Where to Experience Tea in the Big Apple, from Fancy to Whimsical

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The best way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Why, pausing for a proper afternoon tea, of course! Here’s our very favorite tea houses/services in Manhattan.

Fancy and Classic:

The Palm Court at The Plaza (note: they have an adorable tea service for children, too, so it’s a great place to take your favorite little one on a special date.)

The Pembroke Room at The Lowell (note: these guys were FANTASTIC with accommodating for both gluten-free and vegetarian services.  it’s also much quieter than any of the other services I went to on this list, providing an intimate experience.)

Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon (note: nestled in a beautiful downtown townhouse complete with a fireplace, this truly gives you the experience of what a proper tea service must have looked like back in the day.)

BG at Bergdorf’s (note: go here for the full “ladies who lunch” experience.)

The Russian Tea Room (note: this is by far my least favorite on this list, as I didn’t find the staff to be very accommodating with my vegetarian diet nor were the treats very memorable…but since it’s such a NYC institution, I felt I had to add it to the list;-)

Fancy and Whimsical:

Laduree in SoHo (note: they don’t have the traditional tiered tea setting, but you can order separate desserts along with your tea.  they also have a gorgeous back garden, enclosed during the cooler months.)

Kings’ Carriage House (note: nestled in a beautiful uptown townhouse, this is the UES version of Lady Mendl’s…only erring more British.  i loved their mismatched china.)

Casual and Cute:

Alice’s Tea Cup (note: if you’re REALLY trying to make a meal out of afternoon tea, go here, and for $100 two people can have unlimited tea, scones, sandwiches, and sweets.  you’ll also run into the most children at this place, so if it’s a grownup vibe you’re going for, this is probably not the best choice.)

Podunk (note: this place has the best food on the list, in my humble opinion.  family owned and operated in the East Village, it’s truly adorable, but tiny –so make a rezzie–and has no bathroom.)

Tea & Sympathy (note: you WILL wait for this place, and rezzies aren’t accepted, but they have a great selection of British food, along with tea service, so it’s something fun to experience at least once!)

Best Place to While Away an Afternoon Alone With a Book:

Radiance Tea House & Books on 55th Street (note: I’ve literally gone in here and spent HOURS nursing one pot of tea, and they’re completely cool with that.  they don’t have the traditional tiered setting, but have a huge selection of chinese and herbal teas that the other places don’t, as well as really good chinese food.)

I’ll be sure to update this list as I continue to explore more tea services in NYC (there are so many!)

And do tell…anywhere not on here that I should run out and try immediately?  Where is your favorite place for a special tea service?  Share below!

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