Our Story

The name Treehouse comes from the treehouse your inner child always dreamed of — a place tucked away from the world, just for you, where you could play, and learn, and grow, and commune and thrive, all at once. A space with room for every kind of joy, peace, and comfort you were looking for. That's the feeling we wanted to build a community around — not just a place to get a cup of tea, but a place that feels like coming home to yourself.

This space has carried that spirit for five years now. It began as a safe, alcohol-free place for people who didn't want to drink, and for anyone who felt like they lived outside the mainstream — built by someone who believed deeply in creating room for people who needed one, and who poured that same spirit into founding Hopkins Pride.

In January 2026, the space transitioned into a new chapter as Treehouse Tea Club, under new ownership. We've carried forward the values and community that made this place matter from the start, while working to build something even more welcoming — a space that's community-led in every sense.

Since then, Treehouse has grown into more than just a place to get a cup of tea. We've built a book club, a kickball team, and a rotating lineup of free community workshops — taught by and for the people who show up here, on whatever they want to learn or share. Our event nights have opened up too, with more people stepping in to lead and shape what happens in this space. Above all, we try to give back — to our community and to people in need — while staying true to what this place has always been: a safe, sober space where all different kinds of folks belong.

Our Values

1. Kindness as a practice — Actively choose warmth even when it's hard. Assume the best before assuming the worst.

2. Curiosity over judgment — When someone is different from you, get interested instead of defensive. Ask questions. Sit with not fully understanding someone yet.

3. Self-awareness — Before you react, check in with yourself. Are you responding to what's actually happening, or something older and deeper? Honesty with yourself is how you show up better for everyone else.

4. Gratitude — Having a space like this, and people to share it with, is genuinely rare. Don't take it for granted.

5. Speak up, don't simmer — If something bothers you, bring it to the table with care rather than letting it build into resentment.

6. Integrity — What's shared here stays here. Protect each other's stories. Leave personal conflicts at the door — and if something needs resolving, do it privately, with respect, and with the goal of resolution not winning.

7. Sober and free — This space exists so everyone can relax and connect without pressure. Protecting that freedom is a shared responsibility.

8. Everyone belongs — Not just tolerated — actually welcomed. Your background, your story, all of it.

9. Respect — Respect each other's boundaries and respect this space. Honor where people are at emotionally and physically — not everyone wants to chat, be touched, or be pulled into something. Read the room and ask before assuming. And bring that same care to the bar itself — treat it like it's yours, because it is. Clean up after yourself, follow the house rules, and help protect what we've all built here. This place only stays special if we all take care of it.

10. Community over comfort — Sometimes growing together means being a little uncomfortable. Leaning into that is part of being here.