Sep 16
Cedar Tea House: A new, much-needed third space sprouting in South Seattle
Madison Jones READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Along Rainier Avenue, on the strip running from Little Saigon down to Renton, a collection of Seattle’s best spots are interlaced among the big-box chain stores. Near the intersection with Genesee Street in Columbia City, hidden behind an otherwise unassuming exterior, sits a budding late-night community oasis: Cedar Tea House.
The business began in January as the joint idea of a small group of friends, among which was Hector Ayala, a mild-mannered, laid-back kind of guy with a bun, a goatee, and the infectious smile of a person who loves what they do.
“My friends and I were already staying up late like this anyway, so [we thought we] might as well create a space for it,” he told the SGN while gleefully whipping up a nonalcoholic cocktail behind the bar.
The group launched the business in June, and reports having received very positive feedback so far.
The dimly lit space contains cozy nooks and plentiful seating, perfect for intimate groups of friends to chat. On this night, a local Latin bakery had even donated a bunch of its pastries, laid out for free on a table for patrons.
Ayala explained the group’s philosophy behind opening the Cedar Tea House: “In Seattle, there [aren’t] really any spaces that are open late that don’t revolve around alcohol.” He said that in other cultures, like in Asia, people tend to prioritize communal meeting spaces like these. Emphasizing the difficulty finding affordable options in the city, especially for young people, he added, “It’s important that we have more third-spaces.”
Of the beverage options on the menu, standouts included the Four Seasons of Spring Oolong, which was fragrant and earthy, with just a slight astringent aftertaste, keeping you awake for more. The mocktails were herbal, bright but balanced, and immensely refreshing.
In the relaxed atmosphere Ayala and his friends have been able to cultivate, it was easy to let time fly by. Our group stayed for over four hours, chatting and sipping, until the teahouse closed at 2 a.m. Seattle is notorious for businesses closing early, compared to other US metro areas. But Cedar Tea House stands apart as a new option for late-night gatherings and those looking a more sober and calm experience.
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