I’m not from the U.K., but my Scots-Irish heritage has taught me a thing or two about how to enjoy afternoon tea — which is surprisingly easy to do in Chicago. While Earl Grey K-cups will at times satisfy a craving, there’s nothing like a proper cup of tea served on fine china with a three-tiered tray of scones and finger sandwiches beside it.
Attending a tea service is one of my favorite ways to slow down and entertain out-of-town guests. Whether you want the full grand-hotel experience with a live harpist, a boozy “tipsy tea” with cocktails and a DJ, or a cozy pot of Russian-blended tea next to the Art Institute, Chicago has you covered. Here are the best tea services in the city.
☕ In a Nutshell: Chicago has a surprisingly deep afternoon tea scene, mostly concentrated along the Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast in luxury hotel lobbies and lounges. Prices range from about $35 (Russian Tea Time) to $145 (The Peninsula). Most services run between 12–4:30 p.m. on weekends, with some venues offering daily service. Reservations are strongly recommended at every venue on this list — holiday tea services (Nov–Jan) sell out weeks ahead. Several spots now offer “tipsy tea” or boozy options with cocktails and champagne.
⭐ Quick Picks
👑 Most Iconic: Palm Court at The Drake — 100+ years, live harpist, royalty-approved
🥂 Most Luxurious: The Peninsula — complimentary champagne, string duo, ~$145
🍸 Best Boozy Tea: The Gwen — Tipsy Tea Party with cocktails, DJ, fun hats
🌊 Best Views: LondonHouse Chicago — Chicago River views, seasonal menus
🇷🇺 Most Unique: Russian Tea Time — Eastern European twist, 30+ year institution, ~$35
🇫🇷 Best French Touch: Sofitel Chicago — “Un-Tea” concept, foie gras sandwiches, ~$55
💎 Best Splurge: The Langham — river views, one of the best hotels in the U.S.
🍰 Best for Pastry Lovers: Vanille Patisserie — French macarons, cakes, Lincoln Park charm
Palm Court at The Drake Hotel
📍 140 E Walton Pl | Fri–Sun 12–4:30 p.m. | ~$67–$86 per person | $35 children (ages 3–12)
No list of Chicago tea services is complete without The Drake. Palm Court has been serving afternoon tea for over 100 years — Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana both visited — and the experience still delivers. You’ll choose from the Palais des Thés menu of premium loose-leaf teas, then settle into the grand room with its mirrored walls, stone fountain, and live harpist while a three-tiered tray of finger sandwiches, house-made scones with clotted cream, and delicate petit fours arrives. The Drake also offers a Prince & Princess tea for kids, which makes it a lovely multi-generational outing. Reservations are required, and seatings are limited to 90 minutes.
LondonHouse Chicago
📍 85 E Wacker Dr | Daily 12–3 p.m. (seasonal menus rotate) | ~$75–$100 per person | ~$50 children
LondonHouse always does things up right — whether it’s their over-the-top Christmas rooftop or Valentine’s Day igloos — and their tea service is no exception. Served in the Bridges Lobby Bar on the second floor, you get sweeping views of the Chicago River and its iconic bridges while working through a beautifully presented geometric tiered tray. The menus rotate seasonally (winter tea runs through late February, then spring and summer editions follow), and the teas come from local supplier Rare Tea Cellars. LondonHouse also offers creative cocktails alongside the tea if you want a tipsy upgrade.
EXPERT TIP: Planning a stay in the city? Check our guide to the best downtown hotels for our top picks near the Mag Mile.
The Langham Chicago
📍 330 N Wabash Ave | Weekdays 1–5 p.m. | Fri–Sun 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | ~$65 per person | ~$30 children
Ooooh, I love The Langham. Recently named one of the best hotels in the U.S., this super-luxurious property right on the river offers a truly exceptional afternoon tea in their Pavilion lounge. The tradition traces back to the original Langham Hotel in London, which invented afternoon tea in 1865 — so they know what they’re doing. Savor a curated selection of teas, delicate finger sandwiches, and an array of pastries and scones while taking in views of the Chicago Riverwalk and skyline. During the holidays, their Tea for Tots experience is magical for families.
EXPERT TIP: After tea, take a trek down the Chicago River in style with some of the city’s best boat tours.
Russian Tea Time
📍 77 E Adams St | Tea service daily | Mon & Sun 11 a.m.–6 p.m. | Tue–Sat 11 a.m.–8 p.m. | ~$35 per person
For something completely different, Russian Tea Time is a Loop institution that’s been open since 1993. It’s located just a few blocks from the Art Institute, so you can duck over for an early dinner or late lunch after the museum. The tea menu features over 25 blends including their house Russian tea — a mix of Darjeeling, Ceylon, and black currant served with sugar cubes and thick lemon slices. The service comes with scones, tea sandwiches, and sweet bites, all in a warm room of mahogany paneling, brass samovars, and classical music. At around $35, it’s also the most affordable proper tea service on this list — and the borscht and pelmeni on the full menu are worth ordering, too.
The Allis at Soho House Chicago
📍 113-125 N Green St (West Loop) | Fri–Sun 1–4:30 p.m. | $63 Afternoon Tea | $76 Sparkling Tea
Good news: while Soho House itself is members-only, The Allis is open to the public and accepts reservations through OpenTable for their Friday through Sunday tea service. The ground-floor restaurant is set in a gorgeous 1907 building with a modern European feel, and the tea comes with homemade pastries and savory bites. The Sparkling Tea upgrade adds champagne for $76, which is a solid deal considering the setting. It’s the only tea on this list in the West Loop, which makes it a nice option if you’re already exploring the neighborhood.
The Peninsula Chicago
📍 108 E Superior St | ~$145 per person | ~$75 children
The uber-luxurious Peninsula — also recently named one of the best hotels in the U.S. — is the splurge-worthy option on this list. Tea is served in The Lobby beneath soaring ceilings, with a complimentary glass of Taittinger champagne, a string duo playing live, and impeccable service from start to finish. The food and tea selections are refined and beautifully presented. It’s the most expensive tea on this list, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion — birthday, anniversary, bridal shower — this is where you go.
Sofitel Chicago
📍 20 E Chestnut St | ~$55 per person
The Sofitel puts a French spin on afternoon tea with their “Un-Tea Afternoon Apéro” — a charming concept that leans into the hotel’s Parisian DNA. For about $55, you get an individual pot of tea, a tower of sweet and savory bites (think truffle cream choux puffs, foie gras sandwiches, and earl grey chocolate cake), and freshly baked scones with macarons. The setting in the hotel restaurant is more laid-back than some of the grander hotel options, and you pour your own tea — which honestly makes it feel more personal. A champagne add-on is available if you want to dress it up.
Torali at the Ritz-Carlton
📍 160 E Pearson St | Seasonal (typically spring, weekends) | ~$85 per person
Torali offers a luxurious tea experience perched 12 floors up with views overlooking the Mag Mile. One important note: this is a seasonal offering, typically running on weekends from late March through early May, with themed sessions for Mother’s Day, Easter, and the Kentucky Derby. Teas are sourced from Rare Tea Cellars, and the pastry selection features creative flavors like lavender lemon macarons and pistachio financier. They also run holiday-themed teas in late November through December. Check their Tock page for current availability.
The Gwen – Tipsy Tea Party
📍 521 N Rush St | Sat–Sun (Thu–Fri also available) | ~$45–$65 per person
If you want afternoon tea with a party vibe, The Gwen is your spot. Their Tipsy Tea Party comes with cocktails, a DJ, unlimited tea, and adorable clip-on hats. The food rotates by monthly theme and includes creative bites like curried carrot deviled eggs and apricot-cranberry scones alongside the savories. It’s more festive and social than a traditional tea — think bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or a fun girls’ afternoon out. The rooftop lounge setting with skyline views doesn’t hurt, either.
Bar Pendry
📍 360 N Michigan Ave | Sundays | ~$75 per person (boozy option available)
Bar Pendry puts a modern, lively spin on Sunday afternoon tea right on the Magnificent Mile. The service includes Rare Tea Cellars teas, creative savory and sweet bites, and live entertainment from local Chicago musicians. The boozy option adds tea-based cocktails. Fair warning: the space is small and right off the hotel lobby, so it gets energetic — this is more of a social scene than a quiet retreat. It’s a great pick if you want tea with personality and don’t mind a little buzz in the room.
Vanille Patisserie
📍 2108 N Clark St (Lincoln Park) | ~$75 per person (best for groups of 4–10)
For a more intimate, neighborhood-bakery feel, Vanille Patisserie in Lincoln Park is a charming alternative to the big hotel teas. This French-inspired bakery serves afternoon tea with Benjamin’s Tea alongside their signature pastries — beautifully crafted macarons, cakes, scones, and finger sandwiches. The tea service is best suited for small groups (4–10 people) and works well for bridal showers, birthday celebrations, or a leisurely afternoon with friends. The pastry quality is exceptional.
Rare Tea Cellars
📍 3701 N Ravenswood Ave (Lakeview/Ravenswood)
If you’re a true tea aficionado, Rare Tea Cellars is worth the trip. This isn’t a traditional tea service — it’s a specialty tea company that supplies many of the hotels on this list (LondonHouse, Torali, Bar Pendry, Hotel Zachary) and also runs a retail shop with an impressive selection of rare, single-origin, and expertly blended teas. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through tastings and help you discover teas you won’t find anywhere else. It’s more of a tea education experience than a full afternoon tea service, but for serious tea lovers, it’s a must.
Tips for Afternoon Tea in Chicago
Book ahead: Reservations are recommended everywhere and required at most venues. Weekend seatings fill up fast, and holiday teas (November through January) can sell out weeks in advance. Most spots accept bookings through OpenTable or Tock.
Dress code: Most hotel teas call for smart casual or better. The Drake’s Palm Court literally says “tea party gloves optional,” which should tell you something about the vibe. The Gwen and Bar Pendry are more relaxed.
Budget tip: Russian Tea Time (~$35) and Sofitel (~$55) offer the best value for a proper tea service. For the full grand-hotel experience, expect $65–$145 per person before tax and tip.
Holiday teas: Nearly every venue on this list runs special holiday tea services from late November through early January. These are magical — think carolers at The Drake, a 20-foot Christmas tree at The Peninsula, and festive menus everywhere — but book early.
Whether I’m entertaining visiting friends and family or simply want to enjoy tea by myself, I can always find the perfect venue in the city. It’s just another one of the things I love about living in Chicago. Where’s your favorite spot to enjoy a tea service? Let us know in the comments — I’m always on the hunt for new places to try!
Frequently Asked Questions
A: The most iconic afternoon tea in Chicago is at Palm Court at The Drake Hotel (140 E Walton Pl), which has been serving tea for over 100 years. Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana both visited. Tea is served Friday through Sunday from 12–4:30 p.m. with a live harpist, three-tiered trays, and Palais des Thés loose-leaf teas. Prices start around $67 per person. Other top choices include The Langham’s Pavilion, The Peninsula’s Lobby, and Russian Tea Time near the Art Institute.
A: Afternoon tea in Chicago typically ranges from about $35 to $145 per person depending on the venue. Russian Tea Time is one of the most affordable at around $35. Mid-range options include Sofitel ($55), The Allis at Soho House ($63), The Langham ($65), and The Gwen ($45–65). Premium experiences include LondonHouse ($75–100), Bar Pendry ($75), The Drake’s Palm Court ($67–86), and The Peninsula ($145). Most venues offer add-ons like champagne or cocktails for an additional fee.
A: Yes — several Chicago venues offer “tipsy tea” or boozy afternoon tea experiences. The Gwen (521 N Rush St) hosts a Tipsy Tea Party on Saturdays and Sundays with cocktails, a DJ, and fun clip-on hats. LondonHouse Chicago (85 E Wacker Dr) serves creative tea-based cocktails alongside their seasonal tea service. Bar Pendry (360 N Michigan Ave) offers a Boozy Tea on Sundays with tea cocktails and live entertainment. The Allis at Soho House offers a Sparkling Tea Service ($76) with champagne.
A: Reservations are strongly recommended at most Chicago tea venues and required at some. Palm Court at The Drake, The Peninsula, The Langham, and Bar Pendry all encourage or require advance booking, especially on weekends and during holiday seasons. Many venues accept reservations through OpenTable or Tock. The Drake limits seatings to 90 minutes, so plan accordingly. Holiday tea services (November through January) sell out weeks in advance.
A: Several Chicago afternoon tea venues welcome children. The Drake’s Palm Court offers a Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea for children ages 3–12 (around $35). The Langham offers a seasonal “Tea for Tots” experience. LondonHouse offers a children’s rate (around $50). Hotel Zachary’s Alma lounge hosts a seasonal Teddy Bear Tea where kids can bring a stuffed friend. Most other venues are suitable for well-behaved older children, though the boozy options at The Gwen and Bar Pendry are geared toward adults.