It’s 4 p.m., and tucked away on 55th Street, the ringing echo of quiet chatter and laughter buzzes from Te’amo — a cozy bubble tea shop that has become a popular place to hang out for many U-High students. With the muted clatter of typing echoing from tables lined along velvety-pink walls, and the warm, animated conversation drifting through the air, Te’amo offers an inviting atmosphere that allows students to momentarily escape from the chaos of school life.
With its comfortable seating, calming music, and friendly staff, Te’amo isn’t simply a place to buy tea, but a convenient space to chat and recharge after a busy school day.
Ninth grader Amelia Kasthuri — one of the many students who frequently goes there to study — finds that Te’amo is an enjoyable place to hang out with friends, largely due to the relaxing environment.
“I feel like compared to any other coffee shop, they have the best music, the nicest workers,” Amelia said.
She has been visiting Te’amo for around three years and emphasizes the overall pleasant energy as her reason for still returning.
“I’ve been going there for a while, and it has a really comfortable vibe to it,” she said. “It feels like a safe space for students.”
This sense of warmth and safety wasn’t accidental.
According to the tea shop’s mission statement, “At Te’amo we are all about love — love for tea, love for health, love for one another” — a principle that seems to be reflected in students’ experiences.
For Amelia, this welcoming spirit is echoed by the shop’s cozy design and inviting colors.
“I think it’s very cute and pink and comforting,” she said, “and somewhere you could relax.”
Ninth grader Morgan Purcell shares a similar view. She has been visiting Te’amo for around a year and credits the “great community and calming space” for her pleasant experience.
“It’s somewhere where I go when I want to interact with others,” Morgan said. “The drinks are really good, and it’s just a great place for me to hang out with friends.”
The sun hangs lower in the sky as the afternoon fades away. In Te’amo, the warm white lights begin to dim, but the steady buzz of quiet conversation carries on. By early evening, only a few soft voices remain, as the final students linger, sipping the last of their drinks before they’ll head home.
