High tea is more than just sipping tea; it’s a charming experience filled with delightful bites, lovely ambiance, and a dash of elegance. In Greenville, SC, there are plenty of spots to enjoy this time-honored tradition. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about high tea in this vibrant city.
What is High Tea?
High tea, often confused with afternoon tea, traditionally involves a more substantial meal served later in the day. It includes hearty foods like meats and breads, along with sweet treats and, of course, tea. The setting can range from cozy tea shops to elegant restaurants, making it a perfect way to catch up with friends or celebrate a special occasion.
Why Choose High Tea?
A Unique Dining Experience
High tea is not just about food; it’s about the experience. Imagine sitting in a beautifully decorated space, enjoying delicate sandwiches, scones, and pastries while sipping on your favorite tea. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a busy week or to celebrate milestones with loved ones.
Perfect for All Occasions
Whether you’re planning a bridal shower, a birthday party, or just a cozy catch-up with friends, high tea fits the bill. It offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere that appeals to all ages.
Health Benefits
Tea is known for its many health benefits. From boosting your immune system to providing antioxidants, a well-brewed cup can do wonders for your well-being. Pairing it with tasty treats makes it even better!
Top 10 Places for High Tea in Greenville, SC
Here are some fantastic spots in Greenville where you can indulge in high tea.
- Cosmic Rabbits Tea Company
- O·CHA tea bar
- Ding Tea Greenville
- Chef 21Event Space (Ramen, Hibachi, Sushi, Bar)
- The Spice & Tea Exchange of Greenville
- The Kava Konnection
- Stella Bubble Tea
- Kung Fu Tea Greenville
- Old Europe Coffee and Desserts
- Petals Tea Shop, LLC
1. Cosmic Rabbits Tea Company
Contact Details
Phone: (864) 248-0544
Website: www.cosmicrabbitstea.com
Address: 131 E McBee Ave., Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:30 – 6:00 PM
Features: Indoor and outdoor seating, takeout, wheelchair accessible.
Cosmic Rabbits offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxing tea experience. Enjoy a variety of loose-leaf teas along with light bites that complement the flavors beautifully.
2. O·CHA tea bar
Contact Details
Phone: (864) 283-6702
Website: ochateabaronline.com
Address: 300 River St #122, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Features: Curbside pickup, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating, takeout, wheelchair accessible.
Price: Inexpensive
O·CHA specializes in bubble tea and loose-leaf teas, alongside delicious pastries and vegetarian dishes. Their cozy corner cafe vibe makes it a delightful spot for tea enthusiasts.
3. Ding Tea Greenville
Contact Details
Phone: (864) 509-1074
Website: us.orderspoon.com
Address: 30 Orchard Park Dr Suite #20, Greenville, SC 29615, 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 – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
Features: Delivery, takeout, wheelchair accessible.
Price: Moderate
Ding Tea is known for its vibrant bubble tea options. With a range of flavors, it’s a fun place to explore different tea combinations.
4. Chef 21Event Space
Contact Details
Phone: (864) 263-3095
Website: www.skchef21.net
Address: 500 E McBee Ave. #108, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM
Features: Curbside pickup, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating, takeout, wheelchair accessible.
Price: Inexpensive
This place offers a unique twist on high tea with a blend of ramen, hibachi, and sushi. Their creative menu makes for a fun dining experience.
5. The Spice & Tea Exchange of Greenville
Contact Details
Phone: (864) 509-0125
Website: spiceandtea.com
Address: 124 N Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Features: Curbside pickup, delivery, takeout, wheelchair accessible.
This retailer is a treasure trove of spices and exotic teas. Perfect for tea lovers looking to take home a piece of their experience!
6. The Kava Konnection
Contact Details
Phone: (864) 568-5550
Website: thekavakonnection.com
Address: 1540 Wade Hampton Blvd Suite H, Greenville, SC 29609, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Features: Delivery, indoor and outdoor seating, reservations, takeout, wheelchair accessible.
Price: Moderate
Kava Konnection offers a relaxing atmosphere with a variety of teas. It’s a great spot for those looking to enjoy their tea in a calm environment.
7. Stella Bubble Tea
Contact Details
Phone: (864) 893-2365
Website: plantstella.com
Address: 11 Falls Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Features: Curbside pickup, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating, takeout, wheelchair accessible.
Price: Inexpensive
Stella specializes in bubble tea, providing a vibrant setting that appeals to younger crowds. Their fun flavors and toppings make each visit exciting.
8. Kung Fu Tea Greenville
Contact Details
Phone: (864) 631-1275
Website: www.kungfutea.com
Address: 581 Haywood Rd, Greenville, SC 29607, 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 – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Features: Delivery, indoor and outdoor seating, takeout, wheelchair accessible.
Price: Inexpensive
Kung Fu Tea is famous for its extensive bubble tea menu, perfect for anyone looking to try something new with their high tea.
9. Old Europe Coffee and Desserts
Contact Details
Phone: (864) 775-0210
Website: www.oldeuropedesserts.com
Address: 716 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Features: Delivery, indoor and outdoor seating, takeout, wheelchair accessible.
Price: Inexpensive
This charming cafe offers a selection of desserts that pair perfectly with their coffee and tea options. It’s a cozy spot for those with a sweet tooth.
10. Petals Tea Shop, LLC
Contact Details
Website: petalsteashop.com
Address: 3510 Augusta Rd Booth 529, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Petals Tea Shop is all about creating a unique tea experience. With a beautiful selection of teas, it's perfect for anyone wanting to relax and unwind.
Planning Your High Tea Experience
Making Reservations
To avoid disappointment, especially during peak times, it’s smart to call ahead and reserve a table. Some places may require or recommend reservations for larger groups.
Dress Code
While many tea spots are casual, some may appreciate a slightly dressier attire, especially if you’re visiting for a special occasion. It’s always fun to dress up a bit!
What to Order
Most high tea menus will offer a selection of teas and food pairings. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations based on your taste. Try different teas and mix sweet and savory bites for a well-rounded experience.
FAQs About High Tea in Greenville, SC
What time is high tea typically served?
High tea can be served between 3 PM and 5 PM, but it varies by location. Always check with the specific venue for their schedule.
Is high tea expensive?
Prices can vary widely depending on the venue. Some places offer high tea at a modest price, while others may be more upscale.
Can I bring kids to high tea?
Absolutely! Many tea places welcome families. Just check if they have a kid-friendly menu.
Do I need to dress up for high tea?
While not always required, it’s nice to dress a bit more elegantly for high tea. Think of it as a special outing.
Are there gluten-free options available?
Most tea spots offer a variety of dietary options, including gluten-free. Be sure to ask when you make your reservation.
Conclusion
High tea in Greenville, SC, is an experience to cherish. With plenty of charming spots to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect place for a delightful afternoon. So grab your friends, sip some tea, and enjoy the tasty treats that await you in this lovely city!