This tea shop’s name refers to its Brooklyn origins and not in this case its actual location, which is Castleberry Hill in downtown Atlanta. The first franchise of the tea company founded in 2017 by tea sommelier Alfonso Wright and wife Jamila Wright (a native Atlantan), Brooklyn Tea Atlanta was opened in 2021 by Jamila’s college friend Kerri-Ann Thomas (at right below).
Back when the two attended Spelman College, Castleberry Hill was their stomping ground, and the downtown location is perfectly suited to Brooklyn Tea’s mission:
“to open shops in predominantly Black neighborhoods where loose leaf tea hasn’t been readily accessible or commonplace.”
Any neighborhood with a relaxing tea shop like this is a lucky one. The service is friendly and accommodating, the tea selection is extensive, and the vibe is very chill.
Brooklyn Tea commissioned local black artists Adeana Berry and India Linsey for portraits of famous Brooklynites: filmmaker Spike Lee, politician Shirley Chisholm (the first black woman to be elected to United States Congress and the first black candidate for a major-party nomination for President of the United States), entrepreneur and rapper Jay-Z, and rapper Notorious B.I.G.
Industrial decor gives the shop a modern, hip feel. Dozens of Brooklyn Tea canisters line the back wall, where a menu displays food and drink options including coffees, teas (hot/iced/lattes), all-day vegan breakfast menu, and pastries.
Plush couch and chairs for a perfect gathering space against the front wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the shop in natural light.
Customers chat or work wherever suits them: at the bar, at high-top tables, or regular dining tables.
Have to love a Biggie sugar cookie. This image is from a 1997 Rap Pages cover shoot depicting Biggie as “The King Of New York,” taken three days before Biggie died.
Especially when you want customers to like their chosen tea, and learn about new varieties, smelling jars are a tea shop necessity. Guests are invited to take their time exploring Brooklyn Tea’s smelling wall.
Doug (who you may recognize from our YouTube channel), wisely selects a Black Rose Tea for our teatime, which we agree is delicious.
Appreciating the quality Japanese cast iron teasets, in black to complement the Brooklyn Tea branding.
We liken the shop’s “Afternoon High Tea Experience” to what we call a “DIY Tea.” Served on a cool industrial style tiered tray, it includes a large pot of tea and four pastries of your choosing for $30 (serves 2). We recommend coming here for delicious tea and skipping the so-so desserts.
We love comments! Destination Tea's comment policy shares a guiding principle with afternoon tea etiquette: please be gracious. We welcome honest comments that are not rude or scathing.
I love the industrial look of this establishment. Makes me feel like I’m right there back in Brooklyn.
They carried the vibe all the way down from New York!