Inclusivity is more than just a buzzword; it is an important concept that makes everyone feel welcome and valued. And we think there is something truly special about a small business with this concept at its heart. Enter Snapdragon Tea in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a fun and unique business that is raising the bar on “afternoon tea.”

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From the food and drinks to the entire atmosphere, it is clear that Snapdragon Tea is not just another traditional tea house.

Snapdragon Tea began with three friends. Though coming from different backgrounds, they had a few things in common - they all love tea and they all wanted to see a tea house that provided something different. Co-owner Vanessa Vesperman puts it simply, “We set out to create a casual, fun, come-as-you-are tea house.”

From the beginning, the focus of this delightful tea room has been on providing an affordable, inclusive experience where literally everyone feels welcome, regardless of age, gender, identity, or dietary needs. Snapdragon Tea is a safe space for families and friends to gather and enjoy a relaxed time together.

In fact, it is seeing people coming in and enjoying themselves that Vesperman says is the best part of having a business. “It’s particularly fulfilling to see people returning and bringing friends to share the experience with,” she says. “I think there is always space in this world to share more joy and hope to create a space for people to do that.”

One thing that sets this tea house apart is the accommodating menu. There are options for many common diets and alternatives for those with certain allergies. The menu includes an assortment of non-gluten, vegan, vegetarian, non-dairy, and plant-based goodies so no one has to miss out on the fun.

And we just have to mention how cute the food is. On weekends, guests can enjoy a themed three-course “afternoon tea” with themes like Dinosaur Tea Party, Under the Sea Tea Party, or the Dog Days of Summer, each with their own adorable sweets, scones, and sandwiches.

Snapdragon Tea also welcomes private parties and events, and even has catering options so you can have the tea party brought to you!

Stop in Tuesday through Sunday to enjoy a variety of items from the a la carte cafe menu and unwind in one of these comfy chairs. This may be the only tea house we have heard of where you can ask for your choice of food to be cut into smaller pieces and served on a tiered tray for an a la carte tea party!

Naturally, there are plenty of delicious teas to choose from. Not big on tea? The inclusivity continues with a myriad of non-tea beverages including Kombucha, espresso drinks, steamers, and juices. The menu also includes quite a list of less traditional tea drinks like caramel apple, blueberry mango, matcha, and cherry-rose tea lattes, among others.

From helping local causes with focused drives and fundraisers to purchasing products such as tea, coffee beans, kombucha, and potato chips from other small business in the area, this heartwarming business does a great deal to support the community… not to mention bringing people together in a unique and inclusive way,

Many thanks to Co-Owner Vanessa Vesperman for sharing the story of Snapdragon Tea. Learn more and support this iconic New Mexico restaurant by visiting Snapdragon Tea's website and Facebook page.

Of course, Snapdragon Tea is one of many amazing businesses in New Mexico that’s doing amazing things in the state. If you have another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In New Mexico, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In North Dakota on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.