HEAD TO THE BACK >>>

Tucked into the back downtown Tacoma's vintage clothing store urbanXchange is a brand new place to hang out. The space once called The Den as well as Tahoma Tea and Co. now is called the Tacoma Tea Room. Just like The Den, it will host music. Just like the Tahoma, is will serve tea. It's a bastion of recycling the old into the new. It's remodeled and ready for you ... today.

The Tacoma Tea Room opens today with a grand opening event running from 1-10:30 p.m. If you hear tea room and think of dainty tea cups and doilies, think again. This tea room is more industrial than elegant. Instead of porcelain, expect mason jars. Instead of lacey table cloths, expect giant wire spools refinished by hand. Old '80s and '90s stereo speakers serve as seats. Lights in mason jars dangle from the ceiling? It has them.

"We like to have the theme of the place be ‘restoration,'" says owner Benjamin Wolters. "We're hoping to encourage a lot of creativity and community and be a place where people can make friends and just hang out."

But, of course, what is a tearoom without tea?

"Our teas are unique because we blend our own," says Wolters. "We use herbs and teas from Mountain Rose Herbs in Eugene, Oregon. We also feature five favorites from Market Spice."

To go with their teas, they also serve up an array of cookies, muffins and tea biscuits. They strive for their teas and baked goodies to complement the seasons - expect fruity and bright flavors in the warmer months, warm and cozy in the winter months.

Tacoma Tea Room plans to offer several tea blends today, including apple rosemary yerba mate, community garden, hibiscus lime, and cinnamon vanilla chamomile.

Live music will mark the opening day of the Tacoma Tea Room. Solo artists will perform through the afternoon. At 6 p.m. Shogun Barbie, Shebear and Thee Samedi will make your tea time one to remember.

TACOMA TEA ROOM, 10 A.M. TO 7 P.M. MONDAY-SATURDAY, 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SUNDAY, OPEN LATER WHEN HOSTING LIVE MUSIC, CASH ONLY, 1932 PACIFIC AVE., TACOMA, 253.572.2477