Spice Merchants – Fairfax

Too lazy to make assemble berbere? Spice Merchants to the rescue.
The guy behind the counter greeted me upon entry, and was friendly about answering all my particular questions. Even taught me a new pro-​tip: mustard will alleviate capsaicin burn. Loaded up on some neat smoked salts and spices I was running low on, and he was happy to package out products that hadn’t been pre-​portioned from the jars for racking.
Three and a half stars. Everything’s pretty well-​organized, and they’ve maximized the real estate in their conservatively sized shop. The tea pricing is comparable to local chains even if there’s a bit less variety, and they offer some unique blends. Relevant kitchen tools also available; I seriously considered getting a marble mortar and pestle on the 10% off sale. The BBQ rubs smell awesome– I’m looking forward to trying those, the creamy earl grey tea that had run out, and the habanero salt. Only committing to 1 oz at a time when you try new items is just as much of a plus as their frequent shopper stampcard.

I was surprised at the variety of teas and spices here as the location doesn’t seem that large. Not only was there a huge selection; everything was spacious, clean, and well-​organized. I found a loose leaf tea I was wanting that I couldn’t find at Teavana. The owner was friendly and knowledgeable. I felt like I was a guest at a home rather than a customer with money to spend (which of course made me want to spend more!). I can’t wait to come back to this shop!
Quick edit to add: there is a large city parking lot right across the street. I wouldn’t even try to street park directly in front of the store. Just take advantage of the 2 hour free parking.

Cool little shop in the heart of Fairfax. I thought it was a one-​off shop, but it is franchise, however you do get a lot of personable attention. You know the spices are fresh because they are produced in small batches.
There’s a good variety of spices and spice blends, with a lot of regional options (northern Africa to Pakistani to Indonesian to South American!).

Staff: knowledgeable
Spices and BBQ rubs: fantastic
Location: not the easiest to park for, but worth it.
The staff knows what they’re talking about, the prices are much better than other fancy name brand spice places, and shopping here supports a small, local business. Buy some spices and make your food taste better. Do it. You know you want to.

As a home brewer, I like to experiment with a variety of different spices in my beers! Spice Merchants in Old Town Fairfax is a hidden gem in the heart of the city. John, the owner, is always quick to offer recommendations and is very knowledgeable about his products. The loose tea selection is also phenomenal.

This adorable spice store nestled in the heart of Old Town Fairfax is a fantastic addition to the small-​business friendly shopping district. The retail area is cozier than Penzey’s and the service is a lot more personable.
Offering both pre-​weighed and bulk spices, teas, and chocolate mixes, if you’re in the market for a unique hostess, holiday, or «just because» gift, this is the place.

I found this place because they had a booth set up at the Fairfax fall festival. It is amazing– they have the most incredible spice blends. There were so many things I wanted to buy, but for my first visit I decided on the smoked tomato blend, the maharajah curry blend, and truffle infused sea salt. They’re all delicious. The people working there are friendly and helpful. It’s great to find a specialty spice store that’s closer than the Penzey’s in Falls Church that I usually drive to, and I think this place has more interesting blends than Penzey’s does. If you like to cook, you will really enjoy this place. The only reason I gave them 4 stars instead of 5 is that customers are encouraged to open the large jars and smell the spices. The spices in those same jars (that random people have been smelling) are then packaged and sold, which seems somewhat unsanitary to me. At Penzey’s they have «tester» jars you can smell but they don’t sell those for eating, which I think is a much better way to go.

I’m really happy to see this place open. John is great host, knowledgeable and helpful … and a fellow Annandale alum to boot :)
Unlike other spice stores in the area these guys have a big selection of specialty blends (in addition to a good selection of straight spices). No disappointments in what I’ve tried so far. I’m especially fond of their cajun blackening mix. Try it.
I’m not a tea drinker but from what I can tell their selection of loose teas and tea paraphernalia looks impressive as well.
I thought I read that they are opening the bottom floor for tastings and classes. Excellent if true.
Best of luck to the owners — I hope you prosper here in FFX!

I went there the first time because it was close, and I needed some curry powder for a recipe I was making. You walk in, and the charm is immediate. I love the smell of the place. They had a bunch of different curries, all smelling amazing! I’ve tried two different ones so far (and loved them both!), and I plan to just keep going down the aisle. :) Herbs, tea leaves, spices, they have everything I’ve ever needed. Plus, I love the idea of going somewhere where you can get to know the owner and invest in the city instead of just another big chain business.

Stumbled across this great little shop today and could not be happier. The place literally grabbed me by the nose and dragged me in. It smelled SO good from the sidewalk, and even better once I got in the door.
I have been going to Penzey’s for my spices, but I will definitely be heading here quite a bit. For one thing, it’s an easier drive for me, and for another, they have TEAS as well as the spices.
Christine was extremely helpful and personable during my visit, encouraging me to open the jars and take a sniff. One sniff of the Chocolate Cherry Bomb black tea and I was sold. I also picked up a couple of their blends, Butcher’s Blend to mix in with my hamburgers tonight and Tuna Rub to try on some fish later on.
I will definitely be telling all my friends about this wonderful shop.

This awesome gem opened recently on Main Street in Fairfax. Cool location, plenty of parking in the back.
John, one of the owners, was super cool and dropped me some knowledge. I can’t wait to get back there and try some more stuff. I’m pretty new to loose teas, so John made some great recommendations. I went with the calming, soothing Coconut Oolong tea and the Twisted Spears tea – a buttery green tea. There’s a s-​ton more there tea-​wise, not to mention all the spices.
I could have stayed there all day! This is a culinary paradise of scents, flavors and colors! I absolutely loved shopping there.
Get in there, explore, and breathe deep. Word to your mother.