Knoxville, TN, is a hidden gem for those who appreciate the art of high tea. From quaint tea rooms to lovely cafes, there’s a spot for everyone. Whether you're planning a special occasion or just want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon, high tea in Knoxville offers a delightful escape. Let’s explore the best places, what to expect, and tips for making the most of your experience!
What is High Tea?
High tea is more than just sipping tea; it's a delightful social event that typically includes a variety of teas served alongside snacks and sweets. Originating from the British tradition, it often features sandwiches, scones, and pastries. In Knoxville, you'll find many tea rooms offering their own unique twist on this cherished tradition.
Why Enjoy High Tea in Knoxville?
High tea is a perfect way to catch up with friends, celebrate special moments, or simply indulge yourself. Knoxville’s charming atmosphere adds to the experience, making it a delightful outing. Plus, you’ll get to taste delicious treats and explore various tea options.
Benefits of Having High Tea
- Socialization: It’s a great way to bond with friends and family.
- Relaxation: Enjoy a peaceful break from your busy day.
- Culinary Adventure: Explore new flavors and tea blends.
Best 10 Places for High Tea in Knoxville
Here’s a list of some top spots for high tea in Knoxville that you won’t want to miss!
- Applecake Tea Room
- Lulu's Tea Room
- Hello Tea House
- The Jackson Avenue Tea Company
- Tonya Rea's Tea
- The Kraken's Cup
- Hummingbird Apothecary
- Hey Bear Cafe
- THE TENNESSEAN Hotel
- Hummingbird Apothecary South
1. Applecake Tea Room
Contact Details
Phone: (865) 966-7848
Website: m.facebook.com
Address: 11312 Station W Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: Moderate
Supports: Indoor/Outdoor seating, curbside pickup, takeout
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
At Applecake Tea Room, you can enjoy a cozy atmosphere filled with charm. Their high tea menu features a mix of delicious sweets and savory treats. It’s perfect for a gathering with friends!
2. Lulu's Tea Room
Contact Details
Phone: (865) 947-5858
Address: 3703 W Beaver Creek Dr, Powell, TN 37849, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Supports: Indoor/Outdoor seating, reservations, takeout
Lulu's Tea Room offers a wonderful selection of teas and light bites. You can reserve a spot to ensure a delightful afternoon with your loved ones.
3. Hello Tea House
Contact Details
Phone: (865) 839-2889
Website: www.helloteahouse.com
Address: 722 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, 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 – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Supports: Delivery, indoor/outdoor seating, takeout
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Hello Tea House is known for its welcoming vibe and diverse tea selection. Their high tea service is not only tasty but also beautifully presented.
4. The Jackson Avenue Tea Company
Contact Details
Phone: (865) 332-6351
Website: www.jacksonavenuetea.com
Address: Within Phoenix Pharacy, 418 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 – 8:00 PM
Supports: Indoor/Outdoor seating, reservations, takeout
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
The Jackson Avenue Tea Company provides a charming atmosphere and a fantastic high tea menu. Make a reservation to enjoy their lovely offerings.
5. Tonya Rea's Tea
Contact Details
Phone: (865) 357-5879
Website: www.tonyareas.com
Address: 1328 Buchanan Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917, 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 – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Supports: Indoor/Outdoor seating, takeout
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
At Tonya Rea's Tea, you can indulge in a delightful array of treats paired with fragrant teas. It’s a local favorite for high tea.
6. The Kraken's Cup
Contact Details
Phone: (865) 297-3083
Website: www.thekrakenscup.com
Address: 4815 N Broadway St #107, Knoxville, TN 37918, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Supports: Indoor/Outdoor seating, reservations, takeout
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
The Kraken's Cup combines a quirky atmosphere with a delicious high tea menu. Perfect for a fun afternoon with friends!
7. Hummingbird Apothecary
Contact Details
Phone: (865) 219-1190
Address: 3716 Walker Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37917, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Supports: Indoor/Outdoor seating, takeout
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Hummingbird Apothecary offers a unique experience with their high tea. Enjoy a variety of herbal teas and delicious pastries in a cozy setting.
8. Hey Bear Cafe
Contact Details
Phone: (865) 985-0326
Website: heybearcafe.com
Address: 9036 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923, 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 – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Supports: Curbside pickup, indoor/outdoor seating, takeout
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Hey Bear Cafe provides a friendly atmosphere and a lovely selection of teas. It’s a great spot for casual high tea.
9. THE TENNESSEAN Hotel
Contact Details
Phone: (865) 232-1800
Website: www.thetennesseanhotel.com
Address: 531 Henley St, Knoxville, TN 37902, 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
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
For a more upscale experience, check out THE TENNESSEAN Hotel. Their high tea service is elegant, making it perfect for special occasions.
10. Hummingbird Apothecary South
Contact Details
Phone: (865) 910-0285
Address: 3726 Sevier Heights Rd #106, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Supports: Indoor/Outdoor seating, takeout
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible
Hummingbird Apothecary South provides a relaxing environment for high tea. Enjoy their selection of teas and delicious treats.
Tips for Enjoying High Tea
Dress the Part
While high tea is often a casual affair, dressing nicely can enhance your experience. Think smart casual—dresses or nice slacks work great!
Make Reservations
Some popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It’s wise to call ahead and reserve your table.
Explore the Menu
Don’t hesitate to try something new! Many places offer unique blends and specialty items. Ask your server for recommendations.
Pair Your Tea
Consider pairing your tea with different treats. For example, a fruity tea might go well with scones, while a strong black tea can complement savory sandwiches.
Enjoy the Atmosphere
Take your time to soak in the ambiance. High tea is not just about the food but also the experience. Enjoy chatting with friends or even reading a good book.
FAQs About High Tea in Knoxville
What is typically served at high tea?
High tea usually includes a selection of teas, sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries.
How much does high tea cost in Knoxville?
Prices can vary, but expect to pay between $15 to $30 per person, depending on the tea room and menu options.
Do I need to make a reservation for high tea?
It’s a good idea to make a reservation, especially at popular spots. This ensures you’ll have a table ready for you!
Can I bring children to high tea?
Absolutely! Many tea rooms welcome families and have kid-friendly options on their menus.
Is high tea available year-round?
Yes! Most tea rooms offer high tea year-round, but it's always best to check with the specific location for availability.
Conclusion
High tea in Knoxville, TN, is more than just a meal; it's an experience that brings people together over delightful flavors and warm conversations. With plenty of charming tea rooms to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to indulge. So gather your friends, dress up a bit, and enjoy a lovely afternoon filled with tea and treats! Whether you’re a high tea newbie or a seasoned pro, Knoxville's tea scene has something special waiting for you.
