Seattle's best tea houses

1. Miro Tea: Located in the heart of Ballard, this places is going to be my fav hangout during the long, cold, wet Seattle winter. From the sorghum wallpapered surroundings to the funky lighting and deep calfskin leather sofa, this place has a warm earthy core. And the tea-istas (my own own word, sounds similar to Tiesto but with an 'a') are very helpful. Jeannie, the owner is awesome - she will make you a masala chai that is the closest thing to doodh patti (sweet, milky, overbrewed Pakistani/Indian roadside fav). The cosmonot and the Matcha lassi are unique and tasty cold tea inventions. The crepes, cheesecakes etc are also great. Open till midnight on weekends

2. Remedy teas: Is as clinical and lab like as Miro is warm and inviting. However the tea selection is great and is not as far out of the way as Miro because it is located in Cap Hill

3. Panama Hotel, Tea and Coffee House: This place is just great. It is calm and serene, just as a tea house should be. It is located in a hotel opened in 1910 by a Japanese UW graduate, the hotel has the only Japanese bath-house in the US. The tea menu looks very inviting with "Bombay Market" and Celyon black teas. The brick walls, antique furniture and intriguing cellar add to the old world charm. Make sure you take a piano playing friend along. Also has free wifi and LavAzza coffee

4. Floating Leaf Tea House: Ive only seen it from the outside during my trips to Ballard but the floor seating and interesting looking tea menu makes me want to try this place out. Definitely worth checking out after a breakfast/brunch trip to ballard since it closes early.