Tbar

This is a cool place to meet up with someone be it for a chat, a date, or even to hatch a scheme. Short of kungfu showdowns, I’m not socialized into the coffee/​tea house culture so I don’t know if I would really hang out here, but it’s great in small doses. I tend to gorge on my raw tea at home. Also, I agree with many others that it’s a great place for people watching. I remember when it was Gallo Clothing… ecghk! This is a much better use of this space.
So what about the tea? Ok check it out… I’ve been here twice and on each occasion something like 3 out of 4 of the teas I wanted were «unavailable.» Eh. The teas I did have were fine… 1 bubble (I forget) and 1 hot (moroccan mint). One thing I think this place could stand to benefit from would be a bottle of liquid sugar or simple mixer syrup. Some shops buy it ready made and some just make it from scratch. It’s a game changer! You can just drip and dip (Philly slang meaning: «to leave»).
Overall, it’s a great alternative to Starbucks/Cosi/AuBonPricey/Saxby’s etc.

Had a really tasty taro bubble tea from T-​bar. I had never had taro, but the barista recommended it. It tastes kind of like cookies and cream. I think they need different cups though. It was spilling all out the sides because they fill it up past the lid, and also need bigger straws or smaller bubbles because they kept getting stuck in my straw. The space seems nice, definitely a good place to study. I’ll stop by again if I’m in the neighborhood.

My first visit to Tbar was almost a year ago, while I was training with my then-​manager Kevin L. It was our third and final day together before I would be unleashed to my own devices and we needed a place to settle in for some calls. Tbar fit the bill on that cold day, and aside from accidentally dripping some hot tea on my brand new Mac and nearly having panic attacks over it, it was a good experience.
My second visit occurred yesterday with my now-​manager Colleen C. The place was pretty quiet early in the afternoon, and we scored seats on the extremely comfy couches. I confessed to never having bubble tea before, and it was pretty much decided that I had to try it. I ordered an almond flavored tea with skim milk and just a touch of sugar. The tea was delicious, and I was curious about the wide straw and unsure of what was to come. Then, the bubbles started popping up through the straw and I’m pretty sure the look on my face was priceless. It was interesting. I liked it, for something different, although it’s probably something I would go for only once in a while.
While we were there, a pressed sandwich was made for another customer and it smelled absolutely heavenly. I’ll probably head back and set up shop for a day sometime soon.

Got the soy black milk tea with pearls, $ 5.13. It’s similar to thai milk tea, which was why I purchased this, however, when I asked the girl at the counter if it was like a thai milk tea she said it was powder. Not really descriptive but tried it anyway. The taste was fine, but $ 5.13 is a little steep for me.

The atmosphere was nice. However, my first order was unsuccessful, because they were out of chicken. Then, I ordered something else that sounded pretty good, so this didn’t really upset me and the worker seemed very nice. Then, as the other co-​worker returned, they began talking about relationships, and I felt really uncomfortable having to listen while waiting for my sandwich. Also, mid-​way through, the girl forgot she was making my sandwich and had to remind herself what she was doing. Then, after about 10 minutes, I got my sandwich. Although I only paid $ 2.16 because I had previously bought a Level-​Up Coupon (worth $ 3), I could never see myself paying full price for a sandwich that small. Luckily, the sandwich was delicious, otherwise I would have had a pretty bad experience.

I have finally found a respectable place to get a boba tea in Philly– whoo hoo! Tbar is a quiet, charming space on busy 12^th St. Seating is plentiful and perfect for studying. For those that don’t want to curl up in a wooden chair with a good book– there’s plenty of comfy sofas. Being a wus when it comes to boba tea flavors I opted for the iced black tea. It was tasty and I sucked it down in no time at all. As recommended by other Unilocalers I got the Frenchie. The sandwich was small and pricey for $ 8, but very tasty. Can’t wait to come back for more!

Very cool place to sit and hang, talk, study. It is very and quiet (good background white noise) and the selection of teas is amazing! Check out their book of teas on the counter… so many! You can get a cup or a pot of tea for a great price!
We will definitely be back here, I would come her over Starbucks ANYDAY!

Tbar is a fun place, especially for a tea lover like me.
Now that the Tea place on Sansom is gone (It’s now the Chutney Company) and Remedy is kinda small, I go here alot more.
I love the Jasmine Green and a good First Flush Darjeeling, when they have it.
Not a fan of Roibos or Chais but they have those, too.
Bring your nook or kindle and stay a while for a cup or a pot of the GOOD stuff.
Nice iced whites in the summer, too.
LOVE IT!

It’s extremely rare that I can do work anywhere that doesn’t come with a crypt-​like silence. Barnes and Nobles failed me long after its social allure faded as a teenager, and libraries don’t have the amenities coffee shops have, like plush couches, to feel cozy. I’ve passed by this place so many times and had immediately dismissed it as trendy. On the contrary, it’s welcoming inside with decent lightning (it’s a little dim for reading), a nice array of drinks, and friendly people behind the counter. The vast majority of people there over a 2 hour period were studying which is great for those who want to get some work done. There was a couple that came in for light conversation, but that didn’t add or detract from the nice background buzz.
I’ll definitely be back!

For those interested in quality teas, trying out new flavors, and a good atmosphere to enjoy your beverage, this is a fine place to start. It’s a bit pricey, compared to a regular coffee shop. They have internet, at least it appeared so because of all the laptops open when i was there. Nice tables to do homework too. Speaking of, we enjoyed the different heights of tables and chairs; from bar to couch type and plenty of regular size… if that’s important to you.
Tea fans check this place out!

Spot on for a spot of tea.
A pot of the good stuff (read: Moroccan mint) will run you over $ 5, but they refilled out pot with hot water* for free. It was easily enough for a solid six or eight cups of tea, which is a lot to consume if you have a small bladder and it’s sub-​freezing out.
Ultra cute space with loud enough music playing that you can hold a low-​toned conversation here without worrying that you’re disturbing others nearby. Outlets are a little few and far between, but it looks like most people here came to socialize or read paper media, not tool around on their laptops.
I’m also curious how their bubble tea is; perhaps I’ll give that a shot the next time I roll around!
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* They have more than one hot water heater because each tea has a different steeping temperature. Respect.

As others have said, great place to set up with your laptop or books. Spacious clean interior. Bubble tea never tasted so good…

I was wandering around Center City when the nice breeze stopped and the heat set in strong. I had quite a few more blocks to go before I reached my ultimate destination, and needed to seriously cool off before I could go any further. For a fleeting moment, I considered Capogiro Gelato, but I’m trying really really hard to break my ice cream addiction (nobody said I was succeeding, however).
When I hit Tbar, I knew I struck gold. They have quite a few loose leaf tea options that they’ll ice for you, a handful of tea lattes, and then… booooba! Just what the doctor ordered! I also was starving but couldn’t even think of eating in this heat, so boba was perfect for taking the edge off.
I got a Green Honeydew boba blended with skim milk, and it was deliciously refreshing. It cooled me right down and I was able to continue on my merry way. I was, however, a little put off that the total was more than $ 5. Yes, blending usually adds a couple quarters, but when your basic iced boba is $ 4.75, that’s pushing it over the edge.
While Tbar will never live up to the greatness that was Remedy Tea, it’ll do. What really makes this place 4 stars is that they have engaged my interest and have a ton of stuff that I can’t wait to go back and try.

Love, Love, Love.
It was one sunny day after I’d been sick for a couple days prior. I was desperately searching for a drink that could soothe my sore/​swollen throat. Then I saw the signs for Tbar. I had passed by Tbar so many times but had never given a chance. Why? Because I figured it would be just like Starbucks… and I really am not a fan of Starbucks. However, since I was running out of time/​options on that day when I had nasty throat situation going on… I walked right into the Tbar.
Boy was I ever so wrong to make assumptions about this wonderful place.
The barista (or…teamaker?!) was so nice and she fixed me sweet ginger tea with honey and lemon that wasn’t scorching hot so I can actually drink it pronto. I couldn’t sit and enjoy as I had to go to work but that tea was SO delish until the very last drop. Since I was so impressed by the first visit, I decided to visit once again a week later (which was yesterday). This time, I got the black milk bubble tea (blended style) with soy milk. YUM YUM it was sooooo lovely and perfect for a miserable hot day in the city. Once again, the girl who made it for me was such a sweetheart and was very helpful. I actually sat on one of the comfy couches and enjoyed the bubbletea.
The whole experience was so awesome. I am totally hooked to this place. Will definitely go back. perhaps today?
p. s. 1 star is off because though everything was wonderful, the price was the only thing that reminded me of Starbucks (which once again, I despise). BUT I’d totally skip a meal and have a cup of tea instead. I could stand to lose a few pounds anyway. xoxo

This is the place where I brought my two hot dogs from Reading Terminal.
The gentleman who worked there was patient, attentive, and seemed to have knowledge about the selections of teas that TBar serves.
I went in the late morning so there was only another on his laptop and me. At this time of day it was very quiet. A perfect time to study.
I had two teas, one was chamomile, the other I can’t remember. Both were really good and stayed hot for a long time. This is really a great location to people/​car watch. I witnessed things that made me chuckle, think, and just plain shake my head at how people act. It adds to the experience of drinking tea here.
The sofas were pretty comfortable but they looked a bit dirty and the table wobbled. I had to be stealthy with picking my cup of tea up and down. The other seats weren’t suitable for me, I wasn’t there to read or do work, just have tea. That’s the only negative thing that I noticed here. Maybe they should buy furniture that can be cleaned a little more easily.

I decided enough time had passed after the sad and untimely death of Remedy Tea Bar to check out other fish in the sea. Finding an affordable, quiet, and non-​chain study spot has been increasingly difficult, but Tbar seemed to fit the bill.
My Chai Latte was pretty unfortunate. Excessive amounts of room-​temperature foam topped my semi-​flavored and equally tepid drink. I downed it in about 2 minutes just to put the thing out of its misery.
I grudgingly stayed parked on the couch for 45 minutes doing some reading just so I felt like I got my money’s worth. Thankfully, spring has arrived so I can just make my own chai latte and do my reading in the park.
Brad’s rating (out of 5):
Price: 3
Drinks: 1
Décor: 3
Service: 3
Wild card: Not too crowded…

I think TBar has been discovered.
Went here a few weeks ago after searching for study spots on Unilocal and reading about what a quiet and uncrowded place it was, so I was fairly surprised to find it, well… Crowded and noisy. I’m not saying it was like I was in the club or anything, but it wasn’t the serene study oasis I’d expected. Especially since I got stuck studying at the bar, and had to sit on a backless barstool (which is less than optimal for hunching over a Contracts textbook for hours).
All that aside, they have scores of varieties of tea and you can get an entire pot for just a few bucks (and the pots come with cookies!). They also have helpful descriptions of each particular tea for novices like myself that explain the flavors and effects. It is also a nice, open, and well-​lit space. Definitely seems like it would make an excellent meeting spot.
BOTTOM LINE: Not the best place to study (at least not on the weekends) but a great tea house with a cozy set-​up and tons of different teas.

Another review that I should have updated a billion times over by now! and not just because I scored an amazing hard cover illustrated copy of Don Quixote in it’s book swap drawer (which reminds me if anyone knows a good bookbinder let me know!)!
I was won over the moment that I tried the Serenitea. And I’ve continued to be won over with every variety of tea that I’ve had since. and since it has your standard flavors, a shit ton of specialty blends, and a number of bubble teas that’s quite a lot.
But Tbar also has plenty of extras. It’s book swap has gratuitously hooked me up with some good new reads. I have played plenty of close scrabble matches here. And I’ve even seen some good plays and open mic nights (hey Darnelle!). So Tbar clearly has a lot going for it!

Tbar could almost make me a tea-​convert. Almost. I’m just not quite ready to give up on my more-​than-​6-​cups-​of-​coffee-​a-​day lifestyle. But if tea houses were as ubiquitous as coffee houses, and as comfy and cozy, I might just jump ship!
What a delightful spot to cozy up, read a book, study, type away on your laptop, have a conversation, warm up with a steaming cup of hot tea or just to hang out with some buddies. And it is absolutely a date spot. There’s no doubt I love a wild night of partying but playing Taboo while enjoying a hot cup of milk tea could just be the perfect chill out activity that I need.
I love the couches — oh so comfy. Makes me all snuggly. And the best part is they look clean and new, so I’m not afraid to snuggle. I love how the place is very spacious and they have a variety of seating options. I could stay here for hours day after day.
And the teas are so good! They have more than 70 different types of teas and they have some recommended blends — i like the mango boost. And even better with a packet of Splenda. The staff are young, very friendly, helpful and upbeat.
I think I’m going to start looking out for more tea houses to hit. Teas are healthier than coffee, right?

As a continuation of my reviews geared for students or «work-​from-​homers», here goes…
TABLES: Good assortment of small, medium and large tables.
CHAIRS: Comfortable but hard. Two couches, two soft plushes.
NOISE: Low noise.
ESPRESSO: n/​a
TEA: Many refreshing tea choices!
FOOD: Biscuits, croissant, sandwiches
Wi-​Fi: FREE
ATM: nope
HOURS: 8am-​9pm (10pm Fri, Sat) CLOSED SUNDAYS!
ATMOSPHERE: Chill, quiet, large and rather sparsely populated.
LIGHT: Tons of natural light because you are surrounded by windows.
PERKS: Sit and surf for as long as you like.
DOWNSIDE: This place is pretty ideal for studying! What can I say?