The Chicago tea scene is blowing up. If you are visiting Chicago and are super into tea, please make it a point to visit these Chicago tea shops:

Easthill Tea Company (Bucktown) This tasting toom in the Bucktown neighborhood offers tea tastings (reservation only), Chinese style tea preparation and a number of prepared to-go beverages. If you are looking for a traditional tea service mixed with a modern cafe vibe, this is your place. Visit their website.

Todd and Holland (Forest Park) This family-run shop in Forest Park (easy to get there from Downtown via blue or green line El trains) is the gem of the Chicago tea scene. Stop in and talk tea with the very knowledgeable Bill Todd and peruse their selection of single-origin teas that he has curated. Visit their website.

Adagio (State Street, Naperville, Skokie) Chicagoans are lucky to have three Adagio shops in close proximity. The shops offer tastes of all of the teas on the roster and a moderate selection of tea ware. Visit their website.

TeaGschwendner (River North) This German tea chain is a great spot downtown to stock up on Darjeelings and herbals. They also have some nicely priced british style tea-ware. It’s a small shop, but they have a nice selection. Visit their website.

Dream About Tea (Evanston) This Chinese tea house in Evanston has the largest selection of puer and Chinese tea ware in the Chicago area. There’s a sit-down area so plan to go and spend some time here. Visit their website.

The Coffee and Tea Exchange (Lakeview) The Coffee and Tea Exchange has a large selection of medium-range reasonably priced teas, coffees and tea ware. Visit their website.

There are more tea shops in Chicago, but in my opinion, these are the most legit. They are all driven by a passion for tea culture and are worth a visit. If you have a shop that you’d like to see added to this list, please hit me up.