Pinkies up, Austin. We love a good cup of tea, which got us thinking about places across our city where you can enjoy afternoon tea, complete with tiered trays of treats and a soothing ambiance.
So get cozy — we’re about to spill the tea.
Zhi Tea, 1023 Springdale Rd. Ste. 7A
This award-winning, homegrown tea company has been designing, blending, and steeping tea since 2006. Find everything for your serene sipping hour from black, green, and white teas to herbal, oolong, and traditional pu-erh. Table service runs Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Brentwood Social House, 1601 W. Koenig Ln.
Get ready for an adult tea party with traditional English Afternoon Tea service set up in either the main dining room of this quaint coffee shop, or in the private Quiet Room. Sip out of vintage china while dainty, adorable pastries and tea sandwiches are served on a three-tiered stand. Afternoon tea runs Wednesday-Thursday at 12 p.m. or Friday-Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. by reservation only.
Goldie’s at Austin Proper Hotel, 600 W. 2nd St.
Sit and sip in this posh cocktail bar that transforms into a tea room every Sunday from 12-4 p.m. by reservation only. Choose from a vast selection of teas, including cherry blossom green, imperial tung ting oolong, mad hatter’s tea party, and ginger yuzu. Indulge in scones, cucumber sandwiches, and pastries, along with a glass of champagne to top off the afternoon.
Austin English Tea Company, 12233 Ranch Rd. 620 N. Ste. 114
This tearoom at Michelle’s Patisserie hosts elegant tea parties for celebrations as well as a weekly afternoon tea on Sundays by reservation only. Partake in this authentic English experience that comes with 6 options of tea sandwiches, a selection of pastries — like scones and jam, tea cookies, and fruit tartlets — and tea served with milk and sugar.
The Kendra Scott Sips & Sweets Cafe, 1701 S. Congress Ave.
This fabulous spot is decked out with a soft, pink interior and a gorgeous modern-style patio that will have tea-goers feeling right at home. Choose from a display of decadent sweets — including seasonal pies, banana bread, cheesecake bars, cupcakes, and macarons — and pair it with a steeping cup of local Zhi Tea. The cafe is open daily, but check changing times online.
Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple, 6720 N. Capital of Texas Hwy.
For a more spiritual cup of tea, this antique tea room invites newcomers every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for a meditation service paired with a traditional tea ceremony and sharing experience. The ceremony consists of an introduction of the table arrangement as well as the type of tea leaves used to brew that day.
Austin Tea Xchange Cafe, 13011 Shops Pkwy Ste. 600
The vibes at this cafe might be casual, but the European and Mediterranean-inspired food and drinks are expertly crafted, colorful, and delectable. Choose from seven special teas served hot or iced — including ginger green, moji-tea, apple-tea-ni, and sangria tea — or pick a classic tea like earl grey and hibiscus. And if you’re craving something milky, try one of their cappu-tea-nos like the earl grey creme or matcha latte.
West China Tea, 4706 N. Interstate Hwy. 35
Sip back and relax while experiencing Chinese tea in what is called “Gong Fu Cha” — a gathering and ritual that comes from ancient and formal tea ceremonies. Choose from a hosted tea sit that includes expert guidance of the loose leaf tea with a server, front bar tea service, or self-service tea. Walk-ins are welcome.
The Marvelous Vintage Tea Party, Locations vary
Put on the ultimate tea party with major Alice in Wonderland vibes at either your home or a venue of choice with this tea service that offers various experiences, including bridal and baby showers, adult birthdays, children and teen birthdays, bachelorette parties, gentlemen’s tea, and sorori{teas}. Intimate parties typically have a minimum of 25 guests, and owner Sophie has even put on parties for as many as 2000+ tea drinkers. Contact her for details.
Pssst: This is a sample of adorable tea rooms in our city. If we missed your favorite spot, please spill the tea to us and send us an email.
