No coffee or wi-fi here. Teaism attracts Washingtonians with its high-quality tea and laid-back, intimate settings. Customers choose from a assortment of loose lea teas stored in elegant tins behind the front counter.

Drinks can be accompanied with light Asian-inspired breakfast, lunch or dinner fare with lots of veg-friendly options. My favorite pairing is chai with their famous chocolate salty oat cookie.

GET HERE: The chain has three locations in DC (Dupont, Lafeyette and Penn Quarter) and one in Alexandria, VA (Old Town/Braddock Road). All are within a 10-minute walk from a metro station.