Mad Hat Tea Company

Mad Hat Tea Company has been doing business in Tacoma for over 8 years.  The co-owners are Maureen who specializes in herbals and Tobin who specializes in teas.  Both are quite knowledgeable outside their specialties, as well.

In the short time I've lived in Tacoma, I have already encountered Mat Hat teas in several local restaurants and cafes.  They supply many businesses in Pierce County with their teas and I have found that businesses in the area do seem make a special effort to source their ingredients, foods, and beverages locally.

Inside the tea room, table and couch seating is available at the front with additional seating at the tea bar.  Lighting is low enough to feel comfortable while not being too dim.

The decor is fun and (for lack of a better word) funky with all the surfaces decorated by murals and artwork by local artists and classic book illustrations. My personal favorite is the History of Tea timeline displayed along the wall to the right of the entrance.

There is a "No Cell Phone" policy inside the tea room.  If you absolutely must use your cell phone, they have an actual indoor phone booth for you to use.  You may want to step inside, just for a moment of nostalgia.

Most of the teas and herbals available for purchase are on display toward the back of the tea room.  Mad Hat offers approximately 250 varieties of teas and herbals, so you won't be disappointed in their selection. They also sell teaware, including gongfu tea sets and individual pieces.

On this first visit, I found a seat at the tea bar and ordered a cup of Da Hong Pao, which was prepared and served to me by Maureen.  Another guest was curious about flavor and aroma differences between rooibos and honeybush, so I was also able to join in on a comparison which, happily for me, included tasting samples.

I couldn't leave empty-handed, so there is a sample of Mad Hat's Kuki Houjicha waiting at home to be enjoyed before I make my next visit to Mad Hat Tea Company.

Address:
1130 Commerce Street Tacoma, WA 98402

Hours:
10:00am - 6:00pm Monday - Friday & 12:00pm - 5:00pm Saturday (Closed Sunday)