Tea by the Sea

Pleasant Street Tea Co. & Coffee Bar aims to please each customer who enters.  This hidden gem, located on the north shore of historic downtown Gloucester, is a great place to get off the Grapevine and try a taste of the local flavor.

Downtown Gloucester hosts a variety of cafes, shops and restaurants to choose from, attracting tourists and locals alike.  When Pleasant Street Tea Co. opened four years ago, they immediately attracted local visitors, who discovered the ambiance and fare to be charming.  Gordon student from Gloucester, Abby Quinn ’15, remembers the opening of this café and still visits often.

“I love to go there,” she said. “When it first opened, no one knew about it.  It was so great to go to a quiet little café.  Now it is so popular; everyone loves the place!  It’s still the best.” 

Owners and operators, Allison and Glenn Varga, first decided to open the café simply because they loved tea and the local people.  They and their two young daughters love calling Gloucester their home.  The welcoming vibe of the Pleasant Street Tea Co. is enhanced by the joy with which the owners run the place. 

The atmosphere within the café is warm and inviting.  Offering comfortable couches, window-side café tables and plenty of space, the Pleasant Street Tea Co. has a homey feel to it.  Whether setting up camp in the cozy café with a book, journal or laptop, customers agree that this is the perfect place to pass the time. 

Serving over 100 varieties of teas from around the world, coffee beverages, soups, sandwiches, pastries and other treats, this café is sure to suit anyone’s tastes.  Unique menu options include the Baked Brie, Apple and Cinnamon-Strawberry Jam Panini, the Ham and Cheddar Croissant with Kadota Fig Mustard and Romano Cheese and Truffle Popcorn.  Specialty teas are constantly featured, including their famous seasonal drinks: Pumpkin Spice Chai and Mulled Cider. 

Bethany Schundler, an elementary and special education major from Gordon’s class of ’13 plans to make this café a regular stop after her weekly church service at East Gloucester Community Church.

“This is the cutest café with the most amazing food!” she said.  “I need to bring my family here next time they come, they’ll love it.” 

Less than 15 minutes from Gordon’s campus, the Pleasant Street Tea Co. & Coffee Bar, open seven says a week, offers college students a chance to study or simply get off campus for a break.  Harbor side scenery compliments the interaction with the local staff and customers at the corner of Pleasant Street in downtown Gloucester.

“Who needs Panera?” said Schundler, “This is my new favorite place.”