The Whistling Kettle – Ballston Spa

The Whistling Kettle is a tea shop and restaurant at 24 Front Street in the village of Ballston Spa. Kevin and Meaghan Borowsky, who had been selling loose-leaf tea online, opened the shop in 2004 and added a full restaurant at the last minute because the space was bigger than they needed; this is the original of a small chain that now includes Troy and Schenectady.

The tea wall runs to hundreds of loose-leaf blends, many made in the company’s own blend lab since 2012, and the menu is scratch-made crepes, paninis, quiche, soups, salads and scones, with a full gluten-free menu. The build-your-own afternoon tea, called The Tower, pairs an entree with soup or salad and a scone or tea bread. No fryers and no soda, by design.

What to know

• Opened in 2004 on Front Street; the original Whistling Kettle.
• Build-your-own afternoon tea called The Tower.
• Full gluten-free menu.
• Tea and teaware to take home, plus a rewards program.