The Best Afternoon Tea Spots In NYC

A decorated table with colorful pastries and tea china sitting on a white table cloth at Kings' Carriage House.
Photo Credit: Kings’ Carriage House

How do you take your cup of afternoon tea? From elegant tea times in iconic New York City hotels, to cozy, intimate tea shops, there’s something special about gathering around a table to enjoy tea and cookies. New York City has enough afternoon tea spots to give Brits a run for their money, and these 5 spots have earned a pinky-up rating from us!

For A Vintage British Experience: Kings’ Carriage House

Nestled on the Upper East Side in a town house, the Kings’ Carriage House stands as my favorite place for a traditional afternoon tea in NYC, so much that I had my baby shower here! With decorated assortments of finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet desserts, the Carriage House resembles a 1800’s B&B in England.

The intimate space is divided into smaller rooms, each decorated with colonial horse and hound paintings and elegant blue and white china. If you’re planning to host an off-site tea party, Kings’ Carriage House offers a tea-party-to-go catering menu to accommodate 8-10 or 16-20 guests.

A table set for brunch or tea time with fresh flowers and white linens at The Lowell Hotel in NYC.
Photo Credit: The Lowell Hotel

 

For Food Restrictions: The Pembroke Room At The Lowell Hotel

Also tucked in the Upper East Side, The Pembroke Room is located on the second floor of The Lowell Hotel. With elegant white glove service, the staff is credited with creating delicious dietary-specific menus, from gluten free to vegan.

Here’s a list of The Pembroke Room’s offering of delightful events:

Monday through Friday
Breakfast- 7:00AM to 10:30AM
Afternoon Tea- 2:00PM to 6:00PM
Pre-Theatre Dinner- 5:00PM to 7:00PM

Saturday and Sunday
Breakfast- 7:00AM to 11:30AM
Brunch- 11:30AM to 2:30 PM

Colorful macaroons and a white tea pot sit on a wooden table at Bosie Tea Parlor in NYC.
Photo Credit: Bosie Tea Parlor

For The Most Affordable: Bosie Tea Parlor

Bosie Tea Parlor is a quaint French tea house in West Village that maintains a much more relaxed vibe than the other options on this list. If you aren’t in the mood to dress to the nines for afternoon tea, Boise is a great spot to relax after strolling through the neighborhood.

Unlike many tea time spots that average $60 per person, Bosie provides tea events for $34 a person for a full afternoon tea. This makes a wonderful spot for a delicate bridal or baby shower, monthly book club meeting, or other group gathering of up to 17 people without paying a space rental fee.

A view of the The Palm Court At The Plaza Hotel's dining room where afternoon tea is offered.
Photo Credit: The Plaza Hotel

For An Iconic NYC Experience: The Palm Court At The Plaza Hotel

The Palm Court at The Plaza in Midtown needs no introduction, as it’s been widely talked about in literature ranging from The Great Gatsby to Eloise. When we think of a classy, New York-inspired tea time, The Plaza naturally comes to mind.

The Palm Court doesn’t remain legendary without reason. Picture this: the mint, white, and gold plates and cups are as regal as they come, with decor resembling the Roaring Twenties and Gatsby.

This is also a great place to bring children, as they have a special “Eloise Tea menu”, complete with PB&J, cotton candy, and cherry jello.

Fresh and colorful finger sandwiches on a glass platter with a white tea pot.
Photo Credit: Pexels.com

For A Bougie 5th Avenue Experience: BG At Bergdorf’s

If you are in need for a day with girlfriends to roam the luxury boutiques along 5th Avenue, there’s no better place to see and be seen than BG at Bergdorf Goodman’s.

Located in Midtown, you almost need to reserve yourself a table that overlooks Central Park. With Spring right around the corner, you’ll be the first to see New York sprout out of winter. You’ll receive luxury treatment here… For example, if you’re wearing a black dress, your server will offer you a black cloth napkin in lieu of white so as not to get lint on your dress. Talk about considerate service!

The tea service is elegant, and make sure to order the service with champagne so you can feel like a real lady who lunches!

Do you have a favorite afternoon tea spot in NYC? Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and give us the scoop!

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