I want to like tea, but I’ve never found enough choices I really like. Eli Tea Bar might change that situation.

Located on the north side of Chicago, Eli Tea Bar offers more than 100 teas. Hot, iced, lattes, bubble and kombucha are available on tap.

Upon entering, a tea counter is on the left. On the right is a long wall loaded with various teas, games and other merchandise. Beyond that are a few different seating areas, with a small stage at the end. Whether going solo, with a friend or part of a group, there is a perfect and comfortable spot for you.

Staring at the many tea options, I obviously needed help. Fortunately, the patient staffer walked me through my first order. I selected matcha mango bubble iced tea containing mango pulp, milk, brown sugar, boba and topped with matcha high caffeine. There is also a zero-caffeine option as mango milk. I also ordered an herb and goat cheese croissant. It was so good, I should have ordered two more to take home.

A few days later, my friend and I stopped there on our way home from a DePaul softball game. As much as I liked my first selection, I forced myself to try something else. Again with staff help, I picked another winner in Genmaicha, a Japanese green tea blended with roasted rice. It had a toasted nut flavor with a bit of sweetness.

Eli Tea Bar houses several special events, like nights for writing groups, trivia, art and more. Friday night has an open mic for fledgling musicians. This is perfect for my friend Jim, who recently restarted his music career.

Perhaps my biggest takeaway is the welcome feeling of Eli Tea Bar. I heard several peaceful discussions on usually divisive topics. It was refreshing to see a free exchange of opinions.

About 15 minutes from my home, Eli Tea Bar is now on my radar. There are a lot of teas I need to try … and definitely more herb and goat cheese croissants.

— John Wroblewski, online writer