Afternoon tea is a traditional British tradition, and the best places to enjoy it are located near you. There are many places in New York that serve delicious, scrumptious afternoon tea, from big-name hotels with giant tea menus to small, secret shops where the selection is more thoughtfully curated. There is something for every mood and taste, from those seeking an aperitif to those who just want to enjoy some quiet time with friends. The tradition dates back to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who became hungry every day around 4:00 PM.
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon
If you want to experience a traditional, New York-style afternoon tea, look no further than Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon. The historic brownstone is decorated in a Victorian style and is the perfect setting for a romantic afternoon tea. The service is friendly and efficient and the food is excellent, especially for a price that is well below average. The atmosphere is charming and the decor is exquisite. You can enjoy your tea with a beautiful view of the city or the Hudson River. The tea is served with finger sandwiches and house baked scones. Unfortunately, there are no gluten-free or vegan options.
If you want an old-fashioned afternoon tea experience, consider the Irving Place townhouse where this cozy restaurant is located. It offers a gluten-free afternoon tea option, and offers a full five-course afternoon tea service for $59 per person. The menu features five courses: an assortment of seasonal crustless tea sandwiches, finger sandwiches, scones, a vanilla crepe cake, and petit fours.
If you are looking for a more savory experience, you can also check out the Turkish-style afternoon tea. You’ll be treated to delicious dishes like chicken pastilla, lamb and feta, flaky phyllo purses, and labneh ice cream. You’ll be treated to a wonderful afternoon tea and can reserve a spot 24 hours in advance. Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon is a quaint, upscale, and quaint place to have a traditional afternoon tea.
Tiffany’s Blue Box Cafe
For a memorable afternoon tea in New York City, you should make your way to Tiffany’s Blue Box Cafe. This destination serves a prix fixe American breakfast and lunch, as well as afternoon tea in a robin’s egg blue room. The food is delicious and the service is impeccable. While you’re at it, you can also purchase an exquisitely designed Tiffany glass to go with your afternoon tea.
The Blue Box Cafe is located at the heart of the New York Stock Exchange, just steps from the museum. The cafe is decorated to match the luxury of the building, including the signature Tiffany blue couches and tableware. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch set menus, with prices starting at $29 for a full breakfast and $39. Each meal comes with a soup or salad for the starter, a sandwich or wrap for the main course. Tea time is a special time to try one of the teas available at the cafe, including finger sandwiches and scones, finger sandwiches, and the famous Tiffany blue.
Afternoon tea at the cafe is perfect for those who love the Tiffany look, but can’t afford to travel to the store. The tea experience is complemented by a glass of Champagne and an array of scrumptious desserts, served in a gorgeous robin’s egg blue room. It is a great way to treat your significant other, or yourself to a day at the office.
Janam Tea in Lower East Side
The Janam Tea in the Lower East Side is a tearoom with Indian accents that moonlights as a speakeasy. With its regal interior, this spot is a nod to the old-school tradition of the British afternoon tea, which included tea from British colonies and China. Today, the menu includes a variety of Indian teas. For an authentic Indian tea experience, head here. There is also an extensive selection of cakes and pastries.
Open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday, Janam Tea serves afternoon tea and transforms into a speakeasy bar after dark. The tea service lasts for about two hours, and the restaurant’s menu changes regularly, so you’ll likely want to make reservations in advance. The average price is $25, and the tea service runs from noon to 5 p.m. Guests can also choose from a menu of tea and pastries.
The location is a great choice for an intimate evening out. The restaurant is located in a 1920s bank building and is only accessible through the original vault door. It is an experience to be sure, but the experience alone is worth the trip. A respite from the tourists will help you relax, and the adult Eloise tea is every bit as good. A tour of the Lower East Side is not complete without a stop at Janam Tea in Lower Manhattan.
Alice’s Tea Cup
If you’re looking for an afternoon tea near you, look no further than the whimsical Alice’s Tea Cup on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This teahouse features tables outside overflowing with tea, sandwiches, tower scones, cookies, and other delectable treats. The co-owners of Alice’s Tea Cup are seated nearby, sharing the story of their family’s rise from poverty to a successful business.
With multiple Manhattan locations, Alice’s Tea Cup has something for everyone. The West 73rd Street location is particularly nice if you’re visiting with the entire family. The afternoon tea menu includes several different sized scones, various flavors of tea sandwiches, and lapsang smoked chicken. You can also order tea sandwiches, egg salad, and warm scones. Whether you’re bringing a date or a group of friends, Alice’s Tea Cup will be the perfect setting for a delightful afternoon tea.
If you’re visiting the New York area for the first time, consider stopping by one of the many Alice’s Tea Cup locations near you. These establishments serve high tea, brunch, lunch, and breakfast. Reservations are necessary, as the place is incredibly popular. The New York locations are on 102 West 73rd Street, 156 East 64th Street, and 243 Hicks Street.
The Gallery at the Carlyle
Afternoon tea at the historic Carlyle Hotel is a special treat. There is a dress code in place and the cabaret is mural-lined. You might be surprised to find out that many celebrities have graced the stage there! You can’t miss a star sighting, either. Afternoon tea is served until three p.m., and the experience is a memorable one.
Afternoon tea at The Hotel Carlyle is a treat in and of itself. Set on the 76th floor of the hotel, the Gallery is a quaint, yet luxurious space. It is decorated with still lifes of flowers, making it a charming spot for conversation. There is also a large bar where you can order additional drinks. The carlyle is a luxury boutique hotel, but afternoon tea is a treat to treat yourself.
Afternoon tea is an exquisite way to relax and unwind in the city. Served in the elegant Gallery, the tea service at The Carlyle Hotel is lavish. The restaurant’s interior was inspired by the dining room of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, and the menu includes modern twists on classic afternoon tea items. If you’re not in the mood for a high tea, you can still have a cocktail at the hotel’s Bemelmans Bar, located on the ground floor.
Teavana is the perfect place to have your afternoon tea in New York City. The elegant and sophisticated interiors of the venue are sure to enchant even the most discerning palate. There is an extensive menu of savories and sweets to choose from. The menu includes homemade scones, Devonshire cream, yuzu/lemon curd, fresh jam, and a Bailey’s infused dark chocolate Buche.
The Plaza’s Palm Court
Afternoon tea in a swanky hotel is a must if you’re visiting New York City. This historic hotel offers an elegant afternoon tea, high-end breakfast, and evening cocktails. Afternoon tea in the Palm Court is the ultimate way to start your day. Afternoon tea at The Plaza’s Palm Court is one of the city’s most lavish afternoon tea experiences.
The Palm Court has a unique atmosphere, reminiscent of a New York conservatory. The trellis detailing, lush greenery, and custom furniture make this room a true New York landmark. And if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, don’t miss the stunning stained glass dome atop the Palm Court. The Palm Court serves breakfast and dinner daily, as well as afternoon tea.
While afternoon tea in the Palm Court is the epitome of the city’s gentry, it’s also an iconic experience. While the Plaza is notorious for its afternoon tea experience, it charges higher prices than most other locations. Afternoon tea is traditionally served in a palm court, surrounded by lush green palm plants, and started as a light meal for a duchess in England in the 1840s. At The Plaza, afternoon tea is served with a set menu and consists of three courses: scones, tea sandwiches, and sweets.
Afternoon tea at The Plaza is one of the most popular ways to experience New York’s famous luxury hotel. While the hotel continues to sell rooms “from the top down” to increase revenue, it’s not without its setbacks. Even with a limited capacity, the Palm Court’s daily occupancy has consistently hovered around eighty to ninety percent in recent weeks. The doorman and red velvet rope enforce this policy.
