I really liked The Spice and Tea Exhange and found all sorts of spices all in one place that isn't the usual and bland grocery store fare. The name fits quite nicely as there is a fine spice and tea selection. We purchased some smoked paprika which we were excited to find and try. There's a good chance that I may be out of the loop but I don't believe in the town I live in we have a shop geared specifically for spices or tea. There are sections where there is a smaller section like the inventory here but not devoted to that at stores in Tacoma. So in that regard this was a nice stop to make and check out a type of store we don't normally get to browse through. read more

See all

So it was time for our annual visit to The Spice and Tea Exchange in Port Townsend. This time my wife knew what she was looking for and quickly found her favorite Garden Mirepoix Sea Salt that goes well in egg and other dishes. but I had no such preconceived notions. But it's a spice shop, right? I remembered that a good friend of mine had sent me a Goose Jerky Dry Rub recipe that called for Worcestershire Powder. I told him at the time I'd both never heard of it and never seen it. The store clerk showed it to me on the shelf. OK, I have Aji Amarillo Chile Paste for Peruvian dishes but some recipes call for the powder version. There it was on the shelf near the WP. We have mustard seeds in our pantry but here I found Black Mustard Seed powder, more pungent and flavorful than the yellow variety and it will work oh so well in both the Chinese wok stir-fry dishes and BBQ dry meat rubs I make. The store clerk was very friendly and helpful. When we told her where we lived (about an hour and a half away) she told us there was a store in a town near our house which makes it really convenient and far easier to plan a visit to. It's smaller than this store but it should have our favorite spices and teas. If not, there's always our annual pilgrimage to Port Townsend. read more

Helpful staff and great products! I'm enjoying the tea I bought. I was able to find matcha for my daughter, which is hard to find with the shortage. It's a bright, friendly place that invites you to smell and touch the products. read more

The Spice and Tea Exchange is always on my list of must-stops when in Port Townsend. They have the most incredible selection of spices, teas and spice blends too, all presented in the most visually appealing way, with smells encouraged. The most convenient way to buy their items is in small plastic pouches that are mostly in the $5-6 range - if you buy 5 pouches, you get the 6th one free, and the pouches last for quite awhile. My favorite blends are the Vic's Garlic Fix, the Coastal Blend and their incredibly perfect Bloody Mary Blend (true confession: I always get two of those). But really, I've never had a bad blend - and each one comes with serving suggestions so you can't really go wrong. It's on my list to try their curry blends next. I was going to get some on the last trip but really, there is only SOOO much cooking a single woman can do with six packets of spice blends in her bag, you know? Next time, next time. Oh and don't miss their pure spices and herbs in the very back. I make a point of getting their dill, garlic powder and chili powder, which are sold by the ounce so it's easy to keep it affordable. My daughter loves their teas, too. I've read some reviews about people being treated poorly by a woman who appears to be the owner. I can say I've been here at least four times and have never had an unpleasant experience with their staff, who are always gracious, helpful and lovely. However, on our most recent visit my teen daughter was (unfairly) admonished by an employee who may have been the owner. If so, I can see how others' experiences here have been tarnished. read more

So happy we took a chance and stopped in here. Based on other Yelp reviews, I was thinking I'd walk in and face a barrage of rude comments. That couldn't be further from my experience. Both staff were friendly and helpful and pointed us toward interesting products. We took advantage of buying six bags of goodies to get one free. There were so many amazing blends, teas, and salts that it was honestly difficult to limit us to just 6. Our total price was a little under $30 which felt super reasonable. I just wish we could stop back here before holidays or birthdays to stock up on gifts for people. read more

Well stocked store, but was taken back by servers harsh attitude, glad to see it was not just me but others experienced, snappy ways of speaking to customers, wow read more

It's a Spice Haven excellent inventory. Service was adequate Store well organized read more

I stopped in here on a whim, while visiting PT, as I have a good friend who drinks tea and their birthday was coming up. I was instantly greeted by a kind woman who was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. She provided samples and made a few suggestions based on what my friend likes. I purchased a few bags of tea and a tea ball/diffuser. My friend said the tea was very good (blood orange smoothie). BUT, the price is just way too danged high for what you get. I got a small bag for 5.89. I have bought bulk/loose tea before and have never spent that much. So, I would have given it 5 stars but the value just doesn't seem to be there. read more

Don't waste your time in this store, I'd give it zero stars if that was possible. I went in just to look at the salt and the woman who worked there insulted me three times within a single minute. Apparently she can tell if someone can cook just by looking at them. It's too bad because it appeared there could have been a lot of things in there that I would like. Oh well her loss. read more

The teas and spice mixes are DELICIOUS and the owner is positively delightful, but apparently biting East Coast humor isn't everyone's cup of tea. Personally, I thought her snark was on point and her sass was charming, and it was HIGHLY entertaining to hear her joke with and jab at customers. To anyone who's worked in customer service and had to stifle comebacks when dealing with especially rude/idiotic/boring shoppers--aka, all of us with retail in our resumé--this woman is your spirit animal. Do yourself a favor and come visit her and this adorable little store. Pro tip: ask her to tell you about the shoppers who ask to see the manager to complain. read more

I'm a sucker for bulk tea and spice stores... something about seeing the rows upon rows of giant apothecary-style jars is deeply satisfying. Sometimes it even ends up being cheaper to buy by the ounce, but not at the Spice and Tea Exchange. This cute shoppe is located on the Water St. drag, near a bunch of other cute little shoppes and eateries, and definitely seems aimed at tourists. It's very charming inside, with rustic-looking tables and shelves, and crates set up near the counter. They have the usual large glass jars arranged on shelves, and you're welcome (as far as I can tell) to pull down and sniff as many as you like. They also have premade packets of salts and spices hanging on racks -- most of these were about $5, which is more like what I usually expect to pay for a full bottle of spices! Granted, there were lots of fancy things here that you don't see at a typical grocery store: Himalayan and smoked salts, tomato powder, spinach powder, pumpkin powder, and several kinds of smoked paprika. They also had dry dip mixes and flavored sugars that looked fun. I expected to see more tea varieties, though -- they definitely focus on spices and salts vs. tea. I didn't experience any negative customer service like other reviewers; in fact, I was mostly left alone to browse and sniff the jars. But the prices were high enough that I didn't end up buying anything. A cute place to look around, and probably a good store if you need an exotic or hard-to-find spice, but spendy. read more

See all

The woman running this place is unimaginably rude. She asked if we cooked and what, then started in with a string of insults when I replied that I am having fun cooking on my new smoker. I turned to leave and she suggested I go sit in the corner. I can't believe that a person so filled with hate can keep the doors open on a business. read more

We entered the store and there were two people blocking the entryway. So, my wife and I diverted to the right side of the store and started shopping. We weren't there a minute and I picked up an item to read it closer, and a store employee asked if we "had a chance to use their hand sanitizer yet?" I said no and looked around and saw it offered near the front door, which was behind the two people as we came in and we didn't see it. As we walked over to sanitize our hands she said "thank you in advance." By then, I was beyond irritated by her tone and passive aggressive remarks. As we continued our shopping, I overheard heard her jump on another customer to wear their mask properly. From then, I quickly learned she closely watched all customers to ensure they follow social distancing rules. As a result, she knew we didn't use hand sanitizer, which made her comments more condescending. Now, I'm not against wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, and social distancing properly, but her approach and tone could have been done much differently. I also didn't see a sign stating it's required to use hand sanitizer when entering the store. The products offered were limited and basic. Very little was unique to other stores. For all these reasons, but primarily the poor customer service, I will not buy anything and visit this store again. read more

I rate the place 5 stars for customer care, cleanliness, and sampling. I never experienced rude service by either lady working that other Yelpers have mentioned, what a shame, perhaps they have rectified the problem. I rate 3/5 for pricing, but spices are spendy especially for fresh ones. But, yummm, have you ever had smoked salt? So many flavors that you can smell and sample before purchasing. I got the salted caramel turbinado sugar, applewood smoked salt, (great for BBQ and homemade sauces). And something else that I don't recall. The choices in curries, salts and sugars are endless. I didnt purchase any teas, they had a nice selection. Will definitely go back and sample more! read more

The Spice and Tea Exchange - They have premade mixed spices to sell, very creative selection, or they will mix a custom for you. - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Port Townsend, Washington

Owner was extremely rude and snarky for no reason. We got a couple of items and went to pay and she had an attitude for no reason. We had just came down from the market( cash only) so he was going to pay cash and then remembered we could pay with cards and vocalized that. She responded with " Yeah, like most stores in the modern world sir." And just made snarky comments like that the entire transaction. The store was super cute, just never will be returning because I'd rather not get belittled while buying your products. read more

I was in town for the day and wandered into the shop. I'm a tea novice...pretty much celestial seasons for me. But I bought 5 amazing teas here and they have changed me forever. Also bought a few flavored sugars! Yes raspberry, lemon and other amazing flavors of sugar. Most importantly however is their catnip! I have a senior kitty I try and keep active so as I was about to buy their catnip the lady warned me it packed a punch...sure, whatever. Flash forward to the picture I posted of him going NUTS over it! All in all the people were lovely and informative and well worth the $$. Thanks ladies for the goodies for me and my furry child! read more

The Spice and Tea Exchange - My senior kitty rejuvenated by their catnip! - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Port Townsend, Washington

We stopped in here for some loose leaf tea and were also amazed by all the salt, sugar and spice mixes. If the customer service wasn't so off putting I'd love to go back. The lady who checked us out (I think the owner from all the other reviews) should not be helping customers. I can't believe with all that is going on with business and the pandemic that she couldn't at least try to be nice or at least not so abrasive. Anyway, nice shop and maybe I'll give it another try but hoping for better customer service next time. read more

I've been to the Spice and Tea Exchange twice since it's been opened. I am delighted that a spice and tea store opened in Port Townsend! The shop is very cute and nicely laid out. The employees are friendly and helpful. The tea prices seemed a bit high to me ($4.89/ounce) but the spice prices seemed a bit more reasonable. It's a great option if you only need a tsp. or T. of something. If you come here you only buy what you need, not the whole bottle! They also carry a variety of spices, salts, sugars, rubs, blends, and peppers and chilis. I will continue to shop here when I'm in the area. I hope they succeed! They're a great addition to PT. read more

Amazing assortment of teas, herbs, and spices! Staff was friendly and helpful.

The shop was clean and it was fun checking out the various spices, salts, sugars and teas. The lady that was tending to the store was kind of rough with her answers to my questions. From what I could tell products were of good quality but overpriced. I bought a small plastic grinder/mill of steak seasoning. It was $13.00. I bought two 1 oz. packages of spices that were roughly $5.00 each. Final assessment Products 4/5 Service 2/5 Value 2/5 Cleanliness 5/5 read more

The spice mixes have become a staple of my cooking because they're so convenient. The spices are fresh and mixed by the staff in the store. Although the little spice packets might seem expensive, I can usually get at least three meals out of each packet. I put together a basket of spices as a gift for my cousin and she loved it. In addition, they have a large selection of teas, sugars, and salts. read more

This is honestly the biggest reason I love visiting Port Townsend. The variety of spices, teas and flavored sugars is wonderful. I always stock up when we go. The raspberry sugar is my favorite. I make candied pecans and these sugars just add to the charm of the nuts. Everytime we've visited there seems to be another treasure to find. There is a Spice and Tea Exchange in Portland which is closer to our home. But truthfully I lost my taste for Portland due to the homeless and protests that seem to frequent the city. Besides we love going for the weekend to Port Townsend since it's fairly close to some of our family. read more

TERRIBLE customer service! We made a trip to Port Townsend specifically to visit this shop. Had an encounter with the infamous owner. Like most of the reviews here, I can add to the common thread - Judy (the owner) was impolite, bad-mannered, ungracious, I could keep going...! I've never seen anything quite like her. Congratulations! You are responsible for running off your customers once again. Since moving here, this was my 4th and now sadly, LAST visit to this store. We prefer to give our business to local shops, but alas - this miserable, cheerless woman is so off-putting, we won't be back. read more

Lets see. You walk in and you are "greeted" by a woman who steps in front of you and asks you if you need to be helped. I guess you would call it a glare, it was not a smile, on her face. You say no you just want to browse around. She launches into her "spiel" and in the middle of it your wife asked a question. She glares and says wait till she finishes her "spiel" and she continues for a minute or two more yammering at you. When you do get to ask a question, "how much is this"? You are told "every adult should know the price is on the bag". Rude, unfriendly and the product is way over priced for what they have, I would not spend a nickel in this place. Avoid. read more

I agree with all the comments about the rude lady working here, and more. what a turn off. we had same treatment a month ago. another reason I won't go back is the tea I bought for $5.89 a small pack is worthless. after 10 min in hot water hardly any taste. I was a returning customer, we go to PT every few months from Seattle area. I won't be giving them business anymore. read more

So here is an example of ODD. We walked by this place several times at night and were looking forward to visiting it during the day. So we are out walking with our dog and I go in first to ask if dogs were allowed in here. We only have one dog..... but her response was "how many dogs". So I said just one. She gives me a worried look. And then she says.... normally we could do that but the store was so crowded it would not be a good idea. I look around and this store could comfortably hold 20 and maybe it might be crowed with 30. Well there were 6 people there. I did not say anything and then she says how big is your dog. So I pointed to my wife with our dog outside the door, He is a labradoodle and maybe he is 55 lbs. She say that a dog like that is likely to knock over glassware. I look on the ground and there is no glassware. All the glassware is above our dog??? So now I am thinking.... she does not want our dog in here, but why does she just not say that. So I say.... this is not going to work. Then she says that we could take turns watching the do outside.... Why did I not think about that???? then she says. "In fact.... I invite you to take turns coming in here". I am still reeling from how uncrowded the store was ...... So I just hurried out. It was too weird for me. Its ok if a store owner does not want dogs in their store but they should just say so and not all this made up stuff. read more

What a snarky New York mouthy bitch! I'm a tourist to Port Townsend. I was with a group who were next door purchasing beautiful flavors of olive oils and vinegars. I stepped into this spice store. They had a bowl of crackers and dip out on a table. I took a cracker and tried the dip. The cheap bitch walked over and called me out in front of the other customers. She asked if I knew what I was eating. I misspoke and said "clam chowder" when I meant to say "clam dip." She ridiculed me for saying clam chowder. Then, I turned and noticed a wall with glass tea containers; no people were in that section of the store so I snapped a pic with my phone. She made a snarky comment, "We prefer people to ask permission before taking pictures." A f****ing tea store. Boycott this bitch of a store! read more

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.They had everything I wanted at reasonable prices

Was visiting port Townsend with a friend who just had back surgery. When my friend asked the lady working if she could show me around the llady asked me if I could speak for myself and told my friend that she sounded like her mother. She was very condescending and rude. She even told the other customer that she should come over if she had to explain everything, that she would then only have to do it one time for all us customers. I was so offended, I just walked out with my son telling my friend I'd meet her outside. read more

Judy was so helpful, fun and friendly. She is enthusiastic and educated about her products. I love the idea of tasting multiple salts, spices and sugars. They have a buy 5 get one free for the flavored salts. Ghost pepper, truffle salt, Applewood smoked, Himalayan pink salt andy fave is the scorpion pepper sea salt. Also the Korean BBQ spice and hickory rub spice blend are awesome! I hope to come back. So great for gifts! read more

The owner Judy is fantastic and gives helpful advice and recommendations of their products. You haven't lived until you've tried smoked salt. I always enjoy going in here to chat with her and to peruse their excellent selection of tea and spices. Perfect spot for gifts for any occasion and anyone on your list (and, of course, for gifts for yourself!). Definitely a do-not-miss stop in downtown Port Townsend for locals and tourists alike! read more

My husband wandered in The Spice and Tea exchange Sunday afternoon. We had been in the store before with an enjoyable experience. This time the person who waited on us was rude, pushy and condescending. She jumped on us like used car salesman the minute we walked the store and started pushing spices and teas under our nose to smell. And I decided to not buy her recommendations, she become nasty. When I actually decided some tea she was insulting about the chip reader and my credit card. We visit Port Townsend quite often and bring out of state guests with us. I will NEVER go back in this store. read more

We had such a fun time in this shop! There is such a great variety of spices, teas, sugars.... Both of the folks working were super helpful. I believe they were the owners. We sampled the sugars with the shopkeeper's guidance and tasted everything from habanero sugar to salted caramel sugar to espresso sugar. Yum! I love the way the store is laid out. We all had a great time and will definitely be back when we visit Pt Townsend again. read more

The Spice and Tea Exchange - Tea, custom spice mix, specialty sugars. Yum! - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Port Townsend, Washington

Owner unbelievably rude and obnoxious! My friend and I visited Port Townsend on Memorial Day and when we walked into the store I picked up a bag of tea to smell it, and she sarcastically says, "You can't smell it thru the plastic." Her tone was like, duh, how could you BE so stupid. I was taken aback but I noticed she was carrying a jar of Zahtar, which is a really hard to find spice that I use in making a Mediterranean salad. I was beyond happy to find this spice and said, "Wow, you have Zahtar, it's so hard to find - that's awesome!" She told me where to find the smaller size at the front of the store and as I walked away to go grab a bag, I hear her say to the next customer, "Awesome, what an overused word - I only use that word when its actually appropriate!" She went on to loudly articulate just what she thought about my use of the word. Lady, if you're reading this, that's not exactly the way to treat a customer who just moments ago, was thrilled to find your store. Also, you should know, since you want to get all grammatical - its Za'atar! Not Zahtar like it says on your label. I'm embarrassed to say, I bought a small bag of the spice (because it really is hard to find!) but I will NEVER GO BACK! And unless you like to be verbally abused, neither should you. BTW, I used the spice today and it doesn't resemble authentic Za'atar from the Middle East at all. read more

Nice little shop. Great selection of flavored sugars. Salts are good, but expected. Wish there were more teas but she only has so much room. Didn't find a tea we couldn't live without. Owner was kind to me but doesn't suffer a fool if they're using a cell phone in her shop read more

Help was very pushy and rude. Drove us right of the store! Won't return to this location! Been to others as this is a franchise and never a problem ! read more

The store owner Judy is horrible. As I was buying my tea, she asked if I wanted to sign up for the customer rewards program and when I replied "no thank you it's actually my first time here" she asked where I was from. I said Portland, and she said that Portland had "so many riots" and that Portland was "a mess". When I tried to tell her that Portland was actually doing great and that we haven't had big riots since summer, she proceeded to tell me I was wrong, because apparently "her friend visited Portland two days ago and told her". As if she knew better than me, someone who literally LIVES THERE? I tried to tell her that it wasn't bad but she kept going on and on about how terrible it is. First of all, how unprofessional is it to ask where someone is from and then talk shit about their home? Even if you don't like where someone is from you should know better as a fully grown adult than to voice it. I wish I hadn't shopped here. Plus all their teas are extremely overpriced. Don't recommend. read more

This is definitely one of my favorite stores in Port Townsend. The variety of spices, teas, and blends is phenomenal. They also have a great rewards program that is free to join so every couple of purchases, I receive a free item. The owner recommended the Backwoods Hickory Blend and it has become a favorite in my house. All of the staff that I have encountered is really helpful and the owner has a candid New Jersey personality--a refreshing addition that makes the shop so unique and fun! My other go-to favorites are the crystallized ginger, bamboo rice, and the white tropical tea. This store is an absolute gem in downtown and well worth a visit! read more

We walked in the store intending to buy some spices and tea. The lady working at the store was very rude. I was smelling the tester grinders of spices and she said you have to taste them you can't smell them because they are grinders. Then she told us that we could lift the lids and smell the teas and other spices. My nine year old lifted a lid to smell and she told "DO NOT TOUCH THAT!" in a very rude manner. We immediately left and we wouldn't buy anything in there if our life depended on it. If my son was doing anything wrong I would have stopped him. Or she could have asked me to tell him not to touch anything. Instead she lost a sale. read more

Smelling everything was fun but my nose died about 10 mins in so I stopped smelling when I hit the curries. The smoked salts were my favorite. I think the best part was talking to the owners, they are from the east coast and wonderfully stick out like sore thumbs compared to nit picky north westerners. This town needs some more culture like these gals. read more