Austin is well-known for its vibrant coffeehouse scene. Less known is Austin’s exquisite tea community. These teahouses offer a window into a world of flavor with exquisite tea drinking experiences from traditional tea ceremonies to afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea, also known as high tea, is a classic British affair that celebrates tea flavors, tasty snacks, and social interaction. The full English afternoon tea service includes a spread of scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries. It’s a delicious experience highly by the beauty and delight of tea drinking.
Discover the best afternoon tea hot spots in Austin, Texas. This list includes everything from truly indulgent affairs to laid-back tea excursions you’re sure to love.
The Best Afternoon Tea in Austin
Looking for a way to indulge in exquisite teas in a tea room that’s worth of an Instagram photoshoot? You’ll find just the place on this list of the best afternoon tea in Austin. From fancy and upscale to casual and spiritual, there’s an experience for everyone.
1. Brentwood Social House
https://www.brentwoodsocial.com
1601 W Koenig Ln
Brentwood Social house is a European-inspired eatery and teahouse that delivers when it comes to the classic afternoon tea experience. At this tea room, you’ll be presented with a three-tiered stand of afternoon tea delicacies. These include the classic finger sandwiches and a range of savory and sweet delicacies including clotted cream.
The price for afternoon tea at Brentwood Social House is $30 per person with an additional charge if you need vegan or gluten-free options. Each person will receive their own pot of Zhi tea and you’ll love the exquisite French pastries and table décor.
2. Fluff Meringues & More
https://fluff-meringues.com
4800 Burnet Rd #450
This stunning tea shop sources all of its teas from London’s Tea Palace. This modern patisserie uses fresh locally sourced eggs, pure sugar cane, and the finest chocolates in its afternoon tea spread. The afternoon tea experience comes in two options: full and light.
Light tea features a selection of scones, clotted cream, and seasonal jams to accompany an assortment of house-made pastries including macarons. The full tea experience also includes a charcuterie spread, cheese, crackers, and local honeycomb. Both afternoon tea options come with a choice of one of 14 different teas from the tea menu.
3. The Steeping Room
https://www.thesteepingroom.com
4400 N Lamar Blvd #102
The Steeping Room offers several different tea services from morning tea to children’s tea. The Century Oaks Tea Service offers a traditional afternoon tea experience replete with two kinds of tea sandwiches, scones, jams, cookies, cakes, and a pot of premium tea, a mug of chai, or a cup of coffee.
For lighter fare, opt for the Scone Set, which features two scones, one jam and a spread, and a premium pot of tea. Loved the taste of your afternoon tea? The Steeping Room sells all of their loose leaf teas so you can bring home your new favorite flavor.
4. Kendra Scott’s Sips and Sweets Cafe
https://www.kendrascott.com
1701 South Congress
The flagship store of Kendra Scott features a tea shop that reflects the feminine aesthetic of the billion dollar jewelry brand. The tea shop, known as Sips and Sweets, features a reservations-only afternoon tea service on weekends. The teas are served in stunning gold and white tea sets that can be found only in the tea shop. The tea menu includes classic fare such as scones and pastries as well as the option for champagne, prosecco, and rosé.
5. Xiang Yun Tea Room
http://www.ibps-austin.org
6720 N Capital of Texas Hwy
The Xiang Yun Tea Room is located inside a Buddhist temple and occasionally offers afternoon tea services. The hot tea ceremonies are free, though donations are encouraged and welcomed. The tea is accompanied by vegetarian fare and a wonderful community.
6. The Four Seasons
https://www.fourseasons.com/austin/
98 San Jacinto Boulevard
In addition to brunch, the Four Seasons Austin serves up afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge from Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are required and the menu includes a variety of true teas and herbal tisanes. You’ll also enjoy delicious scones, pastries, cakes, and tea sandwiches.
7. Tea Haus
https://teahaus101.com/
2525 W Anderson Ln #285
The Tea Haus features a wide selection of teas from Great Britain favorites like Earl Grey to fruity and floral teas. Here, you can also find delicate pastries to pair with your cup of true tea or herbal tea. The tea room aims to be a home away from home and offers cozy corners to relax and catch up with friends.
8. The Driskill Hotel
https://driskillhotel.com/austin-events/afternoon-tea/
604 Brazos St
The Driskill Hotel is an Austin favorite and one of its must-see spots. The historic hotel offers fancy vibes with Texas hospitality for an afternoon tea experience you won’t soon forget.
Afternoon tea includes a three-course selection of petit fours and delicate finger sandwiches paired with tasty teas like green tea and sparkling wine. Afternoon tea starts at 3:00 and 3:30 in the Driskill Lobby and all beverages are bottomless.
Regular afternoon tea costs $59 plus tax and service fees, while holiday options — such as Christmas and Mother’s Day — are $68 and premium teas featuring Veuve Clicquot vary in price depending on the menu. Reservations are essential as the afternoon tea time experience sells out. You can also request a private tea party.
9. Hotel Ella
https://hotelella.com/dining
1900 Rio Grande St
Goodall’s at Hotel Ella offers an upscale afternoon tea on weekends from 3 pm to 5 pm. All teas are sourced from Austin-based Zhi Tea and reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance. The afternoon tea service features tea sandwiches, pastries, and savory and sweet confectionary.
10. Austin English Tea Company
https://www.austinenglishtea.com/
12233 Ranch Road 620 N #114
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[…] sofas add Texas-inspired style to the stunning hotel. You can even take part in their traditional afternoon tea every afternoon. Located in the heart of downtown Austin, the hotel is within easy walking […]