With a handful of cafes devoted to matcha, and at least a dozen more brewing variations of this beloved green tea drink, New York City is center of matcha culture in the US. But, that’s not to say bars and teahouses across the country don't offer matcha, too. Below, a look at 10 not-to-miss matcha spots from coast to coast.
Read MoreThe 10 Best Places to Drink Matcha Across the Country
Where to drink matcha in the US.
Ippodo Tea Co.
Manhattan offers numerous matcha bars, but Ippodo (headquartered in Kyoto) is the most traditional of them all. One will find matcha lattes on the menu, and even matcha slushies for summer, but Ippodo excels most at matcha served plain and pure. Pick between usucha (thin matcha) and koicha (thick matcha using twice the amount of matcha powder and half the amount of water as usucha). [Photo]
Steven Smith Teamaker
Smith Teamaker is the latest tea venture owned by the legendary Steven Smith (who founded both Tazo Tea which was bought by Starbucks, and Stash Tea which was acquired by Yamamotoyama). The retail outlet of Smith Teamaker includes a tasting room featuring both ceremonial matcha and matcha lattes. Teas from the Smith Teamaker line are also offered by the pot or as a tasting flight. [Photo]
Samovar Tea Lounge
Samovar has three “tea lounges” in San Francisco, and one “tea bar.” Head to the lounge for a relaxed, full-service location with a complete food menu. Visit the tea bar for tea to-go. Pick between matcha shots and matcha shakes, the latter of which is like a cross between a matcha milkshake and smoothie. Sleek and efficient, Samovar Tea Bar brings a distinct modern edge to the San Francisco tea scene. [Photo]
Urth Caffe
At Urth Caffe, matcha is offered straight-up (referred to as a matcha “espresso” on the menu), and in many other forms, including matcha lattes, milkshakes blended with bananas, and as a matcha bebero featuring whisked matcha layered atop a layer of condensed milk. Simply stir to incorporate. [Photo]
Teance
Slide into a seat along the circular bar at Teance in Berkeley where matcha is featured on the menu alongside a variety of teas ranging from white to pu’erh and herbals. Teance is part retail shop, part tasting room, and all teas can be purchased for home use. The matcha is sourced from Uji-based Koyamaen and whisked barside for guests.[Photo]
Chalait
Matcha is offered in eight different forms at the recently opened Chalait in the West Village. Take your pick between two grades of a traditional shot (everyday or top grade), as an Americano, latte, or even cortado. Come warmer weather, keep your eye on the matcha seasonal fizz and matcha iced tea. And for those feeling extra decadent, head straight for the matcha hot chocolate - best of both worlds. [Photo]
The Curb Kaimuki
Tucked in a tiny space (which was formerly a barbershop), The Curb Kaimuki turns out Honolulu’s best matcha latte. Balanced with a generous hand of matcha and a thick and frothy finish, the latte comes sweetened just a touch. There’s only a few counters seat available, so take the latte to-go and line up for a table at the nearby Koko Head Cafe for a complete local Honolulu experience. [Photo]
Thinking Cup
For matcha in a casual coffee shop setting head to one of the three Thinking Cup locations in Boston. They do a classic matcha latte both hot and iced. Though lighter on the matcha than most matcha fans would prefer, this is a reliable neighborhood favorite. It often gets crowded in here, so best to visit at off hours. [Photo]
The Green Teahouse
The two locations of Green Teahouse in the US (New Haven and West Hartford, CT) are sister shops to the original Green Teahouse in Chengdu, China. While the menu for the US locations has been adapted to American tastes and styles of drinking tea, they offer a of solid selection of pure teas including matcha served in the traditional form. An ideal place to unwind with a good book and a few tea-infused dishes. [Photo]
Dobrá Tea
Dobrá Tea has seven locations across the US, all of which offer a wide collection of teas and tea cuisine in a distinctly bohemian setting. Bowls of whisked matcha are a popular menu item, offered plain and simple. Select locations also serve the matcha with wagashi - a sweet Japanese confection meant to accompany tea. [Photo]