Tea shops are enjoying a surge of popularity throughout the country, and Salt Lake is no exception. These five shops in the area offer more than just a cup of tea; they blend artisanal teas with unique social experiences from tea parties to live music. 

7Buddha Tea House and Desserts (4913 State St., Murray)

This trendy tea house in Murray offers a unique menu of drinks from boba to slushes. Its signature beverages include the Pinky Lychee with red dragonfruit and lychee with aloe vera or crystal boba topped with sea salt milk foam. There’s also the popular Matcha Red Bean Milk Tea or the Mango Matcha Latte. Refreshing spring teas include Just Peachy, Mango Paradise or Strawberry Plum Tea. It’s always a new taste experience when you stop by 7Buddha. Learn more on Instagram @7BuddhaTea. 

Auntie Rae’s Treats & Tea Parties (4704 S. Holladay Blvd., Holladay)

Inspired by author Jane Austen, Auntie Rae’s is a journey to a time when tea service was a ritual and conversation a skill. An outing at Auntie Rae’s shouldn’t be rushed, but savored as an indulgence. Themed birthday parties at Auntie Rae’s include a Princess Tea with crowns, sandwiches and tea service. The shop also hosts murder mystery tea parties for small groups. With an elegant high tea menu, a fun garden tea option or afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and dessert, Auntie Rae’s is sure to become a family favorite. Visit AuntieRaes.com to learn more. 

SodaBoba (10309 S. Redwood Rd, South Jordan)

If you combine boba tea, tasty menu items and support for local musicians, you get SodaBoba. Taiwanese boba drinks are available in many flavors including cookies & cream, pineapple passion fruit, honeydew milk and matcha brown sugar. Plus, the finger-food menu offers savory pork potstickers and tempura shrimp, Korean street food favorites. But newcomers to SodaBoba must try the Croffle, a waffle-croissant hybrid with toppings that include Nutella, chocolate syrup, dulce de leche and cinnamon almond. The shop regularly holds free concerts highlighting musicians in the area. For more information, visit SodaBoba.net. 

Tea & Brown (5486 S. 1900 West, Taylorsville)

One of the newest tea spots in town, Tea & Brown is making a splash with its teas made from imported ingredients, using the traditional hand-shake method. Tea enthusiasts will find a range of flavors, from classic teas to brown sugar boba, bubble tea and fruit blends. Fan favorites include the Red Guava Golden Oolong Tea, the Mango Pomelo Frappe, the Black Tea Latte and the Cocoa Matcha Teaccino. Online ordering is available. More information at TeaBrownTaylorsville.com. 

Tea Zaanti (1944 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake)

With dozens of loose-leaf tea varieties, like vanilla hazelnut and strawberry oolong, Tea Zaanti is a must for tea lovers. Favorite teas include the Nutty Matcha Latte, the Choco Tea Latte (with chocolate pu’reh) and the ceremonial matcha, sourced from Japan. Tea Zaanti is also the only tea and wine cafe in Salt Lake, boasting the best wine prices in the state. With a focus on small producer wines, the restaurant offers wine-by-the-glass or bottle. Menu items include a charcuterie platter, soups and sandwiches. Visit TeaZaanti.com to learn more.