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From historic hotels to globally inspired eateries, the nation’s capital pours afternoon tea with a blend of style and stateliness.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Highlights: During cherry blossom season, this lobby is especially worth seeing.
Perfect for: Pretending you’re Eloise, having the run of the fancy hotel you live in (or have an afternoon tea in).
Price range: $120+
Bar Pendry © Liz Clayman
Neighborhood: The Wharf
Highlights: A boozy tea service that balances sweet and savory flavors with bold visuals.
Perfect for: Elegance with a touch of mischief.
Price range: $80+
Stay at the Pendry | Hours and menu
Neighborhood: Cleveland Park (Upper Northwest DC)
Highlights: Before or after, marvel your way through Marjorie Merriweather Post’s estate and gardens, taking in all the stunning artifacts and the plants in the greenhouse.
Perfect for: You know, a casual chat with friends or family on the grounds of the Post cereals heiress’ mansion. (The tea rooms are actually quite modern and cozy.)
Price range: $50+
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
Highlights: Combine your tea with a visit to one of DC's most storied bookshops, where you can settle in at a casual, cafe-style table for a weekday high tea sourced from local brand Pearl's.
Perfect for: A more lowkey, inexpensive option; a solo afternoon of self-care with a side of clotted cream and a good book, thanks to their tea service for one.
Price: $29 for one, $39+ for two
Neighborhood: Foggy Bottom
Highlights: You can come back one day and get their astoundingly good hot chocolate.
Perfect for: Those days when you want a tea direct from China, Japan, Sri Lanka or the Himalayas – but you want it in a rustic, American setting.
Price range: $90+
Neighborhood: Georgetown
Highlights: The pastry chef previously worked for the Empress Hotel in British Columbia.
Perfect for: A proper British brew (and three classic snack tiers – clotted cream, scones, et al).
Price range: $125+
Neighborhood: Downtown – almost all of it!
Highlights: Your tour guide will also sing.
Perfect for: Tea while touring (and feeling extra British on top of a double-decker bus).
Price range: $80+
Neighborhood: West End (explore nearby Georgetown and Foggy Bottom)
Highlights: Take in picturesque views of the patio – or, if the weather is pleasant, take your tea outside.
Perfect for: Families looking for kid-friendly tea experience.
Price range: $100+, $65+ for children
Photo by Deb Lindsey
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Highlights: In the historic setting of the Folger's Founders’ Room, sample an assortment of savory bites and sweet treats paired with selections of Harney & Sons tea. Keep an eye on the calendar and act quickly!
Perfect for: The entire family. The menu features finger sandwiches, pastries and baked goods, artfully arranged on tiered platters.
Price: $85 per person & $45 for ages 8-13
Select dates | More info
