hint of sesame oil, or black tea whisky mixed with Sichuan peppercorn syrup—a fusion of tea culture and contemporary mixology. This dual identity makes the venue highly adaptable and appealing to groups with varied tastes and plans. Some may begin their gathering over teas and light bites, then seamlessly transition to an after-hours social experience without changing locations. The mellow yet sophisticated ambiance encourages friendly conversation and relaxation, making it a great spot to wind down with your friends and savor distinctive flavors.
Why is Steep LA’s focus on sustainability and local culture important for group meetups? Steep LA integrates a retail section dedicated to sustainability-focused local designers and craft makers, which adds a thoughtful cultural layer to the meetup experience. For groups interested in responsible consumption or supporting artisan communities, this element enhances the venue’s appeal beyond food and drink. It provides a shared experience where guests can explore handcrafted goods, sparking conversations about design, sustainability, and local culture. This curated retail presence also aligns with Steep’s broader philosophy of Slow Living—promoting mindfulness, intentionality, and appreciation for quality over quantity. Incorporating these principles into a social gathering helps deepen connections among friends by encouraging them to be present and engaged. This dimension makes Steep LA not just a place to meet, but also a meaningful environment where group members can collectively reflect on values around culture and sustainability, enriching the social experience.
How accessible and welcoming is Steep LA for diverse groups? Located in Chinatown, Steep LA is easily accessible via public transportation and has parking nearby, making it convenient for friends or family members traveling from different parts of Los Angeles. Its ambiance strikes a balance between refined and approachable, without pretension, so newcomers to tea culture or cocktail lounges don’t feel intimidated. The staff are known for being knowledgeable and welcoming, often introducing guests to tea varieties or cocktail ingredients in an educational yet friendly manner, which is helpful for groups eager to try new things together. Additionally, the menu is diverse enough to accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions, providing vegetarian-friendly options and a variety of flavors that appeal broadly. This inclusive atmosphere ensures that groups of various compositions—whether longtime friends, families, or co-workers—can comfortably enjoy their time at Steep LA without barriers to participation or enjoyment.
By integrating a superior tea drinking experience, delicious communal food, a unique cocktail lounge, a mindful cultural mission, and an inviting atmosphere, Steep LA stands out as an exceptional venue for group meetups. Its unique fusion of tradition and modernity, alongside accessibility and warmth, makes it a compelling choice for rallying your friends or family to enjoy both enriching and relaxing moments together.