I like all of the varieties here, but I have been treated in a very dismissive way by staff when I have come in with questions. I feel a little bit discouraged. I am a big tea person, but also don't know a lot about different varieties and want to try new things. I figured it would be OK to ask questions in a tea shop. I just wish that staff was a little bit friendlier to people like me who don't know what they're coming into order right away and need a little bit more time to ask questions and figure it out. read more

My partner and I were visiting the area and were so excited to find this tea shop! It was very cozy and cute inside and the woman working was so warm and inviting. She brought out a few different teas for us to smell and was really helpful and informative. We drank our tea there and she offered a second steep, milk, honey. It was a really nice experience and I wish they had a shop closer to home, but I've already ordered more of the tea that I had, Jasmine green tea, which was high quality and quite fragrant! Will be back! read more

Absolutely lovely purveyor of teas and spices in downtown Salinas. Each drink is individually made, and the customer service was great. The staff took their time to explain each ingredient and how each drink is crafted. This is a truly unique establishment in that many hard-to-find ingredients are included in the tea blends. Drinks can be ordered to go, or you may linger and enjoy at the bar. Bulk teas are sold as well, including many that are truly unique. Highly recommended. read more

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The customer service is outstanding. Knowledgeable staff and friendly patrons. I would highly recommend a visit to this shop.

Went in on a Saturday morning, they didn't have the top two teas I wanted. The staff was very nice and friendly and suggested something similar. Unfortunately I felt like it was watered down. The spot was pretty empty, and seemed inviting which is why I walked in. read more

A true gem!!!! A marble counter with nice bar seats and a wide array of delectable classy teas you can have iced or hot. What more do I want? They even have a very wide selection of non-caffeinated and herbal/medicinal teas. They can do iced in large glass bell jars or take out or hot. And they also have plant based milks. I loved our tea barista. She was very informed and patient. I tried a fruit tea from Germany no sugar with a tad of honey over ice. Very Yum and nostalgic for me. read more

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Fia was such a good server and she's such a cutie, hehe but I'll never tell. The pricing is good too, and the vibes

A whole variety of Teas and services was nice the girls were very friendly and helpful in Tea recommendations read more

Gold Leaf Spice & Teas - a blender and a glass of tea - Tea Rooms Near Me - Salinas, California

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This place is a hidden gem! During my pregnancy I had a tough time finding raspberry leaf & nettle leaf. I walked by it one day on my way to the downtown bookstore, they have all of their dried teas on display in glass jars on the wall. Sitting at the bar staring at all these amazing teas the tea-tender was super knowledgeable and very welcoming! I took a shot in the dark and asked if they had what I'd been looking for. They did! I bought a once of each and she blended them together for me and customized my very own pregnancy tea! I was so excited! They have a book with everything they have and what they are known to help heal. I've gone back and created a liver detox tea, cold & flu tea and a coffee replacement tea. I cannot get over this place. It's one of a kind that has beautiful intention in what they do and offer. Iced or hot, sit at the bar or by the window and enjoy yourself. Two thumbs up! read more

Gold Leaf Spice & Teas - Tea Rooms Near Me - Salinas, California

It's a Cool spot . I love tea . They have WAY a to many varieties. If that's what you like then Cool . It's small . I don't recommend you takes kids there . Parking isn't the best . You might have to walk to get there . It's right in the mix of south main bars and restaurants. A bit pricey I'd say . read more

Gold Leaf Spice & Teas - Tea Rooms Near Me - Salinas, California

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The staff is great. But anything I named off for some reason was sold out and that sucked.

I love this tea shop. They have a chai blend that my husband loves. The service is delightful. They have spent time and effort to hep me create unique gift bags for friends and family. The teas I have enjoyed have been delicious. Such a wonderful experience all round. I love sitting at the bar enjoying a cup of something soothing and perusing the menu and looking up at the many canisters they have on display the ambiance is cozy and friendly. read more

I started coming here again recently & I have to say, I missed this place! The customer service is always top tier, the drinks are fresh, and the ambiance is relaxing and hospitable. I get the "I love you so matcha" and it is always so refreshing and gives me a perfect boost of energy. I will keep coming here, I love this place. read more

Gold Leaf Spice Teas is such a fun place to get creative with your tea. The staff is so awesome here. They are very knowledgeable and know all about the teas! Caffeine free herbal teas are a lot more limited but you still have a wide variety and can always mix and match. The portions are very big and the price is very reasonable. I would recommend getting the larger size since it's a better deal. I got a large tea and a ginger shit for $7. They also offer a loyalty card so your tenth drink is free. My favorite thing to order here is a ginger shot with no milk. If you have a sore throat it will make you feel so much better. read more

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I love this tea shop and its friendly service. It's in my best interest to cut back on coffee, so at Gold Leaf am discovering the wide,wide world of tasty,aromatic teas. What a joy it is to discover that so many choices are available at this charming little establishment! read more

One of a kind gem located in old town! Knowledgeable tea-Ristas excellent service and magical brews! .. can't recommend this little place enough! read more

My husband and I decided to get breakfast at First Awakenings down the road from this little shop and since the wait for a table was going to take at least 1/2 hour, we decided to grab some iced tea to sip during our wait. When you first walk into the shop, it's a little bit surprising because you're met with a long bar like in an old-time saloon. I think it adds to the charm of the place! You can sit on the stools and watch as they make your tea, then enjoy it at the bar or take it with you to enjoy as you explore downtown Salinas. On the wall opposite the bar are some shelves with a few pre-packaged items you can take, and to the right as you enter the building, there's a bookcase filled with items. I didn't take a really good look at them, as I was more interested in the teas and deciding what I was going to try. I do know they offer a really interesting tea maker for loose leaf teas that dispenses your tea through the bottom of the container. It's rather fascinating. It's the same one they use to prepare your glass of freshly made tea. I choose a tea called the Jolly Rancher. I don't remember all the flavors in the tea but it was mixed with lemonade and I added honey to sweeten it slightly. On first sip, yep, it tastes EXACTLY like a Jolly Rancher hard candy! I should have mixed it a bit more than they did for me, as the flavor changed as I drank it and it wasn't quite as tangy, but it was still really good. I'll definitely return to try more of the teas. read more

Very knowledgeable about their teas and can make you similar blends when one is out of stock

My favorite bar in Salinas. Yep, you hear it right. This place rocks! The only tea bar in the area and it has over 100 teas and spices to try. It has been a great spot to meet new people and chill. The staff is friendly and outgoing and can recommend anything that may ail or soothe you. My mainstays for ordering at Gold Leaf are: A) They carry Gyokuro Matcha green tea. A natural energy booster. Make sure you ask for a boost of Ghost Pepper if you like spicy. Perfect as a iced tea on warm days. B) I personally love the Hot Cinnamon Spice tea (Black Tea, 3 types of Cinnamon, Orange Peel, Sweet Cloves). I usually add ghost pepper to it for a bigger kick. Perfect for everyday and cool days. Come by and talk to Terri, the owner, she is extremely knowledgeable and her personal story is extraordinary. read more

Gold Leaf Spice & Teas - The Best Iced Tea in town - Tea Rooms Near Me - Salinas, California

So many varieties of tea! And the tea server is always ready with suggestions or new ideas of blends. And they offer hot or cold!

There Matcha is to die for. If you want to slow down a little bit and savor some ambience go into this little place. The bar is fantastic and the people behind the counter really know their stuff. Everything I've gotten here is been good. And they hand whisk the machcha! read more

Great first time visiting this rainy morning! Knowledgeable staff answered all my questions thoroughly! Had a nice cup while reading the extensive menu, also got some loose leaf and made a custom blend to bring home. Will definitely be back! Highly recommended! read more

The best local tea shop! My very favorite place! Always great service, greeted so kindly, the place is inviting and clean. I love the whole bar seating and with the teas in the background too. Was (because of COVID) a go to place to meet with friends and catch up. read more

Gold Leaf Spice & Teas - Iced Green tea matcha with almond milk & honey - Tea Rooms Near Me - Salinas, California

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The best place for tea in town I definitely recommend their matcha they also have a website were you can buy tea mixes soo cool

I'm not a tea kind of guy went there with my wife. I had an awesome time staff was very knowledgeable. Great vibe would go again

Most amazing tea menu I've ever seen anywhere! It's so nice to have such a selection to choose from. Every new page of the menu came with at least two more things I wanted to try. There are many drinks made from a variety of teas blended together and a huge selection of teas in each category (green, oolong, tisanes, etc.). I ended up getting the Mexican Matcha with almond milk - matcha tea, a bit of creaminess, and a bit of spice. It was good! Drinks are not cheap, but for the extensive variety and interesting selection seems totally justifiable. Hope to stop by anytime we are driving through! read more

I've been ordering tea from here after happening upon the store while visiting California. Can't say enough good things about the teas and especially the amazing customer service!!! My tea arrives beautifully wrapped and generous amounts of samples. Sure is helping with the heat wave here in Louisiana! read more

I have been to many tea shops across the country and I was totally let down. I like to drink tea from a mug not a disposable cup. My drink didn't wow me. read more

Gold Leaf Spice & Teas - I would prefer to drink from a actually cup/mug. Unless I ask for a to go cup - Tea Rooms Near Me - Salinas, California

The Gold Leaf is just amazing. Went to the downtown area this morning to check out a couple of my favorite little boutiques and just had to get a cup of tea. I ordered the Matcha tea, because it was the only tea I really knew to wake me up and start my morning. As I enjoyed my tea, Terri was as friendly as usual (she is the owner) and is always so cheerful and willing to educate her customers when it comes to tea and spices. I loved learning about the various ways teas are made and brewed. This tea shop is very comfortable and when ordering my tea I just felt relaxed. I would highly recommend this shop! Keep up the amazing work! read more

Gold Leaf Spice & Teas - Enjoying my Matcha tea this morning - Tea Rooms Near Me - Salinas, California

I cannot have caffeine, so I stick with herbal teas. Local chain establishments have a very limited selection of the stuff, so when I found out there was a "tea bar" in Salinas, I was ecstatic. I've been here a few times on my lunch, and I love it. The owner and her employees are very kind and helpful. They guided me through all the names and variations of the herbal teas, explained flavors, and were all around a joy to be around. I recommend this place to all of my friends. So glad we have some new spots in Salinas! read more

Gold Leaf Spice & Teas - Welcome sign - Tea Rooms Near Me - Salinas, California

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I came here this Saturday morning during my usually farmer market tour. A young man helped me and made a very tasty Lime Matcha Ice Tea, he shared his knowledge about all the different products they sell. Like spice, olive oil and teas. My tea was so good give me energy will be back for more! read more

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Definitely suggest this amazing tea spot! I love a matcha with honey and almond milk. But they have something for every tea lover.

Great little place and their perfect preparation of their tea and drinks is like no other

Not only the best high-quality products but the BEST service and knowledge too!!!! Amazing Teas-Oils-Vinegars-Spices-Jams!!!!! I drink, cook & bake with my Gold Leaf products... I add Terri's Matcha to my Shakeology! ... I buy gifts... I make custom spice mixes!!! Custom tea combos!!! There are so many possibilities here. read more

Gold Leaf Spice & Teas - At the tea bar! - Tea Rooms Near Me - Salinas, California

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Simple, quaint, and unpretentious. I did not expect to find a diamond in the rough in Salinas. No boba here. No HFCS. No commercial tea bags. What you will find here is quality loose tea combined with genuinely warm people. Their matcha is their most popular item, and you can have it either cold or hot. I tried the matcha with honey and matcha + mango with honey tea. Both were extraordinary. You can also partake in some spices and olive oil. How cool is that? This is a worthy stop if you're traversing Hwy 1, or just visiting Salinas. read more

The variety they have is amazing, the workers definitely know their stuff on teas. It was such a calming and inviting environment.

A plethora of loose leaf teas sure to please every palate. I am a tea lover and was so happy to see such a place in Salinas. I bought an iced green peach tea, about 16oz for $2.50 (brewed fresh), which is less expensive, fresh, and better tasting than starbucks. Green tea is very delicate and can get a bitter taste if not brewed correctly, but the taste and aroma came through exquisitely! They also sell quite an array of spices for the cooking enthusiast that I have yet to try! read more

What a gem! I'm visiting from San Diego, & I wish we had a tea place like this in my town. I love the bar-style, cozy atmosphere, which makes it easy to meet new people. I drank a delicious iced matcha with fruit flavor. Yum! Terri gave me samples of the vinegars from Italy and they were the best I've ever had! Like another yelper said, I could've drank a bunch of that stuff! ;) I also tried a couple of the delicious jams. Awesome. Overall, Terri and her daughter Leah really make this place special. They are so knowledgeable about their amazing teas and it's obvious they love what they do, which gives this awesome place a special feeling. read more

Apparently this store has been open for years and I hadn't had the slightest clue! Upon visiting, the owner, Terry, was very welcoming and helpful. They have some great tea varieties, many of which are blends that the owners created themselves. In particular I loved an herbal apricot mix I purchased there, although I can no longer remember the name...I also bought a couple spices as well, I was pleased to see a variety of spices used in Indian cooking that are not too easily available around here. I was surprised by the affordable prices as well, I'm used to tea rooms being a bit more pricey. Visiting here made me wish that I'd never bought tea at the grocery store and instead come here, because the quality tends to be much better for a similar price. The store itself is looks great well because of the beautiful space they have rented. I will be sure to return even though I probably already have enough tea to last for years! I just wish that the store had longer operating hours, though it's understandable. read more

Love this place. it is a gem in salinas. Enjoy a nice cup of tea in the bar and participate in interesting conversations with Terri and other customers. Great quality teas, spices, oils and vinegars. One of my favorites places in the 831. read more