Boston patriots turned the harbor into a teapot in 1773 in a protest that sparked the American Revolution. Today the city still revers tea in tea rooms all over the city in one of the best British imports: Afternoon Tea.
Besides tea, menus typically include finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, jams, and even chocolate dipped strawberries. Some offer special menus for children. Each venue has a personality of its own: from fine china and champagne to informal family atmosphere. The following list is ordered from upscale to informal. See each website to view the menus, and call ahead to see if you need reservations.
Bristol Lounge
Photo courtesy of the Four Seasons Facebook Page.
Four Seasons Hotel
200 Boylston St.
Tel. 617-338-4400
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 3:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Public Transportation: Boylston (Green line)
Yum Factor: Also offer a Children’s Georgetown Cupcake Tea that comes with hot chocolate or juice and a special cupcake.
View HotelFrench Room
Photo courtesy of Taj Hotel, Resorts and Palaces Facebook page.
Taj Boston
15 Arlington St.
Tel: 617-598-5255
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays with two seatings: 1:00-2:30 p.m. and 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Public transportation: Arlington Station (Green Line)
Yum Factor: Also offer a special Children’s Tea that includes a sandwich, hot chocolate, cookies and a chocolate covered strawberry.
View HotelL’Espalier
Photo courtesy of L’Espalier Facebook page.
L’Espalier
774 Boylston St.
617-262-3023
Hours: Fantasy Tea, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Public transportation: Prudential Station (Green Line) or Boylston (Green Line)
Yum Factor: In addition to Fantasy Tea service there is a monthly Sunday Tea Tasting at 2 pm. Guests are invited to join L’Espalier’s Tea Sommelier Cynthia Gold for a tea service around a specific theme; each will be served and discussed along with a selection of tea sandwiches, pastries, and petit fours.
Bond Restaurant
Photo courtesy of the Langham Facebook page.
The Langham
250 Franklin Street
617-451-1900
Hours: Metropolitan Tea, daily 2:00-7:00 p.m.
Public transportation: State Street (Blue Line)
Yum Factor: The Langham, Boston continues the tradition of London’s original Langham hotel offering a three-course Afternoon Tea.
View HotelRowes Wharf Sea Grille
Halloween-themed tea time. Photo courtesy of The Boston Harbor Hotel Facebook page.
Boston Harbor Hotel
Rowes Wharf
617-856-7744
Hours: Daily 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Public transportation: Aquarium (Blue Line) just a few minutes along the “Harbor Walk”
Yum Factor: The hotel’s all-day restaurant makes for a more casual setting than some other teas, offers wonderful views of the harbor, and rose petals scattered on the tables set for tea lend a slightly decadent touch.
View HotelCourtyard Restaurant
Photo courtesy of The Catered Affair Facebook page.
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St.
617-859-2251
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Public transportation: Copley (Green Line)
Yum Factor: Overlooking the beautiful Italianate courtyard in the Boston Public Library’s historic McKim building.
Abigail’s Tea Room
The quaint tea room. Photo by Lorianne DiSabato CC BY
Boston Tea Party Ships Museum
Congress Street Bridge
617.531.6238
Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Public transportation: South Station (Red Line and Amtrak)
Yum Factor: The Boston Tea Party Ships Museum is one of Boston’s top-rated museums and what better place to enjoy a cup of tea. Abigail’s Tea makes for an enjoyable and affordable option après museum.