Teaism Penn Quarter

Teaism is a small Washington group of tea houses that is celebrating 30 years in the city, and its Penn Quarter branch on 8th Street NW is the most convenient for visitors spending the day around the National Mall. It serves loose leaf teas from a dedicated tea list alongside what it describes as healthy, Asian-inspired meals, which makes it a good alternative to a coffee shop or a fast-food lunch.

The tea list is the heart of the place. If you are not sure what to choose, ask the staff for a recommendation and try something you would not normally drink at home. The food menu is designed for a simple, light meal, and it works well for a quick lunch or a mid-afternoon break between museums. The Penn Quarter address also has a tea shop, where you can buy tea to take home.

There are two other branches in the city, one near Lafayette Park on Connecticut Avenue NW, close to the White House, and one in Dupont Circle on R Street NW. If you are staying in either area, they offer the same kind of menu. For opening hours and contact details, look at the branch page on the Teaism website before you go.

Teaism suits solo travellers, couples and anyone who wants a calm break from sightseeing. A visit takes 30 to 45 minutes for lunch, or less if you only want a pot of tea. It is a sensible choice for families too, as the menu is straightforward.

Penn Quarter is one of the busiest parts of downtown, with museums, theatres and restaurants close together. The Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art on the north side of the Mall are within walking distance, as are Zaytinya and the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro station is close by, so it is easy to reach from most parts of the city.

If you enjoy the first visit, the tea shop makes it easy to take a little of the experience home, and the website lists teas and meals for each branch. For those staying downtown for several days, it is a dependable lunch stop to keep in mind.