Looking for afternoon tea in Seattle?
A formal afternoon tea can be a little hard to find in the Seattle area, but it does exist! We rounded up the best options for afternoon tea in Seattle as well as the nearby region (don’t worry: you won’t have to drive further than 30 minutes!). The list includes historic hotels, charming teahouses, and even an Edwardian houseboat on Lake Union.
Note: Most tea rooms don’t have a strict dress code but you may want to dress up for the occasion regardless—it’s part of the fun!
Here are our favorite places for the best afternoon tea in Seattle and the surrounding region:
1. Witches’ Tea at Hotel Sorrento (seasonal)
All ages are welcome at this seasonal Witches’ Tea that takes place every weekend this October at Seattle’s historic (and possibly haunted) Hotel Sorrento. This two-hour afternoon tea is $55 per person and includes sweet and savory treats, tea, and “magical elixirs” for witches age 21 and older. Costumes are encouraged! See more info and make a reservation on the hotel website.
📅When: weekends in October
📍Where: 900 Madison Street, Seattle WA
2. Boozy Afternoon Tea at Smith Tower
Seattle’s Smith Tower in Pioneer Square recently began offering a Boozy Afternoon Tea on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. There are two time slots at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. and it costs $75 per person. It’s quite literally an elevated afternoon tea, since you’ll be seated on the 35th floor of Smith Tower. Your ticket includes a cocktail (or mocktail) in addition to tea. Reservations required; you can book your table here.
📅When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
📍Where: 506 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA
3. Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Olympic Hotel
The historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle has served a sophisticated afternoon tea in the Olympic Bar since 1924. The menu is seasonal and includes options for kids and dietary restrictions. You can make your reservation on the Fairmont website for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Looking for a special winter holiday activity in Seattle? The Fairmont also serves a festive Nutcracker Holiday Tea at The George throughout December. Make your Holiday Tea reservation here.
📅When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
📍Where: 411 University St, Seattle, WA
4. Queen Mary Tea Room
The Queen Mary Tea Room in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood is the oldest independently-owned tea room in America. They serve all-day afternoon tea for all ages. There is no dress code. Walk-ins are welcome for a pot of tea and dessert, or you can make a reservation for formal afternoon tea on the Queen Mary Tea Room website.
📅When: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday to Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
📍Where: 2912 NE 55th St, Seattle, WA
5. Panama Hotel Tea House
The Panama Hotel Tea House at this historic hotel serves 40 tea varieties from around the world in addition to coffee, cocktails, and light food. This option is a little different from the others on this list since it’s a more casual experience, but you could book a private room for a tea party if you’d like. According to their website, they are open daily.
📅When: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily
📍Where: 605 South Main St, Seattle, WA
6. Sunday Tea aboard the M/V Lotus
The M/V Lotus is a 1909 Edwardian houseboat that serves afternoon tea, typically on Sundays year-round in addition to other select dates. There is no dress code but hats are encouraged! Reservations are required via the MV Lotus website.
📅When: select dates via reservation
📍Where: Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave N
7. Paisley’s Tea Room
Located a 20-minute drive from Seattle in the Issaquah Alps, Paisley’s Tea Room is a cozy tea cottage is open daily for afternoon tea service. You can make a reservation on the Paisley Parlour website in advance or walk in if they have availability. They recommend booking two weeks in advance, especially for weekends. They also offer the space for private parties of six or more.
📅When: Open daily; reservations recommended
📍Where: 317 NW Gilman Blvd #49, Issaquah, WA
8. Afternoon Tea at Cedar + Elm
Located within The Lodge at St. Edward State Park in Kenmore, the afternoon tea at Cedar + Elm is worth the half hour drive from Seattle. The Lodge is a landmark hotel inside a 326-acre forest: a lovely destination for a weekend getaway. Cedar + Elm serves afternoon tea along with live music on Thursdays and Fridays. The cost is $72 per person. There is no mention of a dress code but they do say the occasion is “worthy of dressing up.” You can make a reservation on The Lodge’s website.
📅When: Thursdays and Fridays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
📍Where: 14477 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA
Bonus: Seattle Japanese Garden
If you love tea and want to experience it in a different way, you can visit the Seattle Japanese Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum to partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Tickets for this 40-minute tea ceremony are $15 per person and can be purchased on the Seattle Japanese Garden website. Note that availability is seasonal as the Seattle Japanese Garden is not open year-round, and tickets become available the month prior.
📅When: select dates every month
📍Where: 1075 E Lk Washington Blvd, Seattle