Coffee Tree & Tea Leaves

An encounter with Sam, the Palestinian owner of this nearly 30-year-old Lakeview shop, is a reminder that tea is a social drink. Sam’s a card who seems to truly delight in unhurried chats with his customers; linger near his 60-plus teas (some of which he blends himself) and you’ll soon discover he’s equally enthusiastic about pairing those customers with their ideal brew, asking questions and presenting scoops of loose leaves for smelling until he’s homed in on just the right selection.