Hey Tynan, thanks for the post. Now I have some places to visit :D.

Not sure if you've been there, but Sophie's Cuppa Tea in the Oakland Hills is an incredible spot. The owner has encyclopedic knowledge and has a great community. At Sophie's you pay for the tea, not the ambiance. You get the "great tea, great people, and great environment" but not the fancy fancy teaware meant to impress passersby.