Savor this: as temperatures dip in New York City, travelers and locals alike can traverse the City streets in search of a steaming cup of tea (served with a stir of sugar and a touch of spice), to counteract the frigid blast we’re currently facing. Below, select establishments are highlighted, including hotels, traditional high tea parlors, specialty leaf purveyors, and modern venues with colorful aesthetics, ideal for those looking to showcase their visit online.
HOTELS
The Plaza Hotel and the Downton Abbey Exhibition have a new tea collaboration in NYC, being served in the Palm Court while afternoon tea at the Lowell Hotel is steeped in elegance and rooted in ritual. Firmdale Hotels’ the Crosby Street Hotel and the Whitby Hotel offer afternoon tea with gluten free, sugar free and Vegan options, ideal for travelers with dietary restrictions. Two E, at The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, offers legendary traditional afternoon tea service, paired with scones and petit fours baked fresh in-house each morning.
TRADITION & SPECIALTY
Chic décor and exclusivity meet at Lady Mendl’s Tea Parlour (which can be discovered thanks to a teacup-engraved plaque on the brownstone's façade) while Tea and Sympathy NYC serves up British comfort food and traditional high tea. McNulty’s Tea & Coffee Co. Inc has offered locals and visitors alike a taste of specialty tea in Greenwich Village since 1895.
INSTAGRAM WORTHY
For visitors seeking colorful whimsy and fantasy-inspiration, Alice’s Tea Cup Chapters I, II and III are can’t-miss! Cha Cha Matcha is an Instagram-darling’s delight, with vibrant neon signage and the match to match the hype.