It's Always Tea Time: Guide to the Best Afternoon Tea in NYC

Leaves are changing, vests are being brought out of storage and the air is getting colder. No matter the weather in New York City, one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday is Afternoon Tea. Growing up, I went to a few tea parties in elementary school (shout out Mrs. Baer and Mrs. Kerner), and it was so fun dressing up and trying small, bite-sized treats! Once I graduated college and moved to NYC, I really learned to appreciate the art of Afternoon Tea and look back on those sweet memories.

If you are visiting NYC and want to try out an iconic tea spot, or a local looking to enjoy a classy afternoon with your girlfriends, keep reading.

What is Afternoon Tea?

According to Tea Time Magazine, "High tea is not a fancy tea, as many people assume. Delectable scones, tea sandwiches, and cakes are the hallmark of an afternoon tea, which is served in midafternoon."

OK, OK back to the blog post with the sweet details....

Every spot has a different ambiance, taste & presentation, and I have narrowed down which 3 spots I feel are worth the money for the value presented.

1. Bergdorf Goodman's BG Restaurant

Price per person: Starting at $45

Ambiance: ☆☆☆☆☆

Value in price: ☆☆☆☆☆

Taste in Food:☆☆☆☆

Great for: Afternoon with the girls, birthday celebration, view of Central Park

I love any excuse to go to BG Cafe! I Their food is TASTEY, amazing tea selection and absolutely love the ambiance. It's perfect for going one-on-one with your mother, to hosting a birthday celebration with your girlfriends (which I have done both). Also, a view of Central Park? Yes, please!

2. The Blue Box Cafe at Tiffany's

Price per person: Starting at $52

Ambiance: ☆☆☆

Value in price: ☆☆☆☆

Taste in Food: ☆☆☆☆☆

Great for: NYC iconic location

Whether you are a movie fan of Breakfast at Tiffany's, or want to experience 5th Ave's hottest new retail experience, I highly recommend The Blue Box Cafe. Every detail put into the utensils, decor and service will make you feel like you are inside of a Tiffany's iconic blue box. Also, the details put into the dessert items in the three-tiered tower are so beautiful, you won't want to eat them!

The price for afternoon tea at such an iconic NYC location, with tastey food makes the price worth visiting! Before visiting, make sure to check out Blue Box Cafe's website for reservations (they book up FAST).

3. Ladurée SOHO

Price per person: Starting at $49

Ambiance: ☆☆☆☆

Value in price: ☆☆☆

Taste in Food: ☆

Great for: A tea break in Soho, Outdoor ambiance in the Spring / Summer

The most beautiful, classy looking afternoon tea spot with a feminine touch is Ladurée in Soho. It's a great spot to take a shopping break at while going up and down the streets of Prince and Spring! Both the indoor space and outdoor garden (yes, garden in the middle of Soho!) is a fun spot. Also, get. the. macaroons. REPEAT! They were amazing and had so many flavors - my favorite is Rose Petal.

Honorable mentions....

The Russian Tea Room