Miami's First Tea Lounge

How It All Started

In June 2009, specialTEA opened its doors as Miami-Dade's very first tea lounge — a bold idea in a city known for its coffee culture. It started as a dream to bring premium loose leaf tea culture to Miami, offering a space where people could discover the depth and complexity of real tea. At a time when tea options in Miami meant a dusty box of bags at the back of a coffee shop menu, specialTEA set out to change the conversation entirely. We wanted to prove that tea could be just as exciting, nuanced, and community-driven as anything else in the local food and drink scene.

Located in the Columbia Shopping Plaza on Coral Way, just minutes from Florida International University, what started as a small tea bar has grown into one of Miami's most beloved community cafes. Over the years, we've expanded our menu to include organic coffee, handcrafted smoothies, boba milk teas, homemade sandwiches, fresh salads, and our famous vegan cookies — but our heart has always been in the tea. Every cup we serve carries the same passion and care that opened our doors more than fifteen years ago.

Our Tea Philosophy

We source over 60 varieties of premium loose leaf tea from tea gardens across the globe — from Chinese green tea and Taiwanese oolong to South African rooibos, Indian spiced chai, and Egyptian chamomile. Every cup starts with carefully selected whole leaf tea, never the dust or fannings found in conventional tea bags. We believe that great tea deserves great preparation: proper water temperatures, precise steeping times, and beautiful presentation.

Whether you're sipping a hot pot of Earl Grey, an iced boba milk tea with tapioca pearls, or a creamy matcha latte, you're getting the best tea experience in Miami. Our team is trained to guide you through our extensive tea menu, helping you discover new favorites and understand the unique characteristics of each variety. From the malty richness of a second-flush Darjeeling to the smoky depth of a Lapsang Souchong, there's always something new to explore at specialTEA.

Organic & Fair Trade Commitment

All of our coffee is USDA organic, fair trade certified, and locally roasted right here in Florida. Our espresso, french press, and cold brew are made from beans that support sustainable farming practices and fair wages for coffee growers. We chose this path from the beginning because we believe that what's in your cup should be good for you and good for the people who grew it.

We extend this commitment to our tea program, sourcing organic varieties whenever possible, and using organic ingredients throughout our menu — from the eggs in our breakfast sandwiches to the spinach in our salads. Sustainability isn't a marketing buzzword for us; it's a core value that shapes every decision we make, from the suppliers we partner with to the compostable packaging we use in our cafe.

Vegan & Dietary Friendly

specialTEA is one of Miami's most vegan-friendly cafes. Our vegan cookies — baked fresh daily in six flavors including matcha chocolate chip and double chocolate — have a devoted following. Every drink on our menu can be made with organic soy, almond, or oat milk. Many of our frozen drinks and smoothies can be made vegan with no added sugar. We also offer plant-based proteins like TVP and beefless strips for sandwiches and wraps.

Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for healthier options, you'll find something you love. We understand that dietary choices are personal, and we're proud to offer a menu where everyone can find something delicious without compromise. Our staff is always happy to walk you through ingredient lists and help customize your order to fit your needs.

Community Hub on Coral Way

More than just a tea lounge, specialTEA is a gathering place for the Coral Way and Westchester community. FIU students camp out with textbooks and laptops, fueled by our free WiFi and late-night hours. Friends gather around our board game library for game nights. Remote workers find their perfect corner. Parents bring their kids for an after-school treat. First dates turn into regular date nights. Study groups become lifelong friendships.

We're open until 11 PM six days a week because we know the best conversations happen over a cup of tea late at night. Whether you need a quiet spot to focus, a comfortable place to catch up with friends, or just somewhere to decompress after a long day, specialTEA is here for you. Located at 10766 SW 24th Street in the heart of Miami's Westchester neighborhood, zip code 33165, we're easy to find and hard to leave.