Washington DC is not only a political hub but also a treasure of elegant and charming venues where you can indulge in the time-honored British tradition of afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea offers a variety of finely brewed teas accompanied by an assortment of delicate finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, and desserts. The purpose is to indulge in a selection of delicious treats in a leisurely and elegant setting, typically with company.
Living just a few minutes from Washington DC, I’ve noticed that many places serve afternoon tea and how great of an activity it can be for meetings and a few steps above casual hangouts with friends.
In this blog post, I provide a list of 11 places offering afternoon tea in Washington, DC.
This blog post may contain affiliate links which means that if you book one of these activities using my link (which I know you will because you loved how helpful this blog post is *wink*I am going to receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting BCJ!
Salamander
Salamander is a 5-star elegant hotel in Washington DC that has a stellar reputation for afternoon tea. Hosted in The Lounge, the hotel’s living room that overlooks the lush garden, afternoon tea at the Salamander is nothing short of fabulous.
The Lounge has seating both indoors and on the Garden Patio where you can sit and savor the flavors detailed on the hotel’s carefully crafted afternoon tea menu consisting of delectable treats like Cardamom Caramel Cake, Smoked Turkey with Honey Pecan Aioli & Cranberry Chutney, Brioche, and Maple Curry Chicken Salad.
Listed Price(s):
- $95 per person
Set a reservation for afternoon tea at the Salamander here.
Art and Soul
Art and Soul is located inside YOTEL, a hotel conveniently built in the center of Capitol Hill, and offers an elevated afternoon tea experience on Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Teas at Art and Soul are infused with CBD, which is blended with the calming properties of cannabidiol, adding an element of relaxation to your afternoon tea session.
Listed Price(s):
- $65 per person for all adults
- $25 per person for kids under 12
- $77 per person including a glass of bubbly
Find the menu and set a reservation here.
Saint Regis Hotel
The St. Regis Hotel in Washington DC is a hotel that exudes luxury at every turn. Considered another sophisticated and luxury venue to have afternoon tea in Washington DC, the St. Regis Hotel is serving up tea with small bites at its bar.
Savor an assortment of Dammann Frères’ premium teas, indulge in delectable tea sandwiches, and relish in festive holiday desserts and pastries.
You also have the option of adding Champagne to your tea experience.
Listed Price(s):
- Regular Price: $89 per person
- Holiday Price: $109.00 per person
Set your afternoon tea appointment at Saint Regis here.
The Watergate Hotel
The Watergate Hotel in Northwest Washington DC considers their afternoon tea service to be “a contemporary twist on traditional afternoon tea.”
Inspired by the sixties time period, tea at the Watergate Hotel embodies the “bold freedom & colorful fun of 1960s origins with a distinctly contemporary spin.”
From 1:00 – 2:30 pm, on Saturdays and Sundays, you can sit and relax for a tea set that includes fine teas, savory sandwiches, plus lavish desserts and pastries.
Listed Price(s):
- Regular Price: $75 per person
Set your afternoon tea appointment here.
Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee
If you’re in the mood for more of a casual vibe to partake in afternoon tea in Washington DC, but you are willing to travel a bit further from the city, Lily’s Chocolate may be the cafe for you.
An Iraqi-owned cafe with locations in Vienna and Alexandria, Virginia, this pretty pink cafe has afternoon tea at its Vienna location.
In full transparency, I did not enjoy my afternoon experience here. While the cafe itself was aesthetically pleasing, the food was not tasty, did not seem fresh, and we were not given a selection of tea.
I include it in this roundup because you may feel differently about the cafe or have a completely different experience, but I will always be honest about my experiences.
Plus, you’ll get to try Lokma, an Iraqi fried pastry paired with a sweet topping like honey or other options!
Price When I Visited in December 2023:
- $58 per person (quoted over the phone)
Call or set an appointment online here.
Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, is a blend of art, history, and nature. Formerly the residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a prominent American heiress and collector, the estate is meant to educate visitors on what living an extravagant lifestyle looked like in the twentieth century.
Adding to the elegance of the estate is the afternoon tea service. With treats like cucumber and mint cream cheese, scones with clotted cream, and mini sweet potato tartlet, you won’t leave without a full stomach.
Hillwood offers three different teas during your session: Black, Herbal, and Green.
Listed Price(s):
– $38 per person (inclusive of tax and gratuity) | A minimum of 4 guests is required*
December 1, 2023 through January 7, 2024
To make an appointment, visit their system here.
The Mansion on O Street
Known as one of the coolest places in DC and now to have afternoon tea in Washington DC, The Mansion Museum and Hotel is truly a unique concept.
“The only museum of its kind, you’ll search for secret doors (they have over 80 of them!) and find your way through themed rooms and exhibits like the Log Cabin, John Lennon Suite, Safari room, and Mrs. Rosa Parks’ room.”
As if that wasn’t enough, The Mansion has a five-course high tea service you can opt-in for with a minimum of 10 people.
The price includes a self-guided tour (first 45 minutes only), a choice of butler or private service, a dedicated event planner, and dining tables & chairs.
If this sounds like a good time, you can make it a fun group activity with a tour of the facility and full service.
Listed Price(s):
- $90 per person, 10 person minimum: 5 Course High Tea
- $50 per person, 15 person minimum: Kids Dessert Tea Party & Tour
To make an appointment, visit their system here.
Sofitel
Every Saturday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, afternoon tea is served in the beautiful Opaline Bar and Brasserie in the Sofitel Lafayette Square location.
Referred to as “LE GOÛTER,” meaning “afternoon tea” in English, the experience can be reserved up to 24 hours ahead.
The menu at Sofitel includes a variety of both sweet and savory treats, Metz loose-leaf teas, and tea-infused cocktails if you’re willing to spend a bit more.
Listed Price(s):
- $65/person
Set your afternoon tea appointment here.
Willard InterContinental
The Willard InterContinental Hotel was named one of the top ten places to have “Afternoon tea like a royal” by the Travel Channel. It’s only right that we include the venue as one of the places to have afternoon tea in Washington DC, as well.
“Enjoy a broad selection of the finest estate and boutique blended loose-leaf teas by the J’enwey Tea Company, savory finger sandwiches, decadent pastries, and Willard’s famous freshly baked scones.”
One unique aspect of afternoon tea at the Willard InterContinental is the option to have high tea at home with the takeaway service offered by the hotel as well if you’re ever in need of ready-made treats for an event.
Listed Price(s):
- $90 per adult | $102 with a glass of champagne
- $65 per child (3-12 years of age)
Reservations can be set here on OpenTable.
Ritz Carlton Pentagon City
Another tea option not too far from Washington DC, the Ritz Carlton in Pentagon City, also has an afternoon tea experience that may appeal to you.
Designed for you to relax and unwind, “this elegant high tea experience invites guests to enjoy homemade scones, tea sandwiches, pastry delights, and a selection of luxury loose-leaf teas.”
If you have young children embarking on the experience with you, you’ll love to learn that they can enjoy “Teddy Bear Tea” with hot chocolate and a teddy bear to take home.” so they won’t feel left out of the tea session!
Listed Price(s):
- $76 per person
- Teddy Bear Tea (ages 12 & under) $47 per person, for a two hour experience
Reservations can be set here.
Four Seasons Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, serves afternoon tea in a new way with “bubbles, bite-sized baubles that taste as good as they look, and delicate petit-fours, fit for a Duke or Duchess.
Dainty pastries, inspired by the British Royal Family’s preferences, are served on a traditional three-tiered tea stand with porcelain teapots.
Caramel banana cake, shortbread cookies, and Scottish salmon are just a few of the treats you can expect to delight in while having tea at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Listed Price(s):
- $95 per person
- Children’s Tea is $55 (Under 12 years of age)
Set a reservation on OpenTable.
More Things to Do in Washington D.C.
•Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour Bus
•Capitol Hill and Library of Congress Tour
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