If you walk down Vassar Street in Reno, you’ll likely smell it before you see it. It’s that deep, earthy, slightly floral scent that only comes from real herbs. That’s Too Soul Tea Co. It isn't just another cafe. Honestly, the tea world is usually split into two boring camps: the stuffy high-tea places with lace doilies and the sugary boba shops where you can't actually taste the tea leaf. Too Soul is the weird, wonderful middle ground that shouldn’t work but totally does.
Tea is personal.
Founded by Jennifer "Jen" Hunt, this place started with a pretty simple realization. Most "premium" tea in America is actually kind of old and stale by the time it hits your cup. Jen wanted something different. She wanted the "soul" back in the brew. Since opening its doors, the shop has become a bit of a cult favorite for locals and travelers passing through Northern Nevada. They specialize in loose-leaf blends that feel more like a craft beer flight than a Lipton bag.
What People Get Wrong About Too Soul Tea Co
Most people assume this is just a retail shop where you buy a tin and leave. Nope. It's a full-on sensory experience. When you walk into the Reno location, the walls are lined with glass jars. Hundreds of them. You’ve got everything from traditional Japanese Matcha to wild blends like their famous "Reno 150" or the "Salty Dog."
The misconception is that you need to be an expert to go there. You don't. The staff—who are basically tea encyclopedias—don't look down on you if you don't know the difference between an Oolong and a Pu-erh. They just want to know how you want to feel. Do you need to focus? Are you trying to sleep? Or do you just want something that tastes like a desert sunrise?
The Art of the Blend
Why does the tea here taste so much better than the stuff you get at the grocery store? It comes down to sourcing. Too Soul Tea Co doesn't just buy whatever is cheapest on the wholesale market. They look for high-grade, whole-leaf teas. Most big brands use "dust and fannings"—the leftovers of the tea production process. That’s why bagged tea often tastes bitter or one-dimensional.
When you use whole leaves, they need room to expand. That’s why they emphasize the "gongfu" style or at least using a proper infuser.
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Let’s talk about the Yerba Mate for a second. In many circles, Mate is just a caffeine delivery system. But at Too Soul, they treat it like an art form. They offer flavored Mates that actually respect the herb. It’s smoky, it’s punchy, and it doesn’t give you that jagged coffee crash. It’s a clean burn.
Why Reno is the Perfect Home for Tea Culture
You might think a desert town known for "The Biggest Little City in the World" would be all about coffee and cocktails. But Reno has a gritty, creative soul that fits perfectly with a DIY tea shop. Too Soul Tea Co has survived the ups and downs of the Midtown and Wells Avenue area shifts because it’s authentic.
There’s something about the dry Nevada air that makes a hot cup of "Midtown Mint" or an iced "Blackberry Sage" hit differently. It’s a community hub. You’ll see students studying for exams at UNR sitting next to retirees talking about the old days of Harrah’s. It’s one of those rare places where the "third space" concept—a place that isn't home or work—actually feels real.
Understanding the Menu Without Feeling Lost
If you’re staring at the wall of jars and feeling paralyzed, just breathe. Start with the basics.
- The Classics: Their Earl Grey is legendary because they use real bergamot oil, not "natural flavors" that taste like floor cleaner.
- The Signature Blends: Look for the Reno-centric names. They usually have a story behind them.
- The Rooibos: If you’re caffeine-sensitive, their red bush teas from South Africa are naturally sweet and loaded with antioxidants.
They also do incredible custom lattes. Forget the powdered chai you get at the green-logo siren shop. Here, they steep the actual spices. It takes a few minutes longer. It’s worth the wait. Fast food has ruined our patience, but tea is a lesson in slowing down.
The Health Angle (Without the Pseudoscience)
Let’s be real: a lot of tea companies make wild claims. No, a cup of tea isn't going to make you lose 30 pounds overnight or cure every ailment known to man. But Too Soul Tea Co focuses on the genuine benefits. L-theanine is a real amino acid found in tea that promotes "calm alertness." It’s why you can drink tea all day and not feel like your heart is vibrating out of your chest.
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Their wellness line includes ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and elderberry. These aren't magic potions; they’re just high-quality botanicals that support your system. If you’re feeling under the weather, their "Cold & Flu" blend is a local legend. It’s spicy, potent, and clears your sinuses better than most over-the-counter stuff.
Sustainability and the Future of the Leaf
One thing that doesn't get talked about enough is the waste in the beverage industry. Millions of tea bags end up in landfills every day, many of them containing microplastics. By pushing loose-leaf tea, Too Soul is quietly doing the green thing. You buy a tin, you refill it. No bags, no extra packaging, no plastic.
Jen and her team have also expanded their reach online. While the heart of the business is in Reno, they ship all over the country now. It’s funny to think that someone in New York or Florida is waking up and brewing a cup of tea blended in a small shop in Nevada, but that’s the power of a good product.
How to Get the Best Experience
Don't just walk in and order a "regular tea." That’s like going to a steakhouse and asking for "food."
Talk to the person behind the counter. Tell them what you usually like. If you’re a coffee drinker, they might steer you toward a dark, roasted Oolong or a Pu-erh that has those deep, malty notes. If you like cocktails, they might suggest a fruity tisane that tastes great cold-brewed.
And if you’re local, check out their events. They’ve been known to do tea tastings and workshops. Learning how to properly temperature-control your water is a game changer. Did you know boiling water ruins green tea? It scorches the leaves and makes them bitter. You want about 175 degrees. That one tip alone will save your morning brew.
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Actionable Next Steps for Tea Lovers
If you're ready to move past the grocery store tea aisle and experience what Too Soul Tea Co is all about, here is how to start:
- Visit the Reno Shop: If you’re within driving distance, go to 542 Vassar St. Don’t rush. Give yourself twenty minutes to just look at the jars and talk to the staff.
- Invest in a Stainless Steel Infuser: Stop using those tiny mesh balls that don't let the leaves breathe. Get a basket infuser that sits in your mug.
- Try a "Flight": If you’re ordering online, get a few 2-ounce bags instead of one big one. Variety is the point.
- Temperature Matters: If you don't have a variable-temperature kettle, just let your boiling water sit for two minutes before pouring it over green or white tea.
- Cold Brew Everything: Take two tablespoons of any Too Soul fruit tea, put it in a quart of cold water, and leave it in the fridge overnight. No bitterness, just pure flavor.
The world is loud and fast. Too Soul Tea Co is a reminder that some things are better when they take a little time and a lot of heart. Whether you’re a hardcore tea nerd or someone who just wants a better caffeine fix, this is the place to find your soul in a cup.
Key Information At A Glance
Location: 542 Vassar St, Reno, NV 89502.
Specialties: Custom loose-leaf blends, Yerba Mate, Matcha, and wellness botanicals.
Vibe: Unpretentious, expert-led, and community-focused.
Ordering: Available in-store and through their official website for nationwide shipping.
Summary of Brewing Basics
Green/White Tea: 175°F for 2–3 minutes.
Oolong Tea: 190°F for 3–5 minutes.
Black/Herbal Tea: 212°F (Boiling) for 5+ minutes.
Using the right water temperature ensures you extract the flavor without the harsh tannins that cause bitterness. This is the simplest way to respect the quality of the leaves you buy from Too Soul.
Next Step for Your Home Brew: Pick up a digital thermometer or a variable-temp kettle to ensure you aren't scorching your delicate green teas. Then, head over to the Too Soul website or their Vassar Street location to grab a bag of "Reno 150" to experience their flagship flavor profile.