Hidden Peak Teahouse Edit

One of my favorite places!

The atmosphere is very calming and comfortable, and the different chairs/tables are unique and interesting. There’s a seating arrangement for everyone, whether you’re alone or with a group. Gorgeous tables, and I like that there are books and games to borrow if you like. No electronics, but honestly that makes it a fantastic place to go to get away from life. I go for spend quality time with friends, or on my own for a cozy place to spend an afternoon reading.

This is where I really got into tea, there’s a nice variety of teas and styles, and everything I’ve had was at least enjoyable, if not fantastic.

I took a picture of the table we sat at for our tea service, as well as others around the shop, which I shall try to post here, so you can view for details, or just go visit the shop, if you’re nearby. Below is the description that I posted on FB, along with the picture of our table. I didn’t take the pictures until we were leaving. They don’t want you using digital devices while there, but she said I could take some photos to post at the end. (I took them, then posted after I left.)

The table is an amazing piece of carved Burlwood, And you can see a slight depression on one side, where my friend Stacie was sitting and performing the tea service. Each table around the room has a depression like this, to catch spills and overflows, as the process is a bit messy. Each table (obviously) is a unique work of art.

We were drinking a pu-erh tea, which is very dark, and which you can brew 20-30 times before it is exhausted. The first pour is done in the little clay pot you see near the right, and is just to open and “wake up” the tea (which has been aging for decades!).

After about 15 seconds in the water, it is poured off over the little statue on the far right of the depression. That is a “tea pet”, and it was a statue of the Buddha, in this case.

From then on, we would steep the tea for only 15-30 seconds, then pour it into the clear glass pitcher, optionally through the clay strainer on the left. Then it would be off of the tea leaves, and not over-steeping.

By about the 3rd steeping, the tea had taken on a dark, almost black color, and developed a good, earthy flavor. (No sugar or milk, here! It’s all about the tea! :-) )

We would pour from the clear glass pitcher into the teacups for drinking, and the brush and towel were for dealing with water/tea on the table, and to brush it toward the drain embedded in the wood of the depression, near the top center of the photo. From there, a drain hose brought it down to a bucket under the table.

All-in-all, it was a delightful experience. I look forward to returning, and recommend it highly!

I almost died of excitement when I saw this place. It’s huge and spacious, with a very zen atmosphere. The owner was extremely nice and passionate about tea, and did a sample brewing of his favorite pu erh. I wish I lived in the area so I could come here often :)

My absolute favorite teahouse so far. It really is hidden by the way. It took us 20 minutes on foot to find it hidden away in an alleyway.
The place is gorgeous, it’s like finding a secret Chinese garden. It’s peaceful, warm, quiet and zen. There’s an outdoor sitting area accompanied by a small fountain and garden. They have a small library on tea books and other subjects that are free to read along with some classic board games to play outside. It’s a high-tech free zone, so no cell phones or media allowed, which is amazing when you’re there.
They also feature Gong-fu services and tastings. I had my first traditional Gong-fu ceremony here, as well as my first Pu-erh tea. Great tea, and great fun with friends! (We name our tea pet William. Haha.)
You can also buy loose leaf here of course, but the real charm is drinking it there. They seem to specialize in Pu-erh cakes and they have quite a line up. I drank “Sailing Vessel 1999(Pu-erh): Smooth, brisk and sweet cake” in Gong-fu there.
If you’re ever in the Santa Cruz area, don’t pass this place up!

A wonderful, experience, and a true spark that Gongfu Brewing is spreading to more American Establishments! I also enjoyed the peacefulness and calmness that overcame me without electronics, just me and the tea!

This has been a wonderful place to pick up green tea, although I know they also have an incredible selection of Pu-erh.

I’ve only sat down for tea here one time, but the ambiance was great. They have an awesome selection of tea and some light snacks. It also is the only place in the area that I’ve seen which carries a wide selection of tea-ware.

Lovely shop. I used to drink a lot of green tea, so I tried the jasmine pearl. it was delicious. I wish I had gotten a timer, it was easy to over steep.

Since I’d never had pu-erh tea, I tried one of the big bowls. I’m not sure which kind, but it was really good.

An amazing establishment. Great customer service. Great tea-ware. Great setting. We, that is my family and I, had a nice gongfu style tea ceremony outdoors at a table. It was a great experience.