There is something sumptuous about sipping high tea in Chicago. While we won’t find an invitation of exquisite penmanship from Mrs. Lady Whistledown in your mailbox, it reminds us of the Regency era—Victorian gowns, toile wallpaper, and champagne in coupés—social hours where gossip is whispered in eloquent sentences.
Whether you want to pregame for Bridgerton’s upcoming season or feel like imitating The Crown, Chicago is seemingly the place to have an afternoon cup of tea, so here are the most decadent places for high tea in Chicago.
1. Bar Pendry at Pendry
Bar Pendry offers a boozy afternoon tradition from 11 am to 3 pm that emulates a Jane Austen novel. The charming tea service includes a lavish tower filled with seasonal bites such as the Koji Beef Carpaccio with house-made ricotta served with brioche, truffled egg tartelettes with parmesan and caviar, cardamom scones with lingonberry jam, s’more macarons, and much more. To pair with these sweet and savory snacks, choose from an assortment of Rare Tea Cellar teas, or order from a collection of craft tea-inspired cocktails with the entire afternoon set to live jazz music or a local Chicago artist.
Address:81 E Wacker Pl, Chicago, IL 60601
Reservation: Make a reservation to Bar Pendry here
2. The Palm Court at The Drake
The Palm Court has been serving an elevated tea service at the historic Mag Mile Hotel for over 100 years. The Drake, which opened in 1920, was first named The Fountain Court, with The Queen and Princess Diana visiting.
Today, the Palm Court serves 17 unique tea blends on the Palais de Thes menu, complete with finger sandwiches. This year, they’re offering a spring-centric service dubbed Spring Blossom until April 30th. The Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea is also perfect for those ages 3-12.
Address: 140 East Walton Place, Chicago, IL 60611
Reservation: Make a reservation to The Drake here
3. Bridges at LondonHouse
Make a reservation at LondonHouse for a day filled with stunning views, refreshing tea, and a bevy of effervescent drinks. They also present boozy spiked tea options for a delightful afternoon spent sipping on your drink of choice.
Reservation: Make a reservation to LondonHouse here
Address: 85 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601
4. The Allis at Soho House
The ground floor of Soho House Chicago offers an assortment of teas, pastry towers, and rich cakes. If you’re feeling spicy, add a glass of bubbly to the tab for a fun time. The Allis is open Friday and Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. The normal tea service costs $55, and the sparkling tea costs $68.
Address: 113-125 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Reservation: Make a reservation to the Allis here.
5. Tipsy Tea Party at The Gwen Hotel
If you want a boozy twist on the classic afternoon tea in Chicago, head to The Gwen Hotel for their Tipsy Tea Party. With seatings at 12 pm and 2:30 pm on Saturdays and 1 pm on Sundays, experience this boozy, high-energy twist on traditional high tea, complete with small bites, cocktails, and much time to gossip around the white-clothed table! However, if you still need more convincing—dust off your Abba vinyl because it’s Mamma Mia-themed Tipsy Tea in May!
Address: 521 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
Reservations: Make a reservation to The Gwen here.
6. Vanille Patisserie
Transport yourself to France with afternoon tea at the Lincoln Park staple. Filled with whimsical pastries, tasty sandwiches, and a selection of delicious tea options catering to the season. Offered Tuesday through Sunday, the $75 package starts at 11:30 a.m. The restaurant also does a BYOB package and a take-home tea experience!
Address: 2108 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Reservations:Make your reservations to Vanille Patisserie here.