On this page I will continue to update listings of places where you can go to afternoon tea.  If you have a recommendation that you’d like added, please contact me!

CHICAGO, IL

• The Allis (Chicago, IL)
  If Anthropologie were to have a tea house, it would be the Allis. Definitely for the hipster crowd, but was great to see a younger crowd enjoying tea and not just older ladies and children being taken out by their mother’s so cheers to The Allis for keeping the tea experience modern and relevant.
  *They have a larger table for small parties if you want to a birthday or shower, this would be a lovely location though you’re in the midst of the restaurant and it’s not a private room.
• Allium at the Four Seasons Hotel (Chicago, IL)
  Tea at the Four Seasons is what you’d expect. Very traditional and quite lovely. It’s everything you want in a traditional afternoon tea. This is a great go-to if you’ve never been to afternoon tea and want the entire experience.
• The Drake (Chicago, IL)
  Review coming soon.
• The Lobby at the Penninsula Hotel (Chicago, IL)
  Definitely one of the my favorite places for tea. The tea menu, food and service would be tied for first place along with The Langham. Gorgeous space. The day there was a string quartet playing from the balcony above and our server really acted as if he cared that we had the best experience. We couldn’t have asked for more!
• The Langham Chicago (Chicago, IL)
  Tied for first place for my favorite afternoon tea in Chicago along with The Lobby at the Penninsula. Upon arriving on the floor we were greeted and they knew it was us! Talk about feeling special and having a VIP experience. The food is a bit more contemporary than a traditional afternoon tea so I wouldn’t make this your first introduction to afternoon tea, but I would DEFINITELY put it at the top of your list of places to go. Truly can’t wait to go back again.
• Madame ZuZu’s Tea Shop  (Highland Park, IL)  **CLOSED TEMPORARILY**
  Looking for a local low-key tea shop in Highland Park? Check out Madame ZuZu’s Tea Shop in Highland Park. Here you’ll find a large sampling of teas to choose from as well as vegan desserts. There’s a corner of some local art and if you’re a Smashing Pumpkins fan, you can even purchase some items from shop owner, Billy Corrigan.
• Lockwood at Palmer House (Chicago, IL)
  What the Lockwood afternoon tea experience has going for it is that it’s in the Palmer House lobby. Talk about breathtaking views and history! This is a wonderful Chicago location. The tea, however, unfortunately is not as special as the location. It’s clearly not a priority, service wasn’t a stand-out and food, though good, was a bit forgettable. I’d say go for the location, especially to be able to sit and enjoy the ceiling of the lobby and people-watch the tourists. But this isn’t a tea that you need to go to more than once.
• Pinecone Cottage Tea House & Catering  (Downers Grove, IL)
  Review coming soon.
• Russian Tea Time (Chicago, IL)
  If you’re headed to the Art Institute, one of the best and most convenient places to stop for tea is Russian Tea Time.  They serve from 2:30-4:30pm.  Tea menu is quite expansive and the tiered trays of sweets and savories will leave you quite full. My personal favorite is the Russian Caravan.  To me, it tastes like old leather, smoky pipes and memories of days long past. Their Darjeeling and black currant house blend which comes in a gorgeous silver and cut crystal glass cup is also a favorite to have with lunch or dinner.
• Vanille Patisserie (Chicago, IL)
  Such a sweet little place and wonderful service! The location is in Lincoln Park and the room is decorated very cute and a sweet balance of a play on traditional and modern. The food was all quite delightful, and the presentation of tea options is quite delightful. You are given a wood block with a series of glass vials of each of the teas for you to sniff before choosing your option (or two!). You also leave with an adorable little tea cup cookie and coupon.  Would definitely go back!
  *They also have a room for small parties if you want to a birthday or shower, this would be a lovely location.

 

If you would like your location to be added to the list or have a recommendation please contact me.