Dobra is another one of those places in Burlington with a very unique ambience. A place you should definitely try out to see if you like it. Depending on when you go, your experience might be very different. The space is small. I think it's interior incorporates a lot of bamboo. Tables are small and simple. There are a few areas where you can sit on the floor on pillows instead of in chairs. Servers are very hands off. They won't bother you unless you ring your bell and even then sometimes service can be slow. There are some friends that I visit Dobra with and I always have a very nice time. There are other friends I would never go to Dobra with. It's just not their speed. As for me, I don't drink a lot of tea, but when I go, I usually drink something without caffeine (caffeine makes me jittery). I find I enjoy myself most when I go there with a regular. The highpoint of my Dobra visits is the hummus, stuffed grape leaves and other middle eastern foods they serve there. Very tasty, if not pretty pricey. I believe all the food they serve there is made in house or locally. A lot of attention is paid to making sure things are organic and local. My friends who are really in to teas are fun to accompany because they always have something interesting to tell me. According to friends in the know, the owner of Dobra travels the world quite frequently purchasing teas. Also, there are three Dobras (I believe). In addition to the Burlington one, there is one in Portland, Oregon and another down south. Not for everyone, but definitely a unique experience, do yourself a favor and visit Dobra on a quiet weekday afternoon. In the evening it can be quite packed. Another fun time to go is around brunch when many of the other local restaurants are quite busy. Be prepared for low key, slowish service and a pretty quiet atmosphere. read more

This place is awesome. Great tea and decent snack selection. Very reasonable prices. Super chill environment. And the little sitting lounges are so comfortable! Can't recommend enough read more

What an unexpected gift! I lived in the Czech Republic for six months and grew to love the Dobra Cajovna line of teahouses that you'll find in most cities of any significant size. When I came home, I gave up on the idea that I would ever experience something like that in the States. How wrong I was. It just took a few years and a trip to Burlington. The environment is spectacular. Everything was hand-assembled in Prague and shipped over from there. The tea is terrific, the menu huge. The servers are friendly and patient with many questions and anecdotes. I got some Genmaicha to take home to Adam, and I wish I could go to Dobra Tea every day! read more

This is my favorite place to go with my friends in Burlington! I go to boarding school in Burlington, so when I get the chance, this is my little place to go and escape all of the drama and crap that goes on there. Dobra tea is an awesome place if you are into tea- they have so many options. Although it does get a little annoying when you have to wait for a seat sometimes in the middle of the day, or if you want a booth in the back when you have a large party. Dobra tea has some of the BEST baklava EVER. Its made by someone local in town, and its great to go along with your tea. If it is your first time going, make sure you check out their Specialty Tea portion of the menu. read more

Loved my visit to this place! Total relaxation in a great tea house. I don't know much about tea, but they seem to have a hug selection, and their staff is more than willing to take the time and explain all the different varieties. Nice quiet setting to warm up with a cup of tea, talk with friends, read a book, or just enjoy the relaxing setting. I had fun learning, and it'll be high on my list for a revisit when I'm back in Burlington. read more

Dobra Tea is my favorite tea spot in Burlington. If you've been having a rough week, Dobra is the place to go. You will forget all of your worries, and leave feeling much more Zen than when you walked in. The 3 platform seating options are a FABULOUS alternative to the regular chair/table seating. Seating can be tight, but I have found a spot to get comfy 99% of the time and have been able to secure a platform seating area about 80% of the time. read more

My boyfriend and I had a wonderful visit to Dobra Tea on our trip to Burlington. This review is written by him: Our visit to Dobra Tea was the highlight of our day. We ran in here during a heavy rain and plopped down on the couch in the back corner. The place smelled wonderful - mostly filled with the smell of chai tea, which I guess was a very popular flavor that day. Soon after sitting we were given two huge booklets and one bell. The booklets contained the types of teas they served with descriptions, the types of pots they were served in, and a short history of tea. Even before entering I knew what type of tea I wanted - Lapsang Souchong. A very smoky tea with a smell that slightly reminds me of scotch. We rang the bell and the server came to take our order. It took about about 10 minutes to for our tea to arrive. Longer than we would have wanted, but the server did check in on us and very politely apologized for the wait. The combination of tea and atmosphere was a pleasant break from the dreary weather, and once we were ready to pay the server said our tea was on the house. On the house!? I'm not sure why they decided we'd be on the house, but it made our day. We tipped well, and bought some Lapsang Souchong and Jasmine tea to take home with us. I understand that sipping tea in a small tea house could be considered boring, but if you can relax enough to take in the smells, tastes, atmosphere, and your partner (if you bring one), then I highly recommend dropping into Dobra Tea. read more

Amazing selection of loose leaf teas from all over the world! I've only tried the Chinese teas, but the server always has recommendations so just tell her what you like. There are a few options for tea: 1) choose a seat, be presented with a tea menu with extensive options, 2) choose a tea from the to-go menu in the front, and 3) opt for a tea ceremony (something really want to try). The to-go teas come in a paper cup while the pot of tea comes in a small spot with water for many many steepings. I've tried the first two options and both give a good selection of teas. There is even the option of bubble tea for $6 now to go! Be patient though as teas take time to steep so it won't be as quick as your average cup of coffee to prepare. Not sure what you like and want to let your nose decide for you? No problem! Go to the side where you pay and sample to your heart's content the teas they have out. They even let me smell the fresh ones because the ones out are stale. I know my Chinese teas so I can vouch for their authenticity and quality here. This is a great place to come in to read a good book and just escape from the world. It's also great for a relaxing place to meet up with a friend or date. I love the zen atmosphere that can totally relax you. There is no wifi and cell phones need to be on silent so it's much quieter than a normal cafe. Another thing I love is that you pay via iPad where you can tip, sign, and get your receipt via email or text message. Very convenient. I'm also a fan of the bathroom, which fits the theme of the rest of Dobra with a unique faucet and its own charm. Unfortunately, you do pay for the atmosphere and at more than $7 including tip for a person, it's a bit pricey. Even the most high quality teas don't cost that much for a teaspoon. I also don't like how they give you a small cup of warm water over a fire. I wish the temperature could be higher for multiple steepings. You really do need boiling water. These are the only reasons it wasn't five star for me. Despite the cons, I do think I will return to this place on many occasions when I want to get lost in a book and meet up with a friend. I think ~$6.75 per pot for 2 people is more reasonable than $5.75 for one person. Happy tea drinking! read more

Dobra Tea - Oolong for one please - Tea Rooms Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

My date and I had such a fun (and affordable!) time at Dobra with a tea ceremony and fun hummus platter. It is a great place to unwind. The tea is done when it is ready, not in a hurry, so it's definitely a break from the outside hustle. The menu is expansive and overwhelming. I tend to pick a random page, and then choose off of that to help narrow down my choices. I've never been disappointed. Make sure to ask the staff about recommendations. I was surprised by how knowledgeable they are and helpful picking out teas that you will like. Grab a small pot for yourself, or get bigger pots to share! This is a great place to catch up with friends or get to know someone. read more

The worst customer service. The owner had the audacity to fight with us when asking for a return after waiting 15 minutes for a tea to go. Never again will we return to a Dobra Tea house. So much for a "zen" environment. read more

I love visiting Dobra, when I have work to do or I simply want to clear my head. I'm not an avid tea drinker, but Dobra has everything for all! I only drank their Hot chocolate till I recently got enough courage to try the tea, it didn't disappoint. The staff is very knowledgeable and relaxed. There is also information on where the tea originates from in the menus. Overall, Dobra Tea is a relaxing place to work or to think! read more

Dobra is a perfect hiding spot. I really enjoy stopping in at Dobra. It is very much an institution. I am always impressed with the knowledge of everyone that works there. One can go into Dobra with little or incredible knowledge of tea and always be content. There is a consistency here that is hard to find elsewhere. Wonderful Dobra. read more

great little spot in the main part of Burlington with a massive selections of teas and something which I was super excited for: bubble tea! I had an iced green tea with tapioca pearls here and it really hit the spot! Beautiful decor inside and friendly staff! read more

If muddy waters was my love, then dobra tea is the love of my life ! I was very impressed by this place, I wish they have one in NYC. I would go there everyday. Grew up in a tea culture. I was definitely in heaven. Friend who I came here with told me they have few locations around the world. I think this will be one of my reason to come back to this town !! read more

What a great find! An oasis of tea and serenity. Great list of teas, and the staff is very knowledgeable about all of the offerings. This place reminds you to slow down and enjoy the moment. read more

I highly anticipated the opening of Dobra Tea when I heard it was coming. As a no-caffeine girl, coffee shops often have fairly limited selections that I can drink and so a tea-only shop seemed like it would a pleasant new blip on the radar...and it was. The tea selection is amazing and the fact that they serve it in regionally appropriate tea-ware is even more amazing. My knitting group used to go and sit for hours in the sitting-on-pillows area and knit and drink tea, eat pitas and ginger. It's heaven. Until your butt falls asleep. My big complaint would be the tables and chairs section the chairs are so uncomfortable...so if you go, sit in the pillowy-take-your-shoes-off section. read more

Bring your reading glasses, this menu is thick and full of information you won't want to miss! It is more like an encyclopedia of tea. Dobra tea is a great little spot. It is quite cozy and the atmosphere is calming. The seats at the little tables aren't too comfy, but if you are lucky enough to score some of the couch areas, you will want to stay for longer. My sisters and I all sampled some different teas. We sat and chatted for awhile, just enjoying the peace and quiet. I liked how each tea came in a kettle that was specifically designed for the best tea experience. You really feel like you are having a cultural experience. I would've given five-stars, but I couldn't get pass one of the employees. In our hour there, she managed to: a. Raucously bump into my sister's chair without saying excuse me b. Hold her friend in an awkward, ten minute embrace two inches from my chair c. Answer the phone with a fake Indian accent that sounded more like "Would you like a slushee" than "Thank you for calling Dobra Tea". She might've been goofing around with someone she knew, but it was still distasteful. Lucky for her, we got help from the hot guy with the long hair instead. For the most part, her immaturity was overshadowed by the magic of Dobra Tea. read more

I don't hand out a lot of 5 star reviews. Dobra is Mecca for tea lovers. It honors the leaf, the culture, and the rituals. Imagine for a moment an intimately lit, comfortable tea house staffed by passionate, knowledgeable servers. Add all of the appropriate furnishings- private seating areas with carpets, plush cushions and art. Everything on the menu is hand selected by employees who scour the tea-producing ends of the Earth, bringing back only the most special and rare teas. And what teas they are. The menu covers many regions of the earth, from Japan to Africa. Order a Japanese tea ritual, and your server will meticulously perform all aspects of the ceremony right at your table. Order the Turkish Rize tea and it will be served exactly as they do it in Istanbul- down to the right cups and kettles. On top of that, they have a decent menu of snacks and nibbles, selecting from local, hand-crafted food wherever possible. They are very food-allergy friendly. Finally, all of the teas (and more!) from the menu are available to take home in the form of loose leaf tea to take home, complete with instruction on how to prepare it exactly as they did, or with advice on how to prepare it to your tastes. Dobra is a special taste. Take some time out of your busy schedule, relax, and enjoy the tea. read more

possibly the best chai i've ever had - creamy, slightly sweet and spicy. piping hot too. ooooomph. they take their time making the teas (20% gratuity applied for every purchase) so u kno it's carefully crafted read more

Dobra Tea - chai - Tea Rooms Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

The person who scooped our leaf tea order was condescending and rude. He repeatedly made offhand, rude remarks about the quality and quantity of tea we were buying. At checkout, an automatic 20% tip was generated for an over the counter order. (We did not sit in the tea house). I'm all about tipping and probably would have tipped anyway but I felt very pressured to give the suggested amount. I will never return to this tea house. read more

Amazing selection of tea, peaceful and relaxing environment. Awesome Gluten free and vegan snacks!

What a great little place! I was a little overwhelmed by the menu, which was literally a small book filled with items and descriptions. It even included historical info about the teahouse and the various types of teas. You can also buy loose, dried teas to go and make at home. I ended up going for just a basic Indian chai, which is much, much different than those cloyingly sweet things passed off as chai in Starbucks and the ilk. This is much spicier and it's tempered with honey and milk. It was absolutely delicious. We also shared a platter of dried fruit and these delicious black sesame squares. The decor is cozy and cute, with an emphasis on cozy. This isn't the place to go with a large group because it's quite cramped really. I didn't notice until I was leaving that there are small private rooms where you sit on the floor around a low table. Those look wonderful! Service was a little confusing though, as it wasn't clear whether there was table service or whether you should just go up to the counter and order. Service is on the slow side, so this isn't the kind of place to go if you're in a rush. This is where you go for a calm, slow-paced experience. read more

I love this place. It was a great place to sit and read on a cold, windy day. I loved the cozy atmosphere, it wasn't until I went to the bathroom that I noticed all the seating in the back. Their tea selection is awesome, and I love that they take just care in the menu explaining all the different teas and how they are prepared. It took me 20 minutes just to look over the menu! I wish someone had come by and asked if i needed help but I guess that is what the bell is for too. I love tea places and spend a lot of time in many different ones and this has been my favorite experience so far! I love the different teapots provided for the particular region the tea being served is from. It definitely beats the same generic tea pot that you see everywhere. Definitely going to be dreaming about the time I can come back to this special place. read more

This place is great! I love everything about it- it is a wonderful place to get work done (they have wi-fi!) to sit with a friend for tea, and even get some nice snacks. It's a completely sensual experience- the minute you enter the air is filled with incense (no smoke, though!), tea, sounds, and more. You could come every day and try a different tea and it would still take years- don't come here if you get overwhelmed by many options. The menu is personal, heartfelt, and evokes a real story behind the reason for the business. I love it! I gave it four stars because I hate the bell-ringing...that make me incredibly uncomfortable and I'm not sure what it's supposed to accomplish. I do miss having Dobra now that I have moved out of Burlington and am searching for a similar tea house. read more

I came on a very busy, dreary Saturday afternoon to escape the rain. Apparently half of Burlington decided to as well. The tea house would've been the perfect setting, had things been less chaotic. There were the crying babies and impatient patrons ringing their bells to alert the servers. My tea took half an hour to arrive, my husband's chai was scalding hot and itty-bitty (for $6!). Would try it again if I needed to escape a cold winter day and be tucked away from windows that reminded me of the weather. read more

Super friendly and knowledgable staff, great ambiance, and a large selection of teas/ ceremony/ pastries. This is my new favorite stop when I come with my fiancé for their family visits! See pictures:) read more

See all

Stressed beyond belief? Need to unwind? Desperately need to go to the spa but you can't afford it? Look no further than Dobra Tea. This is a real tearoom which is so rare to find in the US and a pot of tea is only about $5! I spent all day there today because I had to wait 8 hours for my bus. It truly is a paradise. The music is so relaxing and the waiters are very calm and laid back so it feels almost like a temple of tea. It was so lovely to stay there all day and I felt absolutely no pressure to leave. Most people tend to spend many hours there. I am a great lover of tea all though by no means a connoisseur. But I was fascinated by the diaries on the counter of the owners and their search for the best teas all over the world. Whoever questioned the quality of the tea is crazy. You can tell just by the taste how good it is. I had the Lavender tea and it was heavenly. The tea is incredibly affordable for the quality. The food is a little pricier so I stick with mostly the tea. One of the greatest pleasures at Dobra is drinking from the gorgeous tea cups and using the teapots. This is especially true if you've ever worked with clay. The china is beautifully crafted with an amazing balance. They have pictures on the wall of the master ceramicists who designed them. No trip is complete without sitting at one of the Japanese style tea tables on a cushion. Lovely. The staff were incredibly friendly and we talked quite a bit through out the day. One of the waiters is going to be in a tea brewing competition this week which I thought was the coolest thing ever. Would have loved to see it. read more

Nice little cozy place to enjoy a nice warm tea in the winter or a cold one in the warm months of the summer in Vermont. As you can in, there's a nice calming ambiance that helps you relax. I've often see folks conduct small intimate meetings or coming in to get some work done in tranquility. I've tried their soups and really like the simplicity of the Miso soup with some white rice. Come on and check it out for yourself! read more

See all

This place is very classy with a lovely atmosphere and a wonderful interesting selection of teas. It is a little pricy but a wonderful place to sip, chat, meditate, relax, and explore the joys of tea. read more

Dobre tea offers premier atmosphere and enviroment to really let your mind relax and vibe with the calming surroundings. Their Tea list is lovely and the people that work there are also lovely. I hope they have Chaga Tea! read more

This place is really good. The people here really know their tea and take it very seriously. They give each table a bell to ring when you require more service. The teas are very good, and the menu is literally a book. I would suggest trying the "memories of Prague" tea. And the green tea milk shake is delicious. Some people might find the place to be a little strange due it's solemnity. read more

I really love the Rooibos chai that was purchased here, but nothing beat the experience of sitting on their platforms-with-pillows tables, enjoying the ambient music and the mellow people-watching, and indulging in one of Dobra's white teas. The tea here is fabulous, but it's the experience that seals the deal for me. Service is poky, but so what? You don't come here to rush; you come here to slow down and enjoy the finer things in life. read more

My second day in Vermont, back in the summer of 2006, my friend, her twin sister, and her sister's boyfriend and I climbed Camel's Hump, and then headed into Burlington for dinner. I was already smitten with Vermont as a state, but fell in love with Burlington as soon as I walked onto Church Street. The sister's now husband took us to Dobra Tea, where I was simultaneously overwhelmed and delighted by their huge, poetic menu, calmed by the soft interior and comfy cushioned seats, and refreshed by the tea and snacks. That summer, every trip to Burlington included an hour or two at Dobra, and it was lovely. Flash forward to summer 2009. I'm back in Vermont, the land that I love, for six weeks, and had a yen to spend the day in Burlington. The plan was simple enough: brunch, walk Church street a little, and then hole up at Dobra to read. I think my friends enjoyed Dobra as much as I did, although it did get chilly at times with the air conditioning. We all ordered iced teas, but I think when I go again I will revisit the Moroccan Mint and the Chrysanthemum teas, and then branch out. If you like Yerba Mate, this is the place to be. We stayed for several hours, reading and chatting at leisure, and I even finished Thackeray's Vanity Fair. Good afternoon. Good Burlington. Good Vermont. read more

So let's talk bubble tea . . . I realize this is like an ancient tea house and bubble tea is a modern fad, but if you have it on your menu and are charging $8.50 for it, you should know how to make it. Or don't offer it--that's an option. They make it with whole milk which is fine but sweetened condensed milk (a tablespoon) is preferred for the silkiness it provides, but I'm from the West Coast so what do I know. Next, boba pearls need to be fresh. These were old and stuck together, also breaking down so it was like chewing on peeling skin. Gross. These tapioca pearls had been sitting out for a while. Boba are only good for like an hour after you boil them. Then, it's a fourth of a cup of boba, not two tablespoons. But thankfully it was only 2 tablespoons because they were yuck! Finally, I asked for some honey to be added to my drink which did not happen. read more

You know what dobra means in Polish? It means GOOD... now the secret is out. These pplz have some good tea. School is out, go get some tea, suckas. read more

One of the gems of Burlington, in my opinion. Excellent selection of loose leaf teas to buy and drinks made on site. They have a very knowledgeable staff and a terrific space in which to study and relax. At times the lighting can be a little dim, but the elevated areas in the back are a treat if you're just looking to hang out and chat. I suggest their summer specialty, "kyoto kinen". read more

This tea house has a great bohemian atmosphere, many tea options and some nibbles and food, too. I've been here twice while visiting Burlington and each time it's super relaxing to read a book and sip on the tulsi chai with coconut milk (which I recommend) and munch on some (vegan) cookies. They also have a nice store area where you can purchase teas and tea paraphernalia. read more

My favorite spot in all of Burlington is Dobra Tea. This is the perfect place to read, write or catch up with a friend. The atmosphere is serene, bohemian, light hearted and multicultural. The lighting is dim and the tables are small so it can be a tough place to study. The devoteas (servers) work hard to serve traditional tea services which take time and skill, so be patient. This is not a place to go if you're in a rush. There are tables inside and outside along with neat raised platforms with floor cushions. Relax, slow down, appreciate, and enjoy. read more

Dobra Tea - Hawaiian organic black tea to share on a cool summer evening. - Tea Rooms Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

See all

Wonderful calming escape from a day of milling about town. Very welcoming staff. Enjoyed a soothing masala tea, mezze plate (with dolmas, hummus, baba ganoush, olives) with lavash bread. Perfect portions to tide one over. Make sure you are not in a rush the pace is intentionally serene... Try to get the corner space where one can just sit in sukha asana _/\_ read more

The best way to lose hours of time while enjoying good conversation and relaxing with delicious teas from around the world. The second you walk into dobra tea, you'll notice the difference between the energy of church St and the lax inviting vibes of dobra tea. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and always happy to help you make a decision from their extensive menu of teas. Whenever I make it to Burlington, Dobra tea is my first stop. I've been to the Portland, ME location in the past (not sure if it's still there, this was a while back) and Burlington has a certain charm that stands out and keeps luring me back every time I make it to the area. read more