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The soothing name belies the atmosphere at this one-room cafe and shop: The air is thick with the odors of Ceylon and other tea-scented candles, clubby music blares from hidden speakers, and the prep area is painted an antagonistic chartreuse. Teas at least are treated with respect. Among the sixty loose leaf varieties for sale are Himalayan white and naturally decaffeinated red bush (rooibos) teas from South Africa; three quarters of the overall selection is dedicated to green tea. With but one single communal table, the cafe attracts customers, often with laptop or magazine in tow, who linger with their version of the house beverage, hot or iced, blended with fruit, or treated like coffee, and occasionally accompanied by pre-made (read: soggy) sandwiches, salads, or sundry sweets. If you’re looking for Zen-like surroundings, best to get your leaves to go, with mesh baggies for home brewing. — Alexandra Vallis

Subtle Tea also stocks loosely tea-related grooming products, like Mor Honey hand wash and ê Shave.