In Miami, where “Cafecito” is king and served at the local walk-up coffee window, SpecialTea offers a welcome change.
With its traditional coffee house vibe and warm atmosphere, this quaint little gem is not located in an uber trendy Wynwood warehouse, or on the tree-lined streets of artsy Coconut Grove, nor in one of the elite, historic Coral Gables storefronts. Instead SpecialTeal is located in a strip mall in the University Park area of West Miami-Dade.
Ambience
While coffee and tea cafes have grown in popularity over the years, finding a place that doesn’t feel corporate is a challenge. At many establishments patrons end up feeling compelled to check their emails one more time instead of actually relaxing and enjoying.
SpecialTea’s cognac leather booths, reclaimed wood tables, and over-stuffed, chartreuse green sofas encourage patrons to grab a book, or a vintage board game from the rustic bookcase and sit down, and relax over a pot of tea. SpecialTea offers a choice of 60 loose leaf blends, such as the Thai Vanilla, a strong black tea with hints of vanilla or a latte like the London Fog brewed with Earl Grey tea and Madagascar vanilla.
More than Tea
For those seeking a java fix, SpecialTea offers a vast selection of choices, including a French Press, which you won’t find at Starbucks.
SpecialTea’s cafe menu also reflects its earth friendly philosophy, using organic
or locally sourced ingredients to make its salad, wraps and panos.
The Olive You pano is served on crusty bread and garnished with homemade olive tapenade, mozzarella cheese, and spring mix greens making it an excellent choice for vegetarians.
The Coco-Curry offers just the right amount of spice and heat. It’s served with a sweet coconut lassi dipping sauce on the side. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced attracting a diverse mix of patrons.
SpecialTea will restore your faith in the small, quaint, relaxing cafes whose purpose is to provide a quality product in an environment where you don’t feel guilty for keeping your cell phone tucked away.
SpecialTea’s only downside is that during the weekday it can be difficult to enjoy the ambiance because it can become crowded with college students from the nearby university. But who can blame them?
A Valentine Life 