On Saturday, May 10, Scented Leaf Tea House and Lounge officially opened its doors at 2627 E. Broadway Blvd., bringing a fresh wave of iced teas, cozy vibes, and patio hangouts to the Sunshine Mile.
To kick things off, the shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Then, on Saturday only (May 10), special surprises will be given out to the first groups of customers, and all drinks are buy-one-get-one-free.
Geographically, the new Scented Leaf is right between Decibel Coffee Works and How Sweet It Was Vintage. The local tea house joins a growing cluster of other food and drink spots along the Sol Block, including Rocco’s Little Chicago, The Broadway, and Quisty’s Sandwiches.
Owners Shane and Adrienne Barela, both University of Arizona grads, first got the idea for a modern tea house while on their honeymoon in Spain. After discovering loose-leaf tea in a small shop outside a cathedral in Granada, the two were hooked — and inspired to bring something similar back home to Tucson.
The new shop continues the Scented Leaf tradition of customizable iced teas, flavorful hot brews, select beers, and a laid-back lounge environment made for sipping and staying awhile.
With neighbors like Decibel Coffee and Quisty’s just steps away, the Sol Block is quickly becoming one of the best corners in town to caffeinate, eat, and explore.
Heads up: Parking is located behind the Sol Block buildings, and there’s additional parking available on 10th Street.
The new lounge’s daily hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Scented Leaf is located at 308 E. Congress St., 943 E. University Blvd. #165, 6610 E. Tanque Verde Rd., and 2627 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information, visit thescentedleaf.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
