When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Té Company
Why Té Company is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Té Company, founded in 2012 by Elena Liao and Frederico Ribeiro, is a unique tea retailer located in New York City that specializes in authentic Taiwanese teas. Originating from a background of wholesaling to fine dining venues, the company transitioned to a retail model with tearooms in Manhattan's West and East Villages, offering visitors an inviting and authentic atmosphere to explore a diverse range of high-quality loose-leaf teas. Té Company emphasizes direct relationships with small-scale Taiwanese tea farmers, ensuring purity and excellence in every cup. Their name, derived from "Té," the Taiwanese Hokkien word for tea, reflects this deep cultural connection. Alongside their renowned selection of oolong and other Taiwanese teas, the company offers a curated menu of traditional tea snacks such as Pineapple Cakes and Pineapple Linzer, enhancing the tea experience for groups and friends seeking a sociable and sensory gathering place. The tearoom's warm, brownstone setting and knowledgeable staff provide an immersive environment for both connoisseurs and newcomers, making it a great locale for meeting friends to enjoy thoughtful tea tastings and conversation. Furthermore, Té Company retails its teas, teaware, and snacks both in-store and online, facilitating access for those wanting to bring their premium tea experience home or gift it to others.
Here's what people think of Té Company
As of recent, Té Company holds a 4.9-star rating based on 411 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise Té Company for its exceptional quality of tea and the authenticity of the Taiwanese tea experience it offers in New York City. Reviewers often highlight the knowledgeable and friendly staff who enhance the educational aspect of tea tasting, making the experience both enjoyable and informative. Many customers appreciate the rare selection of loose-leaf teas, especially the oolongs sourced directly from small Taiwanese farmers, which are not commonly found in the United States. Positive reviews frequently mention the tearoom's cozy ambiance and the delicious tea snacks, such as the Pineapple Cakes, which complement the tea perfectly and add cultural depth to the visit. Patrons also value the intimate and serene environment, ideal for socializing or relaxing with friends amidst a carefully curated tea selection.The few negative comments mainly relate to the sometimes limited seating during busy hours and pricing perceived as slightly premium, reflecting the high quality and specialty nature of the teas served. However, these critiques are generally minor and do not detract significantly from the overall positive impression. Some visitors have noted that the tearoom's niche focus may appeal primarily to tea enthusiasts rather than casual drinkers, which is consistent with Té Company's commitment to an authentic and artisanal tea experience.Overall, the reviews paint a picture of Té Company as a top-tier specialty tea establishment that successfully brings Taiwanese tea culture to New York City with care, quality, and an inviting atmosphere. It holds an excellent 4.9 rating from over 400 reviewers, underscoring its strong reputation and customer satisfaction.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
CJL - G
It’s our pleasure to be here at Té Company! A small but lovely Taiwanese tea house located in the West Village. Taiwanese high mountain oolong tea, is well known as the best tea in the world. All products of Té Company come from Taiwan, a high-quality tea producing country. It is a pleasure to taste high-quality tea in this lovely space on weekends. We waited for more than an hour to get a seat, but it was worth it. The traditional Taiwanese dessert egg yolk cake is delicious with tea. A staff, he is very friendly, kindly helped us pour tea and answer the questions of the tea. We will definitely come back!
Lisa Wong
Stopped by on a hot Saturday afternoon and tried the Tea Tasting Flight with three Taiwanese oolongs. Mount Pyrus was light and floral, and the other two had deeper, bolder flavors. Each tea had its own unique profile, and we really enjoyed them all. The tasting came with a few biscuits — we picked the mustard green and chicken, plus a daikon one. The mustard green was our favorite. It also came with sweets like the Pineapple Linzer, Pineapple Cake, and Button Cookie Trio. The pineapple ones were standouts — buttery, rich, and delicious. The space is a quiet little hideaway, perfect for escaping the busy city. We loved the peaceful vibe and the whole experience. It would’ve been helpful if the tea names were written down, but overall, we had such a lovely time.
Vanya Elbaar
It’s such a lovely treat to sit in this space and enjoy their oolong. They have seasonal sweets and drinks as well. It’s a small space but if you time it right you can get a good seat, and if there is a line it’s never an absurd wait.
Mindy Lai
Had the most amazing experience here and it made me feel at home! All of the snacks and treats are made in house at their Brooklyn location. Of all the items we tried they were all so good! Definitely authentic Taiwanese flavors! The staff was wonderful and make the experience too. Sweet, attentive and detailed. They’ll tell you everything you need to know and if you have questions on any of the snacks like us! Highly highly recommend!
HZ
Walk-in here after l had lunch in Leitao, which is too loud to talk. This is the place you can chat and relax. Ice tea tastes smooth!
How to reach Té Company
None
Website: None
Why Té Company may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Té Company with your friends?
Té Company offers an inviting and tranquil oasis in the bustling heart of New York City, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends for a memorable outing. This tea house stands out with its serene ambiance, cozy seating arrangements, and exceptional focus on authentic Taiwanese tea culture. Whether you seek a quiet corner to reconnect or a stylish venue to celebrate special moments, Té Company provides a perfect atmosphere that encourages conversation and relaxation. The calming aesthetic, combined with the subtle fragrance of freshly brewed teas, helps create an experience that is both rejuvenating and intimate. Furthermore, the exceptional service enhances the visit, with attentive staff ensuring your group feels welcomed and cared for throughout your stay. Collectively, these attributes foster a sense of community and leisurely pleasure, encouraging longer visits and deeper social connection, which is rare in a fast-paced city environment.
Gathering here goes beyond simply meeting for a drink; it becomes a shared experience that highlights quality time spent over exquisite teas and thoughtfully prepared snacks. With a 4.9-star rating based on over 400 reviews, Té Company’s reputation solidifies its status as a reliable and cherished venue for meetups. The specialization in Taiwanese oolong teas and the emphasis on the gongfu-style brewing method invite your group to savor each sip deliberately, promoting mindfulness and warmth among friends. This combination of ambiance, quality, and authenticity makes Té Company a top choice when looking to rally your friends for a unique, enjoyable gathering.
What activities can groups enjoy at Té Company that make it perfect for meetups?
Té Company offers a variety of activities that appeal to groups looking for meaningful ways to spend time together. Central to the experience is the opportunity to explore Taiwanese tea culture through carefully curated tea tastings. Guests can participate in gongfu-style tea brewing, which involves steeping tea leaves multiple times to extract layers of flavor, allowing each member to engage actively in the appreciation and ritual of tea preparation. This interactive aspect deepens group interaction, turning the experience into a shared exploration of taste and tradition.
Beyond tea tasting, Té Company provides a compact yet comfortable space ideally suited for conversations, allowing up to four people comfortably at tables and several others at a tea bar. The two locations—West Village and East Village—offer slightly different atmospheres; the West Village location is preferred for its ample natural light from large windows, creating a bright and pleasant environment, while the East Village offers more seating and a quieter retreat with seating away from direct sunlight. Both venues have a cozy, Zen-like decor perfect for long, unhurried visits.
Groups can also enjoy an assortment of artisanal baked snacks like the renowned pineapple Linzer cookies, which provide a delightful complement to the teas and encourage communal sharing. Small plates and light lunch options are available, facilitating longer stays where friends can relax over several courses while engaging in meaningful conversation. The attentive service means your group won’t have to worry about the details; staff ensure every pot is brewed to perfection and help guide newcomers through the nuances of Taiwanese teas. Additionally, the shop sells their tea leaves and snacks online, letting groups continue the experience even after leaving. This blend of tea education, tasting, and comfortable social space makes Té Company a standout venue for group meetups.
Why is Té Company’s tea selection considered exceptional for group tastings?
The Tsé Company's tea selection is notable for its authenticity, quality, and variety, making it exceptionally well-suited for group tastings and exploration. The shop exclusively offers Taiwanese teas, predominantly oolongs but including black, white, and herbal varieties as well, distinguished by their premium origin and handcrafted sourcing. The founder, Elena Liao, personally travels to Taiwan to source teas, ensuring that the offerings meet high standards and reflect genuine Taiwanese tea culture rather than mass-market imitations.
The gongfu-style brewing method featured in the tearoom involves steeping tea leaves in small clay pots, which requires attention to temperature, time, and leaf quantity. This approach allows each type of tea to reveal nuanced flavors across multiple steeps, inviting groups to taste subtle differences and share their observations. This ceremonial quality fosters conversation and a deeper appreciation for tea craftsmanship. The menu provides detailed descriptions of teas, including cultivar names, oxidation levels, and roast information, enhancing the educational aspect of the visit and enabling friends to compare and contrast various brews.
Furthermore, Té Company permits additional steeps beyond the standard two, maximizing the tasting experience and providing extended opportunities for group engagement. The teas are complemented by fresh snacks that are thoughtfully paired to highlight and balance the flavors. This devotion to authenticity and variety makes Té Company a unique tea destination, perfect for groups who want more than just casual sipping but an immersive, refined tasting experience.
How does the ambiance of Té Company contribute to a successful group meetup?
The ambiance at Té Company plays a crucial role in making it an excellent venue for group gatherings. The tearoom is designed to be a calm and welcoming retreat from the city's frenetic pace, incorporating minimalist and warm design elements that encourage relaxation and social connection. Both the West Village and East Village locations prioritize intimate seating layouts that balance privacy and openness, perfect for groups of friends to chat without feeling overheard or rushed.
Natural lighting is a highlight at the West Village location, where large windows fill the space with gentle sunlight, creating a bright and airy environment conducive to cheerful, comfortable conversation. In contrast, the East Village spot offers a cozier atmosphere with more seating and softer lighting, ideal for more intimate or extended meetups, such as long afternoon tea sessions. The quietude and absence of typical café noise encourage mindfulness and deeper discussion, fostering a sense of shared calm and focus.
The staff's attentive nature further enhances the ambiance; their passion for tea and knowledge contributes positively to the overall mood. They take care to ensure multiple steeps are timed just right and that guests never feel rushed, allowing groups to linger for hours if desired. This slow-paced, thoughtful environment invites guests to fully experience the subtleties of tea drinking while enjoying quality time with friends, making it an exceptional setting for group gatherings.
What makes Té Company’s snacks and menu a great complement to group visits?
The snack offerings and menu at Té Company are carefully crafted to complement the tea selection and enhance group visits. Their most celebrated treat, the pineapple Linzer cookie, captures guests’ palates with its delightfully balanced flavor — a combination of sweet, sour, and creamy that pairs exquisitely with oolong teas. These artisanal baked goods are perfect for sharing and invite groups to indulge in a communal tasting experience, fostering a convivial atmosphere.
In addition to sweet snacks, the tearoom offers light lunch options, such as sandwiches and small plates, providing variety for groups who want more than just tea and pastry. The food menu is thoughtfully designed to not overpower the delicate tea flavors but to elegantly support them, allowing everyone at the table to enjoy a balanced taste experience throughout the visit. This versatility encourages longer stays, as guests can transition seamlessly from tea tasting to light meals without leaving the comfort of the space.
The quality of these snacks mirrors the high standards of the teas, with ingredients chosen for their freshness and authenticity. The fact that many of the snacks and teas are available for purchase online also means groups can extend their experience beyond the visit, sharing favorites with friends and family at home. Overall, the harmony between beverage and food offerings creates a well-rounded, pleasurable experience suited for groups to relax, chat, and enjoy together.
Why does the location of Té Company add to its appeal for meetups?
Té Company’s two Manhattan locations—West Village and East Village—are situated in vibrant, accessible neighborhoods known for their charm and culture, which adds significantly to the appeal for group meetups. Nestled within these dynamic areas, the tearooms provide guests a peaceful sanctuary amid bustling city streets, allowing groups to easily incorporate a relaxing tea session into a day of exploration or socializing in New York City.
The West Village location benefits from a quaint townhouse setting with large windows that lend a residential, inviting feel—a rare find in a metropolitan tea shop. This adds a homely ambiance that makes guests feel comfortable and welcome, ideal for extended visits and casual catch-ups. Meanwhile, the East Village venue offers more space and seating variety, accommodating larger groups or those preferring a quieter environment away from the main thoroughfare. Both locations are reachable by public transport, making it convenient for friends to gather from anywhere in the city.
Their locations also situate them near a variety of complementary activities and eateries, allowing groups to combine their tea visit with additional cultural or culinary plans. Moreover, the local neighborhoods’ lively yet relaxed vibe synergizes well with Té Company’s ethos of mindful, slow-paced enjoyment, reinforcing the sense of community and connection during meetups.
How does Té Company ensure excellent service that benefits group gatherings?
Té Company upholds a high standard of personalized service that greatly benefits group gatherings by fostering an effortless and enjoyable experience. Staff members are known for their attentiveness without being intrusive, expertly guiding guests through the nuanced process of Taiwanese tea brewing. This includes carefully monitoring temperature and steep times, which elevates the quality of each cup and ensures consistency for every member of the group.
For groups who might be new to Taiwanese oolong or gongfu-style brewing, the knowledgeable team offers explanations and demonstrations, enhancing the educational and experiential aspect of the meetup. This guidance helps all participants feel comfortable and engaged, making the experience accessible and enriching regardless of prior tea knowledge. The team’s passion and authenticity shine through, meaning guests sense genuine care and enthusiasm during their visit.
Moreover, the staff encourages guests to take their time, never rushing anyone even during busy hours. This relaxed, patient approach aligns with group dynamics where conversations naturally ebb and flow, enabling long periods of socializing accompanied by rounds of delicious tea. Assistance with selecting teas and snacks personalized toward group preferences also adds a tailored touch, ensuring everyone’s tastes are accommodated. This commitment to service excellence helps Té Company maintain its stellar 4.9 rating and builds strong customer loyalty for group meetups.
With its tranquil ambiance, authentic Taiwanese tea experience, excellent service, and thoughtfully paired snacks, Té Company is an outstanding destination to rally friends and family. It offers a rare blend of cultural education and social relaxation in two welcoming Manhattan locations, making it perfect for intimate conversations, leisurely afternoons, and memorable gatherings over premium tea.