Sarah, the owner, has such a special place here on the east end. Have a sore back or a foggy brain? She mix up a great concoction of herbs to sip. The space is so cozy and warm, nice for grabbing a tea with a book during the colder months. I always buy loose leaf tea here, it's high quality and affordable. My favorite are their Japanese Sencha and the cramp tea (miracle for menstrual cramps). I couldn't recommend more! (Heads up she's cash or PayPal). read more

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The owner is wonderful. She takes time with each customer to talk about what may benefit them most and explains how to brew and enjoy her blends. We really enjoyed talking with her and will go back for more. read more

Wow!! The tea here was amazing and well priced. As you can see from the picture attached the vibe was incredible. I plan on coming back in the very near future. The owner was so so sweet and it was really interesting chatting with her. 11/10 recommend. read more

Homegrown Herb & Tea - Seating Area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Before I go any further, I want to agree with many prior reviews. Homegrown has extremely limited hours and even when they are open, you might wait 45 minutes with only one person ahead of you in line. This is not a place to frequent on a day you have limited time or if you are a person who hates to wait. Oh, and they are CASH ONLY! When I was a child, I loved to walk the labyrinth of NYC's Chinatown. There were certain places my family would always go for dinner and a few specific shops in the vicinity I was allowed to explore. I was never allowed to go inside the apothecaries, places where herbal blends were created just for what ailed you. I would watch from the outside, waiting for enough time to pass so that I could come back on my own. I stumbled into Homegrown the week before Christmas. It was really cold and wet and walking in to the shop felt like being embraced in a warm hug. Inside is a quiet sanctuary, a space for rest and contemplation. I stopped in for a "Rooibos to go" and within seconds realized I had entered into an herbal apothecary and that the lovely woman behind the counter (Sarah) was a healer. I may have taken a long and circuitous path, but dammit, I finally got inside! There are so many blends for so many purposes from anxiety to headaches to the flu. After looking over the tea menu, I decided to buy some inflamma-tea to take home. After a conversation with Sarah, I left with 2 ounces and went home to brew some tea. I noticed an improvement within a day. I started feeling better. I continue to drink inflamma-tea every day and am experiencing an overall improvement in wellness from it. If you are not feeling well, looking to boost your immune system, help calm a cranky baby or get better sleep at night, do yourself a favor and plan a visit to Homegrown Herb and Tea in Portland. But before you go, make sure to call ahead to check that they are open, make sure that you have plenty of time and make sure to bring cash! read more

Homegrown Herb & Tea - Wow!!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

Such an unassuming little location, you probably have driven by it a number of times and not realized it was sitting right there quietly inviting you in to enjoy a little respite for your weary soul and an opportunity to disconnect from a technologically over-saturated existence in a city where businesses shout louder than the businesses next to them (but in real life and online) as they all vie for your attention (really, it's just for your money - most of them forget about you the moment you've paid your bill). Homegrown is a breath of clean, fresh air in this food and drink rich city. The first time I checked out the little tea shop it was raining. I couldn't think of a more appropriate time to drink a mug of tea, really. Now, if I could materialize my soul into a physical location, Homegrown Herb & Tea might be it... it was so warm and inviting, I could have stayed there for hours. There was art on the walls, holiday lights strewn in a window, plants absolutely everywhere, an abundance of herbs, a guitar available for anyone to use, high ceilings, a tall bar with seats that beg you to slip onto one and stay awhile, and an owner that smiles at you like you're old friends. There isn't necessarily a planned "decor"; it just looks and feels and smells and sounds like you've walked into someone's beloved and very much lived-in apartment. The menu isn't daunting - the (organic and natural) ingredients and purpose of each tea (know this: there are no superfluous ingredients used here... each tea is very much thought out and created to leave a person feeling better about fill-in-the-blank than when they first entered) are very clearly explained (as is the taste and energy points). If you have questions, the owner is well-versed in what she's doing - so, just ask! Whether it's a headache or nausea, or you need calming or to be stimulated... you'll find a tea for it here. I had The Wake Up Call (a sweet and spicy blend of organic yerba mate, cinnamon, clove, anise, ginseng and peppermint) because I was going running immediately after visiting Homegrown. It was exactly as the owner said... it pepped me right up, without over-caffeinating my poor heart. The enormous cup was only $3 (CASH ONLY), and after finishing, the owner asked if I needed a complimentary refill of hot water on top of the now once-used tea bag she had personally created for me. There's nothing about this place that isn't lovely. However, you should know that (from what I've heard) Homegrown actually opens and closes on a whim (despite their listed hours of operation). So if you go at 1pm on a Thursday one week... you may not be able to replicate that the following week. For people who like routine, this could be a frustrating. It's not something that necessarily bothers me, but heads up! read more

Sarah is a lovely woman. I stumbled across this place while walking down the street with my friend and we're so glad we decided to pop in. What was going to be a 3-minute look around turned into a 3-hour hangout with teas, laughter, and vibrant energy. I'll be coming back here anytime I'm in Portland! read more

A little out of the way, I had to be told about Homegrown a few times before I actually sought it out, and even then I had trouble because of the limited hours. Once I actually made it, I was impressed by the interior setup: a small bar, some benches that look as though they would be awkward but actually aren't, a booth in the window, a chair near the other window, and two larger spaces in the back, one a small room behind a beaded curtain offering a sense of privacy. The menu is printed on cloth and rolled up with a star anise and string to hold it closed. Overall this is a very relaxing environment. The tea menu is mostly custom herbal blends, so if that's your preference you have hit the jackpot here. There is also a good selection of traditional teas and a number of custom tea blends. Teas are served in a large cup rather than a pot, so drink with some speed or else use the saucer as a cover to keep them hot. You will get the cup with the contents still steeping, so pay attention if you're getting tea rather than a more forgiving herbal blend. The menu is all homemade, but not friendly to vegans or folks with gluten allergies. The biggest single issue and what most often keeps me away are the hours. Homegrown's posted hours are slightly seasonal, but all in the afternoon and not in the morning or evening. If you work regular hours, the only day you can come here is Saturday, and again the only hours are in the afternoon. read more

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Great place to get some herbal drink and tasty homemade eats. The friendly owner talks you through the intense menu to find what you're searching for. The star missing is for the uncomfortable seating and hours of operation (seldom open) but otherwise I love this place. read more

Homegrown Herb & Tea - Rosemary Crumpet and Sniffle Tea, so good! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

The pictures do not do this place justice! Sarah, the owner, has created a magical space that just oozes cozy, laidback warmth. The second you enter you just want to curl up with a book and a blanket and her homemade concoctions. She has these menus printed out on beautiful fabric scrolls, but since she's the tea mixologist you can just have a convo with her about what effects you're hoping for or what flavors you like, etc. I could feel a sore throat coming on so she recommended her Sniffle Tea. I grabbed a book of Vietnamese fairytales and another full of Rumi poetry off of her shelf full of books and made myself at home at the window booth. (This felt serendipitous - I almost grabbed a book of Rumi from my house but didn't want to lug it around for afterwards, so I was happy to see there was so many interesting books and short stories you could dive into for however long you're there). A few minutes later, after hearing her grinding and chopping all sorts of herbal goodness into my tea, she brought out a giant cup of tea, garnished with a whole cinnamon stick and lemon wedge. It was SOOO good - tasted and smelled unlike any tea I'd had before and felt like it was healing my throat with each sip. I bought a satchel of this blend for $5 to take home and keep the goodness flowing. While Sarah was preparing it after she heard I recently moved here and am looking for a place, she took the time to give me the run down on a few neighborhoods. She is really kind and seems to enjoy authentically connecting with everyone who comes in, and it is definitely clear that she is passionate about making and serving her tea. The vibe inside could fit so many occasions - escaping from the rain, gathering some friends to play guitar, reading or writing, or chatting with Sarah at the bar while you enjoy the tea. Her summer hours are 12pm-6pm Tuesday - Friday and also, "rainy Saturdays" - isn't that charming? Don't forget to bring cash as it's cash only! read more

Homegrown Herb & Tea - Instructions included for each particular blend on the back of the satchel - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

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This was an absolutely wonderful tea experience for me and my GF. The owner provided us with plenty of information on tea and had us order the perfect blend of what we were looking for. She clearly is an expert in her craft and it shows in the quality of her tea. read more

This is the cutest little tea shop! The owner Sarah is by far the most knowledgeable person I've ever met when it comes to tea. She has probably hundreds of different kinds for you to try. If you're just looking for a standard cup of tea it can be a little overwhelming honestly, but if you're really into tea this is THE place in Portland to go. The decor inside is super cool too. Sarah has done an amazing job decorating the place, and you can tell that running this shop is her passion. When you walk in the door you sort of feel like you're walking into your own little cozy retreat. read more

A wonderful hidden gem - relaxing place to pop in if you've had a stressful day. Sarah is so knowledgeable and can recommend any number of calming aryuvedic teas. read more

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This was a great place to visit when we came out to visit Portland. Such a cool environment to walk into. Very relaxing music, lots of great items on the menu, and the teas we did get were excellent. Sarah was extremely nice and friendly. It was just a great experience overall. Definitely will return next time we visit. read more

Homegrown Herb & Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Portland, Maine

Stopped in here for a cup of tea while walking around and sightseeing with my cousin. It looked like it was about to rain, so this was the perfect place to duck in for a bit. We were immediately greeted by the owner of the shop. We were going to sit by the window, and she explained that she has a praying mantis that she keeps there so she wanted us to be aware so she didn't scare us. She actually put the praying mantis on top of the heat lamp so show her to us, which was pretty cool. As we drank our tea we talked with the owner. My cousin is from Brooklyn, so she told us about her trip to Brooklyn and her experience with owning the tea shop. I had the guns 'n roses green tea. It was refreshing, tasty, and exactly what I needed. I ended up buying some loose tea of yoga tea and aphrodi-tea. read more

Visiting from LA, and stumbled in on a whim. I LOVE THIS PLACE. The welcoming owner Sarah is serving up far more than tea. She understands how to combine ingredients in a healthful and palliative way. The tea is delicious. Have her brew you a pot in one of her big chunky teapots. It is a treat. I am glad that we can order from her shop online. Wish she was in LA. Terrific establishment with a soothing vibe. read more

Finally went in here the other day after hearing about this place for years. Everyone told me I would love it. I did! What a unique experience! I have been to a lot of tea stores and cafés but this was really interesting and fun. The owner is very involved in everything. I wasn't expecting her to actually mix the tea for every cup but that's exactly what she did. Everything was hand-mixed and delicious. Served in giant bowl-like mugs, it was a wonderfully relaxing experience. I liked mine so much that I got a satchel of it to take home. Strongly recommended for tea-lovers or people who think they could be tea-lovers. This place will turn you. read more

Lovely vibe here. Teas all prepared in house by the knowledgable owner/operator. She has tea blends that may help some with various ailments and conditions - I purchased "the nightcap" a preparation to aid with insomnia. Her other tea blends are quite refreshing. A nice relaxing spot - I'd recommend it especially for tea lovers. read more

This is the best tea shop I have ever been to. My husband and I found out about the shop when we ate at the Green Elephant and we ordered tea that was so delicious and different. When we asked about buying some tea, they told us that they buy it from Homegrown Herb & Tea and told us to go visit her. The shop was such a unique and fun experience. The owner is so passionate about her teas. She was so helpful and knowledgeable and took the time we needed to answer any questions we had. The only problem we had was to make up our minds as to which teas to order. We bought 6 different teas and went on our merry way. I am now out of my Fall Tonic (amazing and very healthy tea) and have to call to order more. Of course I will get others while I am at it. I look forward to my trip to Portland again and visiting our new friend at Homegrown Herb & Tea. read more

Fantastic local tea shop! The owner, Sarah, was amazingly helpful. The combination of herbs I took home was delicious and helped me sleep! Thank you, Sarah:) read more

Had the Wake Up Call and the Muddy Mate, both delicious. The tea shop feels incredible, very comfortable and relaxing. Great place to stop and recharge for a bit. read more

Excellent venue for a cup of joe and a min to myself. Went on vacation with the fam and got a quick escape to this place. Was very pleased with the Milky Way Tea I got. As a lactating mom t is hard to find places that have specialty drinks just for me. Would go back if I visited Portland, ME again. Just a side note it is cash only. So are a few other places I visited so have plenty of cash on you or you might miss out on little gems like this one. read more

My wife and I stumbled into the shop by happenstance. We were visiting from out of town and Sarah, the shop owner, made us feel right at home. She has a fantastic shop with a creative and tasty selection of teas. Going to see Sarah and grab a tea became our daily routine. It was the best way to start the day! I miss my White Gypsy Sunrise! THE. BEST. read more

One of my absolute favorite things about Portland. It is the perfect place to relax and tune out the world, read a book or chat with a friend. The prices are very reasonable and the owner couldn't be more friendly. The only downside, as other Yelpers have pointed out, is that it sometimes can take a while for your order to be filled. But I won't dock a star for that, because the whole point of a tea room is to slow down. read more

Found this amazing tea shop on my adventure walk through portland. I'm originally from NY but fell in love with this cute town. Anyone who loves tea and good energy must come here! Sarah the owner made me 'the flu shot' which cured my cold! Thanks sarah! I will be ordering from you...oh yea she ships her fabulous blends. I bought two of the ayuverdic blends. A must visit!!! read more

Absolutely love this place. Every cup of tea is made with love , its such a great place to spend some time. Sarah is a great host - check it out! read more

I also had a similar experience of ordering a lovely tea at the Green Elephant restaurant. Upon asking my waiter he sent me to Homegrown Herb and Tea where I purchased the camomile, St. John's wort and dried lemon peel blend. The owner was very gracious and super knowledgeable about tea in general. I love to support small local businesses who have great products and friendly staff - will most certainly be back here soon. read more