Many interesting tea options. We enjoyed the samples they offered. They also have teapots, mugs, etc. read more

Spice Merchants - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

This is a must stop for delightful teas, tea supplies and TC Shorties. Can't wait to start trying their spices when I start cooking here. The spice mixes smell wonderful. Love how good the displays are for sniffing and smelling all the mouthwatering options. read more

This establishment has everything you could dream of. It's a gem. Most of the spices give you an option for ground or whole, and you can have a sniff, which made me buy a lot! read more

I enjoyed the Spice Merchants. The team was knowledgeable and helpful. . . When I walked in, I was not quite in the mood for retail but the team was enthusiastic and drew me in. I left with several spices including a chili mix that works great in my veggie chili recipe. Worth the visit. . . read more

There's a location of this chain near me in the Chicago area and I love them for their cranberry maple rub and New Mexico green chile powder. I was in need of a few of my staples, so we checked into the Traverse City location while roaming Front Street. Not only did I get my cranberry maple rub, but I also found Traverse City Cherry BBQ rub (chipotle chiles with cherry) that I can't wait to use! Staff was friendly but the store was laid out logically so I didn't need any help. My favorite spice shop chain! Stop in for a taste today! read more

Spice Merchants - A few favorite blends from Spice Merchants! - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

We were prepared to really like this shop. As we entered, my 3-year-old niece was holding my hand as we passed a dog standing in the doorway, who seemed to be at home in the store. We didn't think much of that (she's used to dogs and wasn't afraid), but when we were just a few feet inside, the dog came behind her and started biting her crocs, and she started screaming and crying. I picked her up and we checked her feet for injuries, then we took her back outside while my brother went to speak with the man running the store. He seemed unconcerned because the dog hadn't broken her skin, and never came to check that she was okay (not when the dog was biting her, not when she was crying and we were checking her feet, and not after he was told that his dog had bitten her shoes). When we passed the shop later, the dog was still in the doorway. read more

Had their Thai boba tea and it was great! Friendly staff as well. I would recommend if you like quality tea or spices!

I've been in plenty of spice shops. I decided to go into this one. I love to be pleasantly surprised, but unfortunately that was not the case here. It is a small shop, and the spices are many. It seemed a little grimy in here. Because of that, I didn't quite trust the cleanliness of the spices. I had no idea how long they were sitting on the shelves...where they were from, or who scooped them out before me. For this reason, I could not buy any. It did smell really nice in the store. The store was dark, so I couldn't read the names too well or really see the spices. I guess that is my problem for being old. The employees did not give me the vibe of being overly friendly, as no one said a word to either of us while we were in there. I did not see anything unique in the store, except you could buy the spices in bulk. I can't review on the spices themselves as I didn't try them. read more

I'm giving the store 5 stars because I've never seen anything like it and I want one in Indianapolis (my hometown). I picked up some whole nutmeg and some Garam Masala (it smells incredible and if I wanted to make it myself I'd have to spend about $40 at the grocery store, then dry roast, and grind it up). I did not have to buy a whole jar of it, instead an employee will scoop and weigh just what you need, meaning I won't be left with a bunch of stale masala next month. The store was tiny and cramped but the walls were floor to ceiling with spices, whole and ground, and they had an impressive collection of blends, like the masala, and rubs also. Microplane zesters and grinders were at surprisingly good prices, cheaper than Bed Bath & Beyond, and the gal at the register was personable and very helpful. Very cool store. FYI - There is a $10 minimum on credit card purchases. read more

From the moment you open the door you become enthralled with scents of exotic spices, rich herbs, and bountiful teas. Spice Merchants is your one stop shop for the most unique blends of spices for all of your favorite foods as well as the most fragrant and fruity teas that will convert any coffee addict. The entire aesthetic and overall feel of the store is one of a cozy middle eastern bar with the most modern and organized system, competing that of a genre sorted library. The staff were very knowledgeable and kind. They have smaller samples that customers are allowed to unscrew and smell, everything was heavenly. All of the labels include the ingredients/seasonings of the blends, the customized name, and what the blend would be deliciously paired with. A personal favorite were their assortments of Earl Grey Tea blends as well as the Strawberry lemonade. I wish I were able to buy all of them! read more

Cool store, visited the location in Mackinaw last summer and fell in love with their southwestern spices - use Devils Dust on every Tex-Amex dish we make now. Definitely worth a trip in if you enjoy adding something extra to your cooking read more

I love hard-to-find spices. I also love Led Zeppelin. When I happened to visit Spice Merchants during a 3-day vacation in Traverse City, Led Zeppelin IV was playing overhead. Whoa. I could categorize the whole experience under karmic providence, if I believed in such a thing. I left the store supremely happy, and with the following purchases; Serengi Sunrise hot cocoa mix, alder-wood smoked salt, sea salt flakes, Vietnamese cinnamon, and sumac powder. Spice Merchants was beautifully organized and a nice, intimate Led Zep-infused alternative to Penzey's. read more

The most helpful staff!! Visiting was such an educational experience. Making tea at home is so much easier and better than ever before because of them. So many delicious smells and spices too. read more

Very cool place. Loads of spices, naturally, and loose leaf teas. Close to heaven as you can get for tea fiends. We got some tandoori spice and some loose leaf Earl Grey. Try to visit here when your sniffer is up to snuff, couldn't resist, but being able to smell the items is a nice treat. read more

What a cool spot! I was in a cook's heaven with all the spice blends in this place. Great variety and fair prices on things you want and need here. They have black sesame seeds with can be a little hard to find in my neck of the woods. If I lived in the area, I'm sure I'd be popping in here a LOT more often. I did buy a thai coconut spice blend and used it in a lentil soup ... Yumm! read more

Service wasn't really there. I am liable to drop quite a bit of coin as I love loose leaf teas and although staff was present they did not offer up any assistance. I ended up taking home the holiday tea and a birthday cake tea that were pretty lackluster. Perhaps I'll try again? They did have some great looking rubs and marinade spices. read more

Amazing teas and spices! Favorite teas I've tried so far: Exotic Wedding, Carribean Breeze, Spa tea, Climber's High Mate! All high quality and reasonably priced! This place is a must stop every time I come to Traverse City! read more

Great stop when you're in TC. Store has a huge selection of spices and a whole lot more. Prices are not high at all for quality spices like one might expect from a location with so many tourists. Best part is the staff who are both very friendly and knowledgeable. Must stop. read more

Every month or so, I venture downtown to Fustini's to restock my oils and vinegar. Every time, I intend to stop into Spice Merchants as well, but rarely leave myself time to properly investigate the new storefront. I spent about half hour in there today, just smelling the teas! I came home with a 2 oz. bag of Cherry Pear tea and a new decanter for my tea habit. Staff of two were slightly aloof, but nice enough and seemed very grateful for my business. I imagine they get a lot of tourist traffic with little intent to purchase. Perhaps in the off-season, they will be more attentive. Can't be too harsh, they did welcome me upon arrival and mention to be sure to feel free to open containers of teas to smell them. They genuinely thanked me for the business, that goes a long way in my book too. The dog they have in-house was very friendly and adorable, too....how is that not a health code violation? Next visit, I intend to venture into the spice side of the store more. Definitely going to become a regular stop for me. read more