One of my favorite holiday traditions is getting dressed up and going out to tea with my girlfriends, and I recently took my in-laws as well for their first Christmas in Boston. It’s a festive and leisurely way to enjoy each other’s company for a few hours, while drinking in a nice setting and tasty small bites. Below are 3 of the best spots to go for tea in Boston – reservations tend to go quickly around the holidays, but they offer their tea service year round as well!
1. Beacon Hill Books & Cafe
Overview: A cozy spot inside an impeccably-designed bookstore
Pricing: $55 for adults, $35 for guests 12 and under (menu)
This neighborhood bookstore has been taking over local social media by storm. Every detail in the store has been carefully designed and thought out, and feels like stopping by a neighbor’s stylish, charming home. You can see more of the interior in my recent Instagram reel!
The cafe is on the lowest floor of the bookstore and space is tight, so probably ideal for smaller parties of 2. Reservations are limited due to space and time (currently Sunday afternoons only for tea). Everything is made in house by their chef and is intended to be a cozy, more rustic experience. Their cafe only recently opened so I’ve only had a coffee and pastry there, but here is a customer photo showing their tea tray.
2. Boston Public Library Courtyard Tea Room
Overview: An iconic spot for tea in a beautiful historic landmark, as seen in my IG Reel
Pricing: $68 per person (menu). Note: This is the pricing for their Holiday Tea through December, which is more expensive than their tea service during January through November.
I’m partial to this one as we have fond memories of getting married here, and it’s hard to beat the historic setting and library charm. They have 3 tea seatings daily at 11 am, 1 pm and 3pm so it’s easier to get a reservation here than the other spots on this list. For their pricier December holiday tea it comes with an additional first course of a mini soup and salad bite that I personally don’t care for, but everything else was tasty. I love that they offer pots of tea lattes including a matcha green tea latte and a fragrant earl grey latte.
Most of the seating is for tables up to 4, but they can accommodate larger groups with advance reservations as I’ve been here for birthdays and baby showers. My favorite table for 2 is the one by the window overlooking the courtyard! If you’re looking for cocktails instead of (or after) tea, there is also the Map Room Cafe adjacent to the tea room, open to walk-in guests Wednesday – Sunday 11AM to 5PM.
3. Trifecta (Four Seasons Dalton)
Overview: An elegant experience in one of Boston’s newer luxury hotels
Pricing: $99 per person, $49 for kids (menu)
I went here with girlfriends last year and the lobby through the restaurant was decorated beautifully with a cozy luxe “apres ski” vibe, and all the guests were dressed very chic. This is the priciest option on this list and the tea service comes with a glass of champagne and liquor pairing. The individual teapots were ornate and unique and the attentive service was what you’d expect of a higher end spot.
I found the tea food itself at both Trifecta and BPL to be comparable, so would choose between the two based on what you’re looking for ambiance-wise and if you’d like alcohol as part of the service. At the Four Seasons, you can head to the bar for cocktails afterwards or upstairs to Zuma for sushi.
We’ve also had tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel. They offer their tea service Thursday through Sunday afternoon for $75 per person, or $85 if you’d like to include a flute of champagne.
We used your recommendations from an earlier post for our family vacation to Boston this past summer! A huge belated thank you! My 7 y/o loved tea at the library and we all loved the udon restaurant near BU.
I’m so glad to hear that! I hope you had a wonderful visit xx
Sounds so lovely!! There is nowhere to do afternoon tea where I live so definitely taking note of these places whenever we are able to make it to Boston!! I completely agree with it being one of the most fun things to do especially around Christmas! Was able to do afternoon tea in London a couple years ago and it was by far one of my favorite experiences ever.
That sounds so lovely!