The History

The British tradition of afternoon tea emerged in the early 19th century, when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, sought a way to fill the gap between lunch and dinner with a light meal or snack. What started as a private affair for the Duchess became a popular social event, eventually evolving into the grand ceremony it is today. 

While the terms “high tea” and “afternoon tea” are often used interchangeably, “high tea” is a more substantial meal eaten by the working class as a way to relax after a full day of labor. It’s often served in the early evening, with heartier food options like meat, fish, and egg dishes, whereas afternoon tea is a lighter, mid-afternoon treat.

The Evolution

Nowadays, afternoon tea is a way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax into a plush chair as you sip on a cup of tea or start up a chat with friends. It’s most known for its aesthetically pleasing appearance, which pairs well with the use of popular social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok.

According to Forbes, Pinterest’s 2022 annual trends report describes afternoon tea as “the new happy hour,” with a rise in searches for “tea party aesthetic” and “drinking tea pose” on the platform. This trend reappeared in Pinterest’s 2024 trends report, which noted a 165% increase in user searches for “afternoon tea party ideas.” 

Budget-Friendly Options

If you’ve looked into afternoon tea places before, then you know that the prices can be a little daunting, with some as expensive as $150 per person. Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of places in New York City that offer afternoon tea sets at affordable prices for those who want to indulge in the ambiance without worrying about breaking the bank.

Prince Tea House

Locations:

• 36-39 Prince St, Flushing, NY 11354 
• 15 Station Square, Forest Hills, NY 11375
• 324 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001
• 204 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003
• 134 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
• 8510 21st Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11214
• 6122 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220
• 324B New Dorp Ln, Staten Island, NY 10306
• 518 Old Post Rd #6, Edison, NJ 08817
• 4437 NJ-27, Princeton, NJ 08540

Afternoon Tea Sets:

• Tea for One: $35*
• Tea for Two: $65*
• Tea for Three: $97.5*

*Each set is a fixed price that comes with unlimited tea of your choice, finger sandwiches, scones, and assorted desserts.

Prince Tea House is my go-to spot for afternoon tea due to its convenient locations and relatively cheap prices. Because it’s a franchise, it has a multitude of locations across New York and even in New Jersey. I often go to their location in Flushing, dining with friends and family, whether it is for afternoon chats over tea, an early evening snack, or to celebrate birthday parties. They have a wide selection of various teas and drinks to complement your dishes, as well as appetizers (I always make sure to get the takoyaki) and sandwiches. Recently, the Flushing location underwent renovation and was completely upgraded. They now offer plenty of new menu items, and the aesthetics of the store are cleaner and more open, creating an inviting atmosphere. It’s definitely worth checking out! 

Brooklyn High Low

Locations:

• 69 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
• 611 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Afternoon Tea Sets:

• Traditional Cream Tea: $30* for a pot of tea, scones, and four vegetarian tea sandwiches for each guest
• The Classic: $55* for unlimited tea, a triple-plated tier with scones, eight vegetarian tea sandwiches, and three sweet treats for each guest
• The Grand Vanderbilt: $65* for everything in The Classic (modification: four vegetarian and four non-vegetarian tea sandwiches) plus one more sweet treat for each guest
• The Grand Heights: $75* for a first course of soup and a lightly toasted crumpet with butter, plus everything in The Grand Vanderbilt

*Price per person

Brooklyn High Low offers unique spaces with distinct atmospheres across its two locations. At the Parlour on 7th Avenue, guests can choose between The Front Room’s rich, dark elegance and The Pink Room’s light-hearted charm. The Prospect Heights location continues the sensory journey with Our Little Tea Room’s whimsical aesthetic and The Secret Garden’s bright, airy retreat. If you can’t find the time to sit down at one of their locations, Brooklyn High Low also offers “Tier To Go” with an extensive selection of their afternoon tea goodies.

Little Hen

Locations:

• 155 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012

Afternoon Tea Sets: 

• $36* for macarons, tea sandwiches, scones, and your choice of tea

*Price per person

Little Hen is an adorable breakfast and brunch boutique. This dreamy English-inspired sanctuary is a pastel-colored wonderland where every detail whispers elegance and charm. Their signature Rose Petal Pancakes are an absolute must-try, and the Instagram-worthy space will transport you to a whimsical world. With intimate seating and luxurious touches, this petite gem offers an afternoon tea experience complete with macarons, tea sandwiches, and scones. They do have a Smart Chic dress code, making every visit feel like a special occasion. Make sure to check their website for reservation information, as they don’t take reservations over the phone or by email.

Alice’s Tea Cup

Locations:

• 102 W 73rd St, New York, NY 10023
• 156 E 64th St, New York, NY 10065
• 43 Hicks St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Afternoon Tea Sets:

• Tea and Scones: $18* for two scones and a pot of tea
• The Nibble (Tea for One): $48* for a pot of tea, a scone with cream & jam, choice of one sandwich, chocolate mousse & mini cookies
• The Madhatter (Tea for Two): $88* for two pots of tea, three scones with cream & jam, choice of two sandwiches, mocha cake or chocolate mousse, and assorted mini cookies
• Tea for Three: $108* for everything in The Madhatter, plus an extra scone and sandwich

*Fixed Price

With three locations scattered across Manhattan and Brooklyn, this Alice in Wonderland-inspired haven will transport you straight into a fairytale. Each location boasts a spellbinding atmosphere with mismatched plates and a cozy country cottage feel, making it the perfect spot for casual catch-ups with friends. While not a traditional high-end afternoon tea experience, Alice’s Tea Cup offers a casual alternative with particularly noteworthy scones. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or just looking for a delightful escape from the city’s chaos, Alice’s Tea Cup delivers an experience that’s equal parts delicious, playful, and enchanting!

King’s Carriage House

Locations:

• 251 E 82nd St, New York, NY 10028

Afternoon Tea Sets:

• Afternoon Tea: $49.95* for tea sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, tea cakes, and a pot of tea
• High Tea: $59.95* for everything in the Afternoon Tea plus an entreé course

*Price per person

King’s Carriage House is a charming Manhattan gem that brings the afternoon tea experience right to the Upper East Side. Nestled in a historic carriage house, this incredible venue offers not only your usual afternoon tea service but a high tea version as well, which comes with an extra entreé. With 30 years of service, their classic afternoon tea features everything from Scottish salmon pinwheels to chocolate pistachio tea cakes. King’s Carriage House is perfect for those who may want a heartier option to leave completely satisfied.

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

Locations:

• 249 West 49th Street, New York, New York, 10019
• 13 East 17th Street, New York, New York, 10003

Afternoon Tea Sets: 

• $50* for a 3-tiered plate of assorted sweets and sandwiches

*Price per person

I’ve been seeing videos showcasing Lillie’s Victorian Establishment’s decor all over social media. They offer a Dorian Gray on Broadway themed room at their Times Square location as well as a Magic in Manhattan themed room in Union Square. Depending on the season, you might be in for a surprise with exquisite decorations ranging from blooming flowers, spooky cobwebs, or snow-covered wreaths. Separate from their afternoon tea menu, they hold fabulous floral arrangement classes, guided by a professional florist. Sip on a complimentary drink, nibble on delicious hors d’oeuvres, and take home a stunning bouquet you’ve crafted yourself.

According to Forbes, Pinterest’s 2022 annual trends report describes afternoon tea as “the new happy hour,” with a rise in searches for “tea party aesthetic” and “drinking tea pose” on the platform. This trend reappeared in Pinterest’s 2024 trends report, which noted a 165% increase in user searches for “afternoon tea party ideas.”