Cup & Kettle Tea

Update to highly recommend the gorgeous tea parties Cup & Kettle has begun to host the last few months. They are beautifully put together, with a color theme (this month was rainbow!) that influences the teas and foods. The pairing of food and tea (and the use of tea to infuse the food)--as well as the optional syrups to put in each tea (oh, so delicious). A bit about the teas--wonderful and unique by themselves. Then you have the options of adding some (or a lot) of the syrup. Delightful! I wish I had a talent for describing food (besides throwing out adjectives that are genuinely deserved but not that useful in making one's mouth water), as this food deserves a Ruth Reichl. Yes, Ruth Reichl would appreciate the work of this talented crew. She would love the food, the tea, the syrups . . .The most recent tea party had five courses, each with it own delightful food (moist flavorful scones, a citrus salad, macarons--to name a few), tea and syrup. Four hot teas and one sparkling mocktail. I've been to the other tea parties also, and they were all similar in number of courses, tea and food pairings, and artistic food (delicious, unique, and lovely to view).The staff is friendly and energetic. The decorations and setting work great with theme. In April of 2022, I had a birthday party for 7 (including myself) at Cup and Kettle. I set it up in advance, of course, and it was so wonderful. It was my first birthday party since I was 17 (not counting family-only celebrations). (It was a different party than the one for just me and my husband that I included a photo for. Oh, I should ask my friends if I can attach a photo from that to this review, as I do have one. We didn't take any photos today, unfortunately.)

I was very excited to try this location as a huge tea lover. I was in Bloomington for business. I was seriously disappointed. The place had an offputting smell and appeared out of sorts, cluttered and dirty. I tried to look past all of that and order. I had my mother with me as well. It took forever to get our2 drinks as we noticed the worker looking up recipes, dumping and remaking our drinks. When they finally arrived our mugs were dirty on the rims with what appeared to be dust, grime from the air..tried to stay positive and wiped mine off...but the tea was undeniable. Just awful. The whole place seems to have gone down hill since all the amazing reviews. I wont go back.

While it was offered at other local restaurants, I thought I'd go to the source for this tea. Their spread of tea leaves for sale offered plenty of variety, and after perusing their seasonal drinks, I ordered a variant of an Earl Grey with some sort of tea I'd never heard of before, which turns out to be an extra steeped, smoked variety. It was a weird experience, and their large size was substantial enough that I wondered if it was needed, but I was satisfied that I'd broadened my palate by the end of it. I had no room for food, but they had some vegetarian options and abundant sweets, and they appeared to be selling houseplants as well. I have no doubt that if I were local, I'd be back to try a lot more.

Excellent little tea shop just off of the square in Bloomington. They have a great tea selection both for sale and to enjoy in the store. I did not try their baked goods, but the selection was good - cookies and scones. Additionally, they have light lunch options on the menu.

I love this sweet little spot! As a big tea drinker, it's so exciting to be at a cafe that has so many tea options. They have an entire wall full of little jars with different varieties that are super fun and creative. They also have a glass case of delicious baked goods. I got my tea and a quiche and set up shop at one of their tables. There's a decent amount of seating and the staff were nice. I'll be back!

Was looking for a low key spot right before dinner to have a quick business chat/touch base. My first pick was Inkwell, but they close at 6pm. So Cup & Kettle was perfect! They have a ton of tea options & the tea-rista (get it...instead of barista? Haha) was very helpful in helping me understand caffeine level. I love that the tea menu was "interactive" as it was just bottles of labeled leaves for you to examine & smell. I ended up with the peach blossom white tea for the delicious smell and moderate caffeine. It was nice and quiet so seems like it would be a good place to study/get some work done!

Loose leaf teas are amazing. This place is tucked away a bit and not as popular as some other coffee shops downtown so it's never too crowded and an easy place to get some work done. Wasn't super impressed with the drink menu, but may have to give it another go. Seems like my drink was just warm milk and honey

Cute shop, great tea! I stopped into Cup & Kettle Tea to get a cup of tea and warm up a little after spending a few hours walking around downtown Bloomington in the chilly weather. I was going to get a cup to go, but at the last minute I changed my mind and ordered a pot of lavender chamomile to drink there. I made the right decision! I took a seat at the bar area by the window and drank my pot of hot tea that warmed and hydrated me. I watched the people of Bloomington walking past my window seat. It was a very cozy, relaxing 20 minute break.Cup & Kettle has so many different kinds of teas and tea combinations that it can be a little overwhelming making a decision! The nice people behind the counter were ready to help me and offer suggestions. They also have a small menu of baked goods, which I didn't get to try this time, but hopefully will next time.

I frankly am divided on my wish to keep this jem secret, and shouting to every Tea & Food lover to patronize immediately.I fear I'll never be able to decide. Ambiance? Cozy, chairs & tables, and books, lots of books.It's a good thing to browse while you're waiting for your well prepared food item(s). Oh, and that pot of Tea.Seriously, you can tell your friends, but please!...Not too many

Upon entering this place there's a musty wet feeling and an awful smell. I didn't think too much of it and was excited to get a good drink. I asked for an iced matcha latte with oat milk and was charged $8. I then learned that she had charged me for a large without me specifying. I still decided to stay positive about the drink until I received it in what looked like a five guys cup. I put my nose to the cup to smell rotten eggs and then took a sip. This is objectively the worst matcha I've ever had in my life. It tastes nothing like a matcha latte and is just gross. I would not recommend this place to anyone and will never return.