Alice in Wonderland: High Tea in NYC

Alice in Wonderland, in theaters this weekend
Alice in Wonderland, in theaters this weekend
Photo credit: Disney

In anticipation for Tim Burton’s movie spectacular Alice In Wonderland (set to open this weekend), why not organize your very own Mad Hatter tea party?  New York City knows how to pull off high tea, so before you start drooling over dreamy Johnny Depp, chase your own white rabbit through some of the city’s best herbal haunts.  Check out my Top 3 spots to sip afternoon tea in NYC.  These places offer stewed brews of loose leaf fit for the Queen of Hearts; pastries and scones so delicious they’ll have you smiling like the Cheshire Cat.

Alice’s Tea Cup: This Upper West Side cafe offers Alice In Wonderland themed treats and matching decor.  Order the Jabberwockey, a $38 spread with scones, preserves and cream, an unlimited selection of sandwiches and Jean’s “not-yet-but-soon-to-be-famous mocha chocolate chip cake.”

Tea & Sympathy
: For all things British, this is your one stop shop.  Lewis Carroll style afternoon tea will set you back $35 and includes finger sandwiches, a pot of steaming hot tea, scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam.

The Russian Tea Room: With its decadent decor, plush red velvet seats and twinkling chandeliers, this 80-year-old establishment is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon snack.  Between the hours of 2-4pm, indulged in caviar-crusted blinis and fancy-shmancy sandwiches (smoked ham and turkey with truffle croque monsieur; curried chicken salad with raisins and pecans; roquefort bleu cheese and pear with walnuts…de-lish).

Do you have a favorite tea spot in NYC?  Are you pumped about the new Alice In Wonderland movie?  Share your thoughts below…

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  • amitjhs
    I love that Alice in Wonderland actually differentiates different types of feminine power so girls don't just define strong as physically tough or verbally demanding.
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  • veerok
    I can't go for NY but I love having high tea. My favorite place in NY is the Ritz they do a lovely spread of three courses with a Champagne option. There are many reasons to like this great place where you can wear a good Halloween costume in the party .
  • dylen
    I am currently on vacation with love having high tea and it is great choice for me at niagara falls canada .
  • Davis Miller
    Point Break - A Perfect Bar Experience in NYC

    A local friend recommended and took my Cali group to this amazing bar. He said that mostly locals came here so I didn't really know what to expect ambiance wise... but screw it, the view at this bar was absolutely breathtaking! No joke. I felt like a celebrity w/ superstar treatment as the staff are friendly and amazing to say the very least.

    I don't know who the house DJ was but he definitely was playing music right up my alley. It would've been my dream for people to start dancing, but it's all good.

    It's a bit sceney for my taste, but it really didn't bother me much. the bartenders knew their stuff, although their 1st cocktail was a little weak, when he saw i understood cocktails the next 2 were stronger. I also liked that even though the place was really hopping the bartender remembered what i was drinking when i came to order another. (he also understood how good a gin hendricks is, and not to overpower it with the mixer). It was amazing to see their “das boot” which is shaped like a boot filled with beer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not drunk…it’s an actual boot shaped beer container ready to be emptied..try it ..you will love it!! Oh..how can I forget, they even have a wheel o' shots where you just have to spin it and have to drink whatever shot it lands on!! Now call that bar creativity at its best!!!

    We ordered the Veal and Fish Tacos. They were delicious. Mm! We ended up asking for spoons to polish off whatever remained in the platter. (Faux pas? Who cares as long as it gets in my tummy.) The fries were crispy, but not overcooked, just the way that I like them.

    So take in this scene: You walk in to what seems like an overly crowded place, but soon fine an empty table. Time seems to stop and the only indicator of the night moving on is the moon and your brain cells slowly going to bed forever. The music is not to loud and the people around look good, the only thing left for you to do is to enjoy that drink you paid ridiculously low for and laugh at the joke your co-worker just told.

    The vibe of the place just never seems to die out and if you happen to spot some NYC socialite, sports player, or star, don't let it get to you... because for that moment, this night they are no long more important than then you. In fact go up to them and introduce yourself!

    All in all just a great place to meet new people, or just have drinks with people you already know. I've been to numerous bars in the city but i would say this place is just great. Very welcoming staff, very laid back ambiance. I’ve been here twice after my first visit with my Cali group . I would say its worth the every penny you spend!!





  • More of a coffee drinker myself, but I did see the movie. It was fantastic. Had three kids in the neck-breaker section and still enjoyed the show.
  • Three great choices, but I think you should also consider the classy St. Regis, the incomparable Waldorf, or the chic Pierre. I've been to all three!
  • Nicole
    Hey Julia! Funny I just wrote my very first travel piece on a tea store/cafe in Ottawa. Feel free to check it out and offer some constructive criticism! - http://lifeisbeautiful-nicole.blogspot.com - (only the one post on my blog so far)
  • Ren
    I love having high tea. My favorite place in NY is the Ritz they do a lovely spread of three courses with a Champagne option. I have always chosen this option and I have always had a lovely time! I hosted a tea at the Lake Las Vegas Ritz for a girlfriends shower and it was so much fun. Taking girlfriends out for high tea is my favorite birthday gift to give. It is usually a set menu so no thought involved.
    I am very excited for the AIW movie- I am a huge Tim Burton fan and wrote a review on my blog about his latest exhibit in NY. Love your blog Julia.
  • ShannonOD
    These sound pretty cute! I have added them to places to visit next time I'm in the city! :-) For Burton fans who've been eagerly waiting for this movie, this is such a cute way to celebrate seeing the movie!
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