The best way to warm up on a cool fall day is with a pot of tea. Cuppa: A Tea Café, located on the corner of Short and Jefferson in downtown Lexington, is just the place to go. Offering over 60 varieties of tea, an assortment of coffee beverages, and freshly baked treats, Cuppa will keep you warm and comforted. Owner Lisa Samson set up the shop with one thing in mind: make people feel at home, and they’ll continue to come back. Pictured is the shop that Lisa acquired last year. The building was once a gas station, though now there are only subtle reminders. The “living room,” a cozy sitting area with couches and colorful coffee tables, still features the garage door that now welcomes patrons to enjoy their tea.
Pictured above is the “dining room” at Cuppa. This photo demonstrates the owner’s commitment to make the café feel like home. Owner Lisa says the most popular teas include: Starry Night (a vanilla black tea), Ear Grey Crème (a creamy black tea), Banana Dulce (an herbal banana flavored tea), and the Peach White tea. All teas can be enjoyed in either a small or large pot, though there are also many different choices for tea lattes, served by the mug. One of the most popular tea lattes is the “angry redhead” (a blend using the red rooibos tea). Samson says she and her daughter had a lot of fun developing the latte names, and this is proof! Samson developed the concept for the café after years of publishing novels. The cafe is the only one of its kind in Lexington, and truly offers a unique experience. So stay warm this fall by treating yourself to a delicious pot of Starry Night at Cuppa!
62 comments:
I would rather go to small local tea/coffee shops than starbucks anytime. There is a small local place in Louisville called Sunergoes, and it has the best coffee and tea I have ever tasted. Just from seeing the two pictures of Cuppa, it reminds me of a very homey feeling that would make me want to definitly come back.
I agree! This place does seem unique since it is in an old gas station. Where else can you find that in Lexington? When reading through the names of the tea, it really made me want some tea, especially since its getting cold out. Ive never heard of this place before, but i guess i will have to try it out sometime!
I love little coffee shops!I would much rather go sit at a small locally owned shop than a starbucks. I wish lexington had more of these little shops!!
I have never heard of this place, but it sounds like a really neat place to visit. There are so many cute, local coffee shops downtown that no one knows of. I usually just head to Starbucks to get my daily coffee because it is conveniently located. However, in my free time I would not mind heading downtown Lexington to check these places out.
I havent been here yet, but it use to be a boutique called the Isle of You, it was my favorite place! But sadly it closed, it is nice to see good use has come from the building because it is a pretty neat building and area, I will have to go check it out some time! A place like this beats Starbucks any day.
-Jillian Dunaway
This is a great feature of a tea cafe. I had never heard of this place before and it sounds like a great place for friends to get together or to go study at. There are always places in college towns that are small businesses that not a lot of people know about. Hopefully this blog will give the owner some free publicity.
-Nicole Benz
I have passed this place a few times, and i have always wanted to go! I love little tea and coffee shops, and the I think the more home like it is, the better! The types of tea listed in this blog sound delicious, and the names are so creative! cant wait to try it!
Meredith Gross
This place sounds way better than Starbucks! I like the local and small feeling of coffee/tea shops a lot more. After reading the blog and seeing the pictures, I definitely want to give this place a try! I also like the unique idea that it's a tea shop and that its where a gas station used to be. That is honestly the best location for it to be in, because gas stations are always on the corner of streets so everyone can see them.
I really like how you focused on a smaller coffee shop instead of a local chain. I have never been to this particular place but there are multiple places like this around Lexington that are very enjoyable. One of my favorites is Common Grounds because they also have live performances and study rooms. I am going to make a visit to this place!
-Elena Jones
I have never been to this shop before, but it looks so cute and inviting. I would love to stop by and try the tea sometime. I think that places like this are great, especially in college towns because it is a perfect place for college students to go and study. The environment is so relaxing and even better than places like Starbucks.
-Abby Hurley
I've never heard of Cuppa either, but this post really peaked my interest in a place like this. I'm from a small town where there is nothing remotely like this, so the whole concept is really intriguing to me. I definitely want to check this place out. Great job!
Lauren Brickey
I have actually passed by this place several times while out running errands in Lexington, though I have never taken the time to actually stop in. The name of the shop has always caught my attention. I really love that painting on the wall, it's very interesting and I agree, it seems that it would feel homey. I love tea, so I have a pretty good feeling that I would much appreciate this place. Will definitely make a point to do so!
-Erin McGee
I have not yet been to this particular coffee shop but definitely enjoy them especially when the weather starts getting a little cooler. I also like to visit Coffea from time to time located on Euclid. Thanks for the idea of checking out Cuppa with the hip environment I'll be sure to check it out.
--Raegan Kuchar
I'm not a big fan of tea but this little cafe just seems like the cutest place to relax. The way the cafe is decorated gives it such a warm and homey feeling. It seems like it would be a great place to get some studying done too. The different names of the teas are so clever and they must be fun to come up with. I definitely will be checking this place out as soon as possible!
I've never heard of this tea shop before but I'm wanting to check it out now! I love little cafe shops but I love Starbucks too. This will be a nice place to escape to during the busy holiday season to relax and enjoy a nice cup of hot tea. Thanks for the suggestion!
--Jordan Jenkins
I have never heard of this place before but it sounds really cute and comfortable inside! I really like tea so I can't wait to go to this place. I bet that around the holiday season and through the cold weather this place gets a ton of business.
I have never heard of before. But it looks so cute and looks very good as well! I will definitely have to check it out!!
I am not usually a tea drinker, but this place sounds really cute! I love the idea of refurbishing an old gas station! It really brightens up the neighborhood and brings a little something special to the area. I love that she has the place set up like a living room to make you feel more at home.
I love little stores like this one. It's so different from the average store and sets a comfortable, friendly environment. If the customers have a good first experience they will come back and bring in new customers. I haven't been to this place before, but now I plan to check it out!
This seems like such a cool tea/beverage place. It sounds like a place you could just hang out with friends and talk. Local shops like this are really great and I love to support them. I really want to go visit Cuppa sometime!
Julie Sutton
I love going to cute, little coffee shops like the one shown above. They are great places to go study or meet with friends. Another nice coffee place that is close to the North campus dorms is coffea. I have gone there many times to study and it is nice because it stays open late.
-Kayla Sienkowski
Cuppa sounds like a great place to go to enjoy a hot drink while relaxing or studying. I love that they kept the garage door, adding character to the coffee shop. The creative names is a definite way to stand out. I hadn't heard of Cuppa before but I would definitely like to go now.
I personally do not like hot teas, but coffee on the other hand i LOVE. Especially since starting college, my love for all types of coffee has greatly expanded. I love finding new little coffee shops. I love that atmosphere and quietness they have over the larger more popular places so I can get more work done or just a little quiet time.
I haven't been to Cuppa yet, it sounds great! I love drinking all different flavors of coffee and tea, so hopefully I can go there soon! The picture of the tree painted on the wall is really cool and artistic. It makes the tea/coffee shop seem homey.
-paige krall
The hotel I worked at over the summer served the Peach White tea you mentioned along with many other interesting flavors. It seems like the tea drinking tradition that was so popular in the "olden days" is barely hanging on in today's culture so it's nice to see a place like this in Lexington that can provide tea service. I like how the owner has come up with unique names for the different blends of tea and also gave it a home-like feel, which I think will establish a loyal customer base.
--Kasey Paterson
I dont really like tea but this place seems really cool and a fun place to hangout with a group of friends. Its cool that it use to be an old gas station, its a good use for it.
-amanda birch
I love Tea and the atmosphere of places like this. I adore cute little coffee shops and non traditional places. For prom my date and I went to our favorite cafe and ate. It was a beautiful setting and at the same time not too serious, since we were going one on one as friends. Its cute to see places like this in lexington. I will definitely have to check this place out. I love thai tea so it will be interesting to see if they have it.
I have drove past this place a lot of times and always wonder what it is. I LOVE tea. I drink it practically for every meal, its an addiction. So, I think visiting this place would be great :) Visiting these locally owned businesses in Lexington is always fun - gives you a taste of something new as opposed to all of the national brands that we all seem to be so used to.
-Katie Fisher
This cafe' looks so cute!! I am more of a coffee person than a tea person but i would definitely go here and try one! I love how all the drinks have creative names that reflect what tea is used in the drink. I cant wait to check this place out!!
Elizabeth Griffith
This little, 'at home' shop sounds very appealing, especially with it's incredibly large variety of teas and coffees. Being an avid drinker, I'd love to see the twists they put on the typical coffee drinks. I would also be interested in knowing how much of a profit this small shop makes, being that Starbuck's is conveniently located at all possibly stopping points on campus, and throughout the city of Lexington. Regardless, I will be sure to check it out!
Although this is a great article about Cuppa I would had loved if you could have told me the price range. I love the logo, that they want you to feel like your at home so you will come back. And although I am not a big fan of tea or coffee I liked that they serve baked treats.
I have never heard of this place but it sounds really neat. I'm not much of a tea drinker either, but I think the names for their teas are interesting and bring in a lot of customers. I also like how it looks very modern on the inside and seems like a good place to get a warm drink and relax.
Drew McCombs
I think I have seen this place before, but never stopped in. It looks very cozy and home like, just like the owner set out to do. Well she achieved her goal by these pictures! I'm not a big tea person, but still looks like a fun place.
-Bethany Davis
This tea/coffe shop is great idea because its so homey and wants you to feel welcomed. I've passed the shop all the time coming to and from school and the location is great as well.
-jannifer buchanan
This place looks so cute! I am not much of a coffee drinker but in the wintertime i think this would be a great place to warm up and get some homework done or relax with friends. The starbucks around campus are just to crowded for quiet study time so maybe this little shop would be a good idea!
-Danielle Custer
This place looks adorable! I would go to a locally owned coffee shop before I went to a place like Starbucks. I love the "homey" atmosphere. I'm from Louisville and I feel like we have a lot of locally owned coffee shops, but I don't feel like I can say the same for Lexington. So it's nice to know there is Cuppas right here in town, I'll definitely have to check it out!
-Paige Hofmann
I have never been here but it looks like a place I'll be visiting soon! It seems like as students we all rush over to the nearest Starbucks whenever we get a chance. It'll be a nice change to mix things up and try a locally owned store instead! This is sure to be a student favorite.
Sounds like a great place. I didn't know that there was now a coffee shop in that location. My roommate loves coffee shops so I'll have to tell her about it.
-Rebecca Ramos
I don't like tea at all but this seems like such a cool place I may have to try it! I really liked the mural on the wall in the dining room area. It seems like a warm inviting eclectic place to go! I didn't know that it was there. I'll have to go check it out sometime soon.
-Abby Theobald
I have never heard of this place. It sounds so peaceful and relaxing to go to. I unfortunately don't like tea but I wouldn't mind going there for some coffee and a pastry. It sounds like a great place to go to when it is nice and cold out. Also, the tree painting is absolutely fabulous. I would love to have that in my room.
This place looks really neat with the picture that captured its decor. I have never been or heard of it, but I'm not much on coffee or tea. I think the owner did a good job in her transformation from the gas station to a local tea shop however. It looks great!
-Amber Olinger
This place looks so cute! I've never been there or even heard of it-but then again i'm from the north. I love little coffee shops, best place to hang out and chill! It looks really cool!
-Layla Boliha
After reading this blog, I just want to go out for a cup of coffee right now. I don't even drink coffee but this definitely alters my mind. This place seems to be the perfect spot to catch a college student, and if you notice on the sign, they have free wifi connection.
Seems very original and innovative to transform a gas station into a cafe. It is the First cafe that i have heard of that emphasizes tea, which i appreciate. I Will definitely try to visit this place as the winter season approaches.
I've never heard of this place before but it looks so cute and unique. I think it's so cool that this place used to be a gas station; I would have never guessed that by looking at the pictures. I'll definitely have to go check it out sometime!
-Cortney Hockenbury
Ever since I came to college, I started drinking coofee to help me stay awake on early mornings and late nights of studying. I've never heard of this coffee and tea shop until reading this blog but it looks absolutely adorable. I will definitely have to check it out for myself some time soon.
Kerri Prichard
This place looks like cute and cozy place to study. I am definitely going to check it out! Coffee is one of my favorite beverages so I am definitely interested in Cuppas. The atmosphere seems perfect for relaxation and concentrating on homework.
-Olivia Rink
This café sounds adorable! One of my favorite things about cafes is their relaxed and homey atmosphere. The wall decals here and the couches really help to create that vibe. This would be a great way to study with friends over a cup of coffee while getting off of campus.
I love small coffee shops. They always have resonable prices, great costumer service and an overall chill environment. Being that we are college students it would be a great place to study and catch up with friends.
This is such a neat idea! I would love to open my own unique shop like this one day and hope it's a great success! I have never even noticed this coffee spot before but now I will most definitely stop by! I am always up for something warm on these cold mornings we've been having!
-Kyrie Cloud
I have never heard of this place before but it does seem unique since it is in an old gas station. There are a lot of cute local coffee shops in Lexington. But most of the time i just stop at Starbucks because it is close by and quick.
This place is all new to me. Never heard of it but it sounds delicious. I myself am more of a cold tea drinker like sweet tea, but all the flavors of the hot tea sound good. I like how her and her daughter have come up with the names, that's unique. And the shop looks like a cool welcoming place. I may go there one day to check it out!
-Adria Hearn
I love coffee shops and am always looking to find new ones that not many people know of because they won’t be as busy. I didn't know that this building had turned into a coffee shop since it used to be a boutique. It looks very nice and a good place to go and work on homework if you just need to get away from everything. I can't wait to go and try out some of the drinks that are offered.
Jessica Stockdale
Jessica Stockdale
I think this place looks so cute and relaxing. I would definitly like to support a small family owned shop rather than a chain coffee shop. It looks like it has character that you probably can't find anywhere else in Lexington. I can't wait to try it out!
-Christine Wolfzorn
I love little coffee shops like these! they are a great place to go and relax and get some homework done. I am noticing alot more cafes popping up around town, and they are becoming more popular places to go get coffee rather then running through mcdonalds.
Lauren Farinelli
My favorite is for sure Common Grounds. Loveeee their coffee! I especially love coffee around the cold season, puts me in such a holiday spirit! I guess that's their marketing appeal, really
I love starbucks but i love going to small places too. This post reminded me of Henie Brothers which is in Louisville. I love the feel of small coffee shops and you can go in and almost know someone who is a regular. I would love to have that feeling on campus, have the place where you can go and not have a lot of distractions and get homework done.
I definitely agree, common grounds is the best place to go. I love going there on cold days to grab a quick cup of coffee!
I don't drink coffee and I hardly ever go to their shops. This was a very interesting and informing blog, but I doubt I'll be going to any of these coffee shops soon.
This looks like such a cute shop! haha even if i don't like any of the drinks they have i'd go just to hang out with friends or just relax to write a paper of something. But i think its awesome that there is another option for students other than just starbucks!
This is awesome that you guy's captured Cuppa, i've never heard of or seen it. I've seen common grounds, and thats it. But I think it's great to support our local businesses, and it's a nice way to see some of our town as well.
I have not been to this coffee shop and definitely hope to go sometime soon! I was unaware of this new spot but hope that it is successful. I know there are a lot of people in Lexington that would rather go to a local coffee shop like this. I have a friend that is very particular about drinking coffee from local places rather than going to a mainstream location. I know that Common Grounds is a very popular local coffee shop that is a little bit closer to UK's campus than Cuppa but know that Transy students probably appreciate a new local cafe closer to their campus. I hope that they are able to bring in a good crowd to that location!
-Anne Hart Atchison
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