You guys, I was blown away by Equitea, the new matcha and tea studio in Baltimore, and I need you to add it to the top of your list! Founded by Baltimore native and wellness author Quentin Vennie, Equitea sits in Remington and it’s so much more than a pretty matcha shop, it’s a slow-down-and-breathe kind of place with a genuinely moving story behind it.
The team hosted me and my friend, and from the first sip of The Signature (matcha, lavender, chamomile, vanilla, and oat milk) I could see exactly why people are raving about this place. If you love matcha, or you’ve been matcha-curious and want a welcoming place to start, this is it. It’s the rare spot that feels good to drink AND good to support. Here’s everything we got, the backstory that made me love it even more, and exactly what you should order when you go.
If you want to take that matcha love somewhere even further, KANOM Cafe in Tuscany-Canterbury does a matcha Basque cheesecake that is worth the trip on its own.
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What Makes Equitea a Standout Matcha Studio in Baltimore
Baltimore’s having a real matcha moment, but Equitea stands apart because it was built on a mission, not a trend. Quentin Vennie leans into wellness as the whole point: the drinks are hand-whisked, the vibe is intentionally calming, and he’s been vocal about keeping prices accessible so being well doesn’t feel like a luxury. It’s also Baltimore’s first Black-owned matcha cafe, which makes supporting it feel extra meaningful. Add in a genuinely lovely space and drinks that actually taste as good as they photograph, and you’ve got a spot that earns the hype for reasons way beyond the aesthetic. If a hand-made matcha beats a chain cup for you, this is your place.
What to Order at Equitea
The Signature ($7.75)
This is the one I’d tell any first-timer to start with. It’s matcha with lavender, chamomile, vanilla, and oat milk, which makes it floral and calming by nature. If you want the drink that best matches the calm-in-a-cup energy of the place, start here.
The Standard ($7.75)
If you’re more of a classic-tea person, this is your move: matcha with their signature earl grey blend and oat milk. The two play off each other for something less floral than The Signature. A great pick if bergamot and tea are more your speed than lavender.
Honey Butter Toast ($5.75)
Do NOT skip the food! The honey butter toast is made to order and ridiculously good, exactly what you want alongside a matcha. One important heads up: it’s only available until 1pm, so go earlier if it’s on your list. It sells the whole experience.
Beyond what we got, the menu runs deep for matcha people: think hojicha lattes, dirty matcha, matcha sodas, golden milk, matcha flights, and little wellness shots. So even if floral isn’t your thing, there’s a version of matcha here with your name on it. They rotate in seasonal specials too, so the board’s worth a fresh look each time you go.
Who’s Behind Equitea?
This is the part that got me. Quentin Vennie is a West Baltimore native and wellness author who came to tea through his own healing, after years of severe anxiety and addiction. When his young son struggled with ADHD, a neurologist pointed the family toward green tea’s L-theanine for calm, natural focus, and Quentin and his wife Erin started blending their own teas at home. That grew into Equitea, which built a national following (Gwyneth Paltrow even came on as an investor) before Quentin brought it home to Baltimore. You can read the fuller story in this Baltimore Magazine profile, and honestly it made my matcha taste even better.
The Vibe and Experience
The space is a whole mood in the best way: bright corner windows, mid-century modern touches, comfy family-friendly seating, and even a vinyl listening station. It’s the kind of place you want to actually sit in, not just grab-and-go, which fits the slow-down-and-breathe energy of the whole concept. It’s family-friendly and easy to settle into, an easy place to bring a friend or the whole crew. For another cozy Baltimore sip spot, OneDo is my go-to coffee pick.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 311 W 28th St, Baltimore, MD 21211 (Remington, in the Remington Row building)
- Hours: when I went they were on soft-opening hours (Wednesday through Saturday, 10 to 3), so check their website for current times as they expand.
- Price: budget-friendly for a specialty matcha spot, drinks run about $3 to $9.
- Good to know: Baltimore’s first Black-owned matcha cafe, and oat milk’s the standard here.
- Dine-in: yes, and it’s a lovely place to linger.
- Parking: street parking can be tricky, but there’s a garage in the Remington Row building.
- Don’t miss: the honey butter toast, but remember it’s only until 1pm.
Is Equitea Worth The Drive?
A million times yes. Whether you’re a die-hard matcha person or just matcha-curious, Equitea’s an easy recommend and a truly amazing spot. Go for the drinks, stay for the story, and grab the toast before 1pm. If you want to keep the sweet crawl going, here’s my guide to the best desserts in Baltimore.
Have you guys been to Equitea yet?! Let me know your order in the comments, Nomsters, and if you’re new to matcha, tell me and I’ll put together more beginner-friendly picks. Save this and send it to your matcha bestie.