Roji Tea Lounge Edit

I love Roji. It’s the perfect place to go with one to five friends to talk. You can do the tatami room thing, or lounge on sofas or sit at a small table. I am personally in love with the rice balls, which is the only thing I ever want: they are very satisfying, and the delicately seasoned rice and savory seaweed wrapper enhance the tea instead of fighting with it. I love them so much (and so do my 20-something kids), that I’ve learned to make them myself. I’ve happily tried new teas at Roji, and bought a couple of ounces of something I really like. The quality is very high — better than I can get in bulk at Wegman’s, which is saying something. I love that it’s locally owned and operated, and caters to a young crowd. My favorite mid-winter treat is a trip to Roji for lapsang souchong and rice balls, about 4 in the afternoon. I’m always revived when I leave Roji.

Roji is fantastic. It’s got a great atmosphere, with a wide selection of teas and an incredibly helpful and knowledgeable staff. Unlike most things in Syracuse, Roji is open nice and late (it closes at 1AM Tuesday through Saturday), making it the perfect place to go if you want to find some peace, tranquility, and a good cup of tea late at night. Definitely check it out if you get the chance.

This place has a very cool vibe. Brick walls, great tea, delicous sweets to accompany it. Also had an adjoining room very much like an asian teahouse, with pillows on the floors to sit on. Artwork on the walls are from independent artists and are available for silent auction.