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With all of the tempting options that make up DC's world-class tea scene, how do you choose the perfect spot?
This guide... spills the tea, sharing insider tips on standout services across the city. From cherry blossom themes and Mother's Day menus to fall flavors and cozy holiday traditions, each experience is unique and changes with the season, so you'll never sip the same tea twice.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Highlights: The live piano player and grand view across the dining room.
Perfect for: Your stateliest holiday gathering.
Price range: $100+
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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
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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+
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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+
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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: 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+
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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+
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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+