Where to Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide

Afternoon tea in Atlanta has grown from a niche treat into a favorite way to slow down, celebrate, or catch up with friends. Whether you want a traditional British-style tea, a luxury hotel experience, or a creative Southern twist, Atlanta offers plenty of options across the city and nearby suburbs.

This guide focuses on where and how to enjoy afternoon tea in Atlanta, Georgia, with practical details to help you plan your visit.

What “Afternoon Tea” Usually Includes in Atlanta

Most Atlanta spots that serve afternoon tea offer a set service at a fixed price. You can generally expect:

• Loose-leaf tea (with choices like Earl Grey, English breakfast, herbal blends, and sometimes local or seasonal flavors)
• Tiered trays with:
  • Savory bites (tea sandwiches, mini quiches, tarts)
  • Scones or biscuits with jam, butter, or cream
  • Petite desserts (macarons, cakes, cookies, petits fours)
• Optional sparkling wine or champagne add-ons at higher-end venues
• Set seating times, often requiring reservations

Dress codes vary. Many Atlanta tea spots are smart casual, but high-end hotels may expect slightly dressier attire, especially on weekends or holidays.

Popular Types of Afternoon Tea Experiences in Atlanta

Atlanta’s afternoon tea experiences generally fall into a few categories:

• Luxury hotel teas – Elegant settings, refined service, and higher prices
• Boutique and neighborhood spots – Cozy, often more relaxed, sometimes with themes
• Tea-focused cafés and houses – Emphasis on tea selection and casual bites
• Special event or seasonal teas – Holiday teas, themed teas, and pop-ups

Below is a practical overview of some well-known options and what to expect.

Luxury & Hotel Afternoon Tea in Atlanta

These venues are popular for special occasions, birthdays, showers, and out-of-town guests.

Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta (Buckhead)

The St. Regis Atlanta is one of the city’s most recognized spots for an upscale afternoon tea.

• Location: 88 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Buckhead)
• Setting: Grand lobby lounge with a classic, elegant feel
• Typical offerings:
  • Selection of premium teas
  • Savory finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries
  • Often the option to add champagne or sparkling wine
• Good for: Celebrations, dressing up, hosting visitors, holiday teas
• Tips:
  • Reservations are usually required.
  • Holiday and seasonal teas (like Christmas or Mother’s Day) book up quickly.

The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Buckhead)

The Whitley in Buckhead has offered afternoon tea or high tea experiences in its lounge or dining spaces at various times.

• Location: 3434 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Setting: Stylish Buckhead hotel environment, close to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• What to expect:
  • Classic tea service with savory and sweet tiers
  • Relaxed yet upscale atmosphere, convenient if you’re already in Buckhead shopping area
• Tip:
  • Call the hotel directly to confirm if afternoon tea is currently offered and how to reserve.

Charming Tea Rooms & Specialty Spots in Metro Atlanta

Beyond hotels, several tea-centric venues in and around Atlanta provide more intimate or themed experiences.

Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party (Candler Park / Edgewood area)

A whimsical and eclectic tea shop that’s become a local favorite for its cozy, creative vibe.

• Location: 1645 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Atmosphere: Quirky décor, mismatched china, relaxed neighborhood feel
• Common features:
  • High tea-style service with a three-tiered stand
  • Selection of teas, scones, small sandwiches, and sweets
  • Often used for book clubs, casual celebrations, and gatherings
• Good for:
  • A less formal, more artistic take on afternoon tea
• Tip:
  • High tea often requires advance reservations; walk-ins may be limited to regular café service.

Tipple + Rose Tea Parlor and Apothecary (Virginia-Highland / Ponce area)

A tea-focused spot where the emphasis is on quality loose-leaf tea and a cozy parlor vibe.

• Location: 806 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Atmosphere: Intimate and charming; a good stop while exploring Virginia-Highland
• You’ll often find:
  • A broad variety of teas to choose from
  • Light bites, sweets, and sometimes formal afternoon tea service by reservation
• Good for:
  • Tea lovers who want to sample different blends
  • Smaller gatherings or a relaxed date

Suburban & Day-Trip Afternoon Tea Near Atlanta

If you’re willing to drive a bit, some tea rooms just outside Atlanta offer classic or themed experiences.

The Ginger Room (Alpharetta)

Set in a historic house in downtown Alpharetta, this tea room has attracted visitors from across metro Atlanta.

• Approximate location: Near the Alpharetta City Center area (downtown)
• Atmosphere: Historic charm, boutique tea room feel
• Typical offerings:
  • Traditional afternoon tea service
  • Savories, sweets, and specialty teas
• Good for:
  • A day trip from Atlanta, pairing tea with shopping or a stroll downtown

Tea Rooms in Other Nearby Cities

Depending on when you’re visiting, you might also find tea rooms in Marietta, Roswell, or other suburbs offering:

• Formal afternoon teas on weekends
• Themed teas (Victorian, literary, seasonal)
• Private-party packages for showers, birthdays, or children’s events

Because smaller tea rooms can open or change hands over time, it’s helpful to:

• Search specifically by city name (e.g., “afternoon tea Roswell GA”)
• Call to confirm current menus, seating times, and reservation policies

Quick Comparison: Types of Atlanta Afternoon Tea Experiences

Below is a simple overview of what you might expect from different styles of afternoon tea in and around Atlanta:

Price symbols are relative (not exact) and will vary based on menu, add-ons, and location.

How to Choose the Right Afternoon Tea in Atlanta

When deciding where to go for afternoon tea in Atlanta, consider:

1. Occasion & Atmosphere

• Formal events or big celebrations:
  • Look at Buckhead hotels (like The St. Regis Atlanta or other luxury properties).
• Fun, relaxed meetups:
  • Consider creative spots like Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party or smaller tea parlors.
• Day trip or exploring a new area:
  • Try a tea room in Alpharetta, Roswell, or Marietta and build a day around local shops and parks.

2. Budget

• High-end hotel teas are usually the most expensive, especially with champagne or specialty add-ons.
• Neighborhood tea houses and suburban tea rooms tend to be moderately priced, with some flexibility to order à la carte or smaller sets.

3. Dietary Needs

Many Atlanta venues can accommodate some dietary restrictions if asked in advance, such as:

• Vegetarian sandwiches and savories
• Some gluten-conscious or nut-conscious options

Because menus are pre-set, it’s important to mention dietary needs when you book so the kitchen can plan.

4. Reservations & Timing

Afternoon tea is often offered only at specific seatings, commonly late morning to afternoon. To avoid surprises:

• Check days and hours specifically for “afternoon tea” or “high tea.”
• Reserve ahead, especially:
  • Weekends
  • Holidays (Mother’s Day, Christmas season)
  • Large groups

Tips for Enjoying Afternoon Tea in Atlanta

A few practical suggestions to make your experience smoother:

• Call ahead 📞 – Ask about current pricing, menus, and how long the seating lasts.
• Ask about parking and transit – Some Buckhead locations have valet; in-town tea spots may have limited street parking, so MARTA or rideshare can be convenient.
• Dress comfortably but neatly – Many places are smart casual; check if there’s any dress guidance when you reserve.
• Arrive a bit early – Gives you time to settle in, choose your tea, and enjoy the setting.
• Consider group size – For larger parties or events, ask about private rooms, group pricing, and minimums.

Finding Current Afternoon Tea Options in Atlanta

Because tea offerings can change, especially in smaller venues, you can:

• Call hotels in Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown and ask if they currently offer afternoon tea.
• Search by neighborhood (e.g., “afternoon tea Buckhead,” “tea room Candler Park,” “tea Alpharetta”) for the latest options.
• For special events or holiday teas, check seasonal announcements from major hotels and established tea rooms.

With a bit of planning, you can find an afternoon tea in Atlanta that matches your style—whether that’s white tablecloths and live piano, a quirky indie tea shop, or a cozy historic house just outside the city.