If you’re hunting for a memorable high tea experience in Charlottesville, you’re in luck! This charming town offers some incredible spots where you can relax, sip tea, and nibble on tasty treats in cozy or chic settings. Whether you're planning a catch-up with friends or just treating yourself, here's a guide to the top high tea venues in Charlottesville. Let’s dig in!
Top 5 High Tea Spots in Charlottesville, VA
- Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar
- Afternoon Tea at Oakhurst Inn
- Dinsmore Inn at The University
- Oakhurst Café
- Kung Fu Tea
1. Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar
Contact Details
Phone: (434) 293-9947
Website: www.teabazaar.com
Address: 414 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
- Atmosphere: Relaxed and artsy with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Specialties: Loose-leaf teas, vegetarian bites, and even some beer and wine options.
- Extras: Has an adjacent hookah lounge.
- Price Range: Moderate
- Reservations: Accepted
- Takeout: Available
If you want a unique twist on a traditional high tea experience, Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar is the place. This spot offers a laid-back vibe with Middle Eastern-inspired decor and a comfortable atmosphere. Sip on a range of loose-leaf teas and pair them with light vegetarian bites like samosas or hummus plates. For a little extra fun, head to the hookah lounge right next door.
2. Afternoon Tea at Oakhurst Inn
Contact Details
Phone: (434) 872-0100 ext. 1
Website: www.oakhurstinn.com
Address: 122 Oakhurst Cir, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
Directions: Open on Map
- Atmosphere: Cozy, with a classic Southern charm.
- Specialties: Afternoon tea service with traditional treats.
For those who love a more traditional high tea, the Oakhurst Inn offers a lovely setting that feels like a classic Southern retreat. Their tea service includes a variety of traditional tea-time bites, from savory to sweet. Settle into the peaceful ambiance and savor the calm that feels worlds away from the busy town center. This spot is perfect for a quiet afternoon with friends or family.
3. Dinsmore Inn at The University
Contact Details
Phone: (434) 974-4663
Website: www.dinsmorehouse.com
Address: 1211 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- Atmosphere: Historic and elegant.
- Specialties: Traditional B&B vibe with a refined afternoon tea setup.
- Extras: Free Wi-Fi, afternoon snacks.
Nestled in a historic setting, the Dinsmore Inn at The University delivers a high tea experience with classic decor and a cozy, welcoming vibe. Perfect for tea enthusiasts, it offers traditional tea services in a beautifully decorated dining room. If you're after a peaceful yet elegant tea experience, the Dinsmore Inn makes a memorable pick, with everything from delicate pastries to fresh scones on the menu.
4. Oakhurst Café
Contact Details
Phone: (434) 872-0100 ext. 2
Website: www.oakhurstinncafe.com
Address: 1616 Jefferson Park Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Atmosphere: Homey and inviting, with a comfortable outdoor patio.
- Specialties: Fresh coffee, breakfast, and lunch options, along with a selection of teas.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance.
- Price Range: Moderate
- Reservations: Accepted
- Takeout: Available
If you’re looking for a relaxed tea spot, Oakhurst Café has the perfect blend of homey charm and casual elegance. Nestled within the Oakhurst Inn, the café serves tea, coffee, and a variety of light meals in a comfortable setting. The outdoor patio is an excellent spot for a sunny day, and the indoor seating makes for a cozy retreat. Their tea selection pairs wonderfully with pastries, breakfast items, or a light lunch.
5. Kung Fu Tea
Contact Details
Phone: (434) 202-8844
Website: kungfutea.com
Address: 1001 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Atmosphere: Modern and casual.
- Specialties: Bubble tea and a range of hot and cold drinks, including coffee and slushes.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance.
- Price Range: Inexpensive
- Takeout: Available
- Delivery: Available
For a trendy twist on the traditional tea scene, check out Kung Fu Tea. Known for its popular bubble tea options, this spot adds a fun, modern vibe to the tea experience. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick, refreshing drink, especially on warmer days. With lots of flavors and customizations, Kung Fu Tea has something for every taste. Their bubble teas are always crowd-pleasers, but they also serve up classic teas and coffee if you want to keep it simple.
How to Choose the Best High Tea Spot in Charlottesville
With so many unique choices, picking the best high tea spot in Charlottesville can be a challenge. Here are a few things to consider:
- Ambiance: Do you want a cozy, traditional tea experience or something more modern and laid-back?
- Menu: Some spots focus on classic tea items, while others offer fun variations like bubble tea.
- Seating Options: Whether you prefer a warm indoor setting or a relaxing patio, seating choices can make a big difference.
- Accessibility: If you need wheelchair-accessible entrances, make sure to check this in advance.
- Reservations: High tea spots can fill up quickly, so consider making a reservation if it's an option.
FAQs
1. Which high tea spot in Charlottesville is the most affordable?
- For an inexpensive option, Kung Fu Tea is great for its affordable bubble tea selections.
2. Do I need to make reservations for high tea in Charlottesville?
- It depends on the venue. Spots like Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar and Oakhurst Café accept reservations, which is ideal if you want a guaranteed table, especially during peak hours.
3. Is there a traditional high tea experience in Charlottesville?
- Absolutely! The Oakhurst Inn and Dinsmore Inn offer a more traditional tea experience with classic treats and a cozy, elegant setting.
4. Can I get vegan or vegetarian options at these tea spots?
- Yes, Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar has plenty of vegetarian bites, and many cafés offer plant-based milk options for teas.
5. Are there outdoor seating options available?
- Yes, several of these spots, including Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar and Oakhurst Café, offer both indoor and outdoor seating for a more flexible dining experience.
Final Thoughts
Charlottesville’s high tea scene offers everything from classic elegance to modern twists. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur or just looking for a relaxed spot to enjoy an afternoon treat, these five spots have something special to offer. So grab a friend, pick a spot that suits your vibe, and enjoy some of the best tea experiences Charlottesville has to offer!
