These days your kid is all about having a spot of tea. Must be all those tea parties she loves to host. The next time she asks you to put the kettle on, consider taking her out instead to try everything from traditional English high tea (white gloves and all) to loose-leaf oolongs with a side of history. Scroll down to find your perfect spot!
Cederberg Tea House
This traditional South African tea house sits atop Queen Anne. It’s a place to take the kiddos when you want comfort and a casual environment, when spending time together with each other or your bestie buds is the day’s priority. They specialize in brewing Rooibos tea (native to the Cederberg region) alongside other red and black teas traditionally served in South Africa. We love Rooibos for its total kid-appeal—it’s naturally caffeine free, high in antioxidants and a tad sweet. While you’re there nosh on traditional South African pastries, like koeksister and hertzog, or stick to more typical tea house faves like scones, if your tummy’s rumbling.
Sensational Sip: Order up a Rooibos latte or Rooibos vanilla when you’re there. You can thank us later!
1417 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-285-1352
Online: cederbergteahouse.com
Graham's RoyalTea
Bring your princesses, knights and lovely ladies in waiting to the newly-opened Graham’s RoyalTea in Bothell to be part of their Afternoon High Tea Party. Reservations for parties of one through twenty people are required to be seated with other royal guests in the small tea lounge, and at least 24 hours notice is recommended. Once seated, you and your little tea lovers will be able to raid the Princess Dress Up Room to find the perfect costume for the day. Don’t worry parents, they have hats, boas, scarves and even a few adult-sized costumes, so you can get in on the action too. Then it’s time to sit down to tea sandwiches and cookies, served on vintage bone china. And yes, they have gluten-free options for a bit more so everyone can enjoy the experience. This experience is most enjoyed by kids ages 4 & up, but everyone is welcome. If you don’t have time to sit for a full tea service, guests can still enjoy the ambiance and a freshly brewed cup of tea in the lounge (food service isn’t available there).
Sensational Sip: Word on the street is that Paris is the top choice here, with Chocolate Mint running a close second. And for kids who had high hopes for tea, but aren’t quite sure, they can grab a pot of pink lemonade or hot chocolate (with marshmallows) instead.
10035 Main St.
Bothell, Wa 98011
425-686-7670
Online: grahamsroyaltea.com
Queen Mary Tea Room
Although you don’t need to dress your best, it sure is fun to don your fanciest prince or princess costume before heading to the Queen Mary Tea Room in Ravenna for Formal Afternoon Tea. It’s everything your royal mini-me dreams of, and then some, with lace, flowers, silver and sparkles everywhere you look. The kid-friendly tea service includes delish finger sandwiches, fresh fruits and tiny desserts to accompany a pot of tea, hot coca or juice, and tiaras are provided (one for each party).
Sensational Sip: Formal Afternoon Tea is a sure bet here. Don’t forget to make a reservation to enjoy it!
2912 N.E. 55th St.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-527-2770
Online: queenmarytea.com/pages/about-our-tea-room
Afternoon Tea at The Georgian
The Georgian Restaurant, located inside the elegant Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle, sets a standard of excellence when it comes to traditional Afternoon Tea ($39-$49/Adults; $18/Kids). They pull out all the stops to serve kidlets and their parents an array of tiered, traditional tea sandwiches, sweets and savories alongside a freshly steeped pot of tea. Expect the royal treatment here!
Sensational Sip: This is a popular spot for tea. Be sure to make a reservation to get in on their Afternoon Tea.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
411 University St.
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-621-7889
Online: fairmont.com/seattle/dining/thegeorgiantea
Miro Tea
Miro Tea in downtown Ballard is a casual and contemporary tea bar that at first glance may seem intimidating. After all, they serve up over 150 different kinds of tea and herbals. But once you sit down, it becomes clear that the knowledgeable staff is there to make tea accessible to even the most novice tea lover who walks through the door. Try one of our recommended sips (below) for your crew or ask a staff member to pair you with your perfect tea match. If you head over around lunchtime, you won’t be disappointed. They serve up tasty crepes, sandwiches and salads for adult-size appetites and have three special crepes for tiny tea lovers, too. And most everything on the menu can be made gluten-free, so nosh away!
Sensational Sip: On a chilly day, nothing beats a cup of the herbal Paridiso blend or Cherry Berry Ruche. But if the sun is out, their Iced Tea Infusions are always refreshing. We recommend trying the Arnie or Hibiscus Mint Julep.
5405 Ballard Ave. N.W.
Seattle, Wa 98117
206-782-6832
Online: mirotea.com
Historic Panama Hotel, Tea & Coffee House
This quiet tea house in the International District serves up a side of history with each pot of tea it brews. While you and your kidlet toast your time together, you can also check out the historic artifacts that are part of this café’s draw. Some of the most interesting finds are easily spotted through the tea house’s large picture window that overlooks the basement. Here, you’ll find all kinds of items that were stored by Japanese families living in Seattle during the WWII Internment.
Sensational Sip: Order a warm cup of Scarlet herbal tea for your kidlet and a cup of Lavender Earl Grey for yourself!
607 S. Main
Seattle, Wa 98104
206-515-4000
Online: panamahotel.net/teahouse.htm
Seattle Best Tea
Sit down for a traditional Taiwanese tea tasting in the heart of the International District at Seattle Best Tea. Owner Lydia Lin is a wealth of information about the different types of loose leaf oolong, jasmine, black, green—you name it, they’ve got it—teas that line the shelves. For first timers she recommends doing a tea tasting to get a feel for what you like. You’ll also learn about how to make tea the right way, how to store it and of course, how truly tasty it can be. Visitors will only find quality, organic high mountain teas here, alongside some fun kid-friendly options that will definitely get them through the door if there feeling apprehensive. We’re talking tea-flavored ice cream and quality milk bubble tea
Sensational Sip: The oolong is the way to go here. They carry both light and heavy varieties to tempt every palate around.
506 S. King St.
Seattle, Wa 98104
206-749-3565
Online: seattlebesttea.com
Vital Tea Leaf
Traditional Chinese tea is served up daily at Vital Tea Leaf’s two Seattle locations. Drop in for a tasting any time at their Western Avenue Tasting Room, where they set out the day’s best flavors for everyone to try. It’s a great way to find a new favorite you might otherwise have missed. If you find one you like, you can order a pot to share in their cozy tasting room. The Jackson Street location has more of a coffee shop feel to it. Here, you can order cups or pots of traditional herbal teas to enjoy with your mini-me. And they’ve got a small café menu to choose from, too. We think a flowering tea might be just what your wee one is looking for, and you can find them here.
Sensational Sip: Try the herbal Siberian rose tea on a stormy winter day.
Western Ave. Tasting Room
2003 Western Ave., Suite 109
Seattle, Wa 98121
206-441-7476
Jackson St. Tea Lounge
651 S. Jackson St.
Seattle, Wa 98104
206-682-7486
Online: vtlseattle.com
Do you have a favorite neighborhood tea house we missed? Spill in the comments below!
— Allison Sutcliffe
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