7 places to find the best afternoon tea in Boston

What is it?  Tucked inside the cutest little brick building, Beacon Hill Books & Cafe is a tea-lover's paradise. This cozy bookstore and restaurant is outfitted with every element of New England charm: beautiful wooden built-ins, a swath of fireplaces that greet you from room to room, and so many furnished nooks just begging for you to come, sit down and flip through your favorite written work.

Why go? Once you're done combing the shelves, take a seat at the in-house cafe for afternoon tea, a prix fixe experience held only on Sundays where you can enjoy a pot of tea of your preference, a flute of prosecco or sparkling cider, and an array of tea sandwiches, traditional scones and seasonal sweets. Reservations go quickly.

We love: Finding a new hardcover favorite and sitting down to begin reading over a cup of tea is a great way to whittle away the hours solo.

Address: 71 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114

Opening hours: Sun. 10am-5pm

What is it?  The stunning cocktail lounge located within the skyscraper Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street serves a modern take on afternoon tea every weekend.

Why go?  The prix fixe menu is completely decadent and showcases a refined selection of savory bites, freshly baked scones, caviar pairings, and handcrafted desserts, now infused with the flavors of the season. Guests enjoy thoughtfully selected tea blends from local purveyor J'enwey Tea, along with optional liqueur tastings to enhance the experience.

We love:  We can’t get enough of fall's savory bites, including butternut squash profiteroles, honeynut squash cheesecake, Tahitian vanilla bean and brown butter ginger scones, and a London Fog tart, all in a show-stopping display. Kids can enjoy the Dalton Bear Tea Party, complete with teddy bear–themed treats, a colorful mocktail and a custom-designed Dalton Bear keepsake to take home. 

Address: 1 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115

Opening hours: Sat. and Sun., seatings at 12:45pm and 2:30pm

What is it?  This afternoon tea set within the Boston Harbor Hotel comes with harbor views as a backdrop to the steaming cups and three-tiered accompaniment that will grace your table.

Why go? Seasonal sweets and savories include vanilla bean scones, chocolate panna cotta, linzer cookie, carrot tea cake and apple cider Madeline. This prix fixe experience includes a flute of Veuve Cliquot champagne (if you upgrade), but you can always take it up a notch by getting an additional tea-centric cocktail.

We love: You can enhance your experience by adding Jonah Crab Toast or Lobster Scallion Flatbread.

Address: 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

Opening hours: Fri.-Sun. 2:30-4:30pm

What is it?  This Salem haunt for tealovers (with its sister location in Beverly) offers a high tea every Wednesday through Sunday. The European-inspired experience begins with a glass of iced Tisane tea, which you can sip as you peruse the extensive menu of loose leaf tea.

Why go? A three-tiered presentation of tea sandwiches, including cucumber, smoked salmon and ham and brie, accompanies lemon scones, French macarons and madeleines, as well as a steaming personal pot of your selection.

We love: Want a more intimate tea party? Book the private Salon Room for four to six guests to spend two hours in the Salon Room for a memorable High Tea. They even have fascinators available for $6 per person. They’re also publishing their own edition of The Book of Tea by Okakura Kakuzo.

Address: 316 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970

Opening hours: Wed. and Thurs. 9am-5pm; Friday 9am-7pm; Sat. and Sun. 9am-5pm

What is it?  Take a pause for a peaceful afternoon tea retreat right in the heart of busy Boylston Street. The Boston Public Library’s 19th-century original building has an interior garden overlooked by its Courtyard Restaurant.

Why go? Afternoon tea includes pots of fine loose-leaf teas, and the cake stand’s three tiers are delightfully laden with tiny tea sandwiches, fruit scones with thick whipped cream and lemon curd, and pretty tarts and cakes.

We love: Holiday tea is popular, requiring reservations. Embellish your experience with their signature tea-infused cocktails inspired by literary greats. They also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available upon request..

Address: 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

Opening hours: Tues. 11am-3pm; Wed. 11am-4:45pm; Thurs. 10am-4:45pm; Fri.-Sat. 10am-4:45pm; Sun. 11am-4:45pm

What is it? Founded by two alums from the cocktail bar Drink, Silver Dove is a new and locally-owned English-style tea room located in historic downtown Boston, just steps from the Freedom Trail by the Government Center T station.

Why go? The menu consists of a variety of finger sandwiches, savory canapés, scones, and pastries, including the recent menu of gougères with apple butter, duck confit and Pumpkin Spice macarons, to name few delicacies. Each person’s afternoon tea service comes with an individual pot of tea of their choice. Of note: They often have space for walk-ins on Wednesdays and Thursdays, but weekends are generally reservation only.

We love: Their menu changes seasonally, so it’s always a new experience. While the British-style tea service is quite civilized, Patrick Brewster and Lee Morgan’s cocktail experience doesn’t go to waste - trying adding a mixed drink with or without booze.

Address: 24 Tremont St., Boston MA 02108

Opening hours: Wed., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. : 11am-7pm; Fri. 11am-7:30pm

What is it?  Named after Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams, the tearoom has beautiful waterside views. After learning about the historic event at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, stick around for afternoon tea. 

Why go? You don’t have to buy a museum ticket in order to enjoy tea. There’s an assortment of pastries and baked goods. Abigail’s Tea Platter includes a pot of Abigail’s blended tea and scones.

We love: You can try the actual tea blends that were thrown overboard and into the harbor during the colonial protest.

Address: 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

Opening hours: Daily 9:30am–6pm in season, 9:30am–5pm off season