Coffee is an everyday staple—nay, a necessity—but tea is a beverage made for rest and relaxation. You may typically brew a pot at home, but there are ways to get a little fancier as you enjoy the hot coffee alternative.
These tea shops and afternoon tea spots around Chicago are perfect places for curling up with a book, a laptop or a few friends and sipping on a warm cuppa.
Maison De Castelnau
3352 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. 872-806-2606
This little slice of Paris offers up teas, coffees, hot chocolates and pastries to distract you from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Owner Miriam “strives to bring a sense of authenticity” to everything she serves up. No reservations are needed unless you’re bringing a family of five or more. Reservations: maisondecastelnau.com
Pavilion
330 N. Wabash Ave. 312-923-7710
Nestled inside the Langham Hotel on the Chicago River, Pavilion hosts daily afternoon teas in the style of the original Langham Hotel in London. Tea time at Pavilion is inspired by “Alice in Wonderland” and includes sandwiches, pastries and live music. $65 per person, $30 for children. Reservations: langhamhotels.com
The Allis
113-125 N. Green St. 312-521-8000
Soho House’s restaurant en place offers afternoon tea every day from 2:30 to 5 p.m. For $34 per person, each guest will be served finger sandwiches, a scone, cakes and tea. For an additional $9, a glass of rosé prosecco will also be served. Reservations: theallis.com.
Serenitea Cafe and Boutique
1046 Pleasant St. Oak Park, Ill. 708-660-9670
This Oak Park staple harks back to the prime of tea rooms in the 1920s and 1930s. For $28 per person, guests will be treated to fingers foods, scones and desserts, as well as your very own pot of tea. For $32, guests can be treated to vegan and gluten-free treats. Reserve your spot 24 hours in advance at sereniteaoakpark.com.
Band of Bohemia
4710 N. Ravenswood Ave. 773-271-4710
This Ravenswood gems serves up Spirit teas, including the Thyolo Peony from Southeast Africa, the Gui Fei from Taiwan and the Yamashiro No Kaori Sencha from Japan. Reservations: bandofbohemia.com
Cafe Integral
19 E. Ohio St. 312-940-3699
Nestled inside River North’s Freehand Hotel is Cafe Integral, a coffee shop with a sitting area featuring what might be the comfiest couches in all of Chicago. Grab a cuppa and head to the darkened lounge area to relax for an hour or five. For more: cafeintegral.com
Palm Court at the Drake
140 E. Walton Place 312-787-2200
The Drake is an iconic piece of Chicago history, having hosted Princess Diana, the Empress of Japan and Queen Elizabeth over its many years along Lake Shore Drive. Full tea service is booked for every half hour from 1 to 5 p.m. and guests will be treated to finger sandwiches, scones and their choice of 17 select teas. $45 per person, $22 for children. Reservations: opentable.com
Lockwood at Palmer House
17 E. Monroe St. 312-917-3404
Head to the historic Palmer House for an afternoon tea from 2 to 4 p.m. daily. For $45, guests will be treated to Harney & Sons teas and a mix of sandwiches, scones and sweets. For an additional $10, you can add on a glass or champagne or a mimosa. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. To book: lockwoodrestaurant.com
Plein Air
5751 S. Woodlawn Ave. 773-966-7531
Known for its coffee, Plein Air is a staple for exhausted University of Chicago students, but this French-inspired cafe is a perfect spot to enjoy a cup of tea regardless of whether you’re still stressing out over thesis papers and exams. Plein Air also serves up warm comfort food to enjoy alongside your sipping. For more: pleinaircafe.co
The Lobby at the Peninsula
108 E. Superior St. 312-337-2888
Afternoon tea at the Peninsula is an elegant affair, with seatings at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. Guests will sample a selection of seasonal tea flavors and small bites. $65 for adults, $39 for children. Reservations: chicago.peninsula.com
The Commons Club at Virgin Hotels
203 N. Wabash St. 312-940-4400
Forget the stuffy afternoon teas you think you know. Head to Virgin Hotels for a boozy afternoon with their Upside Down Tea Party, alongside sips from Rare Tea Cellar. Gin-infused sips will be on offer, as well as sweet and savory bites to boot. For more: virginhotels.com
The Lobby Lounge at the Waldorf Astoria
11 E. Walton St. 312-646-1300
Channel your inner Gossip Girl with this afternoon tea at the Waldorf Astoria. For $55 per person, you’ll be treated to sandwiches, quiches, desserts, scones and a collection of loose leaf teas from Rare Tea Cellar. Champagne will also be on hand for an additional cost. Reservations: opentable.com
Russian Tea Time
77 E. Adams St. 312-229-0490
This cozy restaurant in the Loop offers daily afternoon teas from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. as well as a selection of house blends for purchase to take home with you. Afternoon tea service includes a pot of tea, savory sandwiches, cookies, scones and strudels. $29.95 per person. Reservations: russianteatime.com
Celtic Knot
626 Church St. Evanston, Ill. 847-864-1679
Take the Purple Line up to Evanston for Moira’s Afternoon Tea at the Celtic Knot. Tea is served every afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. and includes sandwiches, scones, fresh fruit, tarts and desserts alongside your selection of tea. $19 per person, $12 for children. Reservations: celticknotpub.com
@shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com
