This Review of Witches Brew in West Hempstead, NY, highlights this eclectic cafe with its substantial tea menu, tasty vegan and vegetarian food, and fun goth and Victorian décor.
I’m finally sharing a blog review of Witches Brew on Long Island after over two decades of enjoying their tea, food, and vibes.
Witches Brew in Hempstead, New York a coffee house that serves tasty vegetarian and vegan food, desserts, coffee, and tea. For this tea blog, I’ll focus on their tea, the space, and food. I’ll also share some tips and insight on parking.
Substantial Tea Menu
No review of Witches Brew would be complete without mentioning its extensive (and delightfully funky and artsy) tea menu. (The photo below shows one of its many pages.) Their menu features a wide range of teas–including green, oolong, black, various spiced chai blends, and herbals. There is really something for all tea lovers.
Your teaware will vary. You could get an iron tea pot and an eclectic cup and saucer if you order the Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy oolong). You could get a steel pitcher of hot tea and a tall cup of ice for your iced tea. If you order iced chai, it might be served in a glass jar.
The Space at Witches Brew
In a world full of coffee house chains and cookie-cutter restaurants, Witches Brew is a delightful exception. The decor is a mashup between Victorian, Goth aesthetics, and Halloween core.
Most of the coffee house’s interior is dimly lit; however, there is a “Florida room” dining area on one side that’s bright during the day time.
There’s a wonderful hodgepodge of styles, fabrics, patterns, and furniture. You could eat seated on a sofa or on floral patterned parlor chair, in front of a marble table or a low wooden coffee table.
Review of the Food at Witches Brew
The vegetarian and vegan food at Witches Brew is good! They have a nice range of choices–tacos, Thai curry, falafel, salads, sandwiches, gnocchi, etc. Everything I have tried has always been fresh and flavorful.
I’ve been gluten free the last year or so. I can still navigate the menu with plenty of choices. (Please note that I have the luxury of not being concerned about gluten cross contamination.)
[Here’s Witches Brew’s food menu.]
I’ve heard the desserts are really good at Witches Brew. I’ve certainly seen some enticing cakes in the counter display area when I’ve walked in. Alas, I tend to visit midday and I’m usually too full of tea and lunch to order the dessert.
Address, Parking, and Tips
Address: 311 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552
Parking: There’s free parking in front of Witches Brew and along the nearby side streets. During busy times, you can’t always park as close by as you might like.
Tips: Witches Brew is open Wednesday through Sunday.
They only accept cash. (There is an ATM inside the coffee house.)
Online: Witches Brew doesn’t have a website per se. Besides the link to the food menu, provided above, you can catch them on Instagram @witches1902