Teakettles, like toddlers, emit a high-pitched noise when they need attention and must be handled with oven mitts. Pacify needy taste buds with today's Groupon: for $5, you get $10 worth of specialty loose teas, snacks, and desserts at Roji Tea Lounge.

Co-owner Tomomi Yoshida's organic oasis melds the traditional tea culture of her native Japan with a modern ambience suffused by indie and electronica tunes. Named for the tranquil garden path leading to a tearoom, Roji lavishes tongue caverns with specialty loose teas from around the world, such as green sen-cha Japanese tea ($6.50) and oolong Iron Buddha brew ($8). Quell exotic cravings with green Coconut Envy tea ($3.90) or the mellowing bergamot-oil-infused earl grey ($3.90), which renders drinkers more relaxed than a bubble bath in a hammock. Alternatively, sweet sippables such as Roji's original chocolate-milk tea ($3.75) indulge saccharine desires, and a mostly vegan snack menu fortifies bellies with homemade green-tea cake ($4.50 per slice) and green-tea parfait ($6.80).

The casual, wood-furnished teahouse offers a relaxed counterpoint to the bustle of coffee shops and Roji's certified green status exemplifies its commitment to sustainability.