Short and Stout Tea Company

We love short & stout! Large selection of reasonably priced teas & yummy tea desserts. I love that you can both get tea leaves in bulk as well as sit in the shop with some hot or iced tea. They also have a few samples regularly available. The owners are very nice & welcoming people!

Best tea shop in the area. All of the bubble teas are amazing. A large variety of HOMEMADE tea blends. Highly recommended to others. Try the Thai Bubble tea.amazing.

Sometimes when I give a five-​star review I feel the need to back it up, other times I’m just too lazy. Luckily for you, today it’s the former. This is a family-​run place that gets high marks for their: service, food pairings with tea, ambiance, and of course their tea (duh) and especially their bubbles in the bubble/​pearl/​boba teas.
The owners are quite knowledgeable in tea and are open to chatting with you and sharing information if you’re interested (and they’re not super busy). If you describe the types of flavors you prefer in tea, they can come up with great suggestions to match your preferences. The staff is always friendly, courteous, and helpful in answering any [reasonable] questions.
They have a nice variety of teas (both to brew in-​house or in their shop to take home to brew). The standard black tea and matcha green tea are my staples and usually an accurate indicator of the overall quality of a tea shop. At many other tea shops, the red bean flavored teas are concocted with some artificial form of flavor (syrup, etc). I was pleasantly surprised that the red bean tea contains. actual red beans, which is the simple secret to why it’s so tasty. Even though I went to school in the south, where they love their [sweetened] tea, it always feels strange to me when I feel I need to mention when a tea shop doesn’t make their tea too sweet. But I also feel like many foods and beverages are overly-​sweetened now. *waves cane and yells «Get off my lawn!»
The snacks are mostly home-​made (except for maybe the macaroons (?) but really, who has time to make those?). One of my favorite snacks I recommend is the green-​tea infused shortbread, if you like matcha.
Saving the best for last– the bubbles. ah yes, those little delightful joys that bask in your favorite teas. They are usually made fresh and are of the expected consistency (‘QQ’) and taste clean (which sounds weird, but you know the filmy taste you might get at lower-​end bubble tea places).
I’m not sure how I found Short and Stout even though it’s just barely off a busy Western Ave, I’ve driven by it dozens of times never knowing it was there. But that was the past, let’s focus on the positives– now you know it’s there and more importantly how terrific this place is so go on and check it out, you’ll be glad you did!

A friend and I were craving bubble tea and so we went to Short and Stout after reading Unilocal reviews. The café is cozy, and it feels more like someone’s home than an actual café. I got a Mango bubble tea, thinking it would be a fruity tea but it was more of a milk tea. Some of the bubbles were a little hard to chew but overall the drink was decent enough to fill our bubble tea craving.

Favorite place to go and relax! My favorite self treat! The macaroons are my favorite along with their freshly brewed teas! Just wish they were open on Sundays! Thats the day I always end up craving it.

Where do I start with how incredible this place is?
The Variety: Short and Stout hosts an incredible selection of loose leaf teas, with your typical whites, greens, and blacks, to more unique and fruity blends. The variety can be a bit overwhelming, but they have small sample containers of each type of tea that you can examine/​smell before you buy them.
The Drinks: For those die hard loose leaf tea lovers, they brew any tea they have in different quantities. Be it a mug, 2-​cup pot, or a 4-​cup pot to share (or have to yourself if you’re like me!), they’ll do any amount you’re feeling at a great price! And, if you bring your friends with you who aren’t as into traditional loose leaf, they have boba milk tea as well.
The Ambiance: I could sit here for hours. It’s a great place to catch up with a friend, get some work done, or have a meditative and quiet experience. There’s enough room in the place that I doubt it would be hard to find a table, and the back room has a nice atmosphere that distinguishes it as a «tea room» instead of a «café»
The Customer Service: Very helpful staff. I came in and became overwhelmed by the tea selection, but they talked with me and helped me narrow down to the one I chose. The Jasmine Pearl is floral and glorious.
I will DEFINITELY be back here to sit and enjoy it as a tea room and also to buy my own loose leaf tea from.

Short and Stout is a new find for me. Like other Unilocalers, I will mimic — how is it that this place has stayed «hidden» for so long?
I live in cafes and have found that this one provides something rather different. The menu is unique onto itself, with a focus on tea rather than coffee. You may not be caffeinated to your maximal potential as that is likely not the intention set for your visit. The café provides tranquility, quiet, and peace, which is a much needed change of pace from the everyday grind.
The tea options are plentiful from loose leaf teas (varieties of green, white, black, oolong, mate, and herbal teas) all seeped to provide a most aromatic and flavorful experience, to crafted teas like lattes, spritzers, and even concoctions such as «tiramisu amaretto» and «choco mint wamer/​chiller». Boba teas are available as well for those looking for an Asian spin on their drinks. I chose a loose leaf green tea that was available after 4 minutes or so of seeping time. I’ve drank plenty of tea in my life time and I have to say that this particular cup of tea was wonderfully executed — seeped not too long or too short and with the right temperature of water.
Snacks are available at the counter — earl grey shortbread cookies, ham and cheese croissants, vegetarian spring rolls, and lemon scones. I’ve yet to try the offerings but they seem as they would go well with the tea.
Seating is available at small glass tables with ottoman like stools and couches. It’s not the most spacious of seating, but it’s cozy and comfortable. It’s a great setting for a one-​on-​one conversation with a friend.

Though a distance’s away from where I live, but it is well worth the visit when I can get a vehicle to take me there! I would say this is one of the most authentic and diverse tea places there is in Albany so far. The place is a little off-​site and difficult to find at first glance (having being obscured by another establishment in front of it), but the layout of the tea place is largely spacious and cozy. The shelves are lined with a plethora of different tea leaves and styles for one to sample (through their small sample jars that you can open and smell); it accommodates for the more traditional tea drinker with leaves from various regions as well as the more floral and modern drinker with many unique concoctions. They also provide other tea-​related accessories if you are interested in brewing your own.
So far, I have gotten the Blue Cloud and the Oolong Milk as milk tea. I really enjoyed the light flavours and the flexibility of the staff in adjusting the sugar levels for us. They are also open to mixing different flavours if you request, though I would say trying each one on their own is a feat in itself! They offer both iced and hot options, and I have gone with the iced choices so far. They’ve made the drinks a little less sugary, but I’ve enjoyed them greatly! The owners are not only extremely helpful if you wanted suggestions, but they are also very well versed in their tea-​knowledge. The only complaint I have is that sometimes some of their pearls are a little hard, but most of it tastes awesome. Definitely recommend this!

Coming from California, I found myself starved for good boba milk tea («bubble» tea) when I moved to Albany. Luckily I was introduced to the many types of milk tea made from REAL TEA at Short and Stout. Most other boba shops, namely the ones in the malls, make their milk tea from powder which always ends up far too sweet and artificial for my taste. The milk tea served here is the closest that I’ve found to the quality and taste of the teas back in California. Prices without the 2-​for-​1 Unilocal discount are high, but I am occasionally willing to pay more for quality. I had the Lavender Milk Tea and sampled the regular Black Milk Tea. Both were tasty without being overpoweringly sweet.

Seriously not your average TEA shop. I’ve bookmarked this place awhile ago and did a fair amount of research before stopping in, and I was not disappointed. I think adding tea sandwiches and other small lunch items might be a good idea for this quaint and relaxing place. The parking is ample and there are several tables, chairs, sofas, and cushioned seats within.
There are plen-​tea of loose teas on the tea wall and they even use it in their pastries! Both sweet and savory goods can be found in their case, but I headed straight for the tea — infused cookies including the masala chai and matcha shortbread cookies. We were told the tea takes a little time to make and there was also a sign near the register saying so. We tried the root beer rooibos and the lavender bubble tea. Choose from tapioca pearls or pop boba if you are getting a bubble tea. I couldn’t resist getting the matcha snow cookie after placing our order (I’m known to be the cookie monster to my friends). After a short wait we carried all our goodies to the next room over and devoured it all.
I definitely want to come back and try the other craft teas because they are very appealing and the pastry case can be my best friend. Cute shop with great taste and adorable tea-​ccesories. I forgot to check for free wifi connection but hopefully they have it so I can start doing some work there!

I live in an area that doesn’t have any good cafes for writing or hanging out. I deeply, DEEPLY wish we had someplace like Short and Stout because it’s exactly the kind of place I’ve been longing for.
The staff is incredibly friendly. It was my first visit and I was greeted like a long time friend. The drink menu is huge and caters to all kinds of tastes. Putting myself in the barista’s hands, I ended up with a Fruit Sangria Tea. I’m not sure what all was in it, but it was sweet and tart and refreshing with a ton of frozen fruit that gradually melted into it, keeping it cool throughout. I also had a couple of the savory pastries (the chicken peanut puff and the massaman curry puff) and a chocolate dipped Masala Chai cookie and an Earl Grey cookie.
The flavor combinations on everything were amazing. The curry puff came with an AMAZING cilantro dipping sauce (and I normally don’t even like cilantro) and I used it on both pastries, it was so good. The chicken peanut puff was sweet and spicy and tasted exactly like Thai curry in pastry form. The Massaman Curry puff was less spicy but even more delicious and both pastries were stuffed full. The cookies were also crazy good; I had no idea it was possible to get such intense tea taste in a cookie. They both tasted exactly like what they should.
The café area of the shop is really bright and comfortable; there are a couple of couch-​and-​chair conversational areas – well separated from each other – and then there’s an eating-​and-​working area, with sturdy tables, well padded, comfortable seats and several outlets for computer plug ins. It’s the kind of place you can really see yourself hanging out for hours, working or talking.
The café also sells a number of teas and I love the size of the selection, the very reasonable pricing and the fact that each tea has a sniffer sample, so you can get an idea of what the tea smells and might taste like. While we were there, the owner also sent over two pots of tea for us to sample and see which one we liked better, and there were a different two pots for sampling out on the counter. So there’s every opportunity to make informed decisions if you’re a tea drinker – which I definitely am!
Basically, if I could wish a café into being, this is exactly the sort of place and people I’d dream into being and my only complaint is that I live in Maryland and the Short and Stout is nowhere near commuting distance!

I have been coming to Short and Stout since they opened and it just keeps getting better and better! The staff and owners are always greeting me with a smile and take the time to actually get to know me a little bit. Oh and the tea is amazing!

Going to Short and Stout is such a treat. I get the black bubble tea and it is sweet, refreshing, and delicious every time! The atmosphere is relaxed with plenty of space to lounge around (and free wifi– woo!). Staff is friendly too. The tea does take a few minutes to brew so if you’re short on time it might not be the best option. Would definitely recommend!

The tea is amazing. Lots to choose from. Had the pleasure to meet the owners at a craft fair once and have been buying their tea religiously. Both are extremely knowledgable, and are great people who deserve patronage. Cannot recommend them enough.

I can’t believe I only just found this place, have I been living in Albany this whole time? I almost didn’t want to review it just to keep it to myself (and all those who found it before I did of course), but that would be selfish, so…
This place won me over in a heartbeat: bubble tea, macaroons, clean modern décor, cozy and inviting spaces… I could go on but I’m trying to keep this on the shorter side.
Although this was my first time here, I got some great insider tips from one of their regulars: there’s always 2 teas you can taste for free, they have a «sniffing bar» so you can get a whiff of your tea before you commit, they’ve got a frequent flyer card (my source was a proud cardholder) for the loose teas, and they have Tea Tastings every month! For $ 5 you can learn about (and taste) the teas they offer, brewing techniques, temperatures and times. My (now) friend highly recommends the tastings.
This is a great alternative to the mall giant Teavana in a more inviting and intimate setting, a place where you can buy your loose tea but also sit a while to slowly sip and enjoy it. I can’t speak for how it compares from a price point perspective but it definitely wins in the ambience dept. This is truly a find and quite a unique place in the CDR.
I didn’t try any of their pastries today, which is completely out of character for me… I’m watching my waistline to fit into a bridesmaid dress. But they offer tea infused shortbread, earl grey cookies and macaroons, as if I needed any more reasons to come back.

As I was Unilocaling for cafes around the area, I saw many positive reviews about this new tearoom. My friends and I are currently trying it out and we are absolutely in love with this little tearoom place! The ice teas that we got were delicious, probably the best tea in the area, even better than high end Starbucks! I highly recommend this tearoom for everyone!

They now have macarons — these airy little bits of cream-​filled heaven in pastel colors and lots of delicious flavors. They are gluten free and tasty as can be. I plan to eat my way through them all to find my favorite — so far it is a tie between raspberry and pistachio. They have also updated their gift selections — always something cool and new to look at for purchase. I love this place — the customers are always so friendly. It is a nice atmosphere with awesome owners and Alexis is always so welcoming. I tell everyone about it.

Best boba (bubble) tea in the Capital District. Look no further than Short & Stout. I’m completely addicted to the Matcha Green boba tea. They also have numerous flavors of traditional teas as well — ready to order or in tea bags.
They have a nice selection of sweet and savory pastries as well — I highly recommend the Brookie (Brownie + Chocolate Chip Cookie).
On top of that, the tea shop is nicely designed and has a cheerful atmosphere. Great for college students to come grab a cup of tea and study.

Delightful little teaporium (I should copyright that) off the road and barely noticeable off 20, with a low key ambiance, super friendly owner, and a decent selection.
It’s not the full-​on restaurant of Whistling Kettle, or the high tea slow affair of Tailored Tea, or the high pressure sales press of Teavana or the organic $$$$ pretensions of Divinitea, but, well, kind of like old school Ma & Pa coffee houses used to be, but for tea.
The teas tended to be more on the flavored/​fruity side — not my cup of tea, literally, as I prefer the robust non-​blended varietals — but if you like that end of things you will be happy. A small selection of baked goods were available, but how many tasty cookies do you need?
Bulk tea sold in quantities as little as an ounce, running $ 10 a quarter pound for the most part; a little more pricey than Teavana or Whistling Kettle but not by much. I can’t quite make it a destination for bulk tea but it’s one of those places where if you’re stopping by for a pot or a cuppa you might as well buy a packet or a bag.
They also feature Tea Gear in the non-​kitschy end of the spectrum, in the more cool-​o-​matic doodad end of this fare.
Our party was waited on by one of the owner’s daughters, who was about six, and I think she was the eldest of the lot, so yes, it’s kid-​friendly, too.
Promising; will be back.

Nice change of pace instead of Starbucks or Dunkin. Soothing piano music while you wait for tea.