Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar

414 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

Address:	414 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
Phone:	+1 434-293-9947
Site:	teabazaar.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–12AM 11:30AM–12AM 11:30AM–12AM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Cassidy P.

I have been to the Twisted Branch twice now, and have had two very unpleasant experiences. While the restaurant itself seems to be very charming, the staff has been incredibly rude on both occasions. The first time I attempted to be a patron of Twisted Branch was late on a Saturday night. My friends and I showed up a little over an hour before closing time. They were busy, and we had to wait for a spot in the hookah lounge. It was a perfectly acceptable request (although the staff member behind the counter was very blunt and unhelpful) so we waited for our turn. When that came, we ordered and took our place in the back. It had a nice atmosphere, but again, bad service. We waited fifteen minutes and still no one had come to serve us. Unfortunately by that time, it was also fifteen minutes to close. We walked out of the smoking room and into the main area to discover that no one had even started our order. Luckily, they gave us a full refund. Perhaps that is the reason we decided the service wasnt bad enough to keep us away for long. Tonight, we tried to visit again. It was less busy, and we were able to walk right up to the counter. One of my friends had forgotten her ID and so they were unable to serve her. Again, understandable! However, after asking what they could use as an ID other than a drivers license, the hostess began to get very snide. It turns out that a short while ago, two of their employees had to go to trial for serving minors without identification. Later during our discussion, a man behind the counter chipped in with, "Yeah, I had to go to trial!" Doesnt seem like something to be proud of, but to each their own. I digress. After asking several questions (as respectfully as possible), the hostess began getting angry. My friend tried to apologize for bothering her, but the hostess continued speaking over her and refused to hear her apologize. When we stated that we were leaving, the hostess claimed that was best because we were being very rude to them. Instead of getting a pleasant night out, I got my ear bitten off by a woman that enjoyed playing the victim of nonexistent cruelty. Considering that I have now had two horrible visits to the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar, it is safe to say that they will no longer gain the patronage of myself or my friends.

Amanda Tolka

Ive been coming here for over a decade, first when I was a philosophy student at UVA, now as a self-employed professional. I bring friends, family and colleagues alike. Ive met the most amazing array of individuals over the years - completely diverse - however, it is a particularly loving place to the artists soul. If your traveling through, this is a great place to recoup, use wifi, hear good underground music and meet locals. Come during the day for quiet, peaceful, study or at night for a more lively vibe, though regardless of the time, you can usually find me in the back with a hookah and some books. I appreciate the low turnover in staff, as they learn their customers names and clearly take pride in the place as their own. The owner is sweet and attentive. Its a welcoming place with a delicious menu. The chai masala, chai shake, the kid and PMT sandwich are all delicious. Check out the food special, its always great too. The hookahs are my personal favorite and the new Chai flavor is delicious. While the chai tea is excellent and by far the most popular, dont miss out on some of the others, like purple tulsi (spelling?), brainwave, or mamas helper. I havent always had a perfect experience and have been downright frustrated at times, but thats just what happens when youre committed to a place. I love the Tea House and genuinely think it has something for everyone.

lucas plogger

If you want high quality teas and service at a low prices as well as one of the most chill, relaxing, and of course welcoming environments then this is the place you wanna be. They have a very knowledgeable staff that can help you find the perfect tea from their extensive list for whatever mod. They serve hookah as well, while I dont partake Im sure its great to, and dont worry if you dont like it either they keep it well separate from the lounge area. They also have some great little bits of food if you find yourself searching for something unique. So if your looking for the best place in Charlottesville to unwind from a long day or just sit down and enjoy yourself and good atmosphere then look no further the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar is the place for you.

John Cathey

Pretty cool tea shop and well worth seeing. On the up-side, the menu is nice with a great selection. The decor is fun and engaging, and leaves a unique impression. The tea was tasty and prepared very well. A great place to chill. However, on the down-side, music was too loud. I felt like this was more of a coffee house than a tea house as, instead of conversation, I mainly saw people huddled over laptops only communicating with themselves or their screens. There was no real attempt to "educate" the consumer (me!), as is an important aspect of tea culture. Worth visiting, but not the best.

A Private User

Usually quiet in the afternoons, this is a great place to relax, try some interesting teas and appetizers, study, or having a laid-back time with friends. The food isnt especially filling or outstanding, but thats not really what the Tea Bazaar is about; the teas are fantastic. I also recommend trying a hookah at least once, but if you arent inclined to smoke, its nice that the hookahs are in a separate room. I regret not finding this place sooner and encourage anyone who has not yet been here to check it out.

Lorraine Simonis

I was here two weeks ago and they took my AmEx credit card. Then I went back today and they told me they didnt take AmEx and seemed surprised/offended when I walked out because I didnt have any other money on me. Was put off by the inconsistency. Theyre entitled to take or not take whatever form of payment they please, but should also be ready to lose business.

A Private User

Great lounge to relax in. Has great teas and foods off the menu. A great stop! My first hookah experience - try the orange! If you are not inclined to smoking areas, they have a separated area for the non-smokers (as I usually am). Either way, a great place to relax with friends. Amazingly comfy seating inside or a great patio area outside to enjoy!

Bradford Gallimore

Its a relatively comfortable place to study, read, or relax. Sometimes the music is cranked up a bit too much, but that could be just me. I feel that their teas are reasonably priced, but I typically avoid getting food from Tea Bazaar because I feel like I do not get my moneys worth. For that reason I give them four stars instead of five.

Evangeline Taggart

This charming establishment offers a wide array of teas and small plates. There are traditional tables and chairs available, or you may sit on cushions at low tables (either near the windows or in a secluded, curtained room. In the back, Twisted Branch offers a hookah lounge for its customers.

A Private User

Weve been here several times, and have always had wonderful food - the Goat herder, the sandwiches, the wonderful desserts, the tea.... Great, relaxing atmosphere, except on the nights when theres a music group, which cranks up the energy level . You have to try this place !!!