High tea, with all its elegance, tiny sandwiches, and delightful pastries, has become a go-to experience for anyone looking to add a little sophistication to their day. Arlington, VA, may be bustling, but it has hidden gems where you can settle down for a lovely pot of tea and tasty treats. Here’s the ultimate guide to the best high tea spots in Arlington and nearby, so you can find the perfect place to relax and enjoy some high tea charm.
What Is High Tea?
High tea isn’t just about fancy cups and delicate desserts. Traditionally, it was a hearty meal served in the early evening for working-class folks in Britain. But today, in the U.S., we use “high tea” to describe a more refined afternoon tea experience. You’ll often get a pot of your chosen tea and a selection of sweet and savory bites, like finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, pastries, and more.
Best 10 High Tea Places in Arlington, VA
Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 high tea locations in Arlington and the surrounding areas.
- Tea with Mrs. B
- Santé
- Bees and Tea by Saigon Saigon
- Lady Camellia
- Valley Brook Tea
- Soricha Tea & Theater
- The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
- Willard Peacock Alley Tea
- ching ching CHA
- Kung Fu Tea
1. Tea with Mrs. B
Contact Details
Phone: (202) 448-2930
Website: www.teawithmrsb.com
Address: 136 W Jefferson St, Falls Church, VA 22046, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- Highlights: This whimsical tea room offers an inviting ambiance with both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s perfect for families, friends, or solo tea-goers. You can make a reservation, and if you’re in a hurry, takeout is also available.
- Why Go: The quirky decor and themed tea events make this a memorable spot.
2. Santé
Contact Details
Phone: (703) 412-2762
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
Address: 1250 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 6:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 6:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 6:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 6:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 6:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Highlights: Located inside the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Santé offers a classic high tea experience with a modern twist. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, along with a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
- Why Go: It’s a high-end experience perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat.
3. Bees and Tea by Saigon Saigon
Contact Details
Phone: (703) 413-2002
Website: beesandtea.com
Address: 1301 S Joyce St Suite D9, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Highlights: A cozy spot that blends tea with Vietnamese flair. Enjoy delivery, indoor and outdoor seating, and wheelchair accessibility. Perfect for a unique, relaxed tea experience.
- Why Go: This place combines the love of tea with tasty Vietnamese snacks.
4. Lady Camellia
Contact Details
Phone: (571) 431-7705
Website: www.ladycamellia.com
Address: 229 Strand St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 1:00 – 6:30 PM
- Wednesday: 1:00 – 6:30 PM
- Thursday: 1:00 – 6:30 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 6:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Highlights: Just a short drive from Arlington, this quaint tea shop offers a full tea service in an intimate setting. With options for curbside pickup, delivery, and reservations, Lady Camellia is convenient and charming.
- Why Go: Affordable with a great selection of pastries and scones.
- Price: Inexpensive
5. Valley Brook Tea
Contact Details
Phone: (202) 679-5752
Website: www.valleybrooktea.com
Address: 2015 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Highlights: A small but elegant spot for high tea with a moderate price tag. Valley Brook Tea offers a laid-back yet stylish ambiance, with wheelchair accessibility and takeout options.
- Why Go: Perfect for a casual, peaceful tea outing.
- Price: Moderate
6. Soricha Tea & Theater
Contact Details
Phone: (703) 642-0020
Website: www.soricha.com
Address: 7112 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Highlights: This tea spot combines tea with a cultural experience. With moderate prices, Soricha is a tranquil spot to sip tea and even catch a traditional performance. Wheelchair accessibility and reservations make it a convenient choice.
- Why Go: For a unique tea-drinking experience with a cultural touch.
- Price: Moderate
7. The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
Contact Details
Phone: (703) 415-5000
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
Address: 1250 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
Directions: Open on Map
- Highlights: A luxury experience with all the bells and whistles, including a sauna, gym, and steam room. While not a typical tea room, it’s ideal for a full day of relaxation.
- Why Go: Combine high tea with a spa day for the ultimate pampering session.
- Price: Expensive
8. Willard Peacock Alley Tea
Contact Details
Phone: (202) 942-7000
Website: washington.intercontinental.com
Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW at Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
- Highlights: This historic spot offers a luxurious tea experience with a refined menu and curbside pickup. Indoor and outdoor seating makes it accessible to all.
- Why Go: If you’re looking for a grand, memorable tea outing with a historical twist.
9. ching ching CHA
Contact Details
Phone: (202) 333-8288
Website: www.chingchingcha.com
Address: 1314 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Highlights: A tranquil space that specializes in Chinese and Japanese teas. The decor and peaceful environment transport you, making it a perfect escape from city noise.
- Why Go: Perfect for tea lovers seeking a calm, authentic tea experience.
- Price: Moderate
10. Kung Fu Tea
Contact Details
Phone: (703) 528-1686
Website: kungfutea.com
Address: 3018 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Highlights: While it’s a bubble tea spot, Kung Fu Tea is an affordable choice with options for delivery, takeout, and wheelchair accessibility. They have an extensive drink menu, from tea to coffee and fruity slushes.
- Why Go: Ideal for a quick, casual tea stop with friends.
- Price: Inexpensive
Choosing the Right Tea Room for You
With 10 excellent tea rooms, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Tea Room | Seating | Takeout | Delivery | Wheelchair | Reservation | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea with Mrs. B | Yes | Yes | – | Inaccessible | Yes | – |
| Sant̩ | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | Yes | Р|
| Bees and Tea by Saigon Saigon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No | – |
| Lady Camellia | Yes | Yes | Yes | Inaccessible | Yes | Inexpensive |
| Valley Brook Tea | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | – | Moderate |
| Soricha Tea & Theater | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes | Moderate |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City | – | – | – | Accessible | – | Expensive |
| Willard Peacock Alley Tea | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | Yes | – |
| ching ching CHA | Yes | Yes | No | – | – | Moderate |
| Kung Fu Tea | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No | Inexpensive |
FAQs about High Tea in Arlington, VA
1. What should I expect in a high tea service?
You’ll typically get a pot of tea along with a selection of small bites, like finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts. It’s a mix of sweet and savory flavors.
2. Is high tea different from afternoon tea?
In the U.S., people often use the terms interchangeably, but traditionally, high tea was a heavier meal in the evening. Afternoon tea is a lighter fare served in the afternoon.
3. How much does high tea usually cost?
High tea prices can range widely. In Arlington, expect anything from inexpensive spots ($) to luxurious experiences ($$$$) depending on the ambiance and offerings.
4. Do I need a reservation?
Some tea rooms require reservations, especially on weekends or holidays. It’s always good to check ahead to ensure a spot.
5. Can I get high tea to-go?
Yes, many places now offer takeout or curbside pickup, allowing you to enjoy high tea from home.
What Makes a Great High Tea Spot?
High tea isn’t just about sipping tea; it’s about the entire experience. Here are some key elements that make a high tea experience memorable:
- Ambiance: A mix of cozy and elegant. Think soft lighting, delicate china, and a peaceful vibe.
- Food Selection: The variety of sweet and savory items is important. Scones, sandwiches, pastries—each should be perfectly prepared.
- Tea Variety: A quality high tea spot offers a range of teas, from classic black and green teas to more unique herbal options.
- Service: Attentive yet unobtrusive service can elevate the experience.
- Accessibility and Seating: Options for indoor, outdoor, and wheelchair accessibility make it easier for everyone to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the mood for a lavish experience or a casual afternoon out, Arlington’s tea spots have something special for everyone. From charming tearooms to luxury hotel settings, these high tea locations promise delightful sips and snacks to elevate your day. So grab a friend, make a reservation, and enjoy a relaxing high tea adventure!
