Top 10 Tearooms in Texas
The tradition of afternoon tea dates to Victorian England, to the Duchess of Bedford’s afternoon craving for a dignified pick-me-up. In Texas, too, you can find tea menus and loose-leaf elixirs to suit any occasion. From classic to contemporary, these 10 tearooms in Texas offer havens perfect for Mother’s Day, birthday parties, or special celebrations.
The Adolphus Hotel, French Room, Dallas
In the French Room, you bask in opulence. Welcome the warm sip of tea that begins a several-course discovery of savory and sweet bites: truffle egg salad sandwiches or banana cream and salted caramel choux add elegant twists to classics. The historic Adolphus serves pairings of custom blends from zakti, a Dallas-based tea company. If you’re feeling luxe, add a caviar service with dainty buckwheat blini — a staple of high tea.
Austin English Tea Company, Austin
Fanciest hats in place and pinkies poised: On Sundays, you’ll find lacy tablecloths, coupes, and British teapots overflowing with roses, and tiers of scones and tea sandwiches. Niched inside Michelle’s Patisserie, this quaint Texas tearoom — with mismatched chairs add shabby-chic appeal — boasts predictably delectable pastries. Book a table for one of three seatings to enjoy loose-leaf English teas and their accouterments.
Bangkok at Beltline, Dallas
Tucked into a strip mall, Bangkok at Beltline offers a unique Saturday afternoon tea service that resembles nothing you’ve had — the transformations of Thai ingredients and dishes are inspired and playful. Nibble seasonal pastries such as mango mousse cake, sweet sticky rice, or macarons made by local Haute Sweets Patisserie. Savory bites include chicken satay sandwiches and curry puffs. Enjoy green, chrysanthemum, and Thai teas for sipping.
The Driskill Hotel, Austin
A weekend tradition inside the stately, late-19th-century Austin landmark is high tea, whose defining feature is the bottomless offering of Austin-based purveyor Zhi Tea’s delightful brews, which are sustainably grown, harvested, and processed. Enjoy delicate bites such as herb deviled eggs and red velvet cookie sandwiches in the gorgeous tearoom.
The Joule, The TASCHEN Library, Dallas
It feels a bit Alice-in-Wonderland. Indulge in a sleek weekend high tea at the equally tony, contemporary downtown Dallas Joule hotel’s small library complete with works by the design-forward German publisher TASCHEN. Don’t miss the lavender custard egg.
Little Hen, Houston
The chic, Instagram-worthy interior of this posh and sunny spot is a fitting backdrop for petite sandwiches, macarons, and scones served with a selection of teas. The wisteria and a rose-decked patio is the perfect setting to sip. Inside, sink into leather sofas or curved armchairs in the room of lush floral wall art and handsome herringbone wood floors.
Proper Rose Garden, Katy
Proper Rose is an Asian-European tea shop and bakery that entices its Houston-area audience. It serves not only black, green, and a robust selection of oolong teas, but also hot milk in flavors like taro, lavender, and rose. Go for the Proper Rose Garden Set with a pot of tea, assorted pastries, a sandwich, and slice of cake.
The Tea Kettle Cafe, Spring
Nestled in a cozy cottage in Old Town Spring, north of Houston, The Tea Kettle Cafe is a charming place for a traditional pot of tea. They offer an extensive selection of teas, including coconut lavender sencha and orange vanilla cream black tea.
Tillie’s at Camp Lucy, Dripping Springs
When you enjoy weekday afternoon tea on the 282-acre getaway in Hill Country, you’re summoning a tradition from Camp Lucy’s cousin property, The Old Bell Hotel in the Cotswold town of Malmesbury, England. Think British scones in a luxury Texan interior.
Potpourri Boulangerie, Dallas
The Barreiro family animates this jewel in an old home in the historic Oak Cliff neighborhood. You’ll find a vast selection of teas and an interior with options, from the sunny “conservatory” nook to a chimney-side perch. Bites include discreet nods to the family’s Latin origins of Cuba and Nicaragua.
Speaking of tea, learn the history of sweet tea — plus, how to make the Texas staple.
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