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There is a sign in my kitchen that basically indicates that should the world be on the precipice of ending, a cup of tea would set things right. But in less dire circumstances the ritual of afternoon tea with sweet and savory treats and a wonderful cup of properly made tea brings the air of civility to even the most maddening mummy days.
Afternoon tea is a lovely way to spend an afternoon with your child and a wonderful treat to enjoy during the winter holidays. While the NYC afternoon tea offerings are quite lush there are a couple of lovely tea shops close by as well. I’ve noted what ages are appropriate at each venue, but you might be wondering if your child is even ready for a high-tea experience. Age 5 is a great starting point, but kids as young as 3 may enjoy places geared towards children.
Afternoon Tea in New Jersey
Harmony Tea Room – Westwood (52 minutes)
“Relax, reconnect, and rejuvenate” is the well-suited motto of Harmony Tea Room, which serves 23 varieties of loose tea. The perfect option for young ladies sand gentlemen is Juvinili-tea service, with yummy scones, sandwiches, sweets, and drinks.
Mulberry House – Westfield (52 minutes)
Mulberry House offers a farm-to-table dining experience, and the tea menu has a kid-friendly package that includes a scone, two finger sandwiches (including grilled cheese, PB&J, and Nutella), and a sweet. The tea menu is served Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and during brunch hours on weekends. Looking for a perfect tea party destination? Kids’ special event options include Mommy and Me Tea, Alice in Wonderland tea party, birthday tea party, after-school tea party, and more.
High SocieTea – Wayne (55 minutes)
This tea house features more than 50 loose-leaf options, as well as tea education classes, cultural events, and private parties. Your little princess will savor the traditional tea fare, including the delicious scones, quiche, and sweet breads. There’s a special package for young diners ages 10 and younger. “Girls come in all dressed up, and [they] love the tea and treats. It’s all about the experience for them,” explains owner Barbara Healey. “It’s most memorable with their mothers and their grandmothers.” This Wayne location is listed with the Historical Society as the first official post office dating back to 1895. Reservations are not required but are strongly encouraged.
Sally Lunn’s Tea Room & Restaurant – Chester (79 minutes)
With one of the area’s most sizable tea selections from around the world, everyone’s bound to find something they love here. As a complement to all these wonderful teas, Sally Lunn’s tasty menu features fresh soup, sandwiches, “hot from the oven” delicacies, and desserts. Complete your visit to the 30-year-old shop with a stopover at the Victorian Parlor, which boasts an eclectic array of tea-related knick-knacks.
Afternoon Tea in New York City
Madeline’s Tea at the Carlyle – Upper East Side NYC
Madeline’s Tea at the Carlyle Hotel is one of our favorites in the city. Held in the famous Bemelmans Bar, Madeline’s Tea pays tribute to the creator of the Madeline children’s book series, Ludwig Bemelmans. The setting is small and intimate, the food and tea are plentiful, and the music rocks. A big thumbs-up for little Madeline.
Kid-friendly foods and Madeline dolls, books, napkins, and plates are strewn about. A buffet offers kid pleasers such as banana and Nutella crepes, bacon mac and cheese, silver-dollar pancakes, cupcakes and, of course, lemon madeleines, as well as more traditional tea sandwiches.$80 per person, $40 for children younger than 3, plus tax and gratuity. Saturdays November 4–December 23, as well as Sunday December 10 and 17, with seatings at 10:15am and 1pm. Reservations are a must. Call 212-570-7120 or email TheCarlyle@RosewoodHotels.com.
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon – Downtown NYC Gramercy Park
Lady Mendl’s is a true Victorian tea salon in a brownstone on Irving Place that serves a classic English afternoon tea. Sit on couches by the fireplace or at elegantly set tables. Little ones will love The fancy setting and special touches such as decorative rose sugar. There is no children’s menu. The five-course tea includes sandwiches, scones with Devonshire clotted cream and jam, desserts, and bottomless pots of tea from a wide selection, including several of the spot’s own blends. Lady Mendl’s is recommended for ages 12 and older. Younger children are not permitted. The five-course afternoon tea takes at least an hour and a half. $59 per person plus tax and gratuity. Served Wednesday to Friday, 1-4pm, Saturday and Sunday, 12-5pm. Call or visit the website to make reservations.
Alice’s Tea Cup – Upper East and Upper West Sides
Only someone with a heart of stone would not be enchanted by Alice’s Tea Cup. With three NYC locations, it has the most magical atmosphere and the best food of any tea house we’ve sipped at. Note: All three outposts are tiny, so expect a bit of a wait. Butterfly wings are everywhere (you can borrow a pair during your visit or buy a set in the gift shop.) Their Wee Tea includes a pot of tea or other beverage, one scone, choice of any children’s menu item, and dark chocolate mousse. This is a wonderful spot for small tea sippers. $29 for The Wee Tea. Adult tea prices range from $28 for The Nibble to $100 for The Jabberwocky. (Note that pricing is slightly higher at the East 64th location, where there is a new no-tipping policy.) Patrons can order off the regular menu, too. Served daily.
American Girl Tea – Rockefeller Center
You either love or hate American Girl Dolls but the American Girl tea experience is a good one- especially if your little one wants to bring their doll along. The room and tables are lovely and cheerful and the food is surprisingly good. You can catch American Girl Tea there every afternoon, and this holiday season you can also experience Holiday Tea with American Girl on select Fridays from 3-4pm. The café provides plenty of dolls to choose from if your child doesn’t have her own. Great for doll-lovers of all ages but be aware some of its special tea events are reserved for those ages 8 and up. $21 for children, $29 for adults, excluding tax and gratuity. Served daily from 2-4:30pm. Call or book reservations online.
Eloise Tea at the Plaza – Midtown East
The stunning Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel reopened in 2014 after extensive renovations and launched the Eloise Tea, as well as an Eloise Shop and even an Eloise Suite (at more than $2,000 per night), all inspired by the popular children’s book series. There is also a special Eloise holiday tea. Stop by the pinked-out Eloise Shop, where children can play dress-up, watch Eloise movies in the reading room, or play pretend tea. $55 per child younger than 12, $75-95 per adult (prices vary depending on the season—call to check prices and make reservations). Served daily from noon to 5pm.