The Best Places For Afternoon Tea In Chicago

Tea lovers, you’re in the right city. Women who love to dress up and be fancy, you’re also in the right spot. We’ve done our research and discovered our favorite spots to have a tea party in Chicago. While coffee is a go to option for meeting up with co-workers, tea time is a fabulous time to get together with your friends. Even if you’re not a self-proclaimed ‘tea person’ it’s a great way to get a taste of those delightful antioxidants that everyone raves about. Take our advice and check out these hot spots.

The Drake

Hotel Restaurant, American

Inside The Drake Hotel, lies an extraordinary restaurant called Palm Court. Palm Court is known for having the most beautiful afternoon tea experience and The Drake has been hosting tea for about a century. History has been made here because of visitors like Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth. With over 17 different options of tea and accommodating dietary options, this is an enjoyable affair for any occasion. Finally, you can expect a live harp to be playing in the Palm Court everyday except Monday and Tuesday.
© Afternoon Tea

The Peninsula

Restaurant, Hotel Restaurant, Bar, American

The Lobby restaurant at The Peninsula offers a sumptuous, seasonal afternoon tea complete with dainty pastries, graceful sandwich fillings and tasty scones, all enjoyed with a pot of tea or glass of bubbles. It’s also a great choice for the whole family as children under 12 can choose tasty treats from the bespoke children’s menu. Chocolate lovers won’t be disappointed either, as on Friday and Saturday evenings there’s a bespoke Chocolate Bar, while Sundays are all about the stunning brunch offering. The dining room itself offers floor to ceiling windows, opulent surroundings, and a buzzy relaxed atmosphere.

The Langham

The Langham is the best place for an upscale, relaxing afternoon. Located on the second floor of the Langham hotel, The Pavilion is a beautiful destination for tea. Most customers rave about the finger sandwiches and the scones, but also the wide variety of flavors of tea available. The perfect event to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a reunion. It’s great to note this is a kid friendly atmosphere and children 12 and under can enjoy afternoon tea for half of the price.
330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611; (312) 923-9988

The Allis

The Allis is the best afternoon tea for those who are looking for a more laid back, casual feel. Located inside the trendy Soho House in the West Loop, The Allis is known to have the best deal for a tea party with your friends. This meal includes sandwiches, sweets, and tea. The Allis is known for being able to accommodate a large number of guests, and maxes at about 15 people per table. The tea party porcelain is worth noting because it’s very traditional, cute, and photogenic for all the instagrammers out there.
113 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607; (312) 521-8000

Virgin Hotel

Hotel Restaurant, American

At the Virgin Hotel, you can expect an upside down tea party at the Commons Club. Every Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy traditional teas or boozy teas with small bites. This soirée will have you salivating from the variety of sweet and savory food available. With an affordable price tag, and a three hour window, this tea party runs from 2pm. If you’re not passionate about tea tasting, then the funky, modern vibe of this restaurant will surely win you over.

Palmer House

Inside the Palmer House Hilton, The Lockwood has their own afternoon tea time served daily. With gourmet sandwiches and sweet treats, this exceptionally beautiful destination will have your jaw dropping and have your pinky raising. With a snazzy, elegant ambiance, each customer receives an incredibly large pot of tea with tiers and tiers of finger foods. The Lockwood promises an afternoon of refinement and relaxation with your friends.

About the author

Katie Mastropieri

Katie was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and attended Vanderbilt University as a Division I women's lacrosse player. She has been residing in Chicago since 2014. When she's not busy writing for Second City, Katie is most likely planning a trip or trying new restaurants around the city.