Enjoy a Cup of Tea at These Chicago Teahouses
Tea service provides a relaxing way to gather with friends and family and enjoy the leisurely experience of drinking and dining together. Chicago’s eclectic landscape offers tea in several memorable settings, from sophisticated and historic tea rooms to oriental lounges and Indian restaurants. Whether you’re interested in settling in for a refined afternoon or setting out on a cultural adventure, the Windy City can serve up just what you’re looking for. Make your weekend especially memorable with a stop by one of these Chicago teahouse destinations.
Pavilion at The Langham Chicago
Afternoon tea at The Langham has been a treasured tradition since 1865. The elegant Pavilion continues to host this decadent experience more than 150 years later. The menu includes a selection of 25 proprietary Langham blends, guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind taste. You’ll enjoy an assortment of traditional English fare alongside your tea, with such options as tea sandwiches and scones with jam and clotted cream.
The Pavilion also features themed tea services on occasion, such as their romantic afternoon Valentine’s Day tea or limited-time Alice in Wonderland tea experience. Afternoon tea is always accompanied by live classical music to create the perfect setting for a refined dining experience.
Location: 330 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago.
Hours: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
First Sip Cafe
First Sip Cafe offers a well-rounded selection of teas, including several loose-leaf blends, such as tangerine honey, roasted jasmine, chamomile, and hibiscus. You’ll also find a selection of sweet teas and tea lattes. If you’re looking for something rich and distinctive, try one of the noir blends. These deep black-colored teas offer an intriguing sipping experience.
First Sip Cafe also serves coffee drinks and light bites. Try the Matcha Cheesecake for the perfect complement to a light herbal tea, or fill up on a Caprese Panini as you sip your way through lunchtime.
Location: 1057 W. Argyle St., Chicago.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Russian Tea Time
Russian Tea Time is the result of a powerful mother-son partnership. The Muchnik family immigrated to the United States from Uzbekistan in 1990. Russian Tea Time opened in 1994 as a way for the Muchniks to put down roots in the city of Chicago. Here, diners can experience the unique flavors of the former republics of the Soviet Union.
Afternoon tea service includes a pot of tea, raisin scones with cream and jam, and an assortment of tea sandwiches and mini sweets. You can choose from several teas, including Earl Grey Bergamot, Apricot Green, White Peony, and Decaffeinated Raspberry. Russian Tea Time also serves a selection of premium teas that aren’t included in the tea service, such as Moroccan Mint, Green Lemon Chai, Russian Breakfast, and Luscious Lychee. If you’re craving something more than just tea, the restaurant also serves weekend brunch and a full lunch and dinner menu of hearty dishes.
Location: 77 E. Adams St., Chicago.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Gaijin
Gaijin is an okonomiyaki restaurant serving this savory Japanese pancake in several ways. You can order your okonomiyaki topped with everything from pork to vegetables to octopus.
In line with its traditional Japanese meal preparation, Gaijin also maintains a rare tea cellar with several flavorful blends, such as Magnolia Blossom Oolong, Sakura Kyoto Cherry Blossom, and Samurai Chai. You can try iced tea varieties as well, including the High Mountain Mango, which features a blend of three estate-grown black teas. The Lemon Berry Meritage features a rare Berry Meritage blended with lemon leaves, lemon peel, and a berry mix of currants, cherries, blueberries, and raisins. Gaijin also has a full bar with a variety of wine, beer, sake, and cocktails.
Location: 950 W. Lake St., Chicago.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
TeaPotBrew Bakery
If you like your tea served alongside sweet baked treats, head to TeaPotBrew Bakery. The baked goods are made fresh throughout the day. Excess pastries are donated to a local homeless shelter at the end of the day, so the counter never has anything that’s even a day old.
TeaPotBrew Bakery offers dozens of loose-leaf tea varieties. You’ll find all the traditional favorites, such as English Breakfast and Earl Grey alongside, more intriguing options, including Cinnamon Plum, Ginger Lime Rooibos, Matcha Ginger Buzz, and Turmeric Mango. You can order elegant scones, decadent cookies, or moist muffins and banana bread to accompany your tea.
Location: 1802 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Chiya Chai
If the rich, spicy flavor of chai is your favorite form of tea, you’ll swoon over the abundant options available at Chiya Chai. This tea shop offers chai tea in dozens of concoctions, including Indian Mumbai Cutting, South Asian Cardamom Pistachio Chai, and indulgent Pink Salt and Almond Butter chai. From the sweet Blueberry Lavender Chai to the Spicy Masala Chai, you’ll find flavors to suit any taste or mood.
Chiya Chai can also enhance your experience with signature Indian dishes to complement your chai tea drink. You’ll find options such as Samosa Chaat, Creamy Masala Chicken, Saag Paneer, Momo Dumplings, curry bowls, and more. Your dining experience will never fall short of flavor here.
Locations: Logan Square – 2270 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Chicago Loop – 79 E. Madison St.
Hours: Logan Square – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Chicago Loop – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Do you know of other delicious tea destinations in Chicago, Illinois? Contact our team at Americash Jewelry & Coin Buyer and let us know. We love having the best suggestions in the city for our shoppers when they want to step out and enjoy a delicious treat.
Image by Vero Manrique is licensed with Unsplash License
