When asking yourself about something to do near me in South Miami with a group of friends or family, consider
Tea & Poets
Why Tea & Poets is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Tea & Poets, located in the Shops at Sunset Place in South Miami, is a unique and vibrant destination perfect for meeting friends and immersing yourself in art and culture. Founded by Joaquin Ortiz and his friends, it combines a full-service tea bar with an indoor art walk-style market and live performances. The clever layout features a central stage surrounded by cozy couches and tables arranged to encourage both social interaction and privacy. Around the perimeter, you will find various sections filled with fashion clothing, hats, sunglasses, and artisan crafts, creating a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere. Their tea selection is impressively diverse, sourced from global regions including India, Africa, and Thailand, with the staff serving as knowledgeable tea gurus to help guests choose the perfect brew. Tea & Poets is more than a tea shop—it’s a community gathering place where creativity thrives, with live poetry, music, comedy, and art performances happening regularly. This inviting venue is ideal for relaxing, socializing, or attending an open mic night while enjoying expertly crafted teas and organic tea-based cocktails.
Here's what people think of Tea & Poets
As of recent, Tea & Poets holds a 4.5-star rating based on 170 reviews.
Customers consistently praise Tea & Poets for its welcoming atmosphere, creative vibe, and exceptional teas. Many reviewers highlight how the space is eclectic and cozy, making it a perfect spot to relax, work, or spend time with friends. The knowledgeable and friendly staff who expertly guide guests through their vast tea selections are frequently commended. Positive feedback often mentions the unique teas and tea cocktails, the quality of organic ingredients, and the venue’s role as a welcoming cultural hub for local artists and performers. Customers also appreciate the free Wi-Fi, board games, and open mic nights that enhance the overall experience. On the other hand, some negative reviews have indicated occasional slow service during busy times and limited seating availability due to the venue’s popularity. A few guests desired a more extensive food menu to complement the tea offerings. Overall, Tea & Poets receives high marks for innovation, ambiance, and community spirit, with the positives far outweighing any minor drawbacks, making it a cherished spot in South Miami for tea lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Alex Vo
Tea & Poets is my to-go indie tea shop for delicious tea served around the world. Hopefully, the Tea & Poets family can expand their community to bring in others to enjoy their mini shops, tea, coffee, matcha, and other events Tea & Poets has to offer like their weekly Wednesday night Mic Nights to showcase your poetic and musical talent. Will definitely visit there again and try other types of traditional tea. The best part about this place is the drawn aesthetic of the walls which reminds me of good ol Wynwood in Downtown Miami. However, I do not like that their internet has a weak connection in all my online work being lost
L
This place is a local favorite. Is very quiet and interesting. They sell some jewelry and a few clothes for women along with candles, stones ( for decoration purposes) and incense. They don’t have a big menu selection and what they do have is not good neither bad. I do love their blueberry muffins. They have trovas here once in a while Overall is good for a relax cup of tea or coffee
STEVEN NAZARIO
Excellent spot, great atmosphere, good drinks, yummy snacks, lots of games, and plenty of events going through the month.
Alix
Very cute place but can you please make real matcha 😞 I paid $8 for this and it taste like water with sirup. You need to get the ceremonial matcha because other ones are bad quality
Little Havana Tours
Great place. A little bit of everything. Quiet during the weekday for tea and reading or using laptop. Varied events evenings and weekends including live band. It's also a marketplace for different vendors ie. Sunglasses, apparel, varied goods. Spacious. We can see how families with kids stop by as there are not many kid friendly stores in the mall. This is at Sunset shops. Great outdoor patio facing fountain and staircase.
How to reach Tea & Poets
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Website: None
Why Tea & Poets may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Tea & Poets with your friends?
Tea & Poets stands out as a premier destination for gathering with friends due to its unique and welcoming atmosphere that blends art, community, and exceptional tea. If your goal is to rally your group in a place that fosters connection, creativity, and relaxation, Tea & Poets offers an eclectic and cozy environment where everyone—from tea aficionados to casual visitors—can feel at home. The ambiance invites you to curl up on comfortable couches or gather around tables optimized for conversation, balancing friendly interaction and privacy perfectly. With a menu full of expertly curated, organic teas and inventive tea cocktails, it provides a refreshment experience that is both healthy and unique, ideal for those who want more than just coffee or standard café fare. Moreover, the venue doubles as an art and live performance space, hosting open mic nights, performances, and cultural events, which creates a stimulating backdrop for stimulating conversations or shared enjoyment. This makes Tea & Poets more than a teahouse; it's a community hub designed specifically for meaningful social interaction and leisure, making it an outstanding place to host meetups with friends or family.
What activities can you enjoy together at Tea & Poets?
Tea & Poets offers a vibrant range of activities that make it an ideal spot for group meetups. First and foremost, the central feature of the shop is its extensive tea selection from across the globe, including varieties from India, Sri Lanka, Africa, and more, each with distinct flavors and stories. This allows groups to explore and compare tastes, making tea tasting a shared interactive experience. The staff act as tea gurus, expertly guiding guests through choices to find the perfect match for each mood or health need. Aside from tea, there are unique tea-based cocktails that creatively blend flavor with artistry, opening a new dimension of social drinking without alcohol's downsides. The venue also offers a lively schedule of events including open mic nights, live music, and poetry readings, creating opportunities to enjoy local talent while socializing. For groups looking to engage further, there are board games available, facilitating lighthearted fun and friendly competition. Additionally, the space sells handmade goods crafted by local artists, such as jewelry, hats, and furniture, enabling visitors to support local culture and artists. This mix of tea exploration, entertainment, and artistic engagement ensures groups can customize their visits with both relaxation and stimulation.
Why is Tea & Poets perfect for a group meetup?
Tea & Poets excels as a meetup location for groups because of its deliberate design that encourages both personal connection and community engagement. The interior layout strategically positions couches and tables to encourage mingling without sacrificing privacy, making it easy for small or larger groups to talk comfortably. This thoughtful spacing means friends can share intimate conversations or larger discussions without feeling cramped. Another key advantage is the familial and inclusive vibe—families, students, creatives, and professionals come together in a space that feels warm and unpretentious. The venue is open late, typically from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., offering flexibility that suits morning tea rituals, afternoon hangouts, or late-night gatherings. The strong community ethos extends to the staff and management, who are friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about tea and local culture, enhancing customer experience and building rapport over repeated visits. Finally, the combination of art exhibits, live performances, and local market-style goods creates a dynamic yet relaxing atmosphere that appeals to diverse interests within a group, making Tea & Poets a versatile spot that’s perfect for reconnecting with friends or enjoying family time.
How does Tea & Poets embody a community vibe for your gatherings?
At its core, Tea & Poets prioritizes community, which is palpable from the moment you enter. The owner’s vision was to create a local gathering space that supports artists and small vendors, turning the teahouse into a cultural hotspot rather than just a beverage stop. This vision is realized through the inclusion of local artisans’ products on display and for sale—handmade jewelry, fashion accessories, eco-conscious furniture, and unique home goods—letting visitors appreciate and purchase one-of-a-kind items while supporting their friends and neighbors. Community events like open mic nights foster interactive social participation, allowing patrons not only to enjoy performances but also to share their own creative expressions if they wish. The friendly, well-trained staff display genuine care in recommending teas, sharing the stories behind each blend, and ensuring every visit feels personalized. This local, non-corporate atmosphere encourages customers to linger, chat, and build relationships, turning casual visits into meaningful community connections. For anyone looking to meet new people, deepen friendships, or share a creative afternoon, Tea & Poets offers an authentic and nurturing social environment.
What makes the teas and drinks at Tea & Poets exceptional for group visits?
Tea & Poets takes tea seriously, curating an exceptional and diverse collection that satisfies every palate and occasion. Each tea variety is sourced from different countries including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Thailand, Russia, China, France, Japan, and various parts of Africa, reflecting rich cultural histories and aromatic profiles. What distinguishes this teahouse is the customization option: expertly trained baristas craft teas tailored to individual health needs or flavor preferences, whether to calm a cold, soothe a hangover, or simply indulge in a unique taste. Beyond traditional teas, their innovative tea-based cocktails present a creative twist perfect for sharing with friends seeking something different from alcoholic beverages. Organic, fresh, and ethically sourced ingredients provide a high-quality experience that elevates simple tea drinking to a ritual. Groups can enjoy a variety of tastes and moods across their visit, compare notes, and discuss the nuances of their selections, turning tea drinking into an engaging social activity rather than a solitary habit.
Why is Tea & Poets an ideal venue for creative and artistic meetups?
Tea & Poets deliberately integrates art and creativity into its core identity, making it an ideal venue for anyone interested in the arts or looking to be inspired while socializing. The venue features a small stage surrounded by seating designed to foster engagement with performances, from poetry readings to indie bands or acoustic sessions. This performance space encourages visitors to participate as spectators or contributors in a cozy, informal setting. Artistic displays, including rotating exhibits and artisan market items, decorate the space, stimulating conversation and appreciation for local cultural talents. Because of its strong community focus, the teahouse often collaborates with local artists and performers, offering weekly or monthly events that keep the ambiance dynamic and fresh. Friends or groups can plan visits around performances or open mic nights, making their meetups both a social and cultural occasion. This artistic undercurrent enhances the venue's allure, especially for groups who cherish shared creative experiences along with good tea.
How accessible and accommodating is Tea & Poets for hosting meetups?
Accessibility and accommodation are significant strengths at Tea & Poets, helping ensure that hosting a group gathering is smooth and enjoyable. Located conveniently in South Miami near prominent landmarks like Armani and GNC, it is easy to find and access by car or public transit. The venue’s opening hours, which span from early morning to past midnight, offer considerable flexibility for all types of gatherings, from casual daytime catch-ups to late-night celebrations. The seating arrangement caters to different group sizes and interaction styles, with intimate corners and larger communal tables available. Staff members are known for their friendliness and attentiveness, making every visitor feel welcome and cared for, even when managing larger groups. The presence of free, reliable Wi-Fi means that if desired, groups can work or study collaboratively in addition to socializing, appealing to both casual and more purpose-driven gatherings. Overall, the thoughtful design and service make Tea & Poets an accommodating choice for hosting friends or family comfortably.
What local and cultural values does Tea & Poets promote through its offerings?
Tea & Poets promotes local culture, sustainability, and a sense of community that resonates deeply in its offerings and atmosphere. By exclusively partnering with local artists, makers, and vendors, it champions the creative economy within South Miami, encouraging customers to support neighborhood talent rather than global corporate chains. This approach nurtures small businesses, fosters local pride, and sustains the cultural identity of the area. The use of organic and carefully sourced tea ingredients reflects a commitment to healthy living and environmental mindfulness. Events and performances held on-site often showcase local voices in poetry, music, and visual arts, reinforcing cultural expression as fundamental to community bonding. The shop’s team and management uphold these values through genuine engagement, personalized customer care, and a non-corporate ethos, fostering trust and loyalty. For groups meeting here, this creates an environment where cultural appreciation and local pride are naturally part of the social experience.
How can you plan the perfect meetup at Tea & Poets?
Planning the perfect meetup at Tea & Poets involves leveraging its unique blend of offerings and community vibe. Start by considering the size and interests of your group—whether you want a quiet afternoon tea session, a lively open mic night experience, or a shopping exploration of local artisan goods. Booking ahead or arriving early during event nights can help secure good seating near the stage if live performances are desired. Encourage the group to sample a range of teas or cocktails to foster conversation and shared discovery. Incorporate some leisure activities like board games or simply relax and enjoy the vibrant artistic surroundings. Don’t hesitate to request recommendations from the staff, as their passion and knowledge enhance the experience. Lastly, engage with local products on display to support the artisans, and maybe bring home a unique souvenir. With its flexible hours, accommodating atmosphere, and rich cultural offerings, Tea & Poets enables every group to tailor an unforgettable and meaningful gathering.