Gone are the days when afternoon tea is limited to finger sandwiches and scones served in an ornate hotel lobby attended by ladies in big hats and white gloves. While the traditional "English tea" experience is still available in New York City, many tearooms have adapted a more casual atmosphere and expanded their menus to entice the youngest crowds.
Child-Friendly Tea Rooms in NYC
For an enchanting tea experience, Alice's Tea Cup is a favorite of children and adults. With three locations these whimsical tearooms are decorated with an Alice and Wonderland motif. But don't be fooled by the light-hearted decor, Alice's Tea Cup offers a wide selection of serious teas and has an extensive menu of salads, sandwiches and fresh baked treats including wonderful scones served with clodded cream and jam. Alice's also offers several different complete afternoon tea meals including finger sandwiches, scones and dessert. The "Wee Tea" is perfect for children under 10.
For a more opulent setting, the Russian Tea Room, 150 West 57th Street, offers a wonderful Children’s Tea menu featuring kid-friendly favorites like pigs in a blanket and grilled cheese. Adult companions can enjoy traditional high tea fare such as Scottish smoked salmon and curried chicken sandwiches as well as scones and cupcakes.
American Girl Place, located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 49th Street offers a casual Afternoon Tea (American Girl dolls welcome) at 4 p.m. each day in its café. A large selection of sweet and savory treats named after the famous dolls are available for a fixed price.
Tea With Madeline
Anyone familiar with Madeline, the little French school girl created by Ludwig Bemelsmans, will enjoy the Madeline Tea at the Carliyle Hotel on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The Bemelsman Bar is a sophisticated Art Deco inspired setting, with walls adorned with illustrations from the famous Madeline books. Adults can order a traditional tea menu while children can enjoy a special children's buffet or ala carte sweets including a "Petite Banana Split Fountainbleu" or the "Eiffel Tower Hot Fudge Sundae".
Tea at The Plaza
Generations of children and adults have enjoyed afternoon tea at New York's Plaza Hotel Palm Court. The home of the children's book character, Eloise, has held a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers and tourists of all ages. At the time of this writing,
The Palm Court, which has undergone an extensive renovation is now reopened and serves tea daily from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A Few Tips About Tea
Many of the afternoon tea menus are available at fixed prices, so be sure to check out the selection beforehand to make sure there is suitable fare for everyone. Dress code is mostly casual but wearing special occasion clothes adds a note of elegance to the outing. Reservations are strongly recommended especially during the busy holiday season or on days when local schools are closed.
Meryl Feiner - I am a freelance writer living in New York City.. Publications include Big Apple Parent,, Queens Parent, and The Cooperator.
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