The Loose Teas Cafe and Gifts
666 W Huntington Dr, Monrovia, CA, 91016
The Loose Teas Cafe and Gifts Menu
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Address :
666 W Huntington Dr
Monrovia, CA, 91016 - Phone (626) 303-2283
- Website https://www.thelooseteas.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
Good for Working : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Hiro N.
FINALLY...a place where I don't have a powdery grainy taste to a drink. Some may say the boba trend is done and over, but this place can bring it back. I only wish they opened more locations. For the tea fanatics, there is a great selection and you will notice the taste immediately. The service is almost unheard of these days...very welcoming and patient to answer any questions you may have since this place may have new flavors you've never seen in other boba places. I recently switched to their lychee jelly over the boba and like other reviewers have noted, it was perfect...not overly flavored. I haven't tried any of their sandwiches so I can't comment on that, but whenever you're in this area, try this place out.
(4)Geoff S.
I'm sorry to see negative reviews for this place. Of all the boba places I've tried this one's one of my favorites. First of all, the teas I've had here have been uniformly excellent. I only order the brewed ones, and have never tried the coffee, so that may skew my opinion. At many (most?) other places you only get tea that's been prepared from a mix. I usually order the Thai Iced Tea without the boba. Secondly, it's a nice, relaxed place with no blaring music or other sensory overload. It's a bit small, but there's outdoor seating that has a beautiful view of the mountains. The view isn't spoiled by the (relatively quiet) parking lot, either. True, there's no bathroom, but Aloha Boba is in a sizable mall area so it's not difficult to find one nearby. Finally the staff (who I think are the owners?) are extremely nice and definitely add to the overall experience.
(4)Jenna C.
Large Milk Tea w/ Boba $4.08
(4)Wolf L.
Girlfriend is a big tea drinker--I am not. However they have a hot coconut milk tea that I always order whenever we stop in and it is FANTASTIC. I could positively become addicted to the stuff, and once again, I am not a big tea drinker. The folks behind the counter are always very friendly. I bought my lady some tins full of different teas for Christmas and they were very helpful. They even remembered what teas she likes just from my description of her. That's customer service! The present was a big hit. I would patronize this nice, little place WAY before stepping foot inside one of those crappy chain stores.
(5)Josevader J.
I never thought buying tea could be so much fun and interesting. As soon as you walk in there's a wall full of wonderfully labeled jars with an array of teas. What I love about The Loose Teas Cafe and Gifts is that it is truly a multi-sensory experience. First you hear a friendly hello from the staff. If you are a regular, they make an honest effort to know you by name. Then you see all the jars full of multicolored and whimsical concoctions of different herbs and teas. You can pick up and open these jars and allow the aromas to dance into your nose. With so many incredible blends, it is tough to choose just one. Finally you get to taste your tea. Nothing beats a combo of perfectly brewed tea, ice, honey, and great company. This is a must for all tea enthusiasts and neophytes alike. In fact, when planning our days, we always make sure it includes a stop to our favorite tea place of all time. Try it, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Gary F.
There is nothing more satisfying as a customer when you go in, and they know you. They know what you likely will be drinking, how you liked it prepared, and service is quick and friendly. This is that type of place. Now I'm not saying that this will happen to everyone - most especially not on your first visit - but the staff there are extremely detail oriented. They are methodical about how they prepare drinks, which is kinda critical if you're looking for a fine brewed tea. But I just about got my socks blown off when the staff saw me, smiled, greeted me by name, and after taking my drink order, noted that the before and after pictures for my wife's weight loss journey was really a big difference. That's a level of attention that you probably don't find in your friends, much less a tea shop. Enough about that, how about what they offer? Great tasting teas, tinctures and even coffee. Those with a bit of a sweet tooth bent to them who love coffee have got to try the Signature coffee. Oh man, condensed milk, espresso and hot water. It is far and away my favorite drink there. Tea lovers, you've experts behind the counter, who not only can advise you on what to drink, but also on how to get the same level of perfection at home. And they've all the tools at hand there for you to get the job done. For those who want to learn more, they regularly have tea classes on the weekends, with a sign up sheet almost always on the counter, and almost always nearly full. The only thing missing, I think, and I don't really know if it'd work out or not, is there's no pricing or offering for tea for two, or a water pot and brewer to share tea discoveries with a friend. I probably should mention it next time I'm in, but knowing the staff there, they've probably already read this review and likely will have the answer ready for me (probably by pointing to the sign that's been there all along that I just missed...) Oh, and don't forget, even if you're coming there for something else, to sample the teas they have in their tester pots. I've never been disappointed, and discovered several teas I liked that I wouldn't have tried otherwise.
(5)Eric C.
My favorite tea spot. Bomb tea and cute owners, very friendly!
(5)Jessica M.
Best milk tea boba in Monrovia
(5)Mary W.
The loose tea's tea is so GOOD! this is my favorite tea place. i am picky about tea, and their tea drinks are full of real tea flavor, not those watery and add artificial stuff. i have been ordered different drinks every time i went there, each of it tasted as delicious as their looks, except hot chocolate, its too sweet for me. the sandwichs are good as well, very fresh ingredients. the owners are very nice too, always being very patient in answering my questions.
(5)Brian S.
These are some of the nicest people around and although I'm not a boba drinker myself, they have a large selection of teas and a lot of different drinks to choose from. I particularly like the aloha colada, although I know its loaded with sugar. They just got a big flat screen tv, so its not a bad place to take a computer, get some work done and relax while sipping on some good tea.
(5)Rebeccah B.
To be honest, I should have reviewed Loose Teas a LONG time ago when they were still Aloha. The review from Sharon K. below actually prompted me into action. I have to defend my ladies! This is a tea shop TEA is what they specialize in. Fresh brewed, sweetened (or not) however you like. This is not your mass produced icky tea from the likes of tap express or any of the other 16 yr old hangouts (which apparently said yelper is referring to) usually found in arcasia or san gabriel. If you want real tea, delicious sandwiches (dagwood yum!) and paninis this is your place. Samples of all the teas are displayed on the wall so you can feel free to touch, smell, then taste once they brew it for you, hot or iced. Try the almond biscotti (iced or milk), secret garden, or blue mango, my faves. They have black, green, white, herbal, whatever you like. My family, including sisters, brother, mom, dad, my kids and husband,etc have been coming here from the beginning and everyone we've brought or told about this place will be coming here until the end of time, its that good. Thanks Kim and Cindy for all the delicious drinks and snacks we've enjoyed over the years:) PS if you're in a rush, phone in your order and the ladies will have it ready for you
(5)Marian C.
The best almond milk tea i've EVER had. I was pleasantly surprised. I've never had tea like this before! It's like REAL tea! None of that powdery stuff. And it's not too sweet either. I haven't tried the boba, but I will next time. Sandwiches are good too. The whole wheat bread wasn't dry or anything. The staff is really nice and everything is made fresh. They also have ice cream and other little goodies, and not to mention a lot of different type of teas A little on the expensive side, but if it's quality food, it's worth it. My tea and a whole sandwich (came with a side of small salad or pasta) ~ $10 Good place to study except that it's not a large place and the music is a little too upbeat for any serious thinking (unless you're the type of person that studies like that)
(5)Stac D.
Love love love this place! Loose tea selection is great! The Flaming Bird sandwich has a great little spicy kick and an ice cold Lavender tea completes me! The service is wonderful and friendly, always with a smile! Get there as fast as u can!
(5)Ritika P.
Love the milk tea and love even more that they substitute with soy. Sandwiches are also delicious. The place is a little pricey though... $13 or so for a boba drink and sandwich.
(4)Jamie R.
This place is very calm. The people there are very friendly! It's really quiet and they have a cute little gift shop right at the side of the store. Their tea selection is HUGE and they have a daily sample of two different tea/drink. Unfortunately I live a bit far.. so I only am able to go there once in a while! But I must stop there each time I'm around the area.
(5)Kent S.
Great teas, people and music. I think I might be a permanent coffee convert this tea is delicous.
(5)Lydia P.
This is one of my favorite tea shops, and this is for two main reasons: The people and the selection of reasonably-priced loose teas. It's not easy to find loose tea in this area, so this place is almost heaven-sent...plus they have interesting flavors to choose from! In addition, their ready-to-order drinks are tasty, and I love that you can have anything on the wall brewed up for you right then and there. But most of all, it's the people who work there. The women who own the place are wonderful! They seem genuinely glad to see everyone who walks in the door, and everyone else who works there is similarly friendly, patient, and helpful. With the superb combination of people and products, stopping in here is a great pick-me-up to any day.
(5)alice t.
The four stars are for the best Green tea boba drink 'I've ever had! (maybe a little bit on the sweet side, but I totally love it since I have a sweet tooth) It's called the Macchino (check spelling) and it's absolutely delish.
(4)Sharon W.
This place is fantastic! Great quality tea, great service, never disappoints. I used to live down the street from this place, and I really miss it! So now I always try to stop in when I am in the area. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who really appreciates good tea!
(5)Mitchell N.
BEST BOBA SHOP EVER. The ladies are always so nice and helpful. I love their almond milk tea, sandwiches and salads. I always drop by when I am in the area!!
(5)Ray C.
Fantastic selection of great teas that rock. I go here all the time to study.. in fact, I'm here right now. The interior is tiny, and not quite as intimate as other coffee/ tea houses, but manageable as a place to work. Tables are big enough to lay down a laptop and all your stuff, and seating is never an issue. No bathroom, which is a huge negative. You need to go next doors to Rubio's or Panda Express if you need to relieve yourself. The best part about this place are the great teas and accompanying staff. The staff really knows their teas and the teas really are great. This ain't no nasty TAZO crap; these teas are actually fragrant and taste great unsweetened (the way teas are meant to be..). They also have ice cream and sweeter drinks if you're in the mood for something a little more fun. The Ice cream is Fosselman's-- extremely creamy, but pretty good. The sweeter drinks are decent, but nothing to rave home about. Overall, good place to kick it with a friend or just to write and get work done. Highly recommended.
(4)Jenny K.
Great place to eat a healthy, tasty sandwich and/ or salad. The staff is attentive and wonderful! The music is great, and I feel at ease when I visit this cafe.
(4)Deborah L.
First of all I was deeply disappointed with the service. I read some of the reviews on yelp and thought I would try a couple of sandwiches and bobas. I drive all the way from West Covina, I was hurrying because they close at 7p.m. So I arrived at 6:36 pm and begin ordering a sandwich and the lady at the counter ask the guy in the back was he close. He said yes, she told him it was 6:40pm. But it was 6:36 p.m. And he said the kitchen was closed. I told her she should put it on her website. And walk out not ordering anything. Most places stop at 15 minutes til closing. Well they will never get my money. And what does it take to make a sandwich. This is no way to do business!!!!
(1)Helen H.
Have been coming here for a looong time. Generally I don't like boba, but they use real tea (and not powder like some places). They have a large variety of loose tea which is ideal for trying out new brews at home. Also, lovely friendly staff! Whenever I am in the area I stop by for some milk tea.
(5)Nicholas H.
my girlfriend and I love this place! best tea without a doubt, great service and the prices are amazing. highly recommend this place for loose leaf tea.
(5)elly k.
I end up getting the same thing each time I come here, the lychee iced tea with boba. I can't help it...it's so tasty! The staff are so friendly, too. Great stop on a hot day.
(5)Jodi M.
My daughter and I stopped in to take a look around and perhaps purchase a gift. The cafe was so cozy and stocked with a great selection. There were some in store specials that we had questions about. A helpful young woman was more than happy to assist us and demonstrated a few teapots and their features. My family loves tea and my daughter was thrilled to sniff the array of teas that were out. We found some terrific gifts that were so reasonable that we even purchased some beautiful tins and tea to go in them. What a great experience. I love shopping at local, small owned businesses for all the reasons that were evident in this shop and my experience today. I am looking at my Christmas list to find a reason to return very soon.
(5)Amie M.
I've never had any good "boba" drinks here--gave it 3 chances! If you know how boba should taste (including the texture)--DON'T even bother with this place if your looking for a good boba drink, nasty bland boba balls...Eeeew! My 1 star rating is for the look of the place...
(1)Peggy C.
My first time here was a grab-and-go, so it was nice to sit and catch up with a friend during my latest visit. Parking is never a trouble here--or at least for me. The staffs were really helpful and welcoming. Peach Green Tea is my favorite drink so I'm glad the taste tasted similar as other places I get my drink at. The price for their items are reasonable; you get what you pay for. The interior is really tidy, warm, and comfy. I love quiet, peaceful places when I get my tea fix, so this was a plus. Their gift section is pretty tempting with their variety of colors, sizes, tea pots, etc. I haven't tried any of their food selections or macarons yet, so hopefully I'll get the chance on my next visit.
(3)Sensei P.
One of my favorite places for tea, they also have good sandwiches and smoothies. Their tea is all loose and you can smell it in the jar before you buy it if you ask them. they also sell all kinds of tea to take home, and the teapots, and cups with strainers for tea to use at home. So if you find a good tea, you can buy a bag and have it at home too or when you travel away from monrovia. I used to work in arcadia and I would drop in here after work or during my lunch hour. I believe they have free-wifi for their customers as well, and I often used my laptop their during lunchtime to surf. Now mind you I first came here like 3 or 4 years ago, before so many places had free wi-fi, so I really appreciated it, and still do. the only odd thing, is I think they are closed on teusdays. But they are open every other day...In any case its a great place to eat, or get a drink and talk with friends. I like their choice of music as well, it is calming the way tea is while you drink it. :)
(5)Susannah B.
5 stars for Aloha Boba! I wandered in here once a year ago in search of a soda, and stumbled upon a great place! I now go there for lunch at least once a week. At the moment, I'm eating their Craisin-Avocado salad and it's delicious! And I sampled teas while my salad was being prepared. The sandwiches are great too, but they're really big (not my first choice when I'm watching my weight), but definitely not a con either! The selection of tea is EXCELLENT, as is the quality of their tea. I've never liked tea (yik, yik), but Aloha Boba has changed that. I couldn't resist trying a tea after reading the chart on the wall about the benefit of certain teas. Now I'm an addict. The service is also top-notch. The girls are so sweet and friendly. I leave there with a smile. :) The only con is that they are closed Tuesdays and sometimes I forget.
(5)Mario M.
I feel at home here. The food is great and the drinks are just the best. I've brought my whole family and close friends here to experience this hidden jewel I know of.
(5)Susan F.
I absolutely love this place!! i wish i just lived closer so that i could go more often. The teas are great no matter which way you get them and the food is fantastic. It has a very strong and healthy feel about it. The people that work there remember who you are and are always so so kind and helpful. Because of this place i am more hooked on tea and its so great that you can purchase your favorite tea leafs and take it home to enjoy!
(5)L. M.
Love the Loose Teas Cafe- it's the best for anyone who enjoys a tasty beverage, especially tea. They have so many varieties to choose from that you can try something new every time you visit. Freshly brewed for you when you order, and the owners couldn't be nicer or more helpful. It's an iced tea lovers' paradise. Yum!!!
(5)Mike J.
I have been going there even before the name change & continue to go there due to the great teas & customer service. They have really good sandwiches as well. There's also information posted about the types of teas & which have caffeine & other various attributes. There's also other treats & things I have yet to try still. Overall though good place to go get food & tea for lunch or an early dinner.
(5)Jose D.
Great place. Absolutely the best teas. Everytime I stop here I load up on their Earl Grey, White Cholocate (smoky, yum), and flowery Rose teas. The girls that run it are so friendly. The place is nice despite being is a big strip mall. Their boba variety is great -loved the almond milk boba. Tea heaven without the fuss. Can't ever drive by without stopping.
(5)Samantha P.
My love affair with tea started back in high school when Starbucks was all the rage and I really wasn't in to it. I started experimenting with tea a lot more, and now I guess you could say I'm tea-aholic. Anyway, when I first came to the loose teas I couldn't believe the selection! Everything I've tried is awesome...and they have the option of sweetening with agave nectar, which I prefer. The girls are very knowledgable and friendly, they offer free wifi, and the lunches are great! There aren't enough exclamation points to covey how much u love having a place that sells high quality loose leaf tea just the way I like it!!
(5)Kit P.
This is one of my favorite places for iced teas. I never get the bobas, just the milk teas, of which they have a good variety. Last time, I got the plum white tea and it was great. The staff is really nice and helpful and I love looking at all their wonderful tea accessories. If you're looking for unusual candles, check this place out.
(4)Alex N.
Let me just say this . . . my wife and I drive from San Diego to Monrovia on the weekends to get milk tea from this place. Loose Teas does not serve us that powder crap most boba shops serve customers. This is all natural, steeped tea. Food is awesome too. I recommend the flaming bird and the dagwood!
(5)Lisa H.
love the tea selection.
(4)Kelai K.
This place is like a better Lollicup! The tea here is for reallies tea. They have samples along the wall that you can smell. They offer like 6 or 7 different kinds. Some are highly caffeinated and others with no caffeine. There is a map, which is so cute and super helpful depending on the type of tea you are looking for. I went in just a couple days ago with a pounding headache and used that map to find the type that would best suit that. I found the perfect one and it did help. The people who work there are great. I know Sue just from coming there so frequently. I think she makes the tea the best for me. The other two are really friendly and know ALOT, I mean ALOT about tea. I think they are the owners, my friends and I just call them "the boba girls". All three of them are there every day. Quite often, I order the 3 cheese panini, it is so delicious! The bread is some kind of herby focaccia bread and is always fresh and fantastic. I have no idea what the cheeses are but they are great, and the sandwich is perfectly complemented with a pesto mayo. I rarely ever feel like getting something other than tea to drink, but when I do I get the super fruit medley smoothie. I have never had a smoothie that taste as great as it (I just like tea more :) With boba it is to die for! There boba is always fresh and they also have different types of jellies you can add. What is cool is that they do not charge extra for boba, unlike all the other boba places. One major downer, they are closed on Tuesdays! But I think that is better than being closed on the weekend, because I go there every weekend, sometimes both Saturday and Sunday!
(5)Izzy B.
The boba is good a bit pricey but hey they have to pay rent.... The only thing I don't like is that the women who work there are always cold and unfriendly. Your working in the food industry SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT.
(3)Ces c.
First time there w/gf we just waled in wanted something fast to eat and of course some Boba for me and some Tea for my gf she loved the setting of the small restaurant the people working there are really friendly and helpful, the strawberry smoothie w/Boba was better then any other place i had strawberry smoothies and the Dagwood sandwich was delicious. and also found a variety of tea like the tea bouquet that are rare to find anywhere they sell them great place.
(5)Marisa and Chris H.
We love this tea shop! The service is super friendly and personable (esp in the day time). The boba is perfect. We try boba everywhere, all over the SG valley, and we think Aloha is the best. They use real tea (so it takes longer for them to make) and it's not powdery or too sweet. They have free regular tea samples to taste. There is also free wi-fi.
(5)Jenny S.
Really good thai iced tea. Took one star off because the boba wasn't as fresh as could be. Tea Station on San Gabriel and Del Mar has fresher chewier boba, but the flavor of the Thai tea is better here. Also, like some other reviewers mentioned service is slow, but plenty of easy parking makes up for that.
(4)Chris D.
This place is completely unorganized and service is horrible. Most of the staff dont know anything about the teas. Even worse, they advertised a tea tasting for a whole month on a specific date. I went there for the tea tasting with friends and family.. and guess what.. they moved the tea tasting to the next day.. After posting advertisement about the earlier date. WTHD...just dumb..
(1)Kelly D.
I feel very fortunate to have this business near my home. I am tea fanatic and The Loose Teas has among the best selection that I have seen in the Los Angeles area. In addition, they brew some of the best tea I have ever had.
(5)Eddy L.
The tea there is pretty good. I'm a guy that rates coffee and tea houses by the amount of time you can sit there and study/work. Aloha Boba has only one table (out of four) where you can get electricity for your laptop and they close at 9.. I barely wake up by 9. Anyway, four stars for fresh brewed tea.
(3)J C.
Aloha is GOOD stuff. They brew their teas FRESH, so none of that sickly sweet sludge that's pre-made at the other boba establishments. They have a wide selection of teas and are very knowledgeable. Free wi-fi is great when I need to get some work done. My only complaint is that they close really early (7pm I think)!!
(5)Mindy T.
i love tea!!!!! sooo refreshing on a hot sumer day, and its also healthy! this place has at least 30 different types of tea! and what's so kool about it is that eat tea is labled with how much caffeine is in it, tells you if its good when ure on pms mode, or even good for heart, digestive system , cleansing. all are natural tea with great benefits you can gain from especially following the chart that gives specific description for each tea. since i like mine decaff, i usually have less selection 2 choose from. however my favorite is the passion tropical allure. it has a scent of mixed berries so its very fruity and tropical. i usually come here on my off days with friends on a wkday and we all love it here. its nice and cozy and is super clean and not loud like those other typical asian boba places. its a good spot to sit n talk with your friends and just hang out. if you're in tne area, go go go! tea time is summer time! :]
(4)Min T.
Name change- they're now "The Loose Teas Cafe and Gifts." Though they are still serving boba. I was going to run into Trader Joe's or Rubio's for a quick snack before going hiking but decided to try out this place. I ordered the tuna salad even though I'm not a huge fan of canned tuna. And yet, it never crossed my mind it'd be a huge mound of tuna salad on some greens. Ooops. I better throw in another work out to burn all those unnecessary calories from mayo. Sigh, I should have probably ordered the turkey salad. In any case, it was $6.95. I belatedly realized I could have added a drink and a bag of chips for another $2. The salad was all right. The avocado was ripe and perfect. I started wondering though where was this balsamic vinaigrette that was supposedly in it. I also thought it was pretty weird they packed extra salt and pepper packets along with a fork in the plastic container. I would have liked these items outside of the box as the packets got soft and the fork was a tad greasy. In general, the sandwiches and paninis looked pretty good. I would go back for the Big Bird which is turkey and artichoke hearts or the Dagwood which is a meat lover's dream with ham, turkey and roast beef or maybe the try one of the pastries. I sampled a couple of teas while I was there. Initially, I was attracted to the red fruit tea as it said it used black tea as the base. I actually preferred the more aromatic blue mango with the green tea base. But both were probably a bit too sweet. I like non-sweetened tea more. The place is very clean and not terribly busy. They also had ice cream for sale as well as breakfast (available all day). I found their t-shirts (tea-shirts) rather funny; "Don't be a teabag." Only $10!
(3)Jacqueline K.
Shout out to the guy who made -- crafted, rather -- my Hong Kong milk tea. For sure, I gave him a hard time about exactly how much ounce-age of condensed milk constitutes the percent sweetness of the beverage. He handled it with aplomp, surely he knows his barista stuff and actually cares about a job well done. As a drinker who has had a lifetime of Hong Kong milk teas, it was sooooo gooood. I was having a rough day, thanks for the kindness.
(5)Stella O.
One of my favorite places to catch some caffeine! The ladies are always helpful, and know me by name, and drink the moment I walk in! They take the time to explain a drink to me if I dare change my order for the day, and are always quick with a smile! Great gem in the neighborhood! I highly recommend the Peppermint Candy tea as a latte and tell them to add some caffeine if you need a pick me up!
(5)Casey S.
Excellent customer service. Friendly, took time to talk to me. Price matched a product! Amazing selection of teas and colored straws!!!!!!!! Worth the hour drive! When I come back out this way I will surely stop by.
(5)PRISCILLA A.
This boba is really good. One bad thing about this place is it closes really early. When I was pregnant and wanted boba for dinner it would be too late. I believe they close at 6pm. It is a little pricey but I would purchase it since its close to my home.
(4)Ringo L.
They have my tea exactly how I like it: loose and leafy! Seriously the best selection of teas around. I like mine hot on a cold day and cold on a hot day... Their afternoon lunch is a delight too. Who doesn't love a good panini with their freshly brewed tea? Scrumptious!
(5)Mel L.
Maybe I shouldn't order coffee at a "Tea House," but every time I try the Americano or other variants, I am disappointed. Not sure why, but the coffee has a strong "burnt" taste (it's not a dark roasted taste like Starbucks or other "premium" brands). The ice cream is good, and I'm not really into their flavored teas. No restroom is a big negative too.
(2)Amy Y.
Love this place! The owners are friendly and knowledgeable, very accommodating. I love their salads and teas and had them cater an event with tea, sandwiches and wraps. I was hesitant to order the wraps because I don't care for the ones I've had at parties (probably from Costco), but the wraps from The Loose Teas were wonderful! Sun-dried tomato and spinach wraps with pesto spread and high quality ingredients. Highly recommend!
(5)Craig W.
very friendly, extremely fresh food healthy great teas and coffee huge fan
(5)David C.
great drinks, serious don't know the buzz around half and half, i prefer this place. Owners are super friendly and they make great drinks and food. I even buy a bunch of their mixed tea leaves to enjoy at home.
(5)Anita C.
Parking here is a breeze. They always have samples to try. The service is terrific - the owners are very welcoming. The selection of teas is incredible (you can't go wrong here) - and they can sweeten it according to your preference. The music here is nice to chill out to - it's a different vibe from the tea cafes that blast Mandarin pop music. Wish they had a bathroom. After downing loads and loads of tea, my friend and I inevitably end up having to go to the Toys R Us next door to use their (not so clean) bathroom.
(4)Victor B.
I love this place! I've been going there ever since they opened! I love the super friendly service you receive from Cindy & Kim, the fresh and yummy food, and their exceptionally impressive loose tea selection. Try the: 1. Bourbon Street Vanilla 2. Nutcracker 3. Long Island Strawberry This place rocks. They just need a public restroom.
(4)Rceli A.
I hate the name ALOHA BOBA. It's so misleading. I've never had boba there. I never wanted to. Why bother with boba drinks when you walk and and see all the canisters of tea leaves. I love the brewed teas here. They're excellent. They have such a great and vast variety. The place is nice. The employees are always friendly and helpful. They really need to get a better name.
(4)Rae M.
I didn't have a place where I could walk up to the counter and say, "I'll have my usual." Until now. This is the place I go when I need to get out of the office for a bit and get a caffeine fix, which is usually once a week (twice if the week is particularly stressful and bad). The customer service is great and so is the tea selection. The drinks are brewed perfectly. I tend to go for one of the iced green teas (mango, most often) with boba, and their boba drinks don't have that sickly sweet taste like the beverages at some of the other boba places I've tried. I've also brought a variety of their drinks back to my co-workers -- everything from chai teas to black teas to other kinds of boba drinks -- and everyone enthusiastically approved the tastes. The space is small, but clean and nicely decorated. The atmosphere is quiet and easygoing. I recommend this cafe to anyone who wants get a quick but very satisfying cup of tea or just relax with a drink.
(5)Bobbi L.
This is a little hidden treasure in Monrovia. Cindy is a kind, helpful person and tries to make everyone feel welcome. The teas are made fresh, as are the sandwiches and salads. They have a large tea selection that I have not found elsewhere. Very charming little place.
(4)erika k.
really liked this place! I am NOT super particular about anything, so it's easy to exceed my expectations, lol (therefore, when you see a low rating from me, I sincerely mean it!) The customer service was a little more...exuberant than I am accustomed to, but very sweet. It was my first time there. I don't live or work in the area typically, so I never saw it before and just went in. I didn't get the impression the regulars were treated better, by the way.It was my first time in, and the girl behind the counter made it a point to learn my name. The cafe was full of regulars who were greeted as they entered and we were all treated the same. I got two teas and already tried one while my Unspecified Relationship tried the other and he liked that as well. Definitely have to come back here again!
(5)Anirahs T.
AWESOME boba milk tea!! The flavor is rich, and not watered down like most! Also a great place for lunch! They serve all sorts of different sandwiches!! Workers are extremely friendly and helpful!!!!
(4)Kevin L.
I must say, it's a cute little area where I'd like to have a little snack or catch up on some quiet time. Sandwich and salad selections are great and the teas are splendid. I enjoyed the mangosteen tea. Pricey to say, I would say it's organic pricey. Definitely will come back. But they need to turn off the ac in the middle of winter.
(5)Melissa M.
I drove all the way to the Loose Teas yesterday, a Sunday afternoon, and they were closed again. I went around 12PM and there was a closed sign. It was not a holiday so I'm not sure why they randomly close the cafe. Disappointed and tired of driving over 2 cities to get there only to discover they're closed. They randomly change their operating hours.
(3)Aaron N.
Every time I walk into this place, I feel so comfortably welcome. Everything from the lighting of the place to the super friendly workers and of course, the superb menu has this spot as one of my favorites every time I'm around. First off, there's this one lady that's always behind the counter--the owner--who always remembers me by name. Crazy! It's not like I go on a weekly basis yet every time I visit, she remembers my name. It kind of puts me to shame because she remembers me by name and I can't even give you hers! But overall, the staff here goes over the top in being friendly and rather than calling your name for you to get up and get your drink, they'll sometimes swing all the way around the counter to bring you your order whether a single drink or a whole meal--Oh, and again, they'll address you by your name! TEA: If you are a big tea fan, this is definitely the place for you. High quality teas and unlike many other places that load their teas with sugar and other syrups, most of this place's teas are made straight from the loose tea leaves themselves. If not, I love how their drinks aren't sweetened TOO much. Just perfect! Upon ordering, you can specify if you would like your tea to be on the strong/weak side or if you'd prefer your tea to be a little sweeter than regular. BOBA: Their boba is perfect! Of the many times I've ordered drinks with boba, the boba pearls are still warm. They're not too hard and not to soft. Chewy perfect. Although this place doesn't serve any sweets other than some packages cookies, they serve a pretty wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and paninis. The place isn't very big, it is clean and modern looking. I love the vibe and the music is not too loud but perfectly fit for the atmosphere. Outside seating is available and this place is perfectly situated in a large shopping center with other stores like Marshalls, Toys 'R Us, Trader Joe's, and Kohls nearby in case you just want to stop by here for a quick pick up between shopping rather than a sit-in and 'take your time' type of deal. Excellent service. High quality menu. Top of the line, hospitable Atmosphere. 5 stars.
(5)Sally C.
This is an amazing place. it's a refined and healthy boba place -- with very comfortable decor & ambiance. it is much nicer than most boba places and cafes in the area. The place is extremely clean & safe. they actually use very high quality tea. the paninis are amazing. The Flaming bird sandwich is quite tasty too. LA area really needs more places like this one -- that's cozy, friendly, and serves good drinks & food. HIGHLY - HIGHLY recommended.
(5)David P.
A very original place, has a really nice selection of tea especially for black and green tea. The employees are nice and they do provide great service. Drinks are very refreshing and it is a great place to relax by your self or with friends. The layout of the place is designed to provide a relaxing yet energized look thus being a bit unique in comparison to other beverage stores. I am definitely coming back for more tea and also will be coming back since I heard from my friends and saw with my own eyes that they food as well (really tasty food).
(4)Abby C.
Food/Cost: (4/5) - Delicious sandwiches and awesome drinks -- but for a price. The drinks here are a more expensive than at other places, but once you take a sip you'll understand why. My Matcha Tea Latte racked up a bill of $4.60 ($3.60 + $0.50 for large + $0.50 soy substitute). But I really loved the strong matcha flavor; too many times have I gotten matcha lattes with only a faint glimmer of flavor. I've also gotten the regular Iced Latte ($3.10) -- that thing gave me a jolt, of caffeine and of flavor.They don't serve any pastries or sweets here (other than packaged cookies) but they do have a pretty wide selection of sandwiches (most $7-$8) and salads ($6-$7). I implore you to try their paninis. I recently got the Turkey Panini ($6.95) and fell in love; I savored each flavorful bite, particularly the crunch and taste of the focaccia bread. It's like garlic bread on crack, and turned inside out. So good. I've noticed that many people come here especially to lunch on the sandwiches, so they loads of people think they're good too! My wallet winces when I come here, but my happy tastebud makes it all worth it. Ambiance: (3/5) Loose Tea doesn't have a particularly large space, but the space they do have is well stocked with tea-related merchandise like tea leaves, tea pots, books, and more. For those who want to dine in, there are 5 relatively spacious tables inside with comfy leather chairs. Four additional, smaller tables can be found outside. You can feel free to read or bring your laptop here -- they offer free Wifi (though it can be spotty at times) and a surge protector by the floor-length window. I don't recommend doing hardcore studying here as it can get busy around lunch times and a bit loud with patrons constantly going in and out; but for only moderately taxing brain activities, it's good. However, keep in mind that there's no public restroom here so you probably can't stay super long. Location: (4/5) Loose Tea is very conveniently situated in a huge shopping center that also houses Trader Joes, Marshalls, Kohls, and load of other chain restaurants and shops. In addition to other errands you can accomplish, it also means that parking is a breeze as the free parking lot is huge. Service: (5/5) The ladies behind the counter are all super sweet, particularly the owner. She always has this huge, infectious smile on her face. The drinks are usually made quickly, and the freshly made sandwiches are out in about 5 minutes, perhaps a tad longer if you come during the lunch rush. One downside is the $10 minimum if you want to swipe your plastic. Overall: (4/5) The drinks and sandwiches are addicting -- come try and you'll see why.
(4)Samantha C.
Not only are the teas super delicious and authentic, but their food is amazing and always fresh! The staff is nice and actually know their customers names.
(5)Elaine W.
Since discovering this place, my husband and I like to go at least once a week for lunch and I'll go more often for just a drink. Their vegetarian panini is really good. We also like the tuna melt. As for drinks, I'm addicted to their milk tea...definitely one of the best in the Monrovia area. We also enjoy trying all the various teas, iced and slightly sweet. Raindrop green tea is quite refreshing. Finally, the employees and owners are very friendly and helpful when trying to decide which tea to try.
(5)Chloe H.
Friendly staff and best bobas around! What more could you want?
(5)David L.
I've been coming to this place back when it was called Aloha Boba. Recently visited and was pleasantly surprised that Kim was still running the store with the same friendliness and energy as before. A slight disappointment was the missing customers' photos from the bulletin board (I used to have my mug as part of that collection). The shop still has an impressive selection of teas and the staff brews most of them fresh with each order. The basic unsweetened jasmine green tea I had was decent with a moderate amount of strength and dryness. Though I prefer my green tea to be VERY dry and strong, this cup was up to par for what I imagine to suit the masses. Though a person who is strictly bent on getting an "authentic" cup of milk tea according to Asian standards will find the tea served here to be a bit altered in style and taste (may be a bit more sweetened and particular teas used may be masked by milk), it's still a good option that caters more toward the middle of the road for all ethnicities and tastes. I haven't tried any of the food items (yet), there are options that sounded delicious and smelled so good I almost gave into getting something to ruin my dinner! As mentioned by other reviewers, the lack of an in-house restroom is a bit annoying but there are plenty of other shops with open restrooms. Risk leaving your laptop unattended according to your own discretion. Also, purchases must be over $10 to use a credit card. Despite the name change, the friendly service, above-average beverages, and free wi-fi with plenty of power outlets still makes this place one of my top "work away from home" places.
(4)Cat B.
I'm not a huge fan of Boba, although i do enjoy "rainbow jelly" (which this place does NOT have)... so i ordered the Mango Slushie.. it was a bit too sweet/syrupy for my tastes. The boyfriend ordered the Thai tea with boba, he seemed to enjoy it. He described it as nutty and sweet. As far as the boba balls themselves go, he said he couldn't tell a difference between other ones from other places we've been to. They also sell a variety of loose teas here, which is awesome. The decor is very cute, the clean/modern style..and the girls behind the counter are incredibly friendly. I suppose i'd go back and try something else.
(3)Jenny L.
I discovered this place few months ago. I haven't had the time to sit and enjoy a cup of tea as I'm always on the go. Every time I shop at Babies r Us, which is very often as I have 2 toddlers, I stop by to pick up a large Hong Kong milk tea. It's not the most exciting or adventurous drink on the menu but it's always perfectly made and delicious. I'm a sucker for consistent quality. Read a few reviews about high price but I see it as you get what you pay for. I rather pay an extra $0.50 to $1 to get a cup of high quality tea then some thing that can be whipped up in 2 minutes.
(4)Amber I.
My favorite place to get tea in Monrovia!!
(5)Patrick P.
PROS + The interior is pleasant, nicer than most coffee shops in the area, which is why I'll sometimes make this place a meet up spot. + Friendly service. CONS - What is the deal with boba places closing on Tuesdays? Tasty To Go also started closing on that day too... It's like an odd conspiracy where boba vendors meet in secret. - Closes fairly early. - Small location. - No restroom, though I suppose you can always try to sneak into the Rubio's or Panda Express nearby. I don't come here very often. A little pricier that I'd like. I've only tried the boba, so I can't really say much about their other offerings. Parking is easy enough, as the venue is located in the in western end of the Huntington Plaza.
(3)Eileen H.
I am absolutely in LOVE with this place!!! A friend introduced me to this place recently and I have been going back every week since then. The tea selection is amazing! Every imaginable flavor of tea is here! I get excited when I enter and stare at the wall of tea flavors. I like that I can open a jar and sniff the tea leaves. This way I get a feel for what I am about to order. The ladies that work there are so cordial and greet me by my name! I've only ordered a turkey sandwich here and it was tasty but not spectacular. Nevertheless, the tea is what lures me in. I definitely get my craving for tea satisfied here. My only concern is that they close too early. They close at 7pm and I get sad when I can't grab tea after school. Other than that, this place has the perfect environment for studying, reading, or friend dates!
(5)Thao T.
My favorite sandwich here is the Flaming Bird! It's a turkey sandwich with sprouts, avocados, tomatoes, lettuce, & chili flakes. I LOVE their loose tea selections.. you can even mix the teas! One thing I don't like is that I don't taste the bitterness of the tea sometimes =/ The staff is super friendly :)
(4)ashley b.
I went here to get a night time tea. The lady suggested "The Relaxation tea" I think it is. I bought a pouch of it. It really works! haha I'm not sure if it placebo effect or not but I go right to sleep after my drink. They have soooooo many to choose from. I went back and got the almond biscotti which is really good with a lil honey.
(4)Rag Doll V.
Love this place. Great drinks & salads!
(5)Erika K.
Sooo yummy here, i love there iced green tea with free boba added!! There very nice here and greet you very friendly. There also pretty fast. The only down side is there closed on tuesdays....and it sucks cause whenever i feel like coming it usually ends up being a tuesday :( t
(5)Julie N.
It was my first time here yesterday and maybe I came having too high of expectations. Since it's a tea cafe I was looking for flavors other than mango, passion fruit, peach, lemon, lychee GT/BT. I can get that anywhere. I didn't know what to order so I asked them if they had any specials or recommendations. They told me they had a new flavor not on the menu yet which was a Tropical Lime green tea. I went ahead and tried that and ended up paying 3.95 for a SMALL. O_o I thought small teas were supposed to be 3.25 and larges 3.75! Must've been because mine was "special". Anyhow the drink was a pretty purple color and that's all I liked about it. I was looking for more tea flavor and ended up getting a watered down limeade taste. Very disappointed with the tea and the fact that I payed almost $4 for it. My friend got the peach black tea and boba is a free add in so that's pretty good. The teas are just nothing you can't get at any other boba shop in my opinion.
(2)Jay D.
Wife wanted to stop by this place after shopping for a present for our daughter at ToyRUs. Place is clean and atmosphere friendly. They have free WiFi so you can hang out here and surf the web. Not a big tea drinker but I ordered a flavored iced tea and my wife orders Thai tea with boba. They also sell tea making equipment that my compulsive-shopping wife couldn't resist picking up some odds and ends. My tea was a bit too sweet for my taste. Wifey liked her drink. May I have ordered the wrong drink? I may cone back if we are shopping nearby and get thirsty. At the moment ... eh....
(2)Lan T.
This is the best tea shop! (I love tea and milk tea and I have tried a lot of tea shops around town) Customer service is great. Kim and Cindy know their teas. When I want my usual, they have it perfectly perpared, but when I want to try something new, they always have the best recommendation. I have tried many different flavors and they all been wonderful, but my top three would be: Earl de la creme (hot) - this is my all time favorite flavor! I will order it iced on a hot day, but the hot Earl de la creme milk tea is simply amazing. Almond Milk Tea - you can actually taste the almond and not the power taste like other tea shops Macchacino - great green tea and they know I have a sweet tooth so they make perfectly for me. I have brought my friends and family here (who are mostly Asians so any comment that this is a "white" place is incorrect) and everyone has loved this place. One of my family members has asked that they open up a shop in San Diego as their next store. :-)
(5)Jonathan T.
This was so good. Great place, awesome food, and wonderful decor. would highly recommend and bring other friends too. a bit small but oh well!
(5)Sharon K.
Not sure what's the hype about this place, cause seriously thought the drinks suck ass. If you really want boba, go to the san gabriel valley come on. Not Monrovia. (what was I thinking?) I came in and ask what's more popular? The green milk tea or the honey green milk tea. The cashier informed me it's the same thing, but I say how can it be the same thing when their both sweeten with different things right? One with honey and the other with fructose. Clearly she didn't know simple information about preparation. I ordered the honey green milk tea and milk tea. Which how can you screw up milk tea? It's the safest drink to get on the menu. The drinks lack tea flavor, more creamy. The boba itself was not that great, it was overcooked because it was way too hard. Never coming back, rather go to quicklys, tap x, etc. Any of those dollar boba places taste better than Loose Tea Leaves. Definitely a white place for boba.
(1)Michelle W.
Fantastic loose leaf teas. They make their own blends and have more traditional blends so that everyone is able to find something they like. Their boba tea is delicious, too. The staff is friendly, helpful, and patient. The store is clean, cute and sells great loose leaf tea-making supplies. I wished I lived closer so I could go here more frequently.
(5)Michelle A.
I've been going to this place since it opened. I LOVE the selection and options for your teas. Kim and Cindy are wonderful, always letting me know what's new and giving great recommendations for mixing teas. I love their sandwiches too. We moved to another city so I'm not able to go as often as I'd like but every time I'm in Monrovia it's a must.
(5)Jessica G.
This place is the best!! From the amazing tea concoctions to the super friendly staff, The Loose Teas is the only tea place I recommend to others. I've been a dedicated customer for about a year now and I'm completely satisfied with every aspect of this shop. Great food, fantastic tea (and smoothies), and a warm, informative crew! LOVE YOU GUYS!
(5)Jsayz L.
My favorite sandwich here...the Dagwood (turkey/ ham/ roast beef with tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado) on squaw bread with a side of salad. ...and iced passion fruit green tea!! I love it... perfectly sweetened for moi...but see, I have a sweet tooth so just let them know ahead of time if you prefer yours unsweetened/ or less sweet. :) This place is on my list of lunch rotations!! So yeah, I love 'em!!!
(4)Christine P.
I love this little cafe! They have a great assortment of drinks, salads and sandwiches. My favorites are the hong kong milk tea and the tuna salad. Plus, the service is always friendly.
(5)Gyl E.
This cafe is clean and well stocked with quality tea. I love the mixed teas, like the Matcha Latte and the Coconut milk tea. The sandwiches and salads are healthy, abundant and made fresh. The staff is so friendly - they even know my name! This is a great place for lunch, meeting friends, or grabbing a quality cup of tea.
(4)Lori F.
I must preface this review with the admission that I'm a tea snob. By "tea snob", I mean that I've easily got a hundred varieties of loose-leaf tea at home already. And The Loose Teas has tea I don't already have. This was a good start to my tea-drinking adventures there. Their tea quality is great. I'm partial to their second flush Darjeeling, and I'm always a sucker for anything with matcha in it. And if finding a good tea shop in a coffee-dominated world weren't enough, my husband (coffee junkie that he is) has a favorite coffee beverage there, too - their house specialty is lightly sweet, filled with flavor, and definitely a good coffee drink for the coffee-preferential. Atop all of this greatness, their food is excellent (I'm a sucker for a good sandwich and pasta salad), and they've got high-quality teaware available for sale which I don't see at many other stores. And did I mention they've got great tea? Overall: my life was made a little brighter the day I checked it out on my lunch break. The establishment is always clean, the staff is friendly and attentive to detail, and the quality of what you get is worthwhile for what you spend. I love their staff, who remember myself and my husband quite well now and greet us, and guess at our selection-of-the-moment. One afternoon, my husband ran over there to grab drinks, and the gal behind the counter had seen my weight-loss before-and-after pictures on Facebook and told him how good I was looking. Now, you tell me... how many places do you know of where the employees remember the customers after five minutes, much less weeks and months later? (It should be noted I usually am at work while he's grabbing our stuff there.) They've got a customer loyalty program in the form of punchcards (get X amount, and you get a free drink), have an Internet presence on Facebook (as should be evident from the last paragraph), do various daily and monthly specials, and just generally have a good business ethic on the whole. It's easy to access from the freeways and from the local surface streets, in a well-lit shopping center, and is near a lot of amenities. Have I mentioned yet how good their tea is? Yes, I'm very much a fan. And if you stop there, you may find yourself pleased, too. I strongly recommend a visit.
(5)Christina P.
It's so hard to find a tea place that offers so many awesome drink options. I've been coming here since before the name change and I absolutely love it. Try the soursop and pineapple mix, it's the best!
(5)Leo C.
I come here to get good tea, sandwiches, salads, and service. this place has also taught me a lot about how to brew my tea correctly. I have bought a lot of tea from their website. it is quite an amazing selection. It is nice to have a neighborhood store run and maintained professionally
(5)Traci H.
Loose Teas Cafe, I love you. I think the non-five star reviews come from mixed expectations. This is not a TenRen Tea House or Tea Station type place that's based around serving boba drinks and snacks. While Loose Teas does have some lovely sandwiches and makes great in-house drinks, their speciality is the wide variety of loose leaf teas they have on hand. Don't come here just cause you felt like you wanted a boba drink. Come because you want some high-quality, unique loose leaf tea you can't find anywhere else. The owners are always friendly and eager to explain or make recommendations for you, and they take the time to explain just how to brew the tea at home to get the most out of it. They have a whole wall of artfully displayed teas, where you are invited to peruse, sniff and ask questions about the teas. I went in looking for a seasonal tea blend that wasn't in stock yet. One of the owners was kind enough to take down my email, and contact me several weeks later when they actually got the tea in. Great service. I was blown away that they remembered after that long a gap. On a side note, these teas make great gifts too, in case anyone is looking for some last-minute Mother's Day gifts!
(5)T Y.
This place has some really good teas. They have a very large selection as well and the prices are very good! I only wish they were open later as well as opening on Sundays.
(5)Jen H.
The Loose Teas is AMAZING! I have learned so much about real tea and what it's supposed to taste like, that it's difficult for me to order tea from any other establishment. In a way, The Loose Teas has ruined my tea experiences at other places because they are TOO GOOD! I buy all of my loose teas there and have learned the proper way to brew at home so I get a perfect cup every time. The seating is plentiful and they even have outside seating, which is important for when I bring my dog with me after shopping at a local pet store. WiFi and plenty of places to plug a laptop in, great music, nice general atmosphere, and extremely friendly service. They even know your name the second time you visit :-) Their food is on the healthier side, ranging from panini to salads to sandwiches that are always made to order and very fresh. There's nothing much better to me than to stop on a Monday afternoon, to work a little on the laptop while enjoying a Thai Lime Iced Tea and a Craisin-Avocado salad w/chicken. The Loose Teas has been one of my favorite spots for awhile and I just adore Cindy, Kim, and Sue...they are so welcoming! Oh, and Mondays are double-stamp days, so you just have to go in on a Monday.
(5)Colleen W.
I love this place! Such a perfect neighborhood spot with excellent service and excellent products. I am a professional Chef and Chef Instructor and highly recommend their drinks and food products. I want this establishment to be successful, let's keep small businesses going!!!
(5)Simon V.
Tea Junkie, Bobaholic, Caffeine Addict, whatever moniker people bestow, I never relent: flavored tea is my life. Always in search of something new, different, better, I've visited Aloha Boba (or technically: The Loose Teas Cafe and Gifts) on a few occasions. Located in a strip mall with plenty of parking, this location is quiet and inside is clean, organized, and a lot dimmer than other tea joints (more relaxing with fewer distractions). You won't hear the familiar mandarin pop music (just some mellow tunes) or see bright flat panels featuring music videos, news, ads, or anything else. It's very inviting and less frantic, especially with the friendly staff. And I do mean friendly: Questions? Ask! Drink not on the menu? They can make it! Want to tailor your brew? No problem! I wasn't sure of what to choose, so I asked for a recommendation, was given samples and suggestions, and decided on Lychee Green Tea (they only have Lychee Black Tea listed, but they offered to make it). It was so satisfying, with a much more subtle lychee flavoring than other places that have very artificial fruit infusions. The tea taste was delightfully stronger, but it's still sweet and can be adjusted if you ask. No foam (from preparing the drink, so there's more liquid and less deception) and less ice (which also means no beverage sleeve!), it was perfect. I've tried their Mango Green Tea that was also very good, and sampled their Blue Mango, which was a nice surprise. I'll probably order it next time and ask for it to be a bit sweeter. If only it were closer and slightly more affordable (paying for quality is still much better than pissing away a few dollars on crap drinks), I would make myself a regular. You should come on Mondays for double stamp day! Who knows, you might even see me...
(5)Allison Y.
Stopped in to pick up some milk tea for the drive home. Had their jasmine milk tea with boba. Their Jasmine milk tea was so yummy! It was the perfect sweetness and tasted delicious! Would definitely order this again. This place also has a pretty nice menu of food and dessert as well. Wasn't too hungry this time but maybe next time I will grab something to eat. The store set up was very neat inside. They have a few tables in the interior and exterior. Staff was very friendly and my drink was ready in just a few minutes!
(4)Greta W.
It's so hard to find a good cafe for someone who doesn't want to consume a ton of caffeine, dairy, or sugar. When will other cafes learn to let the customer sweeten their drinks themselves? I recommend the CREAMY CARAMEL. They have outlets but no bathroom, so not somewhere you could park it, but the chairs are very comfortable. I wish they had discounted refills! But at almost 5 bucks a pop, I can't really afford to buy more than 2 drinks. By the way, buying teas by the ounce to make your own tea in the cafe is super frowned upon. Yes, I learned that the hard way. The lady behind the counter looks like my mom and she frowned at me hard core. I felt thoroughly shamed. So I bought 1 more drink and hurried out. Still my favorite place to get drinks though!
(4)Tiffany N.
Yum yum yummmyyyy! There smoothies are very fresh and good amount of boba There sandwiches are full of flavor and delicious. The only thing that took away one star was the wait for the sandwich... I mean like 15 min for one sandwich...really? And the place only had about 5 people in there...and they all had there food already. BUT it defiantly was delicious! I will be back soon!
(4)B e A r.
bomb diggity is how I'd describe the tea they sell and make here. I love pure teas and the loose teas sells an assortment of high grade organic teas. My favorite black is the Irish breakfast, or the Earl De la creme for a sweet treat. Then the very sweet and tasty jade cloud for the green. Snow buds for the white. I actually like mixing About 30% jade cloud and 70% snow buds and seeping around 185 degrees for 3 1/2 Mins or less. Anyways, great service, great teas. If you go in the store try the chocolate match a drink or whatever it's called...bomb!!!!
(5)Pauline T.
The teas are definitely amazing, the sandwich that I got was alright, my only thing was one macaron was $1.80 plus tax and it was like a really Teeny tiny one compared to like Lettes or even the one at Whole Foods. Other than that my Matcha Green Tea was really good, and I sampled one of the teas and I'm really contemplating to go back and buy it!
(4)Brittany U.
Their Matcha Chocolate Boba is amazing and so is the Machaccino. (I don't know if I spelled right) Great place to go to for a refreshing drink.
(5)Jamie R.
Amazing! Wish I lived closer. If I did I would turn into an unsweetened matcha w/ almond milk and boba.
(5)Tera T.
Plenty of delicious tea options!! The sandwiches are very yummy as well- my favorite is the Flamingbird. This place is super close to home so it has been an addiction..right now the iced almond milk tea is my beverage of choice! Friendly staff, not too crowded, this place is a must try for tea lovers.
(5)Sushiwife S.
Fast friendly service. Love the freshness of the tea. Has a pure clean flavor If you're in the area a must stop hangout.
(5)Jodie D.
Yuuumm!! Favorite sandwich is flaming bird and drink is the green and tan with chia seeds. Great service, food, and drinks. Their loose teas do not disappoint!
(5)Christina W.
This place was an amazing find! On our way to Chili's (in the same plaza), this little shop caught my eye. After lunch when everyone was ordering desserts for my niece's birthday I declined so I could try this place. It is a cute shop that sells loose leaf teas, ice/hot teas, coffees, smoothies, sandwiches and pastries. As for the drinks I knew exactly what I wanted! I ordered the milk tea w/a shot of expresso (the red eye). In Hong Kong, strong black tea and coffee mixed with evaporated milk or condensed milk is a very popular drink. I don't like really sweet drinks but I knew to order it as is because it was perfect! There were some unique items in the pastry case: red bean scones, matcha mini muffins, java mini muffins, mini banana bread slices, gluten free brownies, matcha/taro/plain shortbread cookies that were mix and match, 6 for $7.50. The muffins and banana bread didn't look so appealing so I got 2 matcha, 2 taro, and 2 plain shortbread cookies. I love both matcha and taro but the matcha one was the best. The plain one was good, too, but it was just a basic butter cookie. They also sold macarons. I asked if they were made in house but they were not. I am picky about where I get my macarons but I decided to try them anyway. They were out of many flavors but I got 2 coconut, 2 coffee and 2 lavender. The best one was lavender! I have some lavender at home that my friend brought me from the Lavender Festival in Ojai and now I am really inspired to turn them into cookies! The macarons are $1.70 each or 6 for $7.50. I ended spending a little under $20 dollars here. The cashier (maybe owner) was very nice and asked to to come back and try the lunch next time!
(5)Karen L.
My favorite sandwich is the Flaming Bird which is a turkey sandwich with a little spice.I had it on sourdough!!!!
(4)Nicha T.
Cute little spot that's not too hard to find! I jumped on the Rooibos Haze because I don't see rooibos teas as an option often enough. Perfectly sweetened and sooo good for a hot day. Also gave their Firebird sandwich a whirl based on the recommendation of the lady behind the counter. I was very surprised by how generous they were size/filling-wise! For something called the firebird I would have liked a bit more of a spice kick, but all things said the spread was good and the fillings worked together very nicely. They have a nice little collection of tea-related knick knacks for sale as well as actual tea. Space is a bit tight but it's cozy and there are a good number of outlets. I didn't stay long but I wouldn't mind spending an afternoon here.
(4)Stephanie J.
First timer! I had the coconut oolong tea and the veggie panini (added avocado) with a small side salad. It was heaven, both the tea and panini!! I'll be coming here again!
(5)C W.
Love love love their Flaming Bird sandwich! It's a pretty thick sandwich so if you don't like sandwiches that can get a little messy, split it into an open face sandwich instead. And of course they have a great selection of teas, and even gift sets too!
(5)Nik N.
I love their teas! I am usually not a fan of fruit teas but theirs are delicious. I had the strawberry, mango and pineapple tea and they were all great. I love that they don't put tons of ice because ice waters down the flavor. Their teas are not sweet at all! I don't have to tell them light on the sugar. I've also had their taro slush/smoothie boba! It's so good I want to go get me one now- it's $5 for a large. I've had their macaroons before and they are tasty, too. This is one of my goto places for a drink.
(4)Samantha L.
When it comes to boba, I can become very picky because I've tried too many places. This place did not fail to satisfy me. I got the usual, taro smoothie with boba. The flavor of the smoothie was right on, and the sweetness level just right. They gave a good amount of boba balls, and the texture of them were perfect. I also got their taro biscuit because they recommended it to me. I honestly don't know why they would suggest it. It tasted awful. But I did enjoy the texture of it. Maybe next time I'll try a different flavor. The price is about the same you'd expect from any boba place in Socal. Around $4-5 dollars. Their pastries/desserts were a bit pricey imo. I'll definitely come back here for the boba.
(4)Jenise L.
Super helpful, friendly staff, and delicious teas! I wish I had found this place earlier in my vacation, but I was lucky enough to have their tea for the last 3 days of my trip. Almond milk tea was my favorite, very almondy and tasty. Teas are just sweet enough, boba is flavorful and free.
(5)Sandra C.
They tea was freshly brewed and done in front of me. I also had a panini which was delish! One half of it filled me up. So yes this place does serve big portions for a low price! I will definitely be returning.
(4)monica w.
I dont know about you, but for me, i'm that typical asian that LOVES tea. this place does the amazing combo of tea fused with fruit. i tried an unsweeted coconut green tea, pretty fucking good but what got me was the black english breakfast tea with lychee. its a hot day in morovia, and you want something refreshing but not over whelming heavy go for the ice teas. I LOOOOOOVE ZEM. especially the black english breakfast lychee tea. cant wait to go back to try the macaroons, might grab a tea set while im threre.
(5)Jennifer A.
I love, love this place. I crave the turkey Panini all the time. I get it with the pasta as my side and its the best pasta I have ever had. The teas, (lightly sweetened and blended van. latte are my favs. I suggest this place to my friends all the time. The only place to go for hot teas and coffees by far!
(5)Aira T.
My boyfriend and I love this place! This is our go to spot when in need of a refreshing iced tea! All the teas are made to order and the staff is very friendly! Our favorite is the Yerba mate iced tea!
(5)Holly P.
1 year in arcadia and I just now discover this place!..ordered the vanilla Chai and flaming bird..they were both fantastic!the flaming bird really is self explanatory bc it's definitely flaming..totally looking forward to going back
(5)Scott D.
I stop here every time I am in arcadia, super friendly people and superb tea, boba, and food!!!! I don't dare go anywhere else!!!!
(5)Gregory S.
This place is a diamond level place for tea, coffee, lunch, and sweets. Lots of reviews on this page already comment on how high level of quality their premium teas are; I want to take a moment to speak on the level of service, professionalism, and quality of everything behind the scenes that makes Loose Tea's a cut above the rest, and *fathoms* better than chains such as Teavana. The sandwiches and panini's are excellent! They are not shy with portion of the meat, and to me the meat and bread and all ingredients taste high class. I love the roast beef Panini and the Dagwood. Sometimes we need to use them for large orders and catering items, and they always are so helpful and prompt. Never have they messed up an order, and always do they go above and beyond to make sure we are set with what we need. The service is fantastic. This team is inundated with "regulars" yet somehow the staff knows us by name and remembers our orders. For your first time there, they are so helpful and friendly with explaining what they offer and what is available-- it's like you are instantly treated as a regular as soon as you walk in the door. Seriously, why aren't there more places like Loose Teas. I wish I could give extra stars. THANK YOU Loose Tea's not just for keeping us fed and caffeinated, but for being a entity that cheers us up on a crummy day, puts smiles on our faces, and reminds us that sometimes all that's important is a relaxing mindset and a delicious glass of tea.
(5)Lily T.
I've had this little tea lounge/ cafe bookmarked for awhile now and finally got the chance to pop in today. I love that they sell loose leaf teas here and they have a pretty good variety. They do not have as wide of a selection as Teavana or Bird Pick Tea and Herb, but still a good selection nonetheless. The prices vary depending on the type of tea and what size you get, but I think they are pretty reasonable. They usually offer samples of two different teas up at the front and they can also brew any of the teas for you as well. Other than the loose leaf teas, they also offer sandwiches, paninis, salads, desserts, smoothies, etc. When I came, it was not too busy or loud so I would not mind coming here to study or get some work done. There aren't too many seats here but if you can grab a table, there is a row of outlets on the side. Loose leaf teas: Take home sizes: 4 oz, 1/2 lb, or 1 lb. (Tip: If you are indecisive like me, you can also go half/half on flavors so 2 oz of one and 2 oz of another) 1) Earl de la creme- black tea 2) Organic Blood Orange Puerh 3) Organic Vanilla Mint Puerh 4) Almond Walnut- green tea 5) Raindrop- green tea Food: Chicken provolone panini- Very simple, yet tasty. Comes with a side of mixed greens or pasta salad. I would definitely come back to try more sandwiches and teas! :)
(4)Natty C.
This place is super yummy, the employees are very friendly, and the drinks are very refreshing! I love it! :-]
(5)Lyza S.
Every time I get anything from here I am 100% satisfied! The staff is super friendly and I love that they have sample teas for you to try. I'm the type to pay a little more for good food/bev so I have no problem with their prices. Their cold sandwiches are so so fresh and delicious. I highly recommend you give this place a try! Especially if your a tea lover!
(5)So S.
This place is pretty quiet and tables were really clean; definitely a much more preferable tea place compare to all the ones out there. Green and Tan: Doesn't have any green tea taste to it. Pretty sour, like green apple sour which I don't expect. If you like sour drinks, this is it. **Suggestion: add some sweetness to it. Macarons: I had chocolate, coffee, and lavender. Lavender was the one that standout the most. It wasn't overly sweet, the taste was just right. When chewing it, the nice scent goes through the nose, it's incredible. Each macaron was soft, the cream filing was moist. I'd recommend the macarons here than 'Lette. Lastly, amazing service.
(5)Xiaojing L.
The tea here is okay. It's good place to study but their service is okay but compare to other coffee/ tea shop, there is plenty of room to improve.
(3)Alpha L.
I crave and come back for their sandwiches here. My favorite is the flaming bird sandwich ($7.95+tax) on multigrain. It is filled with juicy meat and veggies and tastes so fresh. I also really like their turkey sandwich. I have tried their panini sandwiches here but I prefer the regular over panini style because they use more ingredients and it is healthier (no grease). You get to choose a green salad or pasta as a side. All the drinks I have had here have been good too. They have coffee, specialty teas, boba, ice blended drinks, and smoothies. The people upfront have always been nice and courteous. I do wish they had high chairs for kids... But I guess most people coming here grab a drink and quick bite (like a Starbucks) and aren't here for a full on meal.
(5)Jessica J.
Love this place! At first I would only come for the unique teas but the sandwiches are sooo good too. My favorite drink is Almond Milk Tea with boba. Its sweet and delicious. My favorite sandwich is the Flaming Bird which is a turkey sandwich with a little spice. The staff is always so nice and friendly! Always!
(5)Maverick W.
After reading all the rave reviews, I decided to try this place out. The decor was nice and quaint, but I don't think it lived up to all the hype. But what did live up was the service. Some of the best customer service I've experienced while getting boba. Unfortunately, I didn't quite like the JASMINE MILK TEA I got. You could definitely tell that they use high-quality tea, but it tasted a bit medicinal in my opinion. I guess I just prefer that sugary, artificial stuff? Speaking of sugary and artificial, the boba was a tad lackluster too. Unfortunate, since a 24 oz up cost me $5.18 :((((( An extra star for accepting FiveStars!
(3)NydRox G.
First time here on a Saturday. Down the street from my Celi and my sis house. We LOVED the Sandwiches, Boba, Smoothies and Teas. The staff was super friendly, extremely attentive and I love the energy here. EVERYTHING tasted SOOOOOOOOO FRESH yet crisp. Thanks Loose Tea and will be back.
(5)Angela H.
I asked the boyfriend to stop by here before our long drive back to the OC, and just scrolling through the yelp photos, I was intrigued by this green and tan drink. It's match tea with lemonade (so kind of like a match green tea/arnold palmer). My boyfriend got simple jasmine milk tea. One plus, free boba add-ons. That's like unheard of in any asian town, but cool. They also had other interesting add-ons including chia seeds. In retrospect, adding something to my drink would've made it better. My boyfriend didn't really like his jasmine milk tea; he said it was bland and for a place that has a whole wall of teas displayed, you would expect them to make a pretty kicking jasmine milk tea, but no. As for my Green & Tan, it was so cool looking. The matcha looked so thick and pretty good, but after I mixed it up and took a sip, I was confused. I wasn't sure what it really tasted like. I can only describe it as it tasting like kumquat juice or something. Prices were ok. About $7-8 for both our drinks. Both of us weren't too impressed with the tea. I still love my 7Leaves.
(2)Alan K.
Here I sit in this cafe for a second time, and after almost getting into an accident, I'm finding myself unwinding all the tension from the good food and drinks. FOOD QUALITY: I love paninis, and I love places with good paninis even more. The Godfather panini is my usual go-to: it's pressed focaccia bread sandwiching meats, melted provolone, red onions, and pesto mayo. The focaccia bread has that nice crisp on the outside, but still soft in the interior despite the stiffness. This serves well for the panini overall since it keeps the dense meats and cheese in place. Flavorwise the panini is savory-salty; the meats make clear that this is the flavor they want while the cheese supplements well for a slight creaminess and sweetness. The pesto mayo then bridges these two opposites together by supplementing both flavor profile, but the best part is the red onions because it provides a crisp brightness that lightens the density of the panini. Their teas are also pretty good; I've tried their chai and their green tea lemonade. Both are good, but I particularly like the green tea lemonade because this is the type of green tea that has that burnt, earthy flavor. The drink starts off with that earthy bitterness, but soon smoothly transitions to a balanced sweet and lemon-sour taste. ENVIRONMENT: Small, clean, and warm environment. Although there aren't that many tables indoors, there's still seating outside, which is nice to sit at when the weather is good. Overall, I really like this place and I only wish it was closer to where I live. It's one of my favorites, by far since they have both good food and drinks.
(5)Olga A.
Absolutely my fave place to have a salad and tea! Fresh food and delicious teas all with excellent service. Place has a bit of a lounge feeling. Great for coming in for some reading, work on lap top or to catch up with a friend out just be alone. Very comfy atmosphere. Be careful. This place can be very addicting! I love their tuna salad! Fresh and not fishy taste. My son loves their egg salad sandwich. My youngest loves to get his favorite, PB&J. This place has allowed me to gently introduce my boys to teas. People are surprised when they ask me for tea (but only loose teas cafe) because we've tried others and is unlike the ganged we get here. Customer service is wonderful! Very friendly knowledgeable crew always smiling. It's my personal escape, coming here. Our favorite teas are coconut, creamy caramel, rain drop ( my son's fave, but I can't remember the exact name). These are our current favorites!
(5)Michelle W. M.
Awesome awesome!!! Delicious and unique and real! Want some good coffee or tea or boba- go here!!
(5)Jeff G.
This place is awesome!!! Jacob was the best server I ever had!!! Good job loose teas!!!
(5)J W.
Matcha Chocolat was delicious. Tuna sandwich was ok; big sandwich though. Kind of expensive
(4)Malia B.
Hi love this place..... But now they charge 30 cents for using ur dept card if the purchase is under $10 dollars, really!! So I can't just buy my usual tea, now I'm charged close to 10% more. Very disappointing when small businesses start doing well they forget decent business practice
(4)Bella B.
Blah.... was excited to try this place out but was dissapointed. I love boba milk tea and this place just did not do it for me. It tasted watery...yet very bitter. Also they charge 30 cents for using ur card. blah wont be coming back for your $4 milk tea.... my search for boba tea around monrovia continues
(1)Marshanna J.
This was my first time here and it was great. Great customer service and the tea and boba was yummy. No complaints
(5)Aaron M.
Been going here for years and years now and after visiting many other tea shops this place still remains the best place to get a nice cup of fresh loose tea! You haven't tasted tea until you've tried a fresh loose tea from this place. It'll change your life.
(5)Chieko M.
Their Organic Peach White Tea keeps us coming back. Tried the Chocolate Cappuchino tea today and will be picking up a couple of ounces on the way out. Great tasting boba too.
(4)Keila N.
Loose Teas Cafe is located in a corner sharing real estate with Rubios, Trader Joe's and other big box retailers. It's a quaint setting with contemporary furnishings. I ordered he almond tea in 32 oz size. The taste is unique and delicious. There's no restroom here, which is inconvenient. Service was great.
(4)Mel g.
The woman that was working today 1/6/15 around 12:15pm was extremely rude. I called in my phone order for 2 large drinks. When I get there it was 2 regular sized drinks told her and she said ok well I'm going to have to charge you .. I asked her why they didn't get it when I called in my order ? She says well I wasn't the one that took your order.!! That's her excuse? Seriously? Oh and my drink was missing boba!
(1)Stephanie S.
Was recommended this place by my boyfriend who swears the tea is really great. I came on a hot, scorching day, desperate for ice cold tea. As soon as I walked in, I was surrounded by merciful cool air and all kinds of tea products. I was in the mood for a mint tea, and they just so happened to have samples out! I tried a sample and it was SO sweet, so I ordered it unsweetened. At $4 for a large, I feel like that's kind of steep. However, if it was great tea, it would have been worth it. Unfortunately, I found the tea to be at best mediocre. There was no strong mint sensation or taste, and it tasted a bit bitter - and not in the good way bitter. It tasted like it was over-roasted, or burnt - maybe because it was steeped for too long? I'm not entirely sure. Usually, I like my mint tea unsweetened, so I can actually taste and enjoy the tea's bitterness, but this was too much to handle, so I had to get it a little bit sweetened. After I got it sweetened, the tea kind of lost its flavor. All I tasted after was the sweetner they use. Usually, the sweetner is supposed to bring out the flavors of the tea, as well as give it a little sweetness, but whatever sweetner they added totally overwhelmed the flavor. There are loose teas for sale, but I took a peek at one of the teas and it was $16 for 4oz?? I can't say for sure if the tea is overpriced or not because I didn't investigate further. It may just be that specific tea being a little more pricey. They have quite a selection, so don't let me deter you from at least checking it out. This shop is located in a plaza that also houses a Toys R Us, a Marshalls, and a Trader Joes, so there's plently of parking. The atmosphere was really great - they played chill cafe music, blasted their AC, and have strong wifi. A great place to study, catch up with friends, or even take refuge in while the people you know are shopping around in the plaza. Their menu sounds really great. They offer free boba in their drinks, but I wasn't feeling boba so I can't expand on its quality or taste. They also have food if you're interested. All in all, if I were to ever come back, it'd be more for the atmosphere than for the tea.
(3)Hugo T.
I will always support a local business who's ownership and staff makes every attempt to make its costumers feel welcomed and cherished. That's the atmosphere at The Loose Teas Cafe & Gifts and its the reason why it is a favorite of mine an my family. Of course, their selection of teas is impressive and the staff is knowledgeable and capable of making terrific recommendations. For lunch, their selection of sandwiches is terrific and their pricing right on target. Finally, the ownership is a regular staple of community events and they make their best effort to support the neighborhoods they serve. This is a business that I highly recommend and where you are certain to eat well and feel like you're in a special spot of your own. Try it!
(4)Kelly Q.
The Flaming Bird is my new favorite go to lunch. Perfectly spiced and full of everything fresh.
(5)Raven F.
The owner is so nice! She always seems to be there when I go and is always in a good mood, which is contagious haha Awesome friendly service and great tea and boba! The tea is t too sweet and the boba is always cooked perfectly.
(5)Tania A.
I've been coming here for drinks for a while now, the drinks are good. I've had a couple smoothies and milk teas. But the last couple times I have been extremely disappointed. I went in for an iced matcha green tea, the lady said it would be sweet but it almost had none. And I guess they use a powder to make it? Well most of it was on the bottom of my cup and it wasn't a pleasant taste by any means. And the last three times I've gone I've had to wait for my drink for about 10 minutes. And it's not busy. That really bothered me. On the bright side, the employees are really nice. They ask if you have any questions if they catch you staring at the menu for too long. The macaroons here are pretty good. I've had the raspberry ones and they were sweet. Overall, the service is great but I wish they would improve the quality of their drinks. Oh and I love how they always have tea samples. Makes the wait for my drink less annoying.
(3)Jennifer H.
Such a quiet place to study and read. I like the fact that this place looks like it only serves teas but they don't. They serve milk teas, lattes and boba! I really enjoyed their matcha green tea latte. Boyfriend got the Hong Kong Milk Tea which is black tea mixed with condense milk, which wasn't bad. If you don't like condense milk in your drink, you won't like this drink. We tried their Roasted Beef sandwich, which had roasted beef, tomato, lettus, mayo, and mustard. I believe you can adjust your sandwich just let them know what you don't like in the sandwich and they'll satisfy your hunger. I told them I don't like mustard, so they did not add that in there, which was awesome. :) All sandwiches comes with mixed greens or pasta salad. The service was great. I will come back here again to try more things on their menu.
(5)Erin K.
I go to lunch here once every other week or so, especially if I'm really hungry. I love the squaw bread and sandwich selection, and I indulge in a cold tea, as well. Love the staff, also - they seem to know me and are always nice.
(4)Christina A.
Stumbled across this little gem as I was in the plaza looking for a coffee shop to crash for a few hours of studying. Was pleasantly surprised as I entered to see the variety of teas along the wall. I was greeted immediately by two friendly cashiers, Jacob and Sue, who seemed genuinely interested in helping me to pick out a tea, since the selection was a bit overwhelming! I appreciated how the staff actually had "suggestions" and personal favorites when I inquired, as opposed to the go-to standard of pointing out the most popular drink on the menu. What I ordered (dining in): a hot rose tea latte with almond milk (which was a big plus since most coffee shops carry either regular milk or soy). The tea arrived in a standard paper cup similar to what you would receive at Starbucks and had the perfect amount of froth at the top. The fragrance was wonderful (not too perfume-y nor artificial). Per request, the tea was lightly sweetened and had just the right amount to bring out the flavor of the tea. Being a frequent boba/coffee shop goer, I've come to find that the term "less sweet" can be interpreted vastly different from one place to the next. In comparison to my experience with some of the shops in the area, the "less sweet" option was not sweet compared to Half & Half, Honey Badger and Ten Ren's. Brownie points: super down-to-earth and friendly staff, clean seating areas inside/outside (no sticky residues left behind on tables/chairs/floor), quiet (for a weekday evening), nice aroma (from the teas brewing), variety of fresh customizable options to choose from in both drinks and food, large tables, free wi-fi with plenty of outlets available, and an abundance of parking (at this location). Will definitely be back!
(5)Andrew M.
I love the vibe here! And the baristas are all very friendly and helpful. The focus of their beverages is about authenticity of flavor, which makes their milk teas so much better than a lot of places. I want more tea, not more cream flavor. Perfecto. Their macarons are pretty good too. Free Wi-Fi. Double stamps on Mondays!
(4)Melissa R.
I came here once with a friend. The selection of tea was great and the sandwich I ordered was good and healthy. I definitely enjoyed this place.
(4)Cathy C.
This place is super chill if you want a nice tea or coffee! It was my first time going here with my boyfriend and we loved it. I had a Hong Kong milk tea and my boyfriend got a peach black tea. We both really enjoyed it. Also, we ordered a chicken panini with a side of pasta but the pasta was okay, nothing special. Then finally, the service was so nice!!
(5)Raeesa H.
I've been in this area a lot lately, and was hungry & tired & desperate for a non-chain establishment. Quick Yelp & Drive (guilty) brought me to this place. I ordered the vegetarian sandwich on wheat bread with a side of pasta salad, and grabbed an iced coffee to go with it. Loved it all! Fresh and delicious. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The place is clean, calm, inviting, and original. I will definitely be back. Totally trying their teas and smoothies next time I come around.
(4)Aishan S.
After a Saturday morning hike at Monrovia Park, my boyfriend and I were craving a refreshing boba drink. We stopped by Loose Teas to sit down, relax, and enjoy a sweet reward. When I first walked in, I was really pleased by how cute this place is. There is plenty of space to sit and even work; the counters are lined with delectable displays of pastries; one wall is dedicated to tea jars; and the wall in the back corner has advertisements for local events. I rarely come across a boba place that is also such a great place to sit down and work. The baristas offered us samples of their brewed iced teas. We chose to order our drinks first, then I sampled each of their two brews. I was delighted by the sweet, herbal taste. Soon, our drinks were ready and we finally chilled for a bit. While my boyfriend looked over some other hiking trails, I browsed the tea varieties. They have a myriad of greens, blacks, oolong, roiboos, white, herbal, and others. Some were mixed with berries while others had almond and chocolate flavours. In the back, they also sold tea accessories like kettles, mugs, infusers, and tea brewers. As we enjoyed our drinks, more and more people poured into the store. Before it got too crowded, we decided to head out. Too bad this place is too far for regular trips. Maybe I'll be back after another hike.
(4)Brian V.
The Loose Teas is by far one of the most legit tea purveyors in the SGV. As the name implies, all their teas are loose leaf. You can pick from their large assortment of jars that are organized along the wall or select from several popular choices displayed on the menu. They also have a few unique creations. The "green and tan" is half lemonade and half matcha (Japanese green tea). Not only does it taste amazing, it looks pretty cool too. They always have two teas for you to sample by the register so you can try something new. Anything you order is brewed fresh on the spot. Oh, did you want boba with that? Its free! And perfectly cooked, I might add. Asian teahouses can't even compare.. I've had a panini here once and it was pretty good too. It was served with some mixed greens and a choice of macaroni or potato salad. Prices are a bit higher than other teahouses but you're definitely paying for quality tea here. The interior is clean and the staff are always friendly. A great place to study or just get a quick tea fix!
(5)Nichole F.
I have enjoyed every tea I have received here. The options of loose leaf tea are good quality. The tea leaves are fresh and the selection is adequate. The options include pretty much all of the favorites in the various tea categories (green, black, oolong, mate, etc) My new fav is Earl Grey de la Creme made as a latte poured over ice. Yum! The staff is friendly and the mainmast there knows her tea. When I asked not to let the tea steep over a certain amount of time, she fully understood. They use timers while they steep the tea too so that helps to ensure the optimal flavor.
(5)Karen M.
I came in looking for an alternative to dreary supermarket tea. The young people working at this place are so energetic and helpful and they set me up with some darjeeling. It is expensive but it lasts a long time and the flavor is superior! What I really appreciated was the service and attention to customers. I'll be back! A really well-run shop that will give Chado a run for it's money!
(5)Charlene C.
I've been coming here regularly since 2011 and it's my default place if I can't decide where to go for lunch. They've started a rewards card program and I have mine on my key-chain and you can get a free drink when you build up enough points. I'm also glad they've extended their hours! They used to be closed on some random day (I think Tuesdays), but now they're open everyday! When in the mood for a nice milk tea with boba, theirs hits the spot. The Lychee Martini and Mango Green Tea are other favorites of mine. They actually get busy during lunch time. FOOD: My favorite sandwich so far is the "Flaming Bird" (turkey, lettuce, red onion, cucumber, tomato, avocado, spicy mustard, alfalfa, chili flakes, on squaw bread. (YUM!) I've also tried the "Tuna All The Way" sandwich (which is my second fave) as well as their chicken, roast beef, and veggie paninis. Their sandwiches come with a side of pasta or side salad. If you're not that hungry, you can also order a half sandwich. They also serve salads and I always get the Turkey Salad which is actually quite large and I can never finish the entire thing. Right now, I'm really digging their loose tea called "Raindrop" and I keep a bag of it at my office. I drink it every morning. RAINDROP = Green Tea leaves, strawberry, orange peels, and everlasting flower petals. A bag is $12.00, but lasts a while. I've gotten to know the ladies that work here and they all know me by name. (They are actually really good with customer names.) My friends at work are here multiple times a month.
(5)Tanya N.
I can't believe I paid almost $7 for a cup of tea. I was in search for a new Tea spot in the SGV and wanted to try this place out. This tea spot located in the heart of Monrovia and is quite a distance from other Asian Tea shops such as Quickly, Half N'Half or Au 79. There was quite a selection of various drink but I usually just order what i'm familiar with and that is Mango Green Tea. I ordered a Large Mango green tea and added some mango jelly which shaped like stars which came out to be less than $6. The drink was decent and I can taste the tea but there was very little jelly in it so I asked the lady there to add in some lychee jelly for another $0.75. The overall price was just short of $7. if I had gone to Au79 or Oh My Pan, I could have gotten 2 drinks~! If a drink costs that much, i'd expect it to extraordinary. Maybe it's the neighborhood, but I would not come back.
(3)Meemo W.
super friendly ppl here there is a decent selection of the kinds of teas and dessert drinks they have here.. it's not going to be a whole lot like at a ten ren kind of place as that can get overwhelming.. but the right amount of variety there are two large pump thermoses for ppl to sample.. from what i can tell, they have their own proprietary drinks from how they name them i believe what i got today was a matcha chocolate.. it was recommended by a friendly staff when i didn't really know what to order as it was my first time.. she made a good choice, i really liked it.. i definitely want to come back for the other drinks, especially after i tried those two samples from the thermoses at the front parking is at the same location as the chipotle, so not a problem
(4)Sandy B.
This place gets 4 stars for being decent and nearby my house when I don't want to drive to Arcadia or Alhambra for boba. But it's not the best bang for your buck. This place is always packed with nowhere to sit. People really like to lounge here.
(4)Jessica V.
I love coming here! They have a wall full of loose teas you can open up and smell. Definitely not your average boba tea shop you normally find in the Arcadia area. The women who own the shop are always do kind, happy, and helpful! Each drink is brewed to order, so if you are in a hurry be sure to call ahead! I love their salads and sandwiches. Great place to study except I don't think the have a bathroom- only downside but I'm sure the toys r us next door has a bathroom you could use. This is a great place to meet friends or study. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Also great place to pick up a gift. They sell lots of cute tea pots and tea accessories. Don't forget your 5 Star Card so you can collect reward points!
(5)Jeff K.
Loose tea you better get your ass down to the orange county! ASAP! everything about this place is awesome, i honestly wished they had one in the OC... what was i doing in monrovia?! i seriously don't know... my brain was on auto pilot that day.. so don't ask. there's a wall of teas... take your time to smell each one. it's kinda of a stress reliever, and its interesting to smell the different tea leaves. one of my favorite was the chocolate mint. yummy! we ended up getting the Almond Walnut and the rooibos instead... i thoroughly enjoyed the rooibos and most def recommend getting that. it was like drinking tiger's blood. super delicious and give you a mental rush. lol awesome and friendly staff: they'll take the time to tell you about the different types of teas and recommend something if you're unsure what to get. they sell honey sticks! zomg. check this place out!
(5)Baby C.
Great tea and drink selection. Really friendly and knowledgable staff, the place is clean and they have and adequate amount of tables close to a power cord which is somehow hard to find in coffee shops in this town. They have WIFI but I've noticed it can be a bit slow and kick me off from time to time but it's free essentially. They don't have a restroom which was frustrating and I had to leave before finishing my school work because after a triple shot almond milk vanilla latte I really had to go ;). Oh by the way, that drink cost me $6 something with a $1 tip. Really pricey. Next time I want to try their salads!
(4)Robert T.
This place is my favorite place to go for tea, and meet with my clients. I just ordered a mango, pineapple, and banana smoothie. This place is now my favorite place for smoothies also. You can't get a friendlier staff. The owners are very friendly and down to earth. They even have organic products as well. I highly recommend this place to everyone. Summer is approaching, so I recommend the smoothies if your trying to cool off. The kids will love this place as well. What are you waiting for?
(5)Kyra K.
3.5 stars, rounded up because the atmosphere was clean and pleasant. Came in around 1pm for a lunch with a couple girlfriends who love tea. We ordered sandwiches and drinks, which were served without too long of a wait. My turkey panini was fine - nothing to rave about and nothing bad. Given its normal quality, the price could've been a couple bucks lower, but it was overall acceptable and I liked having a side salad. Since I'm not a tea drinker, I opted for the "Monrovian" coffee drink. This drink had a lot of potential, and was similar to the strong Vietnamese tea that my [Vietnamese] mom brews at home. The espresso was dark without bitterness and had a nice flavor. If only there hadn't been SO MUCH sweetened condensed milk, the Monrovian could've been a stellar drink. Instead, it was so horribly sweet that I couldn't drink it. The barista was very nice and gave me an extra shot as requested, and even after that I could barely stomach more than half the drink. Very disappointing, but with some tweaking it'd be good. I'll be sure to ask for it LESS friggin SWEET the next time I'm here.
(4)Les R.
Good for regular herbal teas. Very friendly staff. Chill atmosphere. Their almond boba isn't that great. I've had better. Food wise, they take a while for it. I went in for the Veggie panini and it took 20 mins til they served it. Rather go to Subway.
(2)Audrey M.
I want to give this place another chance, will definitely call before heading over because they have awkward hours and take longer holiday breaks. The three times I visited they were closed due to holiday. One day I will get to try you guys...
(3)Manuel A.
My wife and I drive about 10 miles just to come here. They have amazing selection of teas. I always get the "RAINDROP" lightly sweeten tea. they almost always have samples to try. I will always recommend this place.
(5)Haruko S.
OMG - the sandwiches are huge & full of yummy stuff! We got the Homegrown in Squaw bread & the Tuna on Wheat. We also got two ginormous drinks with boba! Also for dessert we got 1 of each flavor of the macaroons. Too full right now to enjoy the macaroons but we will eat then later. Oh the drinks were peach/pear/apricot smoothie and a Maccachino (green tea smoothie). Also service was uber friendly and patient. Love this place!
(5)Zerlina L.
This place is definitely worth the try. They have a great selections of loose leaf which almost feels like an endless choice of tea to milk tea options. I would also recommend the flame bird sandwich. It has a nice kick to it and one of the best sandwich I had from most places. Definitely going back to try more.
(5)Valerie J.
I'm a huge milk tea fan and had been wanting to check this place out for so long. The service here is freakin' awesome. The girl who helped is knew her teas inside out. We waited a bit for our teas to brew, and the longer I waited, the more excited I became. I love tea places that brew fresh tea for your milk tea! Maybe I hyped it up too much in my mind. Maybe I yearned too deeply to try this place out. But when I took the first sip of my long awaited milk tea...it was meh! I probably won't be returning. I'd rather drive a little further for Tenju.
(3)Reese M.
Very friendly staff, affordable prices on loose leaf teas, and great lunch eats! I totally recommend this place.
(4)Kelly K.
I love this place. Everything is so fresh, and it's always so clean. Their tea selection is very diverse, and I couldn't believe it when I found out they carry matcha!! I am always greeted with a smile, and never feel like I'm imposing, even when I showed up at five minutes to closing (I didn't do it on purpose!). P. S. I hate boba, so I can't speak for that.
(5)Eric B.
I absolutely love coming here and the friendly and helpful staff makes it easy to learn about the world of teas.
(5)Fonda B.
Love this place! They have a great selection of teas. It's a perfect lunch spot. The homegrown sandwich is my fav. What makes this place great is the fantastic service!
(5)Dawn R.
we eat here frequently. went here recently with my daughter for lunch and it was yummy. I got the Big Bird. I love it because it has artichoke hearts. The place had a cool vibe and good food. We love to go here for a quick, tasty and good priced meal.
(5)Mirae C.
If you're in the mood for sandwiches and tea, this is the place! Their sandwiches are delicious and they don't skimp on the ingredients. You can pick between mixed greens or pasta salad as your side. Both are refreshing and tasty choices. Their milk teas are consistent in great taste and quality, and their boba is cooked to perfection. The selection of tea leaves for purchase is huge! And there are also a variety of tea pots, infusers, mugs, and other paraphernalia to enrich your tea making/drinking experience. I come here frequently since it's right across the street from where I work. Boba several times a week is adding to my happiness (and, unfortunately, my waistline).
(4)C R.
I have been here a few times, once for a gift purchase of a very nice tea set for a wonderful friend.The staff are all young and try hard. The regulars also seem to be very young. The owner has been around one or times that I have been in and is attentive. The teas I have tried are all yummy. I have not had any food here. I enjoy their selection of music while waiting for my tea. On several occasions the play list has included some Smiths or Morrissey and other classic music from the 80s alternative set.
(4)Jacob L.
The loose teas is probably one of the best boba/tea shops around they really know how to appeal to each customer. On top of that the service is great and the cafe is clean and calming, a great place to come read a book, do homework or to just hang out. The loose teas has a variety of options other than tea for those non tea drinkers such as coffee and smoothies. The food is also great here I ate the flaming bird and let me tell you way better than subway or anyway sandwich place. They use a variety of fresh ingredients and it tastes good as well as being healthy. They have over 100 loose teas that you can get hot cold or into a tea latte(milk tea). I drank the peach oolong iced tea and is very refreshing and tasty it's not overly sweet unlike some other boba tea shops. The loose teas really knows how to do it here. I highly recommend this place to anyone who likes boba, tea or just want a place to hangout
(5)Jordan C.
HELLO SECRET CANTONESE TEA SPOT! I'M YELLING BECAUSE WE CANTOS SURE ARE LOUD PEOPLE!! Actually, this is quite a refined spot. Lots of little merchandise around the store and a clean, cozy lay out for the furnishing. The Hong Kong milk tea is really good. They use condensed milk to sweeten their strong black tea. Tastes very authentic. Had the red-eye mik tea once too (HK milk tea with a shot of espresso). Strong and delicious, the loud angry cantonese person in me appreciated the availability of a yeen yurn (half mix of coffee and milk tea). I haven't tried anything else because I'm trying to cut down on sweet drinks, but this is the place for authentic HK milk tea.
(5)Angelie D.
This will be short and sweet. I love this place. I have yet tried anything savory at this place, but I'm sure the time will come. Every time I look at the menu, I want to try everything! I mainly come here for the teas, which I will pay a little bit more because it's so good. I usually get the peach black tea and I down that in seconds. Can I get a refill? Another good smoothie that I will recommend is their pina colada. I am not a big fan of this drink in general but I can't describe how perfectly balanced this drink is. Not too pineapply and not to coconutty hahha. I don't think you can go wrong with purchasing any tea at this place!
(4)Sarah E.
Love this place! I am a tea fiend and Loose Leaf is a gem of a tea shop. I love how their teas actually taste healthy instead of drowning in sugar, so I never get sick of drinking it. Their iced teas are a real treat. I've never ordered an herbal / black tea from here that I didn't enjoy until the last drop. Tea just doesn't taste this good when I make it at home! And they have a rewards card :) Yay!
(5)Diana L.
Amazing tea selection and brewed on the spot. They have macaroons, sandwiches, coffee, and wifi! Never too crowded. The employees are so so so nice. Highly recommended.
(5)Stephanie G.
Absolutely love this place! I've been coming here since they were called Aloha Boba. The tea leaves are up on the wall and I always pick the tea I want based of the smell. The workers here are always so nice which adds to the great atmosphere. The tea isn't too sweet and is always great. The boba is nice and chewy too. Their pastry options are really tasty as well. This place never disappoints!
(5)Sophia K.
Very nice and tranquil space, but too darn expensive. Perhaps the prices are high because of the location and clientele(?). This place is in a good location and the owners did a really nice job with the furnishing because everything looks really nice. A big improvement from what it was before-- years ago. This is not a boba joint, but the cafe does serve boba. It's more like a fusion of a boba joint/hipster-bourgeoisy cafe/tea room. I like all the little tea knickknacks and the magazines! I love how this place has magazines that you can grab while sipping on some tea. I drop by here while waiting for takeout Japanese food next door. It's a nice spot to get boba, but just a little too pricey--- come on now, it's milk tea with boba, and I don't expect to pay more than $3 for a regular. Further, I dislike places that have a minimum on credit cards. I understand the reasoning, but I don't like it. I guess when you overcharge for boba, it's easy to make that minimum.
(3)Shawn P.
If you like teas, this is the place for you! The decor is nice. The music that they play is pretty ecclectic and their tea wall is awesome! This place has been here for many years and I only recently started coming here more consistently. Here is my review: WAIT STAFF/WHAT I ORDERED:: The owner and staff here are very friendly. On a recent visit, I asked her which teas on her tea wall she would recommend. She responded with a few questions of her own as far as what types of teas I liked in the past. I didn't have a preference, so she offered a few suggestions. I eventually chose the unsweetened blood orange tea with easy ice - which was an awesome choice. This place also offers boba drinks with many diffferent fruit slush options. Those are good too, from what I hear. VERDICT: Will definitely come back. They also offer Wi-Fi, which is an added plus and this place is actually friendly and you don't need to explain what you want in a 3 sentence monologue! "Yeah, can I get a grande, in a venti cup, of a triple caramel upside down latte with extra room, no foam with an extra shot of espresso?" That's Los Angeles for you!
(5)Amber M.
They have a great selection of teas and lunch items. It's about the same price as a coffee from Starbucks, but the tea is good quality and you have a large variety to choose from. Service was very friendly and helpful. They're also open 7days a week now. It's nice to have a tea house a little closer to home. I'm sure I'll be back soon.
(4)Rachael P.
Came here and had one of the best chai tea lattes ever. Yup, I said EVER. I gotta try the sandwiches though. They look really good. An update on the food will be forthcoming.
(4)Jeanette M.
Love this place, Convenient, delicious, and awesome employees. They have two guys that work there that are always super helpful whether it be on food or drinks, thanks for always being helpful especially Jacob and James!
(5)Kat C.
I love this place! The staff is super friendly and their teas are delicious. I like how they will steep any tea for you and then put it over ice (none of that tea in a jug that's been sitting out for hours). I haven't tried any of their sandwiches but my friend did and he said it was good (portions were huge!). I only wish that they were opened later because I will find myself craving their tea but it will be too late and they will already be closed.
(5)Brittany R.
Cute little tea spot that sells tea (surprisingly), sandwiches, and gift items for the tea lovers in your life. Also, macarons,macarons.macarons. Need I say more?
(4)Pateel C.
I love this place! It's super close to my work, so I originally started coming here for their drinks. I've tried multiple different teas, and liked them all with my favorite being the almond milk tea with non-fat milk and light boba. I go here all the time with my coworkers for lunch as well; the sandwiches are pretty yummy..I tried the salami and the beef-eater and they're both delicious . They're super friendly, and try to remember your name (even when it's difficult like mine). They also have a frequent buyer card, which is pretty sweet for a non-chain type kinda place. If you're in the area, it totally worth checking out.
(5)Kevin N.
I really hate this place. After drinking their hand made tea.... Nothing have been the same. I can't drink tea anywhere else and the service here is so friendly. Getting bored of their tea? Don't trip pick on from the wall! Thank you loose tea....
(5)Richelle T.
I came to this place years ago when it was Aloha something or other, and it has much improved since then. They definitely have their share of teas. My boyfriend ordered the simple Hong Kong milk tea, while I opted for the Green & Tan--matcha green tea and lemonade. Both were good. It's free to add boba! Which is really cool. All other add-ons (like jelly) are an additional 50cents, I believe. We also shared a Flaming Bird sandwich on sourdough (you get your choice of bread). There's a definite kick--duh, flaming! Yummy experience overall. Plus, the cashier (I got the vibe that she was the owner, or manager at the least) remembered my name and asked me how everything was on our way out! We'll be back. :) Definitely wanna try their shortbreads and various baked goods. I saw that they had taro shortbread, matcha muffins(?), red bean muffin, and a lot more.
(4)Pamela L.
This place was a little pricey for what you get but it was delicious. I had the firebird sandwich and one of the green tea mixes, suggested by the girl behind the counter. The sandwich was pretty fat but satisfying. The side salad was alright also. For the drink and sandwich it was $13. Kinda pricey...
(3)Sanny C.
Was here 3 days ago...ordered Mango smoothie, Matcha Green Tea (ICE), Chrysanthemum tea (ice), 1 cranberry macaron, and 1 keylime macaron. My friend wanted something fruity so she decided to get the mango smoothie...she didn't like the drink at all because it was too sweet. She also mentioned that the mango tasted like it was overripe, too ripe that it had this rotten taste? That was her description of the Mango smoothie...I never tried so I don't know but one thing I gotta agree with her is the drinks here are too sweet! My matcha green tea was also very sweet. I think they over did it with the honey? I am not sure what kind of tea or what they added to my drink but it had this really strange taste to it...sorry to all the supporters...I read the good reviews and saw the good ratings and pictures so I looked forward to this place but darn, not my cup of tea :) again, we all have different taste so maybe my taste is really different. I am not trying to compare but just explaining why this place is not for me...I like the Matcha green tea latte (ice) at Urth Cafe and the Korean matcha green tea latte types so if you like green tea latte at Urth and those at Korean town then maybe this place is not for you either...again, not telling anyone to not give this place a try...maybe you will like it but as for me, its a no. My sister ordered the Chrysanthemum tea and she said it was alrite. NOt bad but not the worst... Macarons...both flavors tasted good...if you're into the sour ones (like the name) lol its soft and a little chewy...pretty small (no wonder it was only $1) bite sizes... Was too full to try the food but it does look tempting...I like sandwiches and salad but I do prefer a place where I can get drinks and food together. Plus, its a little bit far for me so I don't think I will be coming back. Parking: Big since its in a plaza Price: Not that likeable...$4 for a regular size drink? (If it fits my taste and is tremendously good, I wouldn't mind but ehh...) NO RESTROOM AVAILABLE!!! Place is kinda of small...not that many tables Service was great! ( I was going to give this place a 2 stars because they have no restroom and I really disliked their Green tea latte but the service was good and they have wifi with plenty of outlets so don't want to be too harsh)
(3)Tony M.
Great tea beverages, but this place closes way too early. Oh well...can't have everything.
(4)Jean Q.
I don't know how they do it but another great customer service visit at Loose Teas! Today I'm have an orange cream tea with a veggie panini. Love the tea. They make it to your specifications - and did I mention they are awesome!
(5)Rourke V.
A friend and I thought we'd try out this place as it seemed interesting and we both knew about teas. In a short sentence: way over-priced and not very good. The teas were steeped very weak ( mine was advertised as blood orange & hibiscus , and my companion ordered a green jasmine tea) neither had any aroma or flavor. At $4 bucks a pop for a regular size, I'll pass ( and pass the word around ).
(1)Lila C.
Great service. Lady let me try a sample of flavor of day for iced teas. Yummy coconut with white tea. Had the flaming bird sandwich. Turkey, cucumber, sprouts, and garlic pepper for a kick. Overall would totally come back to try other teas.
(5)Svetlana S.
Discovered this place not so long ago and will be coming back often. They have a wide variety of loose teas and offer some food items as well, but what I really love there are the iced teas, smoothies and special drinks. Great flavors, super delicious, and... drum roll... FREE BOBA! The best tapioca balls I've ever had! Seriously, one would think they put pot in it - it is SO addictive and THAT good! The staff was friendly and helpful - they even gave me a refill on my boba : ) Thanks, ladies, and see you soon!
(5)Katie B.
Great tea, fresh boba, and tasty sandwiches! A tad pricy, however it's totally worth it with the great service and delicious treats! I come here at least twice a month, and they check your id to make sure that you're using your own debit/credit cards! No identity theft at this tea spot!
(5)Ale Cin F.
Hooray! Woohoo! They are now open 7 days a week, M-F from 10-8 and Sundays 11-6.
(5)Ryan W.
I really love the giant selection of teas, also the turkey panini is delicious. So good!!
(5)Nathaniel S.
Milk tea is awesome! Boba comes free with any drink too! Good deal! Must try!
(4)J L.
My friend introduced me to Loose Teas a few years ago and I have been a fan since. They are great for a quick tea fix, gifts and treating yourself to an array of dried teas. I love their hands on approach to sampling. There is a wall of tea blends you can smell and view in small vials. They always have a "tea of the day" type tea for you to sample at the cashier. Their variety of gift bags is great -perfect for hostess gifts or for someone who loves teas. Sets have a bag of tea and tumblers or teapots. I like perusing the inventory of teapots in different mediums, like glass, ceramic, etc. Prices ranges for gift sets are great. Best of all, you can tell the teas are of great quality and the owners are sweet people. Although pricier than your average Lollicup, their drinks don't disappoint -in taste and uniqueness. Boba is well made with great consistency! My favorite green tea blend is the Raindrop. Light and aromatic.
(5)Claire S.
I am obsessed with this tea house! They have a wall of teas that treat colds and other sicknesses ! I love the ginormous boba tea cup size !
(5)Tiffany G.
The tea and food was really good. I would definitely go again, except I would probably only get tea the next time I go. Also! 2 macarons for $2 with any drink. (I recommend coffee)
(5)Angela T.
I owe this place a very long and overdue review. Honestly, I'm in love with this place. I've been bringing people here to spread the goodness of their tea and SERVICE! I have to visit whenever I get the chance. So sad they're closed on Tuesdays! I'm in the area every Tuesday. :( Of all the teas I've tried, I have to say I love the peach white tea the most. It is light and refreshing, and not too sweet. Just something to sip on. :) I find that their tea isn't something you'd want to drink down. It's something you wanna sit down with with a book or laptop and just slowly sip away! The flavoring is really subtle and it's just the way I like it. I love the idea of being able to smell the leaves before ordering the tea and the sign that tells you what each tea does! Genius! :) All in all, this has to be my favorite tea place in town. Great gem. So glad Olivia T. brought me here. :)
(5)Erin G.
What I ate: Jasmine iced tea lightly sweetened Visit date: January 15, 2012 First time? No. The Jasmine iced tea was refreshing. Drinks run on the sweeter side. Ask for 'lightly sweetened' if you don't like your beverages too sweet; you can always add more sweetness after. While we waited for our order (of 5 drinks), we sampled some hot teas and perused their collection of teas and tea accessories. Their menu has a pretty good selection of tea in different forms -- with boba, in smoothie form, etc. Next time I want to try the Thai iced tea smoothie. It's kind of pricey to get a plain beverages here (like what I got); to get your money's worth, go fancy.
(3)Alexson L.
I live in Long Beach, but work in Irwindale, so I frequent local restaurants in Monrovia and am doing my best to explore. With that said... Loose Teas is definitely one of the better cafe offerings in Monrovia with a lively, contemporary environment, extensive menu of teas, and decent menu of food. The lady and I ordered a turkey panini and Flaming Bird sandwich. The panini was extremely thin, but filled with flavor and loaded with slices of turkey. For the size, I would say it's a bit overpriced, but the lady was satisfied. The sandwich was spectacular; fresh avocado with light dressing with a dash of crushed red pepper on top of fresh veggies. It was a cold sandwich, but served on pleasantly toasted sourdough (by choice). Sandwiches are served with a side of either pasta or mixed greens, which tasted pretty standard. For drinks, we tried a hot milk tea (something we do at almost every tea shop) with boba and a Thai Lime iced tea. The hot milk tea felt creamier than most places, especially compared to Asian cafes that serve something similar. The boba had excellent texture. The Thai Lime was a pretty standard lime-ade, with a unique purple tint. We also ordered an iced milk tea for my coworker to try, who enjoyed his first experience with boba. As for the service, I couldn't help but feel that regulars were treated with more attention and friendly attitude. I tried to ask questions about the menu, but the cashier didn't really give an effort to clarify any items or make a sale. Also, I would normally drink HOT boba with a spoon, being that drinking through a straw would burn your throat... I asked for a spoon and the cashier and barista both said they didn't have ANY. Strange. We resolved to wait for the drink to cool to drink a hot drink with hot boba through a straw... All-in-all, if you're in the area, stop by for excellent food and drinks; there are seriously very few competitors nearby.
(4)Loren H.
The staff are excellent, the drinks come out quickly, the ambiance is tranquil, the workers are friendly, and the prices are cheap. Just trust me and try this place out. It also helps that the owners make you feel at home when they memorize your name as though you're a regular :).
(5)Chantelle T.
Great selection of teas and their pastries are also pretty delicious. The boba here is also sweet and chewy. I got the red eye milk tea (milk tea + shot of espresso) and it definitely had a nice caffeine kick. If this place wasn't so far away from me, I would go more often.
(4)Roach D.
Excellent place to get a boba, coffee or tea drink. The boba is chewy and fresh tasting. Hong Kong Milk tea is rich and flavorful, as is the Jasmine Milk tea. My favorite so far is the London Fog, which you can try hot or cold.They have a nice assortment of loose teas and very adorable gift packaging. I have yet to try their sandwich selection, but I think this would be a nice little place to stop for lunch on a hot day to enjoy a cold boba drink, a sandwich, and their air conditioning. Only thing missing here is longer hours. I find it odd that they don't open until 11am, and that they are closed on Tuesdays.
(4)Tin D.
The most refreshing spot to relax and have some really well-made tea! Free Wi-Fi, gifts, yummy sandwiches (VEGGIE PANINI is pretty good :) They have dozens of loose teas featured on the wall so that you can get a good whiff of each tea (BLACK, WHITE, GREEN, MACHA, PUERH, FRUIT, ROOIBOS and a couple more such a great selection. They always feature some amazing samples and give you such a warm greeting! I've been going there the past two years and I've tried almost all of the teas, but my favorites depend on the weather. You can make amazing milk teas for a chilly day with the CHOCOLATE CAPPUCINO, ROSE, ALMOND BISCOTTI, AND EARL GREY (LONDON FOG). I always get it with boba and the Rose tea tastes like rose petals soooo good! The Mango black tea is also amazing. On a really hot day go for a lightly sweetened FRUIT FUSION or the Rooibos JAMAICAN RED or a good iced GREEN TEA RAINDROP. Never ceases to put a smile on my face whether you're grabbing a drink for a break or refreshing yourself after a long day. The staff is so very friendly and they make every effort to get to know people's names. I seriously hope that they open up another location because it's just that good! *Bring cash with you because unless you spend a minimum of $10 there is a charge of 40 cents I think :)
(5)Eileen M.
You can choose any loose blend to make into hot or cold tea, the panini's are so tasty, and service is excellent! I love sampling the flavors of the day!
(5)Valerie B.
This place makes their teas fresh, which is very rare. I live in the Rowland Heights area so I've been to some really good places and this one is up there with the good ones. The service is very good and everyone is so nice. The inside is clean and calm with a lot of seating for a small place.
(5)Eva D.
This has got to be my favorite place to eat. If I could I would eat here daily. I have only tried the Flaming Bird, but once I find something I love, I stick to it. I haven't tried a tea I didn't like here. My favorites are summer spice, tiramisu, rain drop, peach oolong, coconut oolong, almond biscotti, luminescent, and secret garden. I really should try more of their sandwiches and paninis because if their flaming bird is indicative then I'm excited! The reason I also keep coming back is their service. There are always two young women working there. They have got to be the sweetest people I've met. You can tell they love what they do, and the always have a smile on their face. I wish I could give more stars because this place deserves it.
(5)Chris S.
I love drinking tea, drink it daily, and must say that this place does it just right without the artificial stuff that other tea shops add. It would be hard not to upgrade to a larger size once you've tried it. A good place to meet up to enjoy a good brew with friends. Also tried their panini's which make for a great lunch choice.
(5)Shanna M.
I have been coming here for a about to years now!!! The food, blended drinks, boba, and loose teas amazing!!! Must try!!!!!!
(5)Ayami H.
One of my fav new tea places next to Teavana at the Santa Anita mall. This little shop is very cute and cozy with a good variety of teas. I've tried a few different flavors and my favorite so far is the mango green tea. I've also purchased a couple of loose teas to brew at home and they both have been very good. I purchased the lavender tea which is super fruity and flowery, then organic sencha which is green tea. The girl there is always smiley and sweet, great customer service! For peeps who rated them low due to the quality of boba... remember, this store is not a boba specialty cafe, its a TEA cafe... enjoy the tea and if you're a boba expert, go to Ten Ren or Tasty-to-Go. Haven't tried the food but will soon enough. :)
(4)Jessica L.
They have great macaroons! There brownies is the BOMB too!!! Everything in this cafe is super duper delicious. The 1st time I went there I order their iced matcha latte and a ham and cheese sandwich. Which you think that the sandwich it will be okay because they are only good for teas and there desserts. But this cafe is super good... haha well i love their ham and cheese sandwich and my cousin loves their tuna melt. Their tuna melt is super big and you can pick a slide with greens or cold noodles with vinaigrette sauce.
(5)J C.
Great service, great stuff! But really wish they can switch the boba quality /brand.. to match their premium teas. BOBAS tasted like plastic. I understand its FREE with any drinks, but will be very concerning to put down any food that tastes & has rubbery plastic quality:-(
(4)Lee L.
Wandering aimlessly through the warm valleys of San Gabriel, I thirsted for tea. "Magic Tomtom Please tell me Where I can get Some boba tea." Pulling up to what my GPS promised to be Aloha Boba Teahouse, I realized that it was already ancient news. The Loose Teas now stood in it's place. By the way, it's "The Loose Teas", not the "The Loose Tease", lest you confuse it with the burlesque house I'm going to open when I have enough money to realize my dream of being a Madame. Boasting about 90 varieties of loose leaf available for purchase, this tea house also has tables, chairs, wi-fi, sandwiches, coffee, and of course tea. They also sold tea-related appliances such as cups and brewers and such. Surprisingly, this modern indie hybrid of Teavana and Starbucks also has boba and jelly add-ons for your drinks. There are only about 7 tables counting both indoors and al fresco, but I had no problem getting a seat. My Hong Kong Milk Tea, which I like to think of as the "cafe sua da" of tea, tasted perfect; the boba wasn't exceptional but it was decent. Adding on boba was free, but the regular-sized drink was $3.95 so you're still paying more than you would be at many other hole-in-the-wall tea joints in valley. I cracked open my book to study, but the magic soon ended when I needed to use the restroom...and there was none. Expecting people to drink tea and then holding it in forever does not lead to happy endings. So my visit was cut short, but nonetheless, a tranquil, bright, earthy-feeling loose-leaf teahouse was a nice surprise, and a pleasant contrast to the noisy, crowded, earthly powder-based Lollicup and the likes. P.S. There is a minimum of $10 for using credit cards.
(4)Samantha T.
Great tasting teas! Great tasting food that's freshly made! Macaroons are smaller than what I'm used to but still yummy. The boyfriend and I are always on the lookout for great coffee/tea shops & love tasting new things. Staff is very helpful and very knowledgeable in their different types of teas, esp. the asian lady who seems to be the manager. They have many gifts sets or things for the home, which is nice. We're pretty frequent customers and really enjoy it!
(5)PurpleHaze A.
Great boba place with snacks and sandwiches, other drinks as well. I've never been disappointed. I actually just tried the Coconut milk tea w/boba and it was pretty good! I've heard the Taro is pretty good too. . . next time. Clean, friendly staff, and prime location (corner store). LOVE IT!!!
(5)JJ O.
Service was nice. I have to say the almond milk tea with a shot of espresso was pretty good. The walnut brownie was lackluster. Overall, its not a bad coffee/tea place to stop by, it is out of the way from my house, but I thought I'd try a new coffee/tea shop.
(3)Olivia T.
The Loose Teas Cafe is my favorite place to visit when I am in the Arcadia / Monrovia area. In fact, it is a must-visit if they are open while I'm in the area. I am a tea enthusiast, so I have been to almost every tea shop in the San Gabriel Valley from Alhambra to Rowland Heights and even tea shops in many other states and countries. The Loose Teas is superb in quality. I love ordering the Almond Walnut Green Tea - it's the first drink I've tried from this shop and I could not find it anywhere else. I've attempted to order it at many other premium tea shops in the San Gabriel area, but none could match the fresh and light taste of this drink at The Loose Teas. It's simply delicious. Now what gives this place five stars is that they also have really good food! I always order one of the hot paninis along with my Almond Walnut Green Tea. Yum. And of course, as mentioned by many other Yelpers, their service is excellent. :)
(5)Ashley M.
I ordered the flaming bird sandwich and I can't say enough good things about it! I could eat that sandwich everyday, and I'll leave it at that. However, they have a really interesting and tasty looking selection, so I'll have to change it up next time! The service was phenomenal! The only thing I didn't enjoy was the flavor of tea I decided on, long island strawberry; which cost FOUR dollars! It was for that reason that I gave them 4 stars! I will definitely be back and I plan on trying other types of tea, as I am an iced tea fanatic. Hopefully I eventually hit on something I really enjoy.
(4)scott W.
Been coming here for years. If i am in the area I stop. These guys make great milk tea - not overly sweet and the Boba is always fresh. The sisters who run it are so sweet and helpful and if you love loose leaf tea, there selections are broad and deep.
(5)Tony R.
After doing some business in the area, I stopped for a quick bite before hitting the rush hour hassle home. This pleasant little cafe was a very refreshing break with a wonderfully, cheerful staff. After eating their delicious veggie panini with salad and washing it down with a yummy smoothie and some tea, my late lunch put a relaxing smile on my face throughout my commute home. Thanks Loose Teas, I'll be back soon to try more of your yummy fare and nice atmosphere.
(5)Louie A.
It's raining and this place was perfect! I like this place. Wifey ordered the Taro slush and sat back enjoyed the rest of the Sunday afternoon. The cafe provides you with enough outlets to plug in your laptops and/or smartphones and surf the internet and sip you hot tea. Other than hot teas and cold drinks, they serve deli sandwiches as well. Sould of ordered our sandwiches here than the Quiznos next door. Oh well, maybe next time. Excellent staff and great place to hang and lounge around.
(4)Kristy N.
My friends and I were hiking and afterwards stopped by this tea house an exit it away. And it was a really delightful stop. I was very satisfied with my drinks and it's definitely a fantastic place to stop by to if you're in the area. FOOD: - I have yet to try any of their food, but they do have grilled sandwiches and such that I've seen on the menu. They also have small sweets and honey of all flavors. - I had the Almond milk tea, and tried the green tea slush PRICES: -Cheap and reasonable, for such cold, refreshing drinks. They are perfectly sweet, and not too sweet, which is great when you want something refreshing in this hot weather. SERVICE: -Customer service is very polite and friendly. They were informing of the different loose teas they have. (Speaking of they have such cute containers and tea pot makers to compliment any of your loose tea purchases) VENUE: - Nice, very clean, and modern. AC was on when I came. It felt really comfortable and great. PARKING: - It is in a plaza so there are plenty of parking spaces.
(4)Hymie H.
Great customer service. They were really helpful in trying to find the best tea for me. Willingness to have me smell and sample some of there teas. Will come back again.
(5)Mimi C.
i loved how this place is decorated - soothing, inviting, and warm. :) we ordered a simple milk tea with a side of macarons ($2 for 2 if you buy a drink). asked if they make the milk tea w/ real milk ... and they said it was "non dairy" .. wish they just said, "creamer". i know what goes in instead of milk. :P i did have that thick, sticky texture you'd expect from creamers. the macarons were sad... they were frozen. the shells were brittle, hard, and hollow. the ganche would've been good had it not been hard to chew through. service was good, though and staff is friendly. i had a nice time going through their tea collection. ** bulk loose leaf tea is more expensive here.. almost by double from what you'd pay online, but you're paying for convenience and packaging**
(3)Marcos C.
I've been coming here since high school! I love their Thai tea the best and their sandwiches are great too! I became a vegan recently as well and after I accidentally ordered a sandwich with mayo they made me another one no charge without me asking! Their service rocks!
(5)May N.
This is by far my most favorite Tea Cafe.. The staff is very helpful and personable... I mean they remember my name even I've been MIA for months. Teas: First off, let me tell you about their tea selections... it's as good as it gets. Granted it's not as overwhelming nor does it have a huge selection of tea like Tea Station, but enough so that you get to know the types of tea they do offer. They also have two daily samples (steeping away) next to the register counter, so give it try if you want something new. The tea leaves are very high in quality, and the way they brew each one is down to a science. Which shows they take great pride and care in the drinks they do serve. I've tried their Organic Roobios, Secret Garden Blend, and Genmai (my personal favorite), all are very good. Each one has a unique taste to it, but I happen to like the roasted rice taste in Genmai Tea, along with its green tea blend. Taste Test: Organic Roobios: Rich nutty taste...goes in smooth and leaves a roasted nutty after taste. Secret Garden: Very refreshing....it has a nice balance of the types of tea leaves that in it (Green, White, and ?, I don't remember) along with dried bits of fruits which adds a subtle sweetness to it. It's one of their popular house blends, too. I had given the "Secret Garden" blend as a Christmas gift to another avid tea drinker, and she said it was very delicious, too. **I don't add sweeteners to my teas, so I am commenting based on the actual essence of the them.** If you aren't familiar with teas, the staff is more than happy to give you a little walk through...and upon request will brew a sample for you to taste, too. FOOD: I know they also serve food, but I usually come here for my tea fixes. But one day, I will have to give their sandwiches and food a try. Decor: It's a small corner shop, with limited tables and seating. The place is well-lit with large windows, where you get a lot of natural lighting during the day, but no glaring sunlight hitting your eyes or face. There's enough outlets just in case you need to charge your laptop and gadgets. I really like it, it's simple, yet it sets a warm, calming, and inviting feel for their customers. It's not as "trendy" like other SGV tea places, but this place suits me perfectly fine. The Staff & Owner: The staff goes to an annual Tea Convention in Vegas every summer, so expect them to be closed some time in July or August. I came here once when they were gone, and I was disappointed that I couldn't get my Genmai Tea from my fav tea spot, but knowing that they are on the hunt for the best tea leaves to bring back for their customers to enjoy, I overlooked that minor inconvenience. =) People there know their stuff, and can give you pointers. They also have their own Tea 411 Facts book that gives you all of the different health benefits and caffeine strengths that each blend and type has to offer. Talk about quality and attentive to detail.
(5)Michelline H.
I love this place. The service is always excellent and so are the teas. I've tried several of the sandwiches as well and have yet to be disappointed. Give them a try - you'll be happy you did!
(5)Kim T.
Refreshing as always - I got the boba with my 24oz drink this time, and it was delicious! I would have gotten the 32oz, but didn't know how this one would turn out. The bobas are soft and chewy and a good generous amount. I also got their Salted Caramel and Blueberry Lavender macarons. Total for today's drink and macarons =$8. I got the Green and Tan drink, which consists of matcha green tea and lemonade. The drink wasn't overly sweet and it tasted like lemongrass to me. It also looks pretty - like that Vietnamese dessert ( 3 Color Dessert), but once you mix it, it looks like a pretty, green avocado smoothie. Their Salted Caramel was delcious! The right amount of salt and caramel and soft when bitten and didn't break instantly. I also loved the blueberry lavender one - the right amount of blueberry and lavender, without it overpowering or tasting nasty. I actually did these two macarons I got today :) Love this place! Seriously, free bobas with purchase - yes, please!!!!
(5)Shawn M.
Got the Hong Kong milk tea. It was a tad bitter (over steeped) and a smidgen expensive. Boba was straight forward. I'll be back to see if the tea is better next time!
(3)Lisa W.
I was in the area and was pretty thirsty and happened to stumble upon this cute little shop. I decided on ordering the Green & Tan drink which consists of matcha green tea and lemonade. I also added chia seeds to it. I would have never thought about adding matcha tea to lemonade but it was seriously love at first sip. The creaminess of the matcha went so well with the lemonade. And adding the chia seeds made it even better. Only think I would change when I order this next time is to ask them to make it a little less sweet. Other than that, I really like this place. As a tea lover, I'm always searching for places who use real tea leafs for their drinks. None of that powder stuff here. 100% real tea leafs! They even have a large selection for you to choose from if you wanted to buy jars of dry tea leafs to take home. BRING CASH or pay an extra $.30 cents for using credit cards. BOO!!
(4)Chris n' gel S.
This place satisfies my milk tea cravings and my daughter likes the smoothies. They have food menu too
(5)Anita L.
I love how this cafe is a little different from the rest of the boba places I goto. their menu is simple and straight forward. the food is good especially their sandwiches. they have all sorts of different flavors of tea on their entrance wall with descriptions of what kind of tea have what benefits. I come here when I'm staying at the nearby hotels with my SO and I usually get their CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY ICED LATTE with BOBA. you can really taste the strawberry and chocolate in this drink. I love the scent of it (from the sample on the tea wall) Another good one I liked from here is their PEACH OOLONG TEA with BOBA.
(4)John T.
Premium teas made with tender, love, and care! Loose Teas Cafe, you got my vote of confidence! Establishment: Smaller scale version of Bird Pick and Tea and has been operating for about 10 years. I must been living under a rock, because this was my first time here. Note: Owner will waive her hands in the air if she sees you try to take pictures. Just tell her first so then she doesn't think you were sent to spy on her shop. There was some uneasy tension for a second, but everything was cool after I stated my purpose. :) Ambiance/Decor: Nice place to converse in conversation with modern furnishings. They also have tables and chairs on the outside of the establishment so you can get some air while you enjoy your tea. They don't have a lot of outlets for work/study use. I believe I only saw one. Service: Cindy (owner) was very thorough in explaining her products. She even made me smell some tea jars and gave me samples of the teas (Mango Splash and Roobois Tea) that were offered that day. -Note: Drinks take a while to make. They brew everything made to order. So just enjoy your time at the tea shop and take in the ambiance. If you feel anti-social, wifi is available for you. Tea of Choice: I went with the roobois tea which had a hint of blueberry. Loved everything about it and was very refreshing for that hot day! I would definitely come to this place whenever I'm in the tea mood or in the area.
(4)Kelly H.
All the yelp reviews tell me I should love this place. However, I've never been really happy with any of my drinks, except for the one time I ordered a hot green tea latte. That was pretty good. But every time I ordered it an iced drink it was either way too sweet and tasted like a melted otter pop, was watered down, or wasn't cold enough. I've tried their milk teas and some of those mixed tea/fruit drinks. While I am glad they use ~real tea leaves~ I think they could use some recipe tweaking or consistency in making the iced drinks. I don't know, am I ordering the wrong things? Do I just have bad luck? Maybe. But I probably won't be back any time soon unless it gets chilly in LA so I can get the hot matcha latte!
(3)Tiffany G.
I walked into this place and did not expect much of it than just boba. Surprisingly there was plenty of tea choices! I was able to adjust the sweetness of my drink and the cashier was helpful and honest about the types of teas I should try. I ended up trying a sample before ordering and it was delicious and refreshing. I ended up mixing with a milk base and got a Almond Milk Tea. Their boba was a free addition but I used my card and there was a 0.35 cent charge but I can't complain I got free boba lol. Other places usually charge 50 cents too. Oh and they have tea merchandise ! Check those out, I might even grab a shirt next time the logo says "I like me teas loose" no pun intended hehe
(4)Michelle C.
I like this place. Lol and apparently so do a lot of other yelpers! You walk in and to your right there is a wall of different teas. You can smell them. They have amazing blends. The ones I like are Coffee Cake and Coconut Oolong. Prices vary but 4oz is around $12. So you can choose a tea, or milk tea and they offer food and treats! I ordered an almond biscotti milk tea with boba and it was great. They were generous with the boba. I went back and bought some coffee cake tea for my family. Plus, they sell little tea tins and fancy tea kettles. It's a fun LITTLE store. Definitely check out the teas. And smell them. Mmm. :)
(5)Patrick V.
Been here a lot of times, their Thai Tea has always been my go-to drink here. I tried their Monrovian for the first time and I loved it! Probably my new drink here. Will def recommend to my friends.
(5)Stella L.
Ordered honey jasmine tea with boba. You could definitely tell that they use good quality tea, tea isn't as sweet as other boba places, taste very healthy. However, the honey jasmine tea that I ordered doesn't have the original sweetness of the honey, it kind of got lost in the tea. Boba is chewy. 6.5/10 Price is not too pricey and the place looks cosy. Will be back again to try the food and other teas!
(3)Bryan M.
Was looking for a detox tea and heard this spot had one that was great. Sure enough I came in and bought a 1/2 pound of their house made "Detox" I'm slowly turning into a loose tea freak so I can't wait to come back and try some of the other teas they have to offer!
(5)Allen C.
I've come here twice now and have gotten the same order - the Flaming Bird sandwich on wheat with a side salad and a Green & Tan with chia seeds, both of which I highly recommend. However, my review is mainly for the owner and staff, who were all so pleasant and so helpful both times I've visited. I'm a sucker for excellent service, and I will continue to come back because of them (and because of their great food and drinks!)
(5)Renee J.
Really cute coffee/tea place in Monrovia right next to all the action on Huntington Dr. Nice selection of loose teas and macaroons. I had the Thai tea which tasted freshly brewed, not too sweet just how I like it. Their menu is very diverse and everything is made fresh to order. Customer service is great and friendly. Limited seating inside and out. They also sell sandwiches, salads and prepackaged snacks to go along with your drinks if you're hungry. Accepts cash and credit cards. There is a small section of the store selling tea pots and accessories as well as cool tank tops with their logo! Perfect place to chill or hang out with good friends. I will be back :)
(4)Maria T.
I tried their London Fog -- Earl Grey based drink. Love it! I would come back to this store.
(5)Danny N.
The tea here is okay, nothing special. It is a good place to study. It is pretty quiet and the drinks are average price.
(3)Krystle T.
Yes, I'm Asian, but I don't free willingly drink boba... until now. All I can say is where has this place been all my life?? Goodbye half & half, FTB, etc. LTCG is where it's at. Price: Pretty much what you'd expect to pay for boba. Large (+$0.75) Tea + Boba = $5 They have a GINORMOUS SIZE and OMG It's like the size of my head, and I have a big head cause it's full of smarticles, just sayin'. Parking: Lot. Easy Peasy. Service: Cute little baristas who are friendly and work well behind the counter. Food & Drinks: I can only speak for their drinks. They do serve sandwiches, but what I love is that they have real teas. They brew it from the leaves right in front of you and they have such a wide selection. From green teas to white teas to pu-erh, you can pick within categories. You can also choose your level of sweetness and add add-ins such as boba (free) or various jellies (+$0.65). Notes: Smell the selection of teas against the wall. Their boba isn't sweet like all them boba shops have it these days; I was sending kisses all around, but my little sis wasn't too happy about that. Overall: It's a small place, but I hear their sandwiches are dank. I love my teas, and this time I can assure that they're freshly brewed to my liking. I might just reintroduce boba tea to my life again. This place is making me a little more Asian!
(5)Gerardo T.
This is a gem of a place. I love iced teas and this place is like heaven for me. The staff are super nice and remember when me when I come in. Currently I want to go through their wall of teas, but it's overwhelming in a good way. Do yourself a favor and try this place out.
(5)Harmony C.
I live for their Veggie Panini and any drink of choice (usually half sweet). Today I'm having the Iced Matcha Latte... Bombz. Staff is always super friendly!
(5)Nennette F.
First off, I had been looking for rose tea for so long... I had bought some a while back from a specialty tea place out of the country, and it was very expensive! Now, I am not proclaiming myself a tea connoisseur in any way, but the rose tea I got here, although it was really good and fit the bill, was not as pure as the one I had before, otherwise I would have given this place 5 stars! But I give it 4 stars because of their big tea selections and the price was just right! And for that reason, I will be a loyal customer! As far as the ambience, well, I wish it was a little more quaint and cozy, and maybe they should put some cute tables outside with canopies or something---just to entice more people to hang out here for afternoon or evening tea, maybe? Just a suggestion.... :)
(4)Lily C.
Excellent selection of loose leaf teas made your way. No synthetic syrup flavored aftertaste. Very tasty selection of Herbal (Caffeine Free) teas for those of you who are sensitive or pregnant. Service is wonderfully helpful without being pretentious. Parking is plentiful. LOVED the Mango Splash - 4 oz for $13 - WAAYYY better priced than Teavana - and without the heavy sales pitch.
(5)Kat T.
Really good tea and REAL tea at that. Will be coming back for more refreshing drinks soon! Had the luminescent white tea with chia - I drank it so fast that I felt like it wasn't big enough (clearly it was enough... it was just me that had no self control). I wanted another. It also wasn't too sweet either. It was perfect for the hot day it was!
(5)Grace C.
Tried this place for the first time and is now one of my favorite tea and sandwich spots. They have various quality tea flavors to choose from. The sandwiches and food are delicious. Staff were friendly and provided excellent customer service! Parking is convenient in the open lot. Only limitation is space and seating. Overall, had a great experience and would highly recommend.
(5)S V.
Really refreshing tea. Sandwiches were alright, but kind of pricey. If anything, I think you should come here for their tea. Great variety and affordable.
(4)Jenny L.
MUST TRY ICED PEACH OOLONG TEA! All the teas here are lightly sweetened unless you ask for more but its honestly the perfect amount already. They have so many choices but my favorite is definitely the peach oolong. I love getting their salads and sandwiches also. Everything is reasonably priced and taste very healthy and fresh. They also sell macarons here with a variety of flavors. I come here almost every week now and I don't think I will stop!
(5)Tiffany T.
You can count on The Loose Teas to have good tea (great selection!) and sandwiches better than the average coffee and tea shops. Some things I like: - Sandwiches. They put their own touch on the standard deli fare so the boring turkey sandwich morphs into The Flaming Bird (which has genius touches of red pepper flakes and crispy bits that tasted like fried shallots, served between soft and lightly toasted squaw bread). - Free boba with every drink purchase. You can decline the boba as well. -they have CHIA SEEDS as a drink topping! But it's additional 0.65 cents. - almond milk substitution available - phenomenal tea selection (over 100 loose leaf teas) and very knowledgeable owner - sells basic tea ware, ranging from tumblers to tea ceremony equipment - free wifi - exceptionally friendly service. I've been here for years and each time the staff is warm, friendly, and strives to remember my name. - outside chairs and tables are fantastic during warmer weather. However, 1 star subtracted for: - inside seats are situated so the AC always blasts on your head regardless where you sit. Nice in hot weather, but gives a headache after a while. - no bathroom (go to Rubios next door) - uncomfortable (albeit sleek-looking) chairs - teas are automatically sweetened - that was a surprise for me as this is something typical boba shops do, not specialty tea shops. My London Fog with almond milk was delicious, but had I known it would be pre sweetened I would've declined the syrup. - maybe make the first topping free to equalize the topping playing ground? That way we don't get penalized for choosing a healthier topping. Besides, isn't boba preparation more costly than throwing some dried chia seeds in a drink? Come here to catch up with friends or grab a bite!
(4)Jackie N.
This place is fantastic! It carries so many different varieties of loose leaf teas and flavors, from black tea to rooibos. You can make your teas into iced, hot, and even milk lattes. There's also a wide range of coffees to choose from. Love the atmosphere and nice selection of items for customers to view as well. I will keep coming back until I try all the different teas!
(5)Amanda B.
Love the sandwiches here. I have had a couple of the cold sandwiches and one panini. I didn't care for the panini (chicken), but all the cold ones are delish. You can get either a green salad or pasta salad, the pasta salad didn't have much flavor, needed salt but the mixed greens with the house vinaigrette is really good!!!!
(5)Joshua C.
This is a really nice place just to sit down and enjoy a nice cup of tea. The flavor is excellent for each tea and the service is great as well. Good environment and great place to come with friends!
(4)J C.
Mmm.. The last time I was here I got the White Peach Tea and it was delicious. The drink is however on the lighter side, so it's not your typical heavily syrup induced tea drinks like those you'd find at other boba shops. It's refreshing and well worth your money. Today I went ahead to try the Green and Tan. I wasn't too sure about ordering it only because the idea of matcha and lemonade kind of throws me off... but wow. Just wow. It's so yummy and almost like having a ever so slightly creamy and smooth lemonade. It's even better that adding boba to your drink is FREE. No extra charge.. UNHEARD OF.. And its not some measly scoop of boba. They really give it to you. Next time I'll probably opt for a different add on -- variety is the spice of life, no? Unfortunate that credit card charges are +0.30 if you don't meet the $10 minimum. But I couldn't really complain because the regular sized drink came out to be the same price as a large drink elsewhere. I will be coming back to try their sandwiches! My co-worker recommended I try the Flaming Bird so we'll see how that goes :) Also major plus -- The staff are always so friendly here. No overly bearing friendly, but sincere and helpful.
(4)Daniel L.
This place is awesome came here today got a hot and cold tea with my family, quick in and out but excellent service and great staff. Very friendly !
(5)Valentina L.
My GF took me here and she swears by it! So any place my bff swears by requires some serious looking into! I am really just trying to find the last few places (other than India and Santa Cruz, CA!) where I can find GENUINE HOMEMADE CHAI LATTES (without the pre made syrupy junk that Sbux always makes). A tea where you can really taste every spice and that tastes like a true black tea with spices. THIS place had that! I enjoined tremendously and will be back again. I do wish I could find one in Pasadena...hint hint hint!
(5)Christy C.
Been here twice and I must say, this is one of my favorite tea spots!! I came here expecting if to be like any other tea places and BOY WAS I WRONG! I am a green tea fanatic so of course I had to get their iced green tea latte. I thought it would be like Starbucks and the iced green tea latte would be jam packed with ice and there wouldn't be much green tea flavor. To my surprise, it was not jam packed with ice and it had a nice matcha flavor to it and just the right amount of sweetness! Never have I had a green tea latte that tasted so good! It costed a little more than Starbucks ($4 + tax) but I'd definitely pay the extra $1 to get the green tea latte here instead of from Starbucks! PROS: - NO LINE! - Free WIFI! - LOTS of parking! (It's in a plaza with lots of shops, such as Party City, Trader Joes) - Very clean - Not too loud (great place to study!) - Polite staff - Short wait for drink CONS: - Not many tables
(5)Naomi M.
Looking for the best place to get some tea, coffee, sandwiches, paninis, smoothies, sweet teas and so much more? Then The Loose Teas is the best place for you. Not only do they offer teas and food but they also have the widest variety of any tea you could possible like. I've been going here since they were Aloha Boba and not one have they ever let me down.
(5)Catherine C.
This has become our go-to spot after hiking in the San Gabriel mountains or going for a long leisurely walk When it comes to loose leaf teas - if variety is your thing, this is your place. They have what seems to be hundreds of different varieties of tea. Green, black, pu-erh, oolong, herbal - they got you covered. If flavored tea is your thing, this is also your place. Usually I'm very much a purist when it comes to tea and coffee and often think that flavoring it is a means to hide the flavor of tea leaves and coffee beans that are not top quality. However, the Coconut Oolong was really quite nice - a subtle coconut finish at the end of each sip that doesn't taste artificial (although it might be, who knows) and doesn't overpower the natural taste of the oolong tea leaves. Very refreshing on a hot day after a long hike. ...especially when paired with the Homegrown Sandwich!!! I also usually dislike ordering sandwiches when I eat out because, personally, I hate paying for things that I can make better and for cheaper at home. However, this Homegrown Sandwich was just the thing to hit the hungry hiker spot! That squaw bread, cucumber, avocado, tomato and avocado veggie combo was just perfect with the slight tangy richness of cream cheese and the earthy crunch of sunflower seeds. Not gourmet or complex perhaps, but certainly delicious and satisfying enough for us to order every time we go there. The servers are also very friendly and very much tea enthusiasts themselves, which to me, builds A LOT of credibility to any business. I mean, how can you sell your vision to customers if you can't sell it to your employees first? So why 4 stars only? Since the namesake of the business is in tea, and the passion for tea seems to be shared amongst their clientele and staff alike - I think the business should take it a step further and put more emphasis on the tea, such as having brewing demonstrations or perhaps incorporating some of the teas in their food menu as well. I think they had tea-flavored cookies at some point but I didn't see them the last time I was there. If they are ever interested in bringing back tea-inspired pastries or entrees...well they can hit me up because I'm a fan and I would surely use their teas in my recipes!
(4)Jackie O.
Easily one of my favorite tea places. The fact that they use real tea leaves instead of the multiple flavored syrup containers like other tea spots, already received my attention. Aside from the variety of teas they have on their wall (green, black, white, pu-erh, and their own blends), they also sell various equipment to make tea at home. By the way, the sugar syrup they use is their store recipe and if you ask they will tell you how to make it.
(5)Oulie T.
Quality is what you will find here. The tea is of such high quality that they proudly display it for you to select and smell. I love that the prices of the teas are listed on each sampler. $139lb or more for some of the teas. Wowsers! I have to admit that I selected my tea based on price. I went for one of the more expensive varietals just to see what an expensive tea latte tastes like. I'd have to say it was pretty darn exceptional. This is a grown up tea spot. The unique flavor profiles of the high quality teas is insured to shine in your drink of choice, instead of being masked by sugary sweetness.
(5)Lena P.
Really cute place inside! All employees were very nice and offered us to try some cold tea and it was delicious! The orange creamsicle was my favorite! I want to come back and buy some! (5 stars) (3 stars) I got the veggie panini with pasta salad. The sandwich was pretty good - although I was trying to be healthy and thought it was grilled veggies (hence the name of the sandwich) however it was more like an Eggplant Parmesan sandwich (breaded eggplant) which was disappointing for me choosing the "healthy" choice. (Reason for the 3 star review) Their pasta salad was very plain. No seasoning or veggies with it. Just plain tri-color rotelle with balsamic and it was a very small portion. I think next time I'll opt for the salad. My sis got the chicken provolone and my friend got a deli sandwich and they both liked it. She got the peach tea as well and although it was a bit too sweet for her, she still liked it. Portions are huge! I ate half and took the other half home. Everyone did! Service was great and employees were very nice and called us by our names. Definitely will come visit again to try out more and for some iced tea next time.
(3)Katherine W.
My friend and I came here because we were craving tea and wanted to try something new. We were not disappointed! They have a wide variety of teas to choose from as well as a set of drinks if you don't feel like creating your own drink. When you create your own, you can choose the type of tea, if you want it iced, hot, or as a latte, and include different add-ins (that part's optional). You can add boba in for free! My friend got the luminescent with chia seeds and I got the peach white tea with aloe vera. We both liked our drinks so much we actually finished it within 2 hours, and we never finish our drinks that fast! I liked this place a lot, and I would highly recommend!
(4)Helen T.
Came here because of all the great reviews and because I was actually craving milk tea! Right when I came in, I thought it was a very cute and clean tea shop. Then I saw the loose leaf teas and I got pretty excited! :) My milk tea craving suddenly disappeared and I had a sudden urge to try their teas. I'm a pretty big fan of loose leaf teas, and I've been around in New York and San Diego trying out a few loose leaf tea stores here and there, so I think I can tell the difference between good quality tea leaves. I ended up getting the White Tea Rose Melange, just straight up tea. So as you can guess, since I've rated it 3 stars, the quality of the tea leaves isn't stellar. I mean I'm willing to drop $4 on a great cup of tea (without honey, milk, or anything) if the tea leaves are great, since high quality tea leaves are really expensive. But I don't think the quality of tea leaves justifies the price. Even Harney & Sons sells their Gyokuro (which is a pretty high quality green tea) for $40 for 4oz. So to sell most of their teas for about the same price as a high quality tea at H&S, and especially if the quality isn't that good..? Eh. I'll pass on their loose leaf teas. Okay, so maybe their tea isn't worth it for $4. However, I think I did see that you can make a tea latte or a milk tea using any of the tea leaves for the same price. Maybe that'll be worth more worth it. Plus, I did see that you could add boba in any of your drinks for free so that's a plus. I don't want to rate this place 2 stars right off the bat since it does seem like they have more to offer. I'm definitely going to come back and try their milk tea or their tea lattes and re-review this place!
(3)Joe V.
Great food especially the flaming bird and awesome tea selection. Friendly service and reasonable prices.
(5)Kel F.
Best Staff EVER, especially the owner. Always smiling and answering my novice questions. Flaming bird sandwich on squaw bread is killer good!
(5)Vanessa F.
I have quickly become a regular at this tea shop !! The service each time is wonderful; employees are helpful in choosing drinks and are very pleasant. They all seem very happy to work there which is always nice to see ! Cindy is very sweet and now calls me by name - which just proves how often I am in there. :) I am completely obsessed with the Almond Biscotti latte - either hot or cold. I usually get boba when I get the cold version and just recently tried it in the hot drink; I didn't think I would like it but it was actually quite delicious ! If you are a fan of almond or a nutty flavor in general, YOU MUST TRY IT ! I also love their wall of teas and the descriptions that go along with each one. It makes finding a tea so easy. Each one has their own pricing and you can buy it at four ounces or more. I did actually ask for less once and they were able to give me two ounces. I have about five different teas from there so far and have my eye on at least three more. Make sure to sign up for their rewards program ! I have a free drink currently waiting for me !
(5)Calvin L.
Finally!!! A tea place that doesn't drench your drink with sweetener and syrup. They put JUST enough sweetener so that you can enjoy the TEA. I always get the White Peach ($6 for the Ginormous). It's so refreshing and again, the flavor is amazing. The staff is great at giving suggestions, and there's always two different flavors that you can sample if it's your first time. I like sitting outside. It gets warm in there sometimes. They accept Five Star Cards, so rack up your points!!
(5)Danylle A.
I love their teas. They are flavorful but not overly sweet. I've bought a couple of their loose leaf teas and brewed them at home. I sweetened them with stevia and it tastes fantastic. Berry sorbet is one of my favorites to take home. Skip the boba here, its way too squishy. Parking is plentiful and service is friendly.
(4)Missy M.
Great prices, and the tea selection is amazing!! Literally a whole wall of loose leaf teas. They make great sandwiches too; I had the turkey and it comes with garden salad or pasta salad. I really want to try the macarons!! Until next time... and there will be a next time.
(5)Lauren L.
Really expensive... Yes, their quality of teas are great and I can taste the difference. But I paid ~ $5.25 for a Large Almond Milk Tea with Soy Milk (AND granted this was with NO boba). I kind of was shocked when I heard the price but it was too late for me to back out after ordering it. P.S. There is no bathroom here so with the small bladder that I have I had to walk over to Rubios every time to use the toilet. I think the Rubios people were wondering why I came through so many times without buying anything. Kind of embarrassing...But what can ya do?!
(3)Lisa D.
Do you like your drinks made to order? Shoot I know I do. You literally order it and they brew everything fresh! It does take a little while to make but its worth the wait. I came here twice and would definitely come back. I highly recommend this place because its fresh, clean, has free wifi, not overly packed, accepts credit cards, and they have chrysantheum tea. Get the larger sizes for 75 cents extra because its worth it! ordered: *large size chrysanthemum tea with aloe less sweet- perfectly light in flavor. very refreshing. $3.75 *monrovian ice coffee comes with condensed milk. $3.65. Its their version of a Vietnamese coffee. Pretry darn good as well! tips: *shared parking lot with other businesses. *same parking lot as chilli and panda express. *they accept the 5 star rewards program. *credit card accepted for free after $10. before $10 there is a charge. and they accept cash. *free wifi. *they also sell cupcakes, macaroon, etc. *they have a lot of neat tea goodies for sale. *they also sell tea leaves. *been around for 8 years. *you can do a phone order to speed up the process. *offer free sample of their tea of the day. *they have a website. *staff speaks english unlike some other tea places in the 626 area. *they also serve food like sandwiches.
(4)Courtney T.
I love this place. The lychee martini sweet tea is one of the most refreshing things I've had in years. The macarons are also something I enjoy a bunch. The staff is generally friendly and helpful. I always stop in here at least once a week. The only complaint I have is the awkward shape of the store makes it so when you're waiting for your order everyone is kind of crammed together in the narrow walkways. Not a huge deal but it can be a little weird when unfriendly people are waiting near you.
(4)Mike K.
What an awesome find! I love coming here. The people are very friendly and I love their huge selection of teas, made any way you like! They also have a great coffee menu, and delicious sandwiches that are piled high! This place is definitely for the tea lover. Cute merchandise as well for purchase. I'm obsessed with their almond milk tea at the moment. Great ambiance, plenty of parking, and indoor/outdoor seating. Be adventurous and try a new tea! Loyal customer for life :-)
(5)Rita L.
i like this place. I like that they have real tea, and I'm okay with paying a bit more knowing that they are using real ingredients. I've only had 2 drinks from here so far: iced peach black tea and the green-and-tan with boba. The peach tea was good, it was exactly how I expected it. It really picked me up after a long hot drive. The green-and-tan I got another time when I was feeling more adventurous. I haven't made up my mind of whether I like it or not, but it was definitely interesting and different. A little bit tart from the lemonade, but still had the matcha flavor. It's a weird drink, but I think it was worth trying. I like that boba can be added free of charge, but they were a little mushy, like they had been soaking in water all day. I will come back to try other drinks, and maybe brew some of the loose tea my roomie purchased from here, and also try a sandwich!
(4)Val C.
Blown away by this wonderful place... The drinks here are the cream of the crop. The worst part of your experience here will be choosing which drink to order. I decided on getting a coffee instead of tea since I was in need of a caffeine boost, and WOW the "Monrovian" gets the job done. It's perfectly sweet without being overbearing, and the flavors were unique and delightful. WiFi is free, outlets are plentiful. Parking is abundant since it is located within a shopping center. Great place to study! Will definitely be frequenting this place more often.
(5)Tina M.
Had a hankering for an ice cold drink today since it was so hot!! Decided to stop in, since I've been wanting to try this place for a long time. Checked out the reviews, & ordered the Peach Pear Apricot smoothie w/boba. I like that boba is free with any drink! As for food, I ordered the flaming bird sandwich. Very delicious!! Thinly sliced turkey meat, like deli meat, bean sprouts, slices of cucumber, tomato, lettuce, red onion, avocado, & mayo/mustard spiced spread... Don't forget the chili sauce!! I will definitely order this again!! I will come back to try their teas. Service was great & fast. I ordered it to go. Very refreshing!
(4)Jenny H.
Why three stars? One for mediocre drinks. One for the horrible aweful terrible 80s music they were playing. I just can't enjoy anything when that kind of music is being blasted. There are very few tables and it was very full. Got the grilled veggie panini. It was great but the milk tea was only "ok". Remember to ask for less sweet. I didnt. The food was awesome but couldn't enjoy in the atmosphere.
(3)Jennifer M.
I can't say anything to knock this place. Very courteous staff, so friendly. I had the Flaming Bird which was delicious. Turkey, avocado, sprouts, tomato all things amazing. The Four Berry smoothie was awesome. Great place to stop and have a quick lunch. And did I mention the ridiculous amount of tea to choose from.
(5)