Art, Culture & Caffeine

Where do The Brain from Pinky and the Brain, the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz and Vincent Vega from Pulp Fiction hang out when they’re in the NoHo Arts District? A tea-themed mural at Teapop makes the answer pretty clear.

Teapop—an interesting confluence of creative tea drinks, art and events—is the brainchild of Arlene Yuan. The dancer and choreographer sought to create a performance space for other creatives. She says, “Hosting events naturally comes from my love for building community.”

Arlene doesn’t drink coffee, so in a city where coffee bars are ubiquitous, she counter-programmed with a neighborhood spot for fellow tea lovers. They steep a variety of teas. Tea lattes include Soy Matcha with clover honey; London Fog with Blue Earl Grey tea, milk and vanilla bean syrup; and Buck Roo with buckwheat rooibos tea, almond milk and agave.

Blended drinks come in flavors like cocoa, taro and mint chocolate. Milk teas are available in flavors like almonilla (almond vanilla), salted caramel and strawberry. Arnie is a category devoted to Arnold Palmers in flavors like hibiscus and ginseng mint. Feel free to add boba to any drink for 50 cents.

Yes, they also brew coffee.

Teapop took over a pirate shop (I kid you not) that had a painted treasure map that spanned the building’s entire floor. Now visitors will find a big back patio with picnic tables, stadium seating and an oversized ampersand. Inside, the cafe features laptop warriors planted at picnic tables, exposed wood rafters and rotating art on the walls.

In October Teapop hosts a collective of “MOMS + KIDS” who are featuring their art together. October 21 and 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., a pop-up market on the back patio sells handcrafted goods from local artisans. October 28 brings a Halloween-themed community night with pumpkin painting, candy and costumes. Check their Pop Events calendar for future events.

5050 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, 818-927-0330