This Charlotte area tea house serves up brunch with good vibes — and it gives back, too
Sometimes all you need is a good cup of tea and some good vibes. Enter Monroe’s A Cause For Tea, a tea house experience that is helping the Charlotte area’s tea scene grow.
Situated in a stand-alone house just off Monroe’s downtown, the venue offers a traditional teahouse experience and much more. Imagine quaint Southern aesthetics in a historic building combined with a community feel and a philanthropic mission.
The doors to the house opened in May 2022, offering a newer place to hang out in Monroe. Since then, it’s been offering tea experiences both private and walk-in, providing a space for those in the Charlotte area to commune over a pot of tea and share good times.
It’s a place to hang up your hat for those exploring the Charlotte area. Founder and executive director Rhonda Griffin describes it as “a place that you can escape and feel like you’re in a different country.”
Think plenty of patterns, vintage furniture, and cozy vibes. Classic wallpaper covers the cafe, and plenty of seating is available for communing over tea with friends and family.
Feminist history of tea houses
Tea houses have roots in feminist and temperance history. Kate Cranston of Glasgow opened four tea rooms in the late 1800s focused on light meals and sharing tea. Having a third space to go without alcohol became important among the trend of temperance at the time.
And in America, most tea houses were owned by women who opened their houses or gardens to guests. This allowed single women to have a career and offer refreshments to other women who were on the go.
Fast forward to today: A Cause for Tea is carrying on this tradition, allowing women a space to congregate — but also, the tea house gives everyone a space to gather.
“It’s most definitely become a destination,” Griffin told CharlotteFive.
[READ NEXT: Steeped in flavor: Here’s your guide to drinking tea in the Charlotte area.]
The vibe and mission
Tabitha Hinson of A Cause for Tea told us the space aims to comfort and soothe the guests.
The values of the establishment include “kindness, welcome, accommodation, restfulness, comfort and contentment.” Hinson said. “We refer to this state of mind as ‘hospitality.’”
After a trip to Nicaragua, Griffin realized she wanted to make an impact on those suffering in the world.
She decided to combine her desire to help with her passion for tea and created A Cause For Tea as a way to give back. In keeping with this mission, the shop offers a selection of hand-sewn items, available both on the website and on premises.
“Our hand-sewn items are made by the ladies in Nicaragua, and we sell them for them in our shop,” Hinson said.
A Cause For Tea also looks to make an impact locally. Hinson points out that many tea bars prioritize making a profit from selling tea, whereas A Cause For Tea looks to improve the community around it.
“We seek to develop and provide an unforgettable immersive experience for the whole of a person,” she said.
What’s offered there?
Tea, of course: Patrons can find over 30 different kinds of loose-leaf teas at A Cause For Tea.
Sweet and savory food options are offered, focusing on Southern and teahouse cuisines. Brunch and lunch are offered. Some examples: tea sandwiches, strawberry salad and quiche.
Hand-sewn goods are also offered for purchase.
Information on reservations
Events are frequently held at A Cause For Tea, and these require reservations ahead of time. Guests can also opt to host private events at the venue, and pricing depends on how in depth the event will be. Reservations are not needed for daily tea and brunch.
A Cause for Tea
Location: 418 E Franklin St, Monroe, NC 28112
Cuisine: tea, brunch, dessert
Instagram: @acausefortea
Alex Cason contributed reporting.
