The Best Places For Afternoon Tea In Chicago

Laura DAlessandro
Laura D'Alessandro
Katie Mastropieri

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.

1. The Drake

Hotel Restaurant, American

The Drake, a Hilton Hotel, Chicago
© Afternoon Tea
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

2. 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

© Afternoon Tea

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

3. 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.

4. Palmer House

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.
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603; (312) 726-7500

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article