definition
strict definition
tea house
An establishment where customers mainly drink tea and socialize, in an informal or ceremonial setting.
A tea house is a place where customers go mainly to drink tea and socialize. It may serve tea in an informal setting, e.g. from behind a counter, or in a highly formal setting with performances of a Japanese tea ceremony.
The setting can range from counter service to a formal tea ceremony. A ceremony is not required for every tea house.
Tea drinking is the main reason customers attend. A general restaurant offering tea alongside its meals does not acquire this specialization on that basis alone.