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DR afternoontea editorial

Spilling the Tea: Afternoon Tea for Every Personality

Timeless and chic, Afternoon Tea is a tradition that never goes out of style. Afternoon Tea is the quintessential way to spend the afternoon fostering memories in an extravagant space with impeccable service. Jazzed up with modern twists, tea time in Chicago is unforgettable no matter the age. Afternoon Tea provides a leisurely space to relax, catch up with old friends or entertain guests visiting the city. 

Here are 5 exquisitely unique Afternoon Tea spots in Chicago that suit every personality:

  • For the History Buff: The Drake Hotel

    Hosted in regal Palm Court, The Drake Hotel puts on Afternoon Tea fit for royalty. The Queen of England, the late Princess Diana, and the Empress of Japan are just a few of the legendary figures who have dined here. The grandeur space spotlights a large fountain with extravagant floral arrangements. Sounds of trickling water create a warm and inviting ambiance that encourage guests to wind down and soak in the historical charm of the room.

    Guests can expect to see the traditional 3-tier tea tower arrive to their table with an array of sweet and savory bites. Towers are replenished once throughout the visit. The tea menu highlights 17 unique tea blends from Palais Des Thes in France. The Signature Afternoon Tea Cocktail menu can transform guests’ experience into a mid-day happy hour. Opt for a Chai-Tea Tini or a Mint-Tea Tini to try something new.

    Palm Court is open daily for Afternoon Tea from 1 to 4:30pm. Wednesday through Saturday, a live harpist further elevates the elegant tea experience.

    The Drake’s highly traditional Afternoon Tea offers an upscale, yet comfortable setting that is open for everyone, including kids! Children ages 4 to 12 can revel in the Little Prince & Princess Tea between 1 and 5pm for $25 per person.

    Holiday tea begins in early November for $52 a person and includes 1-tier of finger sandwiches and pastries infused with holiday flavors.

    For reservations, call (312) 932-4619

    140 E Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60611

  • For the Eclectic Soul: Four Seasons Chicago

    Allium Tea in the Four Seasons Chicago redefines the meaning of High Tea through their decor. Revamped six years ago, Allium swapped out the white tablecloths and fine china for a more approachable service with funky twists. The atmosphere of Allium channels old Chicago through the dark leather chairs and wood.

    Delectable sweet and savory bites are served on a circular tea tower, further contributing to the new spins on traditional tea service. The BLT push up and violet candied scone are just two of the foods served that push the notion on unconventional Afternoon Tea.

    Allium dares to be different with their Queen of Hearts tea cocktail. For $15, guests can try the chilled cocktail made of gin, lemon berry tea, cucumber and agave syrup. For a classic route, guests can indulge in bottomless bubbly for only $22 per person. The menu also offers 11 Rare Tea Cellar teas featuring green, herbal, white, and black.

    Join Allium for Afternoon Tea service every weekend in November and daily from Black Friday – December 30 for $58 per person.

    120 E. Delaware Place, Chicago, IL 60611

     

  • For the Architecture Admirer: The Langham Chicago

    The Langham Chicago hosts guests inside The Pavilion Lounge for their Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood. Named and inspired after the Barcelona Pavilion in Spain, Pavilion’s atmosphere exhibits characteristics of the marble, red onyx, and travertine used to build the Pavilion through the color scheme and furniture. Afternoon Tea at The Langham London began in 1865 and the tradition has carried on at The Langham Chicago since 2013. The Pavilion Lounge boasts a soaring ceiling and 20-foot tall windows, giving guests a panorama of Chicago while they dine for tea.

    Food is presented on high quality Fine Bone China exclusively designed for The Langham Chicago by Wedgwood, an English home decor retailer. Savory finger sandwiches are served first, and sweet pastries and warm scones follow shortly after. Over 20 tea blends are offered on the menu, including multiple blends exclusive to The Langham. Champagne and sparkling wine give guests the choice to further wind down.

    Wonderland Tea with Wedgwood begins in late November with extended hours for $80 per person. The menu features their holiday Nutcracker tea blend and notes of seasonal flavors in the food. As an extra holiday treat, a complimentary glass of bubbly will be served!

    The Langham Chicago offers Afternoon Tea from 3 to 5pm on weekdays and 1 to 5pm on weekends.

    $78 per person and $30 per child ages 5-12.

    For reservations, call (312) 923-7710

    330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

  • For the Young at Heart: American Girl

    American Girl makes every child's playtime tea party a reality. For children ages 5 and up, The American Girl Café hosts The American Girls Tea™ Fridays and Saturdays, 2 to 4:30pm and Sundays, 2 to 4pm. Children can come accompanied by their favorite doll and spend the afternoon in the American Girl Café. Guests are given the choice of tea, hot cocoa, pink lemonade, or milk. Classic finger sandwiches and dessert pastries are each named after the Beforever™ Characters.

    The menu consists of whimsical bites featuring cinnamon buns, fruit kabobs, pigs-in-a-blanket and cucumber sandwiches. Desserts include old-fashioned linzer cookies, fruit tartlets, and chocolate mousse flower pots. A fun craft is included during the service for girls to work on during their special afternoon.

    Holiday Tea with American Girl is held every Sunday in December from 2 to 4:30pm for girls ages 8 and up. For $22, girls can enjoy sweet treats, a hot chocolate bar and a holiday inspired craft.

    $19 per person; and $24 with champagne.

    For Reservations, call (877) 247-5223

    835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

  • For the View Finder: LondonHouse

    When it comes to finding the most elegant view for afternoon tea, guests must look no further than the stunning scene set at LondonHouse. Their delectable afternoon tea service is held daily in the stunning Bridges Lounge of the LondonHouse.  

    Offering a variety of libations to ensure a lively afternoon of delicious teas, wines and bubbles, this tea has yet to meet a mouth it could not please. 

    Afternoon Tea begins daily at 4PM and reservations are highly suggested. 

    For Reservations Click Here. 

    85 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601



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