Top Notch Afternoon Tea Spots in New York City
Afternoon Tea's Modern Resurgence in New York City
The traditional British custom of afternoon tea, once a private affair for the aristocracy, has seen a significant revival in recent years, particularly in New York City. The popularity of this timeless tradition can be attributed to a growing interest in wellness and specialty teas, as well as the desire for unique and aesthetically pleasing experiences.
The origins of afternoon tea date back to the early 19th century, when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, began the practice as a means to fill the gap between lunch and dinner. Today, afternoon tea is no longer just a meal, but a way to relax, socialize, and indulge in a delightful array of teas, sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats.
In the heart of the city, Alice's Tea Cup offers a variety of tea experiences, from the Nibble (Tea for One) at $48, which includes a pot of tea, a scone with cream and jam, a choice of one sandwich, chocolate mousse, and mini cookies, to the Madhatter (Tea for Two) at $88, which features two pots of tea, three scones with cream and jam, a choice of two sandwiches, a mocha cake or chocolate mousse, and assorted mini cookies.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, La Maisonette at the Morgan Library & Museum stands out as one of the most affordable full afternoon tea sets in NYC. This venue, nestled within the tranquil surroundings of the museum, provides a quality experience without breaking the bank.
Other budget-friendly options include Prince Tea House, a franchise with multiple locations across New York City and New Jersey, offering affordable afternoon tea sets, and Little Hen, a location in NYC that offers an afternoon tea set with macarons, tea sandwiches, scones, and your choice of tea.
For a more thematic experience, Lillie's Victorian Establishment, known for its themed rooms such as Dorian Gray on Broadway and Magic in Manhattan, offers an afternoon tea for $50 per person. Alice's Tea Cup, with three locations in New York City and Brooklyn, also provides a whimsical setting for an afternoon tea.
Brooklyn High Low, with its unique spaces across two locations in Brooklyn, offers a variety of afternoon tea sets, including traditional cream tea, The Classic, The Grand Vanderbilt, and The Grand Heights.
The increased interest in afternoon tea is reflected in the tea market trends, with global tea consumption projected to grow from USD 150.32 billion in 2025 to USD 202.44 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by the preference among younger consumers for wellness-focused, low-caffeine, and decaffeinated teas with natural ingredients.
In a report by Forbes, Pinterest's 2022 annual trends report describes afternoon tea as "the new happy hour," reflecting its growing popularity as a social event. Searches for "tea party aesthetic" and "drinking tea pose" on Pinterest also increased in 2022 and continue to rise, further indicating the enduring appeal of afternoon tea.
Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option, a thematic experience, or simply a chance to unwind with a pot of tea and a scone, afternoon tea in New York City offers a variety of options to suit every taste and budget.
- The history of afternoon tea dates back to the early 19th century, featuring prominently in the lifestyle of the aristocracy.
- In the modern context, afternoon tea is more than just a meal; it's an aesthetic experience, often highlighted in photography and video.
- La Maisonette at the Morgan Library & Museum offers a budget-friendly afternoon tea set, merging home-and-garden aesthetics with affordable food-and-drink options.
- The resurgence of afternoon tea in New York City is not just a food-and-drink trend, but a spotlight on wellness, history, and unique lifestyle experiences.
