Teance

Unpleasant place to visit. Teas are expensive. Accessories are overpriced. Owner is unfortunately rude and snobbish. It is as if she feels that most customers are ignorant of what quality teas are and it shows in her attitude. Love tea shops but after 2 visits here, I would never go back. It is not a English tea shop but rather a place where you can sample small cups of tea at believe $1/cup.

Teance tea is absolutely the best, but it comes at a price. I buy my tea here, but I wince a bit when I get to the register.

Though the architectural masterpiece that is Téance can intimidate at first, this exceptional little shop in the heart of the charming 4th St. shopping area is worth a trip. On weekdays, the tea bar almost always has space and the tea makers have time to give you a really good introduction to any tea that you try. The quality of tea is excellent across the board, and if you're looking for conversation, there is a quiet community of regulars who frequent the shop. They don't serve food except for impeccable Mochi handmade by a Japanese chef for the weekends and tea infused truffles from a local chocolate maker, but the tea, the education, and the conversation make this little gem of a teashop worth a visit. They also offer tea classes many Friday nights and a rotating selection of events throughout the year. They have held Teen Tea Nights, new harvest parties, there is an ongoing informal Sunday writing workshop, and they are currently planning a series of board game nights.

This is not the place to kick back and sip while chatting with friends. Teance is the place to come to try out that really rare and expensive tea you've had your eye on. Definitely the kind of place where black tea = Puer and assam/ceylon/etc. is referred to as red tea. The tea flights are expensive, but expertly brewed in gaiwans (sp?) and the quality of the tea in incomperable. You will not get leaves over 6 month old without a warning first. I have found the tea flights to be very educational. I hear they're serving food now but wouldn't know. They're almost always understaffed and can usually barely manage to serve the tea flight tasters, many of whom get turned away. Serving food would seem beyond their capabilities for the moment, even if there is a menu. Not a casual atmosphere, but everyone I've seen working there has been very friendly and certainly very knowledgable.

Teance has excellent tea, and is beautifully designed. It's a really relaxing space, and most of the employees have a really deep understanding of tea. I recommend going here to explore a new type of tea, but not to stock your pantry for your daily cup. Try one of the tea flights, and you'll have a great time discussing the differences. Bring a friend to share your tasting with, the tea bar is inviting and communal. The only problem is sometimes you run into a tea snob employee, who is less friendly, but overall everyone is super friendly. The owner is also really enthusiastic, and it is a treat to talk with her about tea!

This is a beautiful space, but we were told when we stopped by to just have a cup of tea that we couldn't. The only thing they offer are tea tastings (or flights). So this to me is not a tea room. It's just a place to buy tea and tea accessories, and to sip something that you'll buy more of (they hope) and take home.

Teance is a beautiful tea room with a relaxing atmosphere. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable: they answer all questions enthusiastically AND graciously. There is a wide selection of teas and the staff offers tastings at their bar. During the week, when it is less crowded, sit at the bar for a 'tea flight,' three tastes of different types of teas. On Friday evenings, the tea buyer offers presentations on specific teas and growing regions. Teance is an elegant location where tea lovers can learn more about tea and enjoy their favorite beveridge.

This is a really nice looking tea house and they have a good selection. But despite the fact that they are only a few blocks from my home I'll drive across town to go elsewhere. These people are tea snobs in the worst way. They are unfriendly and just plain rude.

Once I went in with my friend and this time we were wearing casual attire (t-shirts) and we didn't look rich by any means so they copped an attitude and took about 30 minutes to get to get to us at the tea bar (more or less they kept ignoring us and serving others hoping we'd go away). We were not being rude and we didn't stink or wear offensive slogans on our t's, but clearly we were not welcome.

The funny thing is that I was going to buy about $100 worth of high quality tea that day but they pre-judged and lost the majority of the sale.

I am considered a tea master by the last tea shop I worked at which sounds silly but basically I know my tea and this place isn't worth your $.

Teance is my tea home.

While I understand the perspective that it is elitist, part of that comes out of the owners and operators deep love of tea. If you ask the right questions, they will have an informative answer.

The bottom line though is, the expense and the pretense are worth it because they carry hands down the best tea of any teasroom I've tried in the Bay Area.

The best tea I've ever had.

Celadon's large selection of premium teas (not to mention the high standards of preparation) makes it one of the best teahouses in the Bay Area. In contrast to some reviews which have been posted, I feel that the service has been consistantly gracious and knowledgable - far from 'elitist.' Their tea service is excellent, and the pastries (which often include locally made, artisan mochi) are delicious. The decor is elegant and urbane, allowing the tea and teawares to shine.

The teas are remarkable, and include a few which have never before been exported outside mainland China, such as the amazing Lu Shan Clouds and Mist green tea. It's clear that the staff and owners are passionate about what they do, one of the many aspects that make Celadon such a pleasant store. Their focus on 'fine' teas is to their credit - be advised that this means their teas are beautifully prepared in the traditional Chinese manner. If you're searching for black tea with milk this won't hit the spot, but for connoisseurs of rare Asian teas, it's ambrosial.

It is indeed now called Teance, and the correct website is http://www.teance.com/

Completely agree with Lisa's review (02/17/06). Very unwelcoming in both decor and service. The tea is good but it's not worth going there.

While I have to admit that the teas are good and they serve them expertly, it's not a place I would go to again. Elitist is the word... the decor is too uber-modern and sparse to be welcoming, while their service is distant at best, and superior at worst. I feel like I should be making more money and knowing more things than I do to come here.

Now known as Teance, I was very disappointed in my visit here. Eager to learn more about tea and its preparation, I thought this would be a great experience. Instead it was embarassing as the staff, intentionally or not, made me feel quite the tea novice (as I am). They made me feel stupid for asking questions and talked me out of some of the more expensive teas for the tea tasting (the first two are on them). Maybe it's a nice place with good tea, but I'll never return. There are much friendlier establishments out there.

I'm an expatriate Californian who wistfully remembers my tea adventures in this lovely shop. The variety and quality of the teas are excellent, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and you can experiment with new tastes in a serene environment. Treat yourself to a perfect respite for a busy week.

Try the lichee tea -- hot or cold, its a naturally sweet delight.

This store has a very calm, peaceful ambience. Staff are knowledgeable about teas and very attentive. Celadon focuses on the fine teas, and does not have a huge selection of food items. Teas are expensive.

I visit this shop when I am in the area only if I am not hungry and if I don't want my tea served with milk or sugar. They do sometimes have some popped rice and seaweed crunchy, savory things that I break for. I like the austere decor and the selection of books. I find this place pricey, but I recommend it and I have had good service each time I have visited.