Tea Blog

Tea in Minneapolis: Part I focused on a great spot in Uptown, but unfortunately The Tea Garden/Steepery Tea Bar does not have a downtown location.

Fortunately, downtown Minneapolis is not without good tea. If you’re in need of a proper cuppa, make your way to Northern Lights Tea Company.

You won’t stumble upon this shop by accident—it’s tucked away within the enclosed pedestrian bridges of the downtown Minneapolis Skyway System. In warmer weather, you may even have to seek it out deliberately.

Northern Lights boasts an impressive selection of over 180 teas, including black, green, oolong, white, pu-erh, rooibos, mate, and herbal infusions.

They also offer blooming teas and seasonal selections such as Hashiri Sincha and Sakura Sencha, typically available in spring.

While any tea can be prepared hot or iced, the shop features four daily teas:

• A pure black tea
• A pure green tea
• An “other” category (including oolong, rooibos, and more)
• An iced tea

I particularly enjoy shops that offer daily selections—it’s a great way to explore teas I might not otherwise choose. However, if you prefer a more intentional approach, the full menu is detailed and easy to navigate.

The shop also places a welcome emphasis on sustainability, offering a strong selection of organic and Fair Trade teas, clearly marked on the menu.

The variety is impressive, though I did find the categorization occasionally unconventional. For example, Earl Grey appears under “Tea Blends” rather than “Flavoured Black Teas,” and Lapsang Souchong is grouped under “Smoked Tea” instead of black tea.

That said, these are minor quibbles. A full browse of the menu ensures nothing is missed.

Due to its location within the Skyway, Northern Lights is primarily designed for convenience rather than extended visits. While a few tables are available, it’s better suited for grabbing a quality tea on the go than lingering for a long, relaxed tea session.

Still, it offers a welcome alternative to typical coffee shop options. Instead of settling for lower-quality bagged tea, you can enjoy a properly prepared cup—whether you take it with you or pause briefly to savor it.

For tea lovers navigating downtown Minneapolis, it’s a hidden gem well worth seeking out.

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