American Tea Room, Part 2: The New Downtown Location

After much anticipation, including a drive-by visit during construction (because sane people totally stalk unopened tea shops), we finally visited American Tea Room’s downtown LA location.  It is a very different experience from the Beverly Hills store, but well worth the trip.  I absolutely LOVE the spacious courtyard with gorgeous greenery that visitors have to pass through to enter the shop.  It is a peaceful little oasis amidst all the high-rises and warehouses.

The new gold packaging creates a striking display as you enter the store.

The interactive Tea Zone is a really neat way to present all the teas.  I did like the set-up at the Beverly Hills store, with little containers of tea arranged in front of the pre-sealed packages, but now that I have experienced the Tea Zone, it is a way more efficient arrangement.  All the tea information you could ask for is literally right at your fingertips.

The interior seems much more spacious as well.  I love the open ceiling and all the beautiful exposed wood.

We must have arrived during a lull, because the shop quickly filled up with other tea lovers while we were milling around.

Once again, as much as I liked the set-up at the Beverly Hills location, the Tea Bar at the downtown American Tea Room is so much more accessible and efficient.

American Tea Room has 2 Bkon brewers that are so fun to watch, it is like having a little show while a robot brews your tea. They apparently “create optimally infused premium tea more purely than any other brewing method”. (I read later that the Bkons are named “Luke” and “Leia”, which is just awesome.)

I sampled the Ancient Snow Sprout Green Tea, which is a bit pricier than I normally like to go, but WOW, was it ever worth it!  I felt slightly euphoric after a few sips, and even re-steeped the leaves for a second round.  The flavor just did not quit.

After much discussion, Richard had the Lemoncello Organic Rooibos Tea.  I personally am not a fan of rooibos because it seems to be a diuretic for me, but Richard really enjoyed it.

I ended up taking home some Bancha Organic Green Tea, because no trip to American Tea Room is complete without taking home a treat 🙂 .  I highly recommend the American Tea Room Downtown LA location, and can’t wait for my next visit!