Afternoon Tea in Illinois
5 verified afternoon tea venues across 2 cities in Illinois ($$–$$$$): Chicago, Park Ridge. The full ritual: a pot of loose-leaf tea with tiered trays of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and pastries. Most rooms serve it in fixed seatings and recommend reservations — check each listing's hours and booking link.
5 tea rooms
Palm Court at The Drake Hotel
$$$$Gold Coast · Chicago
Afternoon tea has been served in the Drake's Palm Court for nearly a century, making it Chicago's quintessential Magnificent Mile tea experience. Tea arrives in individual pots alongside a traditional three-tiered tray of artisanal finger sandwiches, from-scratch scones with house-made preserves and Devon cream, and petit fours. A live harpist plays on weekends.
Pavilion at The Langham, Chicago
$$$$Chicago
The Langham's signature afternoon tea — a tradition that debuted at The Langham, London in 1865 — is served Friday through Sunday in the Pavilion, under a soaring ceiling with river and city views. Guests choose from proprietary Langham tea blends served with sweet and savory bites, and live classical music accompanies weekend service.
Russian Tea Time
$$$The Loop · Chicago
A Loop landmark across from the Art Institute, Russian Tea Time has been a beloved Chicago culinary destination for over thirty years, founded in 1993 by a family of immigrants from Uzbekistan. The restaurant serves dishes from the diverse regions of Eastern Europe and Central Asia and offers a daily afternoon tea service from 11 AM to 4:30 PM.
TeaLula
$$Park Ridge
A Park Ridge loose leaf tea shop and tea room operating since 2008, stocking white, green, oolong, black, puer, herbal, and matcha teas alongside teaware. Afternoon tea is served by reservation Friday through Sunday from 11:30 AM to 2 PM, and the shop runs a tea tasting club for regulars.
The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago
$$$$Magnificent Mile · Chicago
The Peninsula Chicago serves a seasonal afternoon tea in The Lobby, its grand ground-floor restaurant, with themed seatings offered Friday through Sunday. The menu changes seasonally and features traditional scones, tea sandwiches, and desserts, with live music accompanying service. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and children's afternoon teas are available.
Other styles in Illinois