Enjoy afternoon tea near BART
The Palace Hotel offers one of the fanciest afternoon tea experiences in the Bay Area. Photo courtesy of The Palace Hotel.
This spring, gather with friends and indulge in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea. From grand hotel settings to charming and quirky tea rooms, there's no shortage of BARTable gems. Pour piping hot tea from floral teapots. Enjoy sweet and savory treats on gorgeous tiered trays. Experience a fancy afternoon full of fun! Hop on BART and visit the best places in the Bay Area for high tea. Don't forget your Clipper card!
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For cozy afternoon tea, head to Dartealing Lounge in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor (pattyb519)
Dartealing Lounge | Montgomery St
Head to SOMA for a classic afternoon tea with a touch of San Francisco creativity at Dartealing Lounge. This charming spot has been around since 2009 and currently offers a prix fix menu with small batches of tasty treats made in-house to guarantee freshness and quality for every patron. For a unique tea experience, try the tea and chocolate pairing. Additionally, you can opt for an experience focusing on tea etiquette, which teaches tea lovers about the history of afternoon tea. Dartealing Lounge is 0.7 miles from Montgomery St at 470 Third St.
The eclectic decor and delicious delights at Lovejoy's Tea Room make it a must-visit destination. Photo courtesy of Lovejoy's Tea Room.
Lovejoy’s Tea Room | 24th St Mission
Lovejoy’s Tea Room opened in the early 1990s but moved to its current BARTable location on the corner of Church St. and 24th St. in 2000. The building was originally an antique shop that served tea, but the customers were more interested in the tea than the merchandise. Today, the quirky tea room with mismatched china and furniture is utterly charming. Enjoy warm scones, sandwiches, and, of course, a wide selection of tea, only 0.7 miles from 24th St Mission at 1351 Church St.
Neiman Marcus' The Rotunda offers a truly luxurious tea experience in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of The Infatuation (Melissa Zink).
The Rotunda | Powell St
This well-known, elegant restaurant in Neiman Marcus in Union Square is likely the most fashionable destination on our list. Take your time wandering through the luxury department store until arriving at the fourth floor — the ultimate destination for afternoon tea. Relax beneath the stained-glass domed ceiling and create lasting memories with friends and family over a pot of tea and a menu of finger sandwiches, scones, jams and petite sweets. You also get your choice of DAMMANN Frères freshly brewed teas. Afternoon tea at The Rotunda is served daily from 1:30 p.m., but reservations are required. Enjoy a top-class tea experience 0.3 miles from Powell St at 150 Stockton St.
Visit the classy Palace Hotel for fancy afternoon tea in their Garden Court. Photo courtesy of The Palace Hotel.
The Palace Hotel | Montgomery St
Stepping into the Palace Hotel will make your jaw drop. Their afternoon tea is served in the gorgeous Garden Court, one of the most beautiful settings in San Francisco. The Palace first began tea service in 1910, and the longstanding tradition is truly special. The seasonal menu is paired with a carefully curated selection of teas. Afternoon tea amidst the luxury of the Gilded Age is just steps from Montgomery St.
High tea inside The Fairmont's Laurel Court is the ultimate treat. Photo courtesy of The Fairmont San Francisco.
The Fairmont | Powell St
Enjoy polished silver and fine china in the Laurel Court at the infamous Fairmont San Francisco. A tradition since 1907, friends and family have gathered for more than a century over steaming pots of tea and house-made scones with obvious accompaniments, like lemon curd, Devonshire cream and fruit compote. The extensive menu includes tea sandwiches, like egg and salmon mousse, pastries, desserts and a wide variety of teas. When celebrating a fancy afternoon with little ones, you can expect a separate Children’s tea menu for kiddos. Enjoy the high tea experience for all ages 0.6 miles from Powell St at 950 Mason St.
The perfect place for larger groups, the Pardee Home Museum hosts inside and outside. Photo courtesy of Pardee Home Museum.
Pardee Home Museum | 12th St/Oakland City Center
If you’re looking to enjoy high tea with a group, Pardee Home Museum should be a top choice. Afternoon tea is served in the elegant dining room or in the garden on its beautiful grounds from May to September. The minimum number of people for any reservation is six guests. Also, note that all afternoon tea is available by a two-week advance reservation, which includes a private tour of the home museum. Take a look at the sample menu full of savory snacks, like cucumber flower sandwiches, and sweet treats, like lemon tarts. Enjoy tea with friends in the East Bay, 0.4 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center at 672 11th St.
Little ones will love high tea at Dainteas in Concord. Photo courtesy of Dainteas Afternoon Tea Parlour.
Dainteas Afternoon Tea Parlour | Concord
Savor afternoon tea at Dainteas, which features a three-tier delight and includes a choice of two teas. To start, dive into crunchy buttermilk scones with strawberry preserves and lemon. Then, enjoy a variety of tea sandwiches before indulging in chocolate chip cookies with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Tea options include white, green, black and fruit. While all ages will love this East Bay afternoon tea experience, it's especially fun for kids of all ages. The grown-ups can relax while little ones let loose in the play area. This family-friendly tea room is 0.5 miles from Concord Station at 1302 Galindo St.
Experience high tea in a creatively beautiful atmosphere at Son and Garden. Photo courtesy of Son and Garden.
Son and Garden | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Colorful, whimsical and lavish — Son and Garden is a truly beautiful tea room in San Francisco. You can currently book the Snow White-themed afternoon tea, where all treats are inspired by the classic tale. For something sweet, expect lava cakes with strawberries, chocolate hazelnut beignets and magical macarons. Savory delights include smoked salmon and dill cream cheese and egg salad sandwiches, to name a few. Everything arrives with your choice of Harney & Sons Tea. Some essential things to note — one tea set is ideal for two people, you must reserve 48 hours in advance and tea is available Monday through Friday at noon and 1:30 p.m. Find Son and Garden near BART, 0.5 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza at 700 Polk St.
The Ritz-Carlton offers the ultimate afternoon tea for gin lovers. Photo courtesy of The Ritz Carlton.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco | Powell St
The Gin & Tea Afternoon Tea at the Ritz-Carlton is a creative take on traditional afternoon tea. Select your premium tea and enjoy the Afternoon Tea Spritz with Earl Grey-infused gin, grapefruit, bubbles and lots of florals. The tea service features a seasonal selection of finger sandwiches and spring-inspired sweets, including mini caprese on focaccia, blueberry honey scones and strawberry lemon posset. The experience is currently available on the weekends through May 31. Enjoy tea at The Ritz-Carlton, 0.5 miles from Powell St at 600 Stockton St.
What is your favorite Bay Area spot for afternoon tea?
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