Smalls Tea and Coffee

Really welcome addition to the neighborhood. This is a really tiny little cute space – maybe just about 200 square feet – it’s basically a long hallway with a storefront. Lisa, the owner and sole employee has made the most of it! I think I’m addicted. I go at least once a week now. I like the Chai (a house blend with fresh ginger added at brewing time). The «Cup of Sunshine» is great too (made with tumeric) and of course there are many other herbal options as well as traditional black teas. Did I mention she makes her own Earl Grey blend? Yes she does. Cupcakes made by Whisk are a bonus when in stock.

This is truly one of St. Louis’ best little hidden gems. It would be a perfect spot to woo an out-​of-​towner looking to get a real sense of our culture. Or a great place to bring a day-​time date for a cozy, intimate setting and a shared cup of pure love.
The tea is done right! I don’t know of any other place in town that does teas like this. The ginger turmeric tea, is straight up just ginger and turmeric. It feels like a kick in the chest, that your body really needed. Seriously, if you are not used to strong teas it might take you aback. But I guarantee you will be craving the stuff soon enough. You will have dreams where you are floating in a cup of Hippy Hot Chocolate with that ginger just infusing every pore of your body. I promise.
The place is tiny, hence the name Smalls. It’s basically a wide hallway with benches and tables along the side. It doesn’t seat many people. But what it lacks in space it makes up for in sheer adorableness. At the back of the space, you will find Lisa. I am still not sure if it’s the tea or her warm welcoming smile, but I always feel better after a trip to Smalls.

Review update time!
I went back here again now that they’re officially open. The store is a lot more filled out with tiny tables, shelves, and a little bar area to rest your cup. It really brings the place together and makes it feel more homey. Event though it’s small, the space still feels super welcoming and warm.
I had the Chai tea which was amazing. It’s nothing like that super sweet stuff that’s often handed out at Starbucks. This stuff is legit. Smalls Tea has made me fall in love with ginger. Fresh ginger makes tea so spicy and it’s AMAZING. I highly recommend trying out anything that’s served with fresh ginger if you like spice-​y tea.
I loved the Chai so much I bought some of it so I can make it at home. I’ve even been inspired to add my own ginger.
I highly recommend checking out Smalls Tea and Coffee!

What an adorable little tea shop! The ginger and turmeric tea was amazing– unlike any tea I’ve had before. It felt healthy and energizing and was full of delicious-​ness. I also scarfed down a melt-​in-​your-​mouth salted caramel cupcake the owner imported from a nearby bakery. I totally recommend!

I heard that Lisa of retrailer was doing a soft opening so I went out of my way to check it out.
This is the TINIEST little space and too cute for words! This space used to be a walkway between buildings that got walled in and finished. It’s super narrow but very welcoming. I love how Lisa put in rustic looking furniture and had clean black drawings painting onto the off white walls. She had a bunch of little teapots behind the counter and a neat set-​up for making freshly grated herbal teas.
Lisa was super friendly as I popped into the store. She had a cake from Whisk (dark chocolate and peppermint) which I immediately purchased a slice of (it was gone before she rang me up). She also had a lavender shortbread (I took it home and swooned at my first bite).
I also ordered a hot ginger and tumeric tea. I think this is my new tea craze. Freshly grated spices make this tea a brilliant yellow color with a nice fragrance and perky zing. A dollop of honey in the tea gave it just enough sweetness without being overpowering. I savored every sip!
I can’t wait for this place to REALLY open (not 100% sure when, but she said sometime in January). Until then, I have my chinese-​store purchased tumeric and ginger to tide me over.