having just gone there yesterday while it's fresh in my head, I figured I'd write a small review. This place is wonderful. the atmosphere is pleasant, the music is appealing and the food and drink is no less than amazing. I admit that I haven't been to the only other place in Syracuse that serves bubble tea, the Unique Tea House (yet...) but I certainly can't imagine that it's any better. comparing this place to the NYC Tkettle, this place comes out on top by a landslide (and I did really like it there) it was also the first time I was able to order Rice Balls (onigiri) I've been wanting to try them since I was eight and saw them in numerous anime. in addition, instead of the plastic cub I received my St. Mark's bubble tea in, this one (a milk almond bubble tea) was in an attractive glass. for anyone in Syracuse, either visiting or whether it's the place they reside, I highly suggest stopping in if you have even the slightest fondness for tea.‎

Best in Syracuse!: Absolutely nothing like it in town. Slightly hidden out of view from nearby higher traffic streets, roji is a nice little getaway from all the bustle and riff-raff. It is located in a beatiful building, and the interior is very cozy and wonderfully decorated with brilliantly fresh independent music playing. The tea selection is fantastic, the snacks are truly one-of-a-kind in the syracuse area. I have NEVER been to a restaurant with more polite or attentive service, and they are very helpful to the novice tea drinker(as I once was!), lacking the "snobbery" that is generally associated with such places.

The owners set out to offer something completely new to the Syracuse area and to help make tea more popular. Unlike many new businesses, these folk hit the nail on the head precisely their first try. If you visit Syracuse, you MUST visit this place. You would be hard pressed to find a place that is better even in the bigger cities.

Kyoko Koda, 30, is a cook at Roji Tea Lounge, 108 E. Washington St., Syracuse. Koda specializes in cooking for private parties at Roji. COOK BY DAY, COOK BY NIGHT "Even outside of the cafe, I am always cooking and baking at home. ...