Bantha Tea Bar was the vision of long-time friends Brett Boye & Jack Ball.
One day, while in the space of what was once a plumbers office, Jack and Brett looked at each other and thought that this would be a great place to start a tea bar. In 2013, they started cleaning and gutting out the space of the drop ceiling, dry wall, and old linoleum flooring. They hired Fourth River Workers Guild with permaculture in mind, and using recycled, reclaimed and reused materials, they set out to build Bantha.
It took two years of renovations to turn that building into the cantina-like shop you walk into today; adding stucco walls, a mosaic-tile floor, and a DIY-assemblage style bar counter incorporating old trolley tracks and glass bottles. Open seven days a week, Bantha creates an inclusive environment, welcoming anyone and everyone who walks in for a cup of tea. The shop also hosts a variety of events, including live bands and DJs, comedy shows, poetry readings, and the occasional karaoke night. Over the years, Bantha Tea Bar has become a staple in the Bloomfield-Garfield community and the wider Pittsburgh region, acting as a third space for people all over the city.
It took two years of renovations to turn that building into the cantina-like shop you walk into today; adding stucco walls, a mosaic-tile floor, and a DIY-assemblage style bar counter incorporating old trolley tracks and glass bottles. Soon after this was all completed, Bantha opened to everyone on September 1, 2015.
To decide on what teas to purchase, Jack says it best: “We pick the teas that we like to drink.”
Bantha Tea Bar had the goal to give the community a more “bar-like atmosphere” than most tea cafes by thinking different. Using mugs made by local artists, a reverse osmosis water system, a cobbed ceiling, solar panels, and using as many local and organic teas and herbal drinks as possible.
Bantha has also expanded to other types of beverages, serving lemonade and “specialty drinks.” Bantha also serves sweets, small bites, and soups from local independent vendors.
Stop by Bantha Tea Bar on Penn Avenue and enjoy a tea!