The Best Places to Have High Tea Like the Royals
Raise a teacup and channel your inner Duke or Duchess.
The Palm Court
Chicago, IL
This extravagant establishment is nestled in the Drake Hotel - a must-stop destination for anyone wandering along the Magnificent Mile. Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana have even paid a visit for afternoon tea, and the hotel hosted a Royal Wedding tea party where guests could catch a private viewing of the nuptials during afternoon tea service.
11 Cadogan Gardens
London, U.K.
When in London, do as the Brits do, and track down this Victorian-style hotel where Afternoon Tea is served daily, complete with a spread of finger sandwiches and fresh scones. Keep your eyes peeled - the hotel's proximity to Buckingham Palace and the Royal Horticultural Society (a favorite spot of the Queen) could mean a Royal Family sighting is in store.
The Rotunda
San Francisco, CA
Break up an afternoon of shopping at Neiman Marcus with an elegant tea at The Rotunda restaurant, which provides an up-close view of the stunning stained-glass ceiling while you nibble on cookies and tarts.
SAMANTHA C./Yelp
Tipple & Rose Tea Parlor and Apothecary
Atlanta, GA
This tea parlor offers a selection of over 140 teas and tisanes, best enjoyed with a light lunch (creative sandwiches are their speciality), plus locally made desserts like macarons and sorbet.
JESSICA S./Yelp
Lovejoy's Tea Room
San Francisco, CA
This quirky spot on the edge of Noe Valley offers several varieties of tea service to choose from, incorporating a menu of pub fare to satisfy your cravings for British classics like crumpets and meat pies.
TIANYU L./Yelp
Cliveden House
Berkshire, U.K.
Very near to Royal Ascot, where the Queen and Prince Phillip are known to visit for the horse races, this five-star luxury hotel draws visitors who want to experience the English tradition of afternoon tea in The Great Hall. Homemade jam and clotted cream accompany an array of sweets and sandwiches that are almost to pretty to eat. Almost.
The House of Commons
Denver, CO
Inspired by the tearooms of London, this quaint spot near downtown Denver hosts baby and bridal showers in addition to offering daily lunch and tea service.
ALYX V./Yelp
Tea Lounge
Las Vegas, NV
This trendy tearoom atop the Mandarin Oriental hotel boasts amazing views of the Las Vegas strip. Their classic English afternoon tea includes a selection of fine teas from around the globe, accompanied by top-notch treats.
Lady Mendl's Tea Salon
New York, NY
Nestled within New York City's upscale Gramercy Park neighborhood, Lady Mendl's serves as a chic, urban oasis to have a spot of tea in a modern setting.
POOJA M./Yelp.
Tipsy Tea Party
Phoenix, AZ
Just because you're drinking "pinkies out" doesn't mean you can't have a bit of fun in the process. The Camby Hotel's Tipsy Tea offering invites guests to get buzzed on tea cocktails infused with champagne or other spirits of their choice.
Chewton Glen
Hampshire, U.K.
The picturesque grounds of this country house hotel provide the ideal backdrop for afternoon tea on the terrace, featuring local ingredients from throughout Hampshire.
Astor Court
Atlanta, GA
The St. Regis Atlanta is home to this swanky dining room, where guests can partake in afternoon tea (Friday through Sunday) with a view of the elegant lobby below and dazzling crystal chandelier overhead.
ST. REGIS A./Yelp
Robinson's Tea Room
Stony Brook, NY
The decidedly unstuffy feel of Robinson's Tea Room certainly doesn't signal a lack of refinement when it comes to the food. Delectable scones, soups, sandwiches, and salads adorn the lengthy menu.
The Steeping Room
Austin, TX
Tea isn't just a drink at this Austin establishment - it's an experience. Premium and reserve teas are served in the form of lattés, "steamers," smoothies and complex mocktails, paired with an array of tasty bites.
The Enchanted Dollhouse
Miami, FL
The tea parties at this Miami spot are not the cutesy, childhood pasttime you remember - they're fully decked-out events with any theme you could dream up, from floral garden to hot air balloon.
A Taste of Britain
Wayne, PA
Treat yourself to a spot of tea and homemade desserts at this quaint tea room and shop in Lancaster County. English favorites like sausage rolls and cottage pie practically transport visitors across the pond.
The Lemon Lily Tea Room
Oviedo, FL
This hidden gem provides the full teatime experience, from the flavorful herbal infusions to the dainty tea sandwiches and scones.
600 Main Bed & Breakfast and Victorian Tea Room
Toms River, NJ
What better place to sip a cup of tea than inside a Victorian bed and breakfast. Visitors take a step back in time as they enjoy a light lunch in the charming setting steeped in history.
The Teapot on Wheels
Gold Hill, OR
You're bound to try a variety of teas you'd never heard of before when you step foot in this adorable teahouse. The Fancy High Tea is a 90-minute experience with all the typical fixings - plus fancy hats to wear as you dine.
The Lygon Arms
Cotswolds, U.K.
English charm is in no short supply at this historic stone hotel, dating back to the 1300s. The property is located in Cotswolds, where Prince Charles' home, Highgrove, is also situated. The beauty of the Highgrove Garden is mirrored in The Lygon Arms' verdant courtyard, where guests can indulge in sandwiches and pastries, complimented by seasonally themed teas.
Raise a teacup and channel your inner Duke or Duchess.