- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Algebra Tea House
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
2136 Murray Hill RdCleveland, OH 44106
(216) 421-9007
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 11 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
38 reviews for Algebra Tea House
Review Highlights
-
"...play one of their many board games, or just come to think..." In 2 reviews -
"...is just more food here and it is very relaxing to hang out." In 3 reviews -
"...things as diverse as chess tournaments and a bluegrass..." In 3 reviews
Loading...
38 reviews in English
-
Review from M. A.
Beachwood, OH
3/11/2012
Very unusual and fun. Skip it if new experiences frighten you! The atmosphere, with handcrafted furniture and artistic wooden plates, is like someone's attic: not dirty, just kind of crazy. Tables at all different heights, including cushions on the floor.
I'm no tea expert, but as for the food: best falafel sandwich I've had! -
Review from Amanda L.
Cleveland Heights, OH
4/9/2012
This place is laid-back, friendly, and "different". Definitely not your corporate coffee-house. Delicious, fresh food...staff is chatty and genuine. Ambiance is calm and peaceful. I love the way the interior is decorated. In this place, you feel as if you are a guest in someone's earthy home...no rush here.
-
Review from Jo T.
Cleveland, OH
5/5/2012
This is definitely an insider tip and admittedly there might be people who want something very different. For me this place is as good as it gets. Ever. Where to start? The food is Lebanese with a hippie/world kitchen touch, best falafel ever, best couscous, which is served WED nights(?), various coffees and loose teas, a range of smoothies. My favorite one is cucumber smoothie on hot summer days, very refreshing and apparently beautifying, not as heavy as the fruit smoothies, but all of them are excellent! Very good Turkish coffee with cardamom, have it with some assorted sweets from the counter.
Most interesting (handmade by the owner) wooden furniture, I only know this style from alternative coffee shops in Kyoto/Japan, really beautiful is the toilet. Could this be the most beautiful toilet in the world? Believe it or not, I admit it: once I had a skype interview right in there, it was the calmest (and prettiest!!!) place (yes, I got it!, but don't now all occupy the toilet when you have interviews like that!).
You can also purchase some staple groceries (international) or original ceramic cups (also handmade by the very versatile owner).
There is a selection of books, some of them about Islam (original religion of the owner) others about anything really, from a huge Van Gogh art book to "Best US Comics, selected by Harvey Pekar", you will surely find something interesting to read in there (but you are welcome to bring your own, too!)
You can also play some of the board-games or sit outside on the sidewalk and watch the sparrows. The place is warm, personal, welcoming, open minded and very affordable. Handicap-friendly, kid-friendly, (in fact: all around friendly, really!) Walking distance to the Cleveland Clinics. If you come in a wheel chair, the reason why there is no ramp is due to historical preservation laws on this road (which apply to all the buildings on the road), but the owner has some board to bridge the single entrance step, so ask for that and you can get in easily with your chair.
All sorts of people stop by, so if you are afraid of hippies, don't be: you can relaxed come in there with your tie on! Stop by if you're coming through the land of the Cleves, or move here so you can go regularly! (Just make sure you leave me a seat!) -
Review from Lauren S.
Lakewood, OH
2/26/2012
Okay, so I have VERY high standards when it comes to coffee houses, as I was spoiled by the world's best one in my college town. So I guess take this review with a grain of salt, if you please. Soo there was good and bad. While a bit scatterbrained, the barista was friendly and helpful. However, when I received my drink, the mug it was in was very oily? Or greasy? I wiped it down with napkins but it was still greasy, which isn't a great first impression of the cleanliness. The place was actually rather dark, lit only by natural sunlight coming in the windows. There wasn't very much seating, and I ended up on a verrryyyy low chaise covered in a very dirty and crumby? Using a bench as a table. It's not a place that's very cozy or easy on the eyes. I did, however, like the bathrooms, and the clientele is great for people-watching. I'll be back to give it the benefit of the doubt.
-
Review from Toby W.
San Francisco, CA
11/14/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The Algebra tea house is a wonderful spot to get a coffee or tea, have a snack, and spend a bunch of time working on your laptop or reading a book. The tea is great, the food is good, the prices are reasonable. The service is slow but friendly, and speed doesn't matter so much if you're planning on hunkering down for a while.
The ambiance is very quiet, homey, and earthy. The tables are all set up to be comfortable for a long stay while you work or have a quiet conversation. There's a little wood fireplace in the back, and plenty of couches and comfy chairs.
Most of the food I've tried are the middle eastern themed sandwiches (like falafal or shawarma or kabab). They're all tasty, though fairly simple. When I've been to Algebra, there has only one person working behind the counter, and that has made service pretty slow. When you're settled in for a while to get some work done, however, slow service isn't a big problem. Particularly when it's friendly!
Overall, a wonderful, quiet, homey atmosphere with decent food and tons of different teas. Check it out! -
Review from Laura H.
Cleveland, OH
7/18/2011
Delicious food and drinks, gracious and helpful staff, and a unique atmosphere combine to make Algebra Tea House one of my favorite places in the area.
The food at Algebra is probably the best food I've ever had at a tea house or cafe. The food is reasonably priced, made when you order, and always fresh. I love the Algebra Salad, which is a generous portion of perfectly dressed salad topped with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and zattar spices. The Iraqi kebab sandwich is also delicious, as is the spinach pie plate, which comes with a side of hummus and salad. I have had only good experiences with the food here!
They offer a variety of coffee and tea drinks, which are also very good. The mocha is one of my favorites. Usually I do not like mochas due to the syrupy sweet quality they have at every other place I have tried. Algebra's is much less sweet than your average mocha and they add a splash of rosewater that makes the drink truly delicious. As some other reviewers have mentioned, the drinks served in house can be pricey and even smaller in size than the "small" offered at most other coffee places.
Finally, the atmosphere of the place is nice and truly unique. A wood burning stove inside makes Algebra Tea House a nice place to come on a cold day. The only downside in my opinion is that some of the seating can be awkward and uncomfortable.
I would highly recommend Algebra Tea House to anyone in the area who is interested in trying something new, or who is just looking for a relatively inexpensive place to enjoy a meal or beverage. -
Review from Alexander B.
Menlo Park, CA
Algebra Tea House is a truly unique experience in Cleveland. Everything in the place is hand made, right down to the espresso cups. The hospitality is always extraordinary - but maybe in a European way. There's usually only one person working there, so if you order food, it will be a while. But the food is excellent, and clearly a labor of love. The brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday is my favorite, and the whole place smells of the best bacon.
The teas are all excellent. The coffee is unique, and bears no relation to anything you would find at Starbucks. It's a very light roast with some interesting spice (maybe cadamom?). Keep an open mind, and you might find yourself wanting more by the time you get to the bottom of the mug.
So grab a book, or sit down and play one of their many board games, or just come to think about stuff. Algebra Tea House is the kind of place you will not forget.Listed in: Things to do in and around…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/2/2010
A truly unique place. The people who work there re-invent the idea of hospitality.
The coffee is… Read more »
-
-
Review from Amy C.
Cleveland, OH
3/3/2012
As a student at Case, Algebra has become one of my favorite places to study, as it offers a unique and comforting atmosphere along with great food at a reasonable price. The decor is quite unique, with chairs in all sorts of shapes and sizes, many of which are shaped like tree trunks. Various trinkets and games litter the shelves, and guests are welcome to pick up a game to play in the tea house or pick up some paper and drawing utensils to draw a picture. Often, there is music playing in the background, although the style of music seems to change each time I go. The staff are extremely friendly and can often be seen chatting with curious customers. The food offered is delicious; I especially like their sandwiches and pizzas. As a tea house, they also offer a variety of teas and other hot drinks, which are a nice addition during long days of studying. I am also a big fan of their guava smoothie, which is cool and delicious. In addition, various flavors of ice cream are offered for those with a sweet tooth. On weekends, they offer breakfast, which is quite tasty. I enjoy their omelettes, which are served with home fries and toast with butter and jam. The blend of its unique look, comforting atmosphere, and delicious food makes Algebra one of my favorite spots in Cleveland. Especially great for students like me, but really a fun place for just about anyone.
-
Review from Funglin W.
Cleveland, OH
6/8/2011
I don't come here often because they do not have the typical breakfast food you generally crave. However, this is a MUST GO TO restaurant... or at least once in your life if you're living in cleveland. If you're a visitor to cleveland, you should come here for the uniqueness of the restaurant but I might recommend Coventry Inn as the place to eat at.
If I had to list my top 3 favorite breakfast place, it would be Coventry Inn, Algebra Tea House, and... i have yet to have a 3rd favorite.
Now, algebra tea house. my friend introduced me to it and when i walked in, it had a really hippy feel to it. The cool thing is, every furniture, cups, plates, etc... is made by the owner. So the cool thing is, every cup looks different. Even the bathroom is decorated in its own unique style.
Onto the food.. it takes awhile between the time you order and the time you get their food. But the reason is because the owner and/or the one other chef there actually hand cooks every food each time an order is placed. The food there are so fresh and so well made. I never mind the wait because this place is meant to be a chill time with a good friend or two.
Must Eat: Algebra Omelet. This dish is amazing! It's also their signature dish. Also, their home fries are soooooooo delicious. -
Review from Arun M.
7/23/2011
Algebra Tea house is one of those places where the ambiance is very good. When you enter in to this place it gives you a feeling that nothing is going to be typical. Truly, this place is like no where. They have very unconventional seating arrangement. Very unconventional variety of teas and very unconventional kind of cups.
I visited this place in summer and there is no AC in this place. The fans looked like they will fall down any minute and the person who is working there, looked at me in a very curious way. I am sure he does not believe in the place and may be he does not agree with the character this place has.
I personally think this place has a lot of potential to be the best Tea place in the town. But it will have to make some minor changes to get there! I think the owners should visit Dobra tea house in Burlington, VT and learns something from them. -
Review from Imran Q.
10/29/2010
y(x) = awesome food + awesome atmosphere + good coffee
Albeit, I found it a bit pricey for the amount of coffee you actually get ($4 for smaller than a 'tall' at Starbucks) .. but any coffee shop that's not Starbucks already gets 3 stars. The coffee is good (although the mocha was a bit diluted) but not the best I've had (The Roots Cafe is awesome).
The best part of this place is the feel. It's a real coffee house, there are young folk all around, even late at night people are walkn' by. If I lived near-by I'd be a poor man with a stomach full of coffee.
Oh and the food is great. The dude grows herbs in the garden and in the middle of preparing the food steps out and grabs some herbs and puts it in your kebab. Tastes great.
Another of Cleveland's hidden gemListed in: Halal Across the Country, Caffeine and WiFi (CLE)
-
Review from Kaitlin D.
Cleveland, OH
12/10/2010
I've only been here twice, but I can confidently say there's nothing wrong with this place.
Goodness:
1. The smells
2. The tea
3. The smoothies!! (Cucumber!! Gosh, soo good!)
4. The service
5. The seating
6. The fire!!!
7. The door. I mean, come on. That's reason enough to just go inside!
Summary: Love.Listed in: Would You Like a Side of Fresh…, Living with Sinatra, Treats, Bfast.
-
Review from Andrew C.
Manhattan, NY
So I'm sitting in my rental car, outside my hotel, unable to check in. The wifi connection is horrible, so I whip out the iPhone app, Yelp "Free Wifi" and find this place. Sure, why not?
What a great Yelp find! This place is just awesome. I wasn't expecting the produce stand, the retail teas and tea-ware, the awesome decor, or the super great service. But that's what I got!
I had the peach tea and it was just right!Listed in: Ohio-hello, Cleveland!
-
Review from Judy G.
North Olmsted, OH
5/3/2011
I absolutely love love love coming here! It's a great place to just kick back, hang out, grab a small bite to eat and drink delicious tea!
My favorite: the moroccan mint.... yuuum! -
Review from Nick D.
Cleveland, OH
8/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Everything good that has been said about this coffee house is absolutely true. Relaxed, intelligent atmosphere, laid-back staff, a varied array of comfortable places to sit, and extremely tasty drinks and foods. This is the kind of place national chains mimic because it draws a varied and devoted clientele by projecting a cool, is-this-someone's-house-or-a-coffee-shop vibe. Strongly, strongly recommended.
-
Review from Joseph F.
4/18/2008
I really like a lot of things about Algebra Tea House, and I'm glad that it's held on and stayed open despite the fact that it barely advertises (you can't even really see the sign on the front door unless you stop and look hard). It's definitely an asset to the Little Italy neighborhood!
Don't come here if you want to study and focus and be really studious. You won't...well, you might if you have no appreciation for cool art, random musicians that come in and jam, affectionate cats that wander in from time to time (at least the last time I was there), and other types of phenomena that are far more interesting than anything you're studying (unless you're a humanities major...but since there are like 4 of them at Case...) Come here if you want to enjoy a great cup of coffee and feel like you're cool and artsy and such. There's sketch books in which one can draw, games to play, and so on. It's a very rich multi-sensory environment!
This is a GREAT place to end a date that begins the Little Italy area. They have a variety of beverages, both hot and cold, so there's something for everyone. I really enjoyed the Palestinian Coffee.
The only problems I have with the place are: 1.) The seating isn't exactly comfortable--they have chairs in a variety of bizarre shapes--some resemble tree stumps with absolutely no back support, and others recline to the point where you're almost lying down--this can make life really difficult when you're dressed up! 2.) The beverages come in cups that contain slightly more liquid than a Dixie cup. I really, really, really don't like going to a place where I feel like I need to drink or eat abnormally slowly so that I don't finish far before everyone else. Since the prices are a tad higher than usual, one would expect a bit more, y'know? To be honest, this is the no.1 factor that keeps me from going here regularly. I am exaggerating a bit, but seriously...the portions here make a Tall-sized beverage at Starbucks look ginormous.
Oops, I just compared this place to Starbucks...I can already see the rotten fruit and vegetables that are being thrown at me by the purists around here who think that going to Starbucks is like committing heresy, so I better finish and get outta here. -
Review from Connie L.
Cleveland, OH
4/29/2008
A darling place that's hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and quirky in all seasons. Delicious homemade chai (none of this Oregon Chai nonsense), and a fun menu of kefte on Mondays, couscous with vegetables on Wed. The hummus comes in generous proportions.
Plus, free wireless. -
Review from Christoffer M.
Cincinnati, OH
4/14/2008
It took me almost four full years at CWRU before I finally made myself go here. I now consider that previous time to have been mostly wasted. The food and drinks are frill-less, but plenty of options ensure that everyone can find his cup of tea (sorry, it was unavoidable) or baked good (cookies, pies).
The real allure is the totally unique ambience. The tables are made from logs. Board games abound. The mugs are hand crafted pottery. The tea strainers latch onto the side of the mugs. The baristas (baris-tea?) are liable to play Scrabble with regular patron in between brewing up tea.
No table is the same, so you'll need to choose your seat wisely. My favorite (so stay away from it) is the wavy reclined seat toward the back. Great for reading and/or a nap (only if you're a decaf drinker). -
Review from Jeremy C.
New York, NY
8/27/2009
Why does the Algebra Tea House deserve 5 stars? Because this cafe offers a unique environment that no other coffee shop in town has managed to replicate. It is a quaint, quirky little joint that offers a relaxing environment for those looking to chat with a friend. The employees set the radio to classical and jazz--probably on 89.7 or 90.3--thereby creating a sedate, tranquil atmosphere. Random interesting books are scattered around the establishment and fun games such as chess are supplied to provide entertainment.
Although the drink I tried was not the most amazing hot beverage I have ever had in my life, it was still really good, and I would certainly pay for it again--although next time I will probably try something else on the menu. I do concur with another reviewer that the servings were small, but, for me, when I come here I am not paying to have the best tea drinking experience in the world. I am paying for the opportunity to hang out in a tranquil environment where I can pass time with a good friend, and perhaps play a game of chess. I definitely recommend.
Check out their site for pics: http://www.algebrateah... -
Review from Jeffrey N.
Astoria, Queens, NY
6/5/2010
Algebra Teahouse is a nice little find on the East Side. It boasts an expansive menu of Middle Eastern Cuisine (but not just Middle Eastern) which I've never been disappointed with. The drink menu is also long. The coffee does have a different taste to it if you're used to Starbucks, but if you wanted average coffee, you'd be looking for a Starbucks!
The ambience here is tricky. Most people won't have a problem with it especially because it's pleasantly different than what one is used to, but f you like clean cut contemporary you may be not be comfortable with Algebra. Along with the books and games for people to enjoy while they're there, Algebra also sells a variety of goods from imported foodstuffs to hand-made pottery.
A visit to Algebra Teahouse will make a nice afternoon for anyone.
Enjoy! -
Review from Carl B.
Cleveland, OH
1/25/2009
Wow, color me surprised. I was expecting another charbucks/phoenix coffee cookie-cutter place. This blows UH-Arabica out of the water without a fight.
My date and I spend 2 hours playing chess while the barista hung out and had oranges and beans cooking on the fireplace. The time flew by. An enclave of peace and warmth.
The coffee was good (if a little cold) at 7:00p, and my date loved her tea. She said the date filled pastry left something to be desired.
But I have not seen a coffee house of this caliber since leaving the West Coast. Everything in the place feels "organic." It is like wandering into David the Gnome's tree and hanging out.
I wish, as Chris said, I found this place earlier into my time at CWRU.
Just an excellent tea/coffee house nestled away with a toasty fire and good music playing.
I'll be in back playing chess if you need me from now on. Shall we play a game? -
Review from P W.
Cleveland, OH
11/11/2011
I could probably just hang out here all day everyday if I didn't have to work. I may start working here actually. Not for the place, although it would be a cool place to work. The guy who was working there today was a really nice guy. I tried a couple pieces of the white pizza and really liked it. I had the turkey wrap and it was awesome. The coffee was great also. I am glad that I finally tried this place. It is probably one of my favorite places that I have been in a long time. I wanted to take a nap on the little bed looking couch chair thing. This may be my favorite coffee house in town. I hate to say that because I really love the staff at E 9th Phoenix. There is just more food here and it is very relaxing to hang out. There also were not any of the banker guys from the Federal Reserve that I cannot stand hanging out here. Now that I really think about, this probably is my favorite now. I have noticed that a lot of the coffee places around town employ hipster types and they start to bug me. I am a naturally friendly guy and try to strike up conversation. Hipsters always shut me down because they think I don't know shit because I look like a square. I don't think that you need to wear goofy vintage clothes or grow a mustache to signify that you may participate in the arts or know a lot about music. The guy here was a model citizen and good human being. It seemed like a lot of the customers here were also friendly and welcoming.
-
Review from Christina V.
Wynnewood, PA
7/4/2008
This place is amazing.
Algebra is the type of café that you often see in movies, but rarely in real life. Owned and operated by an artist from Tripoli, the den's name is inspired by a combination of personal background and history (algebra has Muslim roots and is a universally recognized discipline). I'm usually a germ freak, but I didn't even care that the place seemed less than spic-and-span. The owner initially planned to focus on coffee, but we're all the richer for his decision to turn to tea, instead. The Friday Night Market tea is my personal favorite. Ask where he got the idea, and you'll understand its long and cumbersome title.
Just stop reading the reviews and get to Algebra. -
Review from Alex Z.
Lancaster, PA
6/18/2007
This was my favorite coffee/tea house anywhere--in the whole world. Everything about it is wonderful.
The atmosphere is quirky and unique. Each table is different, oddly shaped...some more practical or comfortable than others.
The drinks are amazing. I love tea, and the teas offered here are of the highest quality, and are unique and different--some of them are ones that would be difficult to find elsewhere. This place makes an outstanding chai. It also offers high-quality, Arab non-alcoholic beer, something I am a huge fan of, and something that can be hard to find.
There are baked goods and fresh fruit (and sometimes vegetables) available for a reasonable price. The baked goods range in quality from good to excellent.
There is also a unique culture associated with this place. The owner and people who work the counter are intelligent, interesting people. The atmosphere is intellectual and is conducive to meeting people and having interesting conversations. There is free wireless internet, and there are scrabble and chess boards (which are frequently used), and a computer and printer available for a small fee. There are certain events on a semi-regular basis...including things as diverse as chess tournaments and a bluegrass night.
Parking? Not always easy but you can usually find it on the street. This place is a short walk from the Case campus, and it is also a short work from the University Circle station on RTA's red line. This is primarily a neighborhood place.
I would recommend checking this place out, if you like this sort of place. I recognize that it's not everyone's cup of tea, but for those looking for this sort of place it is the best one could find! -
Review from Adam B.
7/21/2008
Anyone ever seen The Dark Crystal? Apparently, all of the characters who wouldn't set out to eat or dismember you decided to get together and share their passion for tea and organic architecture. Chairs, tables, window surrounds, and the like shaped out of random pieces of wood and fabric. Door handles formed out of scrap wood. Windows flung wide into the open air and, subsequently, crushing humidity and heat (at times) of Ohio in the summer. Quirky as all-get-out, but fun. Apparently, there's free wireless, but I couldn't imagine sitting in the store and fiddling with my Mac in the heat of the last couple of weeks. There are times when I'm dang thankful for air conditioning - this store might be close to perfect if that was an implemented feature, but perhaps that's merely one of its attributes that I'm missing the "wonderful" quality of.
We had the iced tea, brewed strong enough to be akin to chewing green tea while sniffing mint, but it was refreshing in the midst of the hot afternoon. There appeared to be a pretty fun selection of fresh fruit, pastries, and dried fruit available, along with a ton of hot teas that I'll need to come back on a cold day to try.
Definitely fun and different, and the friendly guy working behind the counter didn't resemble Aughra, a Skeksis, or a Gelfling in the slightest. -
Review from J K.
Cleveland, OH
6/13/2011
This place is disgusting! I went out of my way to go here because I had read the reviews. I'm all for hippie, earthy stuff but this was too much. It looks like a dirty little hardware store where they also serve coffee. I was almost too grossed out to order. I got some sort of coconut coffee that had little 'floaties' of coconut. I ended up throwing most of it out. I'm not sure if it actually tasted bad or if I was just turned off by the atmosphere. It's too bad. I really wanted to like it.
-
Review from Habby H.
11/9/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I was a bit of a skeptic for a while...but I have decided that I am a fan of Algebra overall.
I was always wary to even go into the place due to the unkempt chachka-laden outside. It always looks messy and disorganized. I thought it made the neighborhood look sloppy... and I still do. But I deal.
The first time I visited, I got an Espresso Milkshake. I was expecting a rich coffee milkshake. What I got was a vanilla shake with espresso grounds. Just plain gross and gritty. Weird. On another occasion, I had one of the coffees and I thought it was bit too weak.
But I wanted to like this place. It IS kind of cool. No where near a chain coffee shop. I kind of like the mismatched furniture and hippy vibe. They also have a lot of middle eastern food. I always get their falafel wraps at the Hessler Street Fair and they are really good.
So today, I decided to give them another chance and I went in for some lunch. I ordered the Iraqi Meat Kabob wrap. I was expecting the server to go in the back and heat something up and bring it out. Instead, the friendly guy behind the counter pulled out a skillet and started chopping onions. The meat was pre-mixed with spices, but raw and cooked from scratch. I was really impressed that food is cooked to order here. I was expecting more of a pre-fab meal like most coffee shops have. They have an actual full sized gas stove behind the counter, not just a flat top grill. It was cool watching him cook my food. The taste was excellent. Very fresh and flavorful. Definitely better than I was expecting. The owner is Lebanese or Palestinian or something (can't remember exactly) so there are a lot of middle eastern offerings on the menu. There's also turkey sandwiches and things. I'll definitely be coming back for food.
The tea and coffee selection is pretty extensive and there are a lot of unique flavor combos. I had the Darjeeling Tea and it was pretty good. It was cool because the server "made" my tea bag from loose tea. Again, I was impressed with the made-to-order feel.
So yah, I'm a fan. Algebra is definitely unique and worlds different from anything else in Little Italy. -
Review from Marissa M.
Seattle, WA
5/17/2010
The atmosphere was awesome!
But... I ordered their mocha coffee drink and it was made with rose water. I'm not a huge fan of having my coffee taste like roses.
I'd be interested in coming back to try the food -
Review from Vishal P.
Cleveland, OH
8/18/2008
To add to what others have said:
it is *such* a comfortable environment. So cozy, homely - even with (or because of) the strange, eclectic art and furniture. The many friendly regulars that are always here contribute to the comfort.
Also, the BEST smoothie I've ever had. This is because they make it with rose water (often used in Indian deserts). And it's different every time, depending on who's making it, what's available.
I've been there for breakfast once, which the owner - Amin (?can't remember) - prepares for you. I ordered a plate of seasoned tomatoes, feta, olive oil, and basil, with pita..... more delicious than you can imagine They also have the usual eggs-and-toast. And you can enjoy your breakfast at the counter, chatting with the chef/owner. (Breakfast only on Saturdays and Sundays though) -
Review from Kirsten C.
Seattle, WA
4/28/2011
Great place. An asset to the community for sure. Kind owner, inviting atmosphere and original foodstuffs and drinks. Sat for a few hours, resting from a roadtrip, thanks to Yelp for the tip, got a few neat treats to try, and the owner gave my boyfriend and me a bag of gunpowder green tea as we were leaving. A good man for sure.
-
Review from Sam C.
Venice, CA
10/18/2010
I used to come here to write all the time when i lived in Cleveland. Great atmosphere, love the decor, furniture, and teas. The wood fire place wasn't enough on the harsh winters but hey, sometimes you just don't give a crap.
I loved the local crazy, artsy, hippie regulars, too. -
Review from Liz R.
Los Angeles, CA
6/6/2009
I spent SO much time here in high school and when I came back recently, I was pleasantly surprised that nothing had changed. Same eclectic patrons and chatty employees. Same random stuff for sale. Same ohmygodit'ssogood Mango Sweet tea. Do yourself a favor and stop in next time you need something warm to drink in Little Italy.
-
Review from M W.
Seattle, WA
3/15/2007
This little place is amazing! It has everything you could want from a tea cafe--cute interior, chill servers, a good food menu, free wi-fi and a nice atmosphere. Also Algebra is just a sweet name. This gem is situated along the red brick cobblestone streets of Little Italy, and some of their tea blends are exquisite. I recommend the Fiji Green. Appropriately, I stick around here for hours and work on my math and physics problem sets.
-
Review from Dana B.
Somerville, MA
6/4/2007
Oh my god this is my most favorite place to drink tea ever. One of my good friends lives in Cleveland and I can't understand why she isnt there every waking minute. They have a variety of delicious teas served in very artsy and adorable mugs. They have a few different games (including mancala!!!) and none of their furniture is the same in design. They even have a different algebra problem on the board every day for people to solve and get something free, not really sure what it is though, I obviously didnt do it. I was too distracted by the adorable cat rubbing its head on my leg.
-
Review from Laura P.
Seattle, WA
9/3/2007
They have a great variety of teas which can be served hot or cold and an unusual coffee menu. If I lived in Cleveland, I'd always be here. Didn't get to order anything off the menu, since we had a full breakfast at the Baricelli Inn. On my way to the bathroom, I thought that I got lost in some magical forest. The bathroom doors (one for brothers, the other for sisters) appear to be carved from one larger piece of wood. When you enter the sisters' bathroom, it's like you are stepping into a bizarre world. Trippy.
-
Review from Allyson W.
Austin, TX
4/8/2008
I only went in here once, and never again. I didn't even get anything to eat or drink, so I can't speak for the quality of the food or drink. But the atmosphere was a complete turn-off. It's a dark, cluttered room that complete reeks of incense. The smell is so heavy that it's not even good. I couldn't enjoy it in there long enough to order anything!
-
Review from Rob R.
Cleveland, OH
10/15/2010 3 Check-ins Here
This place is the SHIT!!! And I think Weezy F. Baby said it best, 'Long hallways, I got 10 bathrooms I could shit all day N----'. This is the most legit coffee/tea house I have ever been to in my life, and at the risk of throwing down too many musical references early on in this review, Algebra Tea House is 2 legit for Hammer. If you're looking for Starbucks stop reading now, at The House, as I have affectionately named it, you won't be forced to order triple frapa capa half dongin insert obscure awkward rhyming shot of espresso McDouche with a twist, and you won't be forced to pay for it either. The best part of The House, the most expensive thing on the entire menu is $6.50, with most Coffees and Tea's reppin' right around 3 bills. The Wednesday Special, Vegetarian Couscous, is choice, and is currently still contently roaming the depths of my bowels in the epic search for sphinctoric glory. It was delish, if I may. I heart the abreve. The Iraqui kabob brings more noise than Cleveland bitchin about Lebron, the butternut squash soup is Herculean, and the cappuccino, espresso, and almond coconut sage tea can be classified as no less than orgasmic, literally messed myself upon tasting. Where else in Little Italy can you walk in, sit on a beanbag with a little oak carved table in front of you, drink a bit of tea, and have a conversation with a hippie boy from Case about eating a sock? I contend, Nowhere. Check out The House kids, its tighter than your little sister. Truth.
-
Review from Anand M.
Seattle, WA
6/21/2010
Great reasonably priced food, lots of types of teas, many vegetarian food options, free wifi, friendly staff, good music, chess, board games, reading material, relaxed ambiance, plenty of space and more. This is like the best of Seattle coffee shops, but in Cleveland, and with the added benefit of free parking in the surrounding area!
