TeaGschwendner European Tea Bistro Edit

I was very impressed with this place. Their tea selection is fantastic and can fit all price ranges, up to the very expensive. We bought two oolongs that are both great. I’d like it better if it was a restaurant where I could sit with a cup, but to-go isn’t a bad way either.

When this place opened a few years ago, I was very excited. It was not only a full service tea shop, selling what looked like 100 or so varieties of loose leaf tea (and teaware, cups, pots, etc.), but a restaurant/bistro, serving creative soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches, etc., and high tea service. After a year or so, the shop stopped being a full service restaurant but continued to do a monthly themed high tea service and occasional tasting events. Then, perhaps a year ago, the company cut back once again on its service. Now, the dining tables are gone, and it is simply a tea store selling loose leaf teas and teaware/accessories. When you purchase loose tea, you can purchase as little as 50 grams, even of the most expensive “Edmon’s” varieties, and the salespeople will often give you a free sample of your choice. You can also get a cup of hot or iced tea to go. I wasn’t happy about the changes, but given that this store is in a mall that does not have a lot of foot traffic, I suppose they were inevitable. Service here is always polite and friendly, nothing like the pushy hard sell one receives at Teavana. I give this shop four stars because of the quality of the tea and the helpful salespeople.

My favorite TeaGschwendner teas include:
-Arabian Nights
-Sumatra Oolong Barisan
-O’Connor’s Cream

My husband and I have been loyal customers since this place opened a few years back. Their staff is second to none in regards to tea knowledge and capability, and their selection is unparalleled. We usually only go in for straight teas (no blends or herbals) and order them to go. On a somewhat regular basis we also refill our at-home stock. We used to drive all the way to Schaumburg to hit up Teavana, but their people honestly have nothing on TeaGschwendner’s staff. They have extensive information on the teas and can explain (usually with a little help from references) down to minute details where the tea was grown, under what conditions, what to pair it with and the best way to steep it. I absolutely love this store.

It isn’t a bistro anymore and hasn’t been in a long time. They used to have the best food and desserts with real gourmet chef on staff. They have down grades and have no more food and only tea. They do have some nice teas but it is nothing like what it used to be. You can tell traffic has slowed there since the changes. I go for only 3 tea and I don’t bother staying and take it to go and those are…
1. Green Coconut
2. Caramel Vanilla Rooibos Tea
3. Indian Chai
Perhaps I was spoiled by what this place started as and therefore can’t enjoy what it is. I used to go all the time and when I noticed the first menu change and price increased and portion decreased I asked why are they making these changes. The answer was disturbing. I was told because they are trying to get new customers. I asked what about your current loyal customers and the dissatisfaction with the changes? I was told the company was not concerned and wanted to get new and more customers with the hope that the changes would result in more customers then they currently had understanding they would potentially sacrifice those they already had. I was without words and walked out.