I am a huge fan of afternoon tea! I really appreciate how much it’s based in service and experience. To me, it’s a moment of pure beauty, with embellishment in the little details and a whole lot of pomp and circumstance. But of course, not all afternoon teas are equal, and that is especially true here in Chicago.
Afternoon tea is one of my favorite hobbies, and after 50+ different tea services, I’ve really made my way through Chicago and have lots of opinions. In an attempt to do something useful with all of that, I’ve put together both a guide and a list of my recommendations based on my findings. Tea service can vary widely depending on price and season, so keep that in mind. I’ve also been to quite a few holiday and Christmas afternoon teas in Chicago, and those can be a bit mixed as well. If you want to see some of these in video form, I have a playlist of reviews on my YouTube channel.
Before we get into it, I think it’s important to mention the difference between afternoon tea and high tea. American audiences often use the two interchangeably, but they are not the same. Afternoon tea is usually much lighter fare (think finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets). It’s more refined, probably what most people picture when they think of tea, and very rooted in British aristocracy. High tea is often a heavier meal, served later in the afternoon or evening, and usually less based in service and tradition.
I find these distinctions important when you’re booking and paying for a tea service, because I feel some places that offer it are intentionally misleading to people who may be unfamiliar with the terminology.
With that, here’s my guide and my recommendations. I hope whichever tea you choose, you have a wonderful time and really get to soak it all in!
Best Overall Afternoon Tea / The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
$125 per person, plus tax and gratuity | Children 12 and under $70 | Streeterville
I have to admit, the Ritz-Carlton’s afternoon tea is really quite chic, and not in the trendy social media way. Tea is held off the lobby in a beautiful atrium that’s bright and airy. For the price, I’ve found the Ritz-Carlton to be the best mix of luxury and quality in Chicago. When I asked the friend I go to tea with most often for their favorite, they named the Ritz-Carlton without any prompting, for the same reasons of quality, value, and ambiance.
The food is exceptional, a good mix of experimental and classic, and everything tastes freshly prepared. Tea sandwiches are so small that it can be hard to keep the bread moist, but the Ritz-Carlton manages it. The savories were by far my favorite, though I’m biased, since my palate leans that way. There are plenty of teas to choose from, all of premium quality.
It’s lovely on sunny days, but my favorite is a moody, rainy afternoon when I can watch the rain drip down the windows and everything feels so cozy. In my opinion, they have some of the best seating of any tea in the city. There’s great back support, and it really allows you to just indulge comfortably. My pro tip is to book the last tea service of the day during the colder months and watch the daylight turn to night. It’s wonderful to see all the Christmas lights slowly come on.
Best Classic Afternoon Tea / The Peninsula Chicago
$150 per adult, including a glass of champagne, plus tax and gratuity | Children (ages 5 to 12) $85 | Magnificent Mile
Pinkies up! If you want the most traditional afternoon tea in Chicago, with a heavy emphasis on service and sophistication, this is my suggestion.
Tea is served in what’s called “the Lobby,” but this is certainly not just a lobby. It’s grand and massive, with premium touches everywhere, and the experience starts the moment you walk in the door. The ground-floor entryway has dark floors and beautiful floral arrangements, which are swapped for massive trees and toy soldiers during the holiday season. From there, you take the elevator up to a warm, golden hallway. Every time I’m there, I feel like I’ve been transported into a scene. At Christmas, they wrap the hallways in lit garland, which is so festive. Then you finally see the Lobby itself, filled with sunlight from some of the tallest ceilings and windows I’ve ever seen.
Afternoon tea at the Peninsula is very formal, so I suggest dressing in your best. The tea selection is one of my favorites, with 20+ options. My personal favorites are the jasmine pearl and the chai imperial, though I’d also try any holiday blends they have. The food is very high quality but, in my opinion, quite minimal. I do wish there were a second round of sandwiches, as I found myself wanting just a bit more for the price. The service, however, is exceptional, and the staff’s knowledge is impressive. They were very attentive about pouring my tea, which helps, since it’s served in heavy (but beautiful) silver teapots.
During the holiday season, they send you home with a little gift, a hot cocoa bomb for adults or a teddy bear for kids. Afterward, I love going upstairs to Z Bar, one of my favorite (and dare I say really sexy) hotel bars. They make a killer dirty martini!
Best Splurge Afternoon Tea / The Langham Chicago
$130- $160 per person, $158 to $178 for holiday tea,| Children (ages 2 to 12) $70 | River North
The Langham’s afternoon tea is certainly indulgent, and it’s the perfect option if you want luxury. At up to $160 for non-holiday teas and $158 to $178 for holiday teas , it’s the priciest offering on this list. It’s also one of the more experimental ones. Tea is served in the Pavilion, and most times I’ve been, it has been themed (Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, and so on), with special touches like dry ice that make for a really visually stunning experience.
I love the experience at the Langham, but my biggest gripe is the price. The service is good, but not overly exceptional. There are no second plates and no parting gift. While I’ve really enjoyed it, I have a hard time justifying it for the price, given my current financial goals. With all of that being said, I found the food exceptional, with the best pairings of any tea I’ve had. They really excel at the sweets, combining interesting flavors in comforting ways I would never think of. One holiday season, they served a white chocolate sweet topped with edible paper printed with a letter to Santa. That’s what the Langham does best, a playful elegance that feels exciting for a special occasion.
The space is stunning. You walk in and are met with views of the city and the river. I recommend getting a drink afterward at Travelle, which I’d say is by far the best hotel bar in the city. It’s right on the river and has killer seasonal cocktails. Ultimately, I’d save the Langham for a special occasion like Mother’s Day, a graduation, or even an engagement party.
Best Afternoon Tea for Families / The Drake Hotel
$86 per adult, $89 for holiday tea | Children (ages 3 to 12) $38 to $39 | Gold Coast
My introduction to afternoon tea was at the Palm Court at the Drake Hotel in 2019. Since then, I’ve been back many times, with groups, solo, with friends, with out-of-towners, and with family and children, so I’ve experienced the Drake in just about every capacity. What I appreciate most is how generous the portions are. They offer second servings, something most other teas at this price point don’t.
The Palm Court is a beautiful backdrop, with a stunning fountain, a mirrored ceiling, and marble tables. The women’s powder room has a really cute mural and is one of my favorite places to take pictures, lol. If you have a larger party during the holidays, I’d recommend booking the side room. I’ve found it quieter and easier to have a conversation in.
As for the food, I’m sad to say I’ve seen the quality decline since 2019, mainly in the savories (the sandwich course). It’s by no means bad, but it isn’t as fresh as it once was, and it doesn’t quite compare to some of the other hotels. Then again, many of those cost $40 to $60+ more per person, so make of that what you will. I’ve taken out-of-town friends who had never been to afternoon tea, and they loved it! It was the favorite part of their trip, and I was so excited to share it with them. Our server did a wonderful job of walking the table through each course and explaining how it all works. Honestly, a lot of my pickiness comes from having been to 50+ tea services. The Drake is still where I’d take anyone who has never been to tea, and where I take the children in my life.
Holiday teas cost a little more, since they feature a live harpist and, at select seatings, carolers (make sure to check the dates when you book!). While roughly $90 a person is by no means cheap, the Drake Hotel is the most affordable of the high-end hotel teas downtown. There’s a massive Christmas tree at the entrance, and the Prince and Princess children’s tea is very approachable for young kids, especially ages 5 to 8. In my opinion, it’s the most magical tea experience for kids in Chicago. It isn’t overly stuffy, so children get to experience something special, especially during the holidays, without feeling stifled.
Best for the Girls, Gays, and They/Thems / The Gwen
$50 per person, drinks extra | River North
Now, the Gwen does things a bit differently. Its Tipsy Tea is a boozy take on afternoon tea, complete with a live DJ and themes that have ranged from Mean Girls to Sex and the City. The way it works is you pay for a ticket for the food, which is $50, and then select your drinks. You can choose classic Rishi teas for $10 or alcoholic options for $15+. The themes and drinks change seasonally, which I think is kind of fun.
Their approach to tea definitely feels more like a social club than a traditional tea service, and it leans heavily on cocktails. I haven’t personally had their tea, but I have eaten at the hotel, and the space is nice and a little more relaxed. It can be a mixed bag, though, since it’s so close to the shops, and the vibe really depends on the crowd that day. If you’re looking for a pinkies-down tea with your friends, a birthday, or a bachelorette, this is the one.
Best Themed Afternoon Tea / LondonHouse Chicago
$100 per adult | Children $50 | The Loop, on the Chicago River
LondonHouse excels at a theme! They do a ton of different afternoon teas tied to the city’s calendar, from Día de los Muertos to Valentine’s Day, and even St. Patrick’s Day. On St. Patrick’s Day, they even offer options to watch the river being dyed green, though I’d suggest going the day after. As any Chicagoan knows, the river is still plenty green without the crowds.
Tea is served in the Bridges Lobby Bar on the second floor, with views of the Chicago River and its bridges. I think LondonHouse is one of the better values in the city. The food is exceptional but still very approachable, and they serve teas from Rare Tea Cellar, a local Chicago tea brand. It isn’t quite as traditional (or perhaps as stuffy) as some other options, so semi-casual dress is totally fine. The food combinations are always really fun, and one of their savory sandwiches was legitimately one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I still think about it often.
American Girl Place
$50 per person, adults and children | Water Tower Place, Magnificent Mile
Yes, it’s true, American Girl Place offers afternoon tea! It’s served in the American Girl Cafe, and it includes champagne for guests who are of age. I haven’t had the tea here, so I can’t speak to it specifically, but I’ve had lunch here several times, and it’s surprisingly good. Even if I didn’t like American Girl (though I do), I would eat here given its lunch prices.
Tea comes with their famous cinnamon buns, which are really quite exceptional. As you can imagine, this is a great option for children, and if you don’t have a doll, don’t fret. They have dolls available to join you, and the dolls even get their own seat at the table!
Russian Tea Time
$69 per person | The Loop, across from the Art Institute
Russian Tea Time is one of the more affordable afternoon tea options in the Loop. Afternoon tea starts at $69 and includes tea, savories, sweets, and what they call “beginnings.” You can also add things on, like wine or salmon roe. They have a full menu of other dishes as well, including caviar service, so if you want to get really fancy with it, this is the place.
I’ll admit I haven’t been since they remodeled a couple of years ago. Because of its location, it draws a real mix of visitors and locals, so the atmosphere is a little more casual. It’s truly a choose-your-own-adventure, and I think it’s a great option for people who are new to tea. I went once as a child and again as an adult, and I quite liked it. It’s also really good for relaxing, lounging, and having real conversations. It isn’t too loud, the seating is comfortable, and I never feel rushed.
The Walnut Room at Macy’s
$45 per person | The Loop, Macy’s on State Street
Afternoon tea in the Walnut Room, inside Macy’s on State Street, is the most affordable option in the Loop at $45 per person. It includes pastries, finger sandwiches, and gourmet teas, and it’s only offered on select dates, so book ahead. I haven’t personally been, but a friend who went really enjoyed it and said it was beautiful.
If you want to see Chicago and you’re not from here, the Walnut Room is a really beautiful place to start because it has such a storied history. Back in the Marshall Field’s days, so many socialites came here while doing their shopping, and it was the very first restaurant to open inside a department store. It’s really fun to go back and experience that, even if I think some of Macy’s merchandise has greatly gone downhill. It’s still a wonderful experience, and there’s a ton of really cool old wood. I’d also recommend walking around the seventh floor to look at some of the old store displays they have out.
The Warwick Allerton
$82 per person | Magnificent Mile
The Warwick Allerton takes my very unofficial award for the highest tea in the sky. Tea is served at the top of the hotel in the historic Tip Top Tap, famous for its glowing sign. It’s offered seasonally and only on weekends and holidays, but it has real old-world charm. It feels very inspired by the 1940s, when the hotel was a hot spot for Frank Sinatra and other Rat Pack members visiting Chicago. The views are top-notch and overlook the Magnificent Mile. I haven’t been, so I can’t speak to the food or service, but this is a very price-friendly option, given the location.
Sofitel Chicago
$65 per person, drinks extra | Gold Coast
Sofitel is another great option if you want a tea that feels less stuffy and less traditional. It’s far more modern, and it’s called the “Un-Tea Afternoon Apéro.” Honestly, it reminds me of when Carrie went to Paris, because they really put a French spin on afternoon tea through the food pairings and the menu. Alcohol isn’t included in the price, but you can add it on.
Pendry Chicago
$75 to $100 per person | The Loop, on Michigan Avenue
Pendry Chicago’s Boozy Tea is one of the newer afternoon tea offerings in the city. Tea is served on Sundays at Bar Pendry, inside the historic Carbide and Carbon Building, and runs $75 to $100 per person, depending on the time of year. Christmas teas tend to be pricier, as you’ve probably seen throughout this guide, simply because demand is higher.
The tea includes a sweet and savory tea tower and your choice of tea from Rare Tea Cellar, a local Chicago tea brand. Tea-based cocktails are available to add on. I haven’t had this tea, but I’ve eaten at the Pendry, and the food is pretty good. I also really enjoy the atmosphere there, and the cocktails really stand out. The service I’ve had from the hotel staff has always been very, very nice.
The Four Seasons
$185 per person | Gold Coast
The Four Seasons hosts its annual Teddy Bear Tea during the holiday season, on weekends from late November through December. This is definitely a very decadent option, and it’s geared toward families. There’s a sparkling mimosa station for the grown-ups, holiday entertainment for the kids, and every little one goes home with a teddy bear keepsake. I haven’t been, so I can’t speak to the experience, but it’s an option if you’re looking for a very upscale, family-friendly holiday tea.
The Allis at Soho House
$63 per person, $76 with sparkling | West Loop
Moving out of the Loop and into the West Loop, you’ll find afternoon tea at the Allis, inside Soho House. No, you do not need a Soho House membership to come to this afternoon tea. It’s $63 per person for sweets, savories, and hot tea, or $76 if you’d like to add something bubbly. This tea space is definitely much more laid-back. Soho House is more focused on being chic, cool, and hip, and perhaps less based in service and tradition than some of the other teas on this list. One note is that they currently can’t accommodate gluten-free or vegan diets.
The Veranda at Dawn
Price varies | Hyde Park
If you want to experience a beautiful afternoon tea outdoors, I’d look to Dawn. It’s located in Hyde Park, on Chicago’s South Side, just steps from the Museum of Science and Industry, and it’s one of the only outdoor afternoon teas I know of in the city. I haven’t been, but this tea also has boozy options, with some really interesting cocktails that honestly look exceptional. It’s only offered on certain days, typically during the late spring and summer months, so I recommend checking their Instagram for the latest dates. Their menu also seems to change every year and every season, so you can go once and have a completely different experience the next time, which I always love.
Vanille Patisserie
$82 per person | Lincoln Park
Vanille Patisserie is one of the few places that offers both a vegetarian and a gluten-free afternoon tea menu. It seems you can only book reservations for four people at a time, and it’s BYOB with a $10 corkage fee per bottle. Tea includes signature pastries, scones, and finger sandwiches. I haven’t had this afternoon tea, but I have had their pastries, and I do think they’re good. In recent years, though, I’ve found the quality isn’t quite what it was, and personally, I find the price a little steep for the ambiance.
The tea is served inside the retail store, in a little sectioned-off area. The shop itself is very cozy and cute, though not on the scale or caliber of a hotel. I think it’s really just about managing expectations for this kind of experience.
Hotel Zachary
$45 per person | Wrigleyville, across from Wrigley Field
Rounding out the options in the city is Hotel Zachary in Wrigleyville, right across from Wrigley Field. If you want a game and tea, this might be the option for you. Tea is served on Sundays at Alma, the hotel’s second-floor lounge, and at $45 per person, it’s a total bang for your buck. I’ve heard from multiple friends who’ve visited that it’s a really great option for anyone in town visiting. They really enjoyed the ambiance. It’s lively on game days and really laid-back during quieter times of the year. If you’re visiting and want to see a more sports-centered part of the city, this is a great way to kill two birds with one stone.
Afternoon Tea in the Chicago Suburbs
All right, let’s make our way to the suburbs! For this guide, I’m counting a place as a Chicago suburb if you can get there by public transportation, whether that’s the CTA or Metra.
The Deer Path Inn
$55 per person | Lake Forest
The Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest is an exceptional hotel with really high-quality food, though I think its tea service can be a bit of a mixed bag. I went to their holiday tea a few years ago, before they remodeled the space, and honestly, I found it a little flat. I’ve heard from people who’ve gone since that they feel differently, so I do think it’s worth revisiting. That being said, I think it’s the best suburban option for a luxury experience and for a kid-friendly one.
When I went, the tea was very approachable for a child’s palate. My issue was that, as an adult, I wanted something a little more elevated. The menu seems to have changed since then, and so has the price, which now appears to be lower. They have really great tea blends, with lots of options and some genuinely interesting ones that rotate throughout the season.
The space itself is also stunning, might I add. Tea is served in the English Room, and the whole hotel is cozy and elevated, with fireplaces throughout. It’s a really wonderful escape. I love to make a day of it, starting with afternoon tea and then checking out some of the shopping around the corner, like Williams Sonoma and Bluemercury. I round things out with a drink at their bar. They honestly have some of the best bartenders in the suburbs and a really creative cocktail program. Their rooms are really cozy and cute too, so it’s a great option if you want to stay the night.
TeaLula
$55 per person | Park Ridge
TeaLula in Park Ridge is the quintessential classic tea room. Afternoon tea is $55 per person and includes savories, sweets, scones, and bottomless tea. The thing about TeaLula is that it’s really about the tea experience. It’s heavy on the service, and it’s about the tradition of socializing during afternoon tea. It’s definitely not as fancy as some of the hotels, but what it has is a deep, deep love and appreciation for the art of tea and service. If you want to go where true tea heads go, it’s probably going to be this. At $55 a person, you can’t beat it.
The Bakester
$50 to $60 per person | Children 7 and under $35 | Arlington Heights
If you want to make a day of Arlington Heights, I’ve got a nice little agenda for you.
Start with afternoon tea at the Bakester, which comes in at about $50 to $60 per person, depending on which option you choose. The $50 standard high tea includes sandwiches, desserts, and scones. The $60 Duchess high tea adds quiche and soup. Both come with unlimited tea, and there’s a fun Prince or Princess tea for kids 7 and under at $35. They can also accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and halal diets with 48 hours’ notice. This is a true tea house, very focused on the service and art of afternoon tea, and it makes for a really wonderful outing.
Then head over to one of my favorite perfume stores, L’Air, also in Arlington Heights. They carry a ton of niche perfumes, and their staff is truly wonderful. Everything is clearly labeled, too, so you’re not playing a price-guessing game.
Suzette’s Creperie
$50 to $71 per person | Wheaton
If you’re looking for a very charming option with a variety of price points, I’d suggest Suzette’s Creperie. Reservations are required, and prices range from $50 to $71 per person, depending on whether you’d like champagne. They do seasonal tea menus, and their Christmas and holiday tea menus start November 28. It’s located in historic downtown Wheaton, just three blocks from the Downtown Wheaton Metra station, which makes it a really easy day trip if you’d like to visit.
Parting Thoughts
I think there’s something really special about the service and tradition of afternoon tea, as well as the beauty of it. It’s one of the few experiences left where the little details still matter, from the way the tea is poured to how each tier is thoughtfully arranged. In a city that’s always moving, there’s something wonderful about carving out an afternoon to slow down, sip, and actually be present with the people around you.
Honestly, it’s inspired how I live day to day. I like to find small moments to bring some of that service, tradition, and beauty into my everyday life, whether that’s brewing a proper pot of tea in the afternoon, using my nicest teacup for no reason at all, or setting the table a little more thoughtfully when friends come over. It doesn’t matter if you spend $45 or $175. The best tea is the one that gives you that moment of pure beauty, even if just for an afternoon.
So put on something nice, bring someone you love (or just yourself), and treat yourself to a little pomp and circumstance. Happy sipping!
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