[media-credit name=’JAKE NAUGHTON/Herald photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]

Madison is a town full of coffee lovers, and the majority of them are undergraduate and graduate students in dire need of a caffeine fix.

But if the prices and the crowded, sometimes hectic, atmosphere of Madison’s scores of coffee shops start to catch up with you, try some tea.

The opening of Dobra Tea, at the location Real Chili used to occupy on the corner of State and Gilman Streets, marks the chain’s second store in the nation and the first authentic tearoom within walking distance of campus. Adam Ernst, co-owner of Dobra Tea, is passionate about what he does and takes pride in continuing the traditions of ancient tea making.

Initially, it’s difficult to expect what the atmosphere of a tea shop would be like, but it’s easy to assume the store would resemble the typical coffee shop. Instead, Dobra Tea represents a contrast to a society that focuses on instant gratification. The atmosphere invites customers to take a seat either at an intimate table or on cushions on a carpeted floor.

The tearoom is also distinct from most coffee shops because it does not provide to-go service. Tea is meant to be enjoyed with good conversation, relaxation or studying.

“Tea teaches patience and mindfulness,” remarks Ernst.

Because of this, Dobra Tea has the potential to become a haven for college students who are desperately in need of a moment or two to slow down in this “fast food” nation.

The tea you think you know, that horrid bagged or chai tea at the local coffee house, does not compare to the fresh — never more than two weeks old — loose tea leaves prepared at Dobra Tea. The company travels to each country, meets with the tea farm workers and personally picks the stock.

“We source 70 plus teas for our menu, with different stock depending on the season,” explains Ernst.

The menu includes teas from China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, India, Africa, Nepal, Latin America, England and Turkey as well as several specialty teas.

I shared three different teas, all equally delicious. The first, a traditional Japanese green tea, Sencha, was refreshing, perfect for light conversation with friends. The second, Wu Long Cha from Fuji, was bittersweet with an aroma of rye bread. The third, a Puer tea, tasted dark, something of an evening tea.

If picking out a tea seems intimidating, the “devo-teas” <!–[if !supportAnnotations]–>at Dobra Tea are all well-educated and eager to help customers select the ideal tea for their taste. The tearoom also provides a variety of snacks, including a delicious plate of pita and hummus as well as classic tea biscuits. With this, Dobra Tea brings the traditions of many cultures to Madison in a pot of tea for less than four dollars and an hour of your time.

The addition of Dobra Tea only continues to build upon the diverse, unique group of shops located on State Street. The tearoom originated in Prague after the “Velvet Revolution” and the fall of Communism. Today, there are 24 tearooms globally and only two in the United States, the first in Vermont. Dobra Tea is a self-proclaimed bohemian tearoom; it is bohemian in the sense that it is a place of international draw and diversity. And Madison seems a perfect location for such a place.

When asked what demographic Dobra Tea aims to please, Ernst responds, “We aren’t looking for anyone, we are looking for everyone.” Come enjoy.

Dobra Tea is located at 449 State St. and is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.