If your cup of tea is channeling Eloise — The Plaza’s most famous resident, taking a journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland, marching in line with Madeline, playing dress up and sipping tea with pinkies up like a sophisticate, or simply going casual, we’ve got your match.
Whether it’s as simple as teatime for two, a fun treat for little out-of-towners, a birthday celebration, or a special occasion, you’re in for a memorable experience. And parents, if you feel like you need another hand, enlist the help of a babysitter or nanny to make for a more relaxing day for everyone!
These kid-friendly spots are the ideal locales for little ones to get a taste of the good life. Try one or try them all, and then come back and tell us which was your favorite!
Alice’s Tea Cup
Address:
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Chapter I: 102 W. 73rd St., New York, NY 10023 | P: 212-799-3006
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Chapter II: 156 E. 64th St., New York, NY, 10065 | P: 212-486-9200
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Chapter III: 220 E. 81st St., New York, NY, 10003 | P: 212-734-4832
Hours:
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Chapter I & II: Open daily, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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Chapter III: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fees: $29 and up per child
Little ones will adore taking an enchanted trip to Wonderland as they are warmly greeted by staff and instructed to close their eyes and make a wish while being sprinkled with magic “Fairy Dust.” Adults can get in on the action, too, so don’t be shy!
Ensconced in whimsical Alice in Wonderland décor, children and their grownups will be wowed by the eclectic surroundings, perfect for an afternoon of fantasy and make-believe. Fairy wings are offered for children to borrow during their visit, and Wiki sticks, coloring books, and books to read are available to pass the time until their food is ready.
The Wee Tea for children includes a small pot of tea (or juice or milk), a scone, one item from the “Menu for the Small” and White Rabbit dark chocolate mousse.
Right out of the pages of Pinterest, the three Alice locations are popular for mother-daughter teatime dates, children’s birthday parties, and bridal and baby showers. Advance reservations for parties of any size are available Monday – Thursday. However, reservations are limited and walk-ins are encouraged.
American Girl Tea
Address: 609 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10017
Hours: Open daily, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 877-247-5223
Fees: $21 and up per child | $29 and up per adult
Bring your camera and get ready to capture memories in the making at afternoon tea with the little ones at New York’s Flagship American Girl store. After working your way through this massive store, you’ll be ready to take a break and enjoy the café experience. Keep in mind, advanced reservations are a must. They take reservations up to 90 days in advance.
If your child is the proud owner of an American Girl doll, be sure to bring them along, as the restaurant will gladly seat the doll at the table and even give them a tiny cup and saucer with water. No doll? No problem! Your child can borrow a doll during the meal.
Special events are scheduled throughout the year at the café, so check the website for details.
Afternoon Tea for children includes a beverage choice of mint tea, hot cocoa, pink lemonade, or milk, along with a sampling of cinnamon buns, a scone, fresh fruit, tea sandwiches, and dessert. Accompanying adults can enjoy a beverage choice of a Mimosa, Bellini or sparkling apple cider.
Eloise Tea at The Plaza
Address: 768 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10019
Hours: Friday, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 212-546-5457
Fees: $50 and up per person (children & adults)
Kids and kids at heart will be head over heels for this adorable Eloise-themed teatime held at the Eloise retail store inside the legendary Plaza.
Fridays are reserved for Eloise’s Rawther Fancy Friday Teas each week. From custom Eloise tea cups and tableware, guests of all ages can enjoy tea, pink lemonade, tea sandwiches, and pastries.
When teatime is over, children will gather for story time and learn firsthand of Eloise’s antics and get the opportunity to write a letter to Eloise. Each child will leave with a gift bag and a $10 gift card to use toward a purchase in the Eloise store.
If you truly want to splurge, book the one-of-a-kind Betsey Johnson-designed Eloise suite at the Plaza at $2,043 and up per night by calling the Eloise Suite Hotline 646-599-8365.
Check the website for events throughout the year, including a painting party, jewelry making, pajama party brunch, and more. Please note, children must be accompanied by a participating paid adult to attend.
Madeline Tea at The Carlyle Hotel
Address: 35 E. 76th St., New York, NY 10021
Hours: Saturdays, Nov. 4 – Dec. 23 & Sunday, Dec. 10 & 17 | Two seatings: 10:15 a.m., 1 p.m.
Phone: 212-744-1600
Fees: $80 and up per person (children and adults) | $40 (children 3 and under)
Reserve your spot way in advance for this two-hour seasonal holiday tea party and sing-a-long created for children and their families in the legendary Bemelmans Bar, named for Madeline creator Ludwig Bemelmans. This event is most suited for guests 10 years old and under.
Guests can listen to songs from the Madeline Song Book, played by Tina de Varon, and dine at the Madeline Children’s buffet, a veritable feast at both the breakfast and lunch seating.
Breakfast offerings include Nutella and banana tea sandwiches, silver dollar pancakes, mini waffles, Quiche Lorraine and lots of dessert, including mini cheesecake lollipops. Lunch offerings include chicken fingers and curly fries, PB&J, pigs in a blanket, mac and cheese, chicken wraps, and a mix of Dylan’s Candy. Both seatings also have Madeline signature Magnolia Bakery cupcakes.
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon
Address: 56 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003
Hours: Wednesday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.
Phone: 212-533-4600
Fees: $59 and up per person
Situated in the Gramercy Park area, this charming salon is housed inside a Georgian brownstone. You might very well pass it by on the street, so be on the lookout for the discrete tea cup-engraved plaque on the building’s façade.
Once inside, this elegant salon serves a sophisticated five-course afternoon tea. There is no children’s menu available, and children must be at least 12 years old to dine, so this particular establishment is best for tweens and teens.
According to their site, “All guests who join us for afternoon tea are committing to the $59 per person pre-fixe menu.” Reservations should be made directly through the website or on OpenTable.com.
Russian Tea Room
Address: 150 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019
Hours: Open daily, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: 212-581-7100
Fees: $35 per child
Founded 90 years ago by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet, this iconic enclave known for hosting business powerhouses, politicians, and A-listers has opened its antique revolving doors to children with the introduction of the children’s tea service.
Get dressed up and head over to this warm and inviting spot, where you’ll be wowed by the exquisite modernist Russian-style décor and welcoming staff ready to give little guests the perfect intro to afternoon tea.
A selection of sandwiches, including pigs in a blanket, tuna fish, egg salad, cucumber and chive cream cheese, mini BLTs, and even a fun twist on PB&J on a blini are served. Save room for desserts like apple slices with caramel, red velvet cupcakes, chocolate mousse, and scones. A variety of decaf tea is available, and little ones will love their signature hot chocolate served with whipped cream and marshmallows. For an additional fee, you can add on a blini with paddlefish caviar.
Bosie Tea Parlor
Address: 10 Morton St., New York, NY 10014
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Friday, 9 a.m. – midnight | Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – midnight
Phone: 212-352-9900
Fees: $64 for Tea for Two
Located in the heart of the West Village, this quaint French tea salon airs on the more casual side, which makes it the ideal primer for high tea for the uninitiated. Don’t be daunted by the 100+ selection of teas, the helpful staff is ready and happy to assist.
Reservations are accepted for parties of six or more, otherwise it’s all walk-ins. Enjoy tea and scones for a full high tea service in an intimate space with a relaxed atmosphere. Kids will appreciate the less formal environs and the delectable assortment of multicolor macarons, and grown-ups will appreciate the prices that are much less than other options.
Tea for Two includes a pot of tea, an assortment of tea sandwiches, scones, teacakes, and macarons.
King’s Carriage House
Address: 251 E. 82nd St., New York, NY, 10028
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 212-734-5490
Fees: $24.95 and up per person ($34.95 with a glass of champagne)
Pinkies up at this rustic little hideaway on the Upper East Side, where children can experience a proper British high tea in an intimate setting. Little ones will feel as if they’re inside a dollhouse, with their quaint surroundings, ornate ceramic teapots, and mismatched china.
King’s staff is friendly and accommodating and pays special attention to its younger guests, making them feel like extra special.
Scottish salmon pinwheels, cucumber with chive cream cheese, sesame chicken, goat cheese tartlets, and scones are served. Dessert includes dark Belgian chocolate-dipped strawberries, shortbread cookies, teacakes, and several more sweets.
The Peninsula Hotel, Gotham Lounge
Address: 700 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10019
Hours: Open daily, 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 212-956-2888
Fees: $35 and up per child | $65 and up per adult
New Yorkers and tourists alike flock to this landmark building for afternoon tea at the hotel’s Gotham Lounge.
The children’s afternoon tea menu seems right out of Wonka Land, with peanut butter and banana sandwiches, Nutella and strawberries, M&M chocolate chip cookies, Rice Krispy treats, brownies, and hot chocolate.
Adults are treated to a creative menu, with innovative tea sandwiches like dill-cured gravlax, wasabi on seven grain, lobster salad, pastrami wraps, brie, and lingonberry. Scones accompanied by clotted cream and a variety of delicious sweets, along with a lovely selection of tea will have you planning your visit back.