9 Places to Have Afternoon Tea with Long Island Kids
When the weather is cold on Long Island, enjoying a warm cup of tea with your favorite little person is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
From sampling a variety of tea flavors to tasting yummy miniature sandwiches and scones, these Long Island tea rooms offer a warm welcome in an elegant setting just in time for Hot Tea Month in January.
For more delicious fun with your little ones, check out our list of the best Long Island brunch destinations for families, or treat yourself to our roundup of the Island's most decadent dessert spots.
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Have a spot of tea and a scone or two with your little one at Chat Noir.
Chat Noir — Rockville Centre
Open seven days a week, Chat Noir offers an elegant setting and a cheeky menu. Patisserie offerings include freshly baked croissants and brioche, sweet and savory pies, delectable fruit tarts, and macaroons. But for heartier fare, you can also find sandwiches, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and more. The prix fixe tea includes finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, and a pot of tea.
Delight your child with tea and sweets at the Garden City Hotel.
The Garden City Hotel — Garden City
Famed for its high tea, the Garden City Hotel might seem a tad high-end for your kids. But don't be fooled: This spot offers several different types of teas and sweet treats little ones will love. It can be pricey, but for a special occasion it can't be beat. Seatings are available on Saturdays from noon to 4pm and reservations are recommended
Starving Artist Cafe and Gallery — Franklin Square
Artists of all ages and types will love sipping tea at Starving Artist Cafe and Gallery. Art is displayed throughout the eclectic dining space, and it often features live music. The restaurant loves supporting local artists and encourages submissions. There are more than 18 different pots of tea offered, as well as many unique coffee flavors. There is a full lunch/dinner menu, as well as a brunch menu for Saturdays and Sundays. The cafe is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Swing The Teapot — Floral Park
Along with tea, this eclectic restaurant just steps away from the LIRR station serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week. The extensive selection of teas are served in quirky and unique pots and the Irish-inspired menu items are delicious. There are plenty of kid-friendly items for little ones to choose from and the Irish soda bread is not to be missed.
The Witches Brew — West Hempstead
This cafe is comfortable and relaxed. Enjoy its vast tea and coffee menu along with healthy food choices and spooky decor in a century-old house. Be advised, though: The cafe does not accommodate groups larger than six and does not take reservations or credit cards. Bring cash if you and your child want to sample its fare.
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Hidden Oak Café at Bayard Cutting Arboretum — Great River
Step inside the glorious Manor House to find the Hidden Oak Cafe, which offers a menu of freshly prepared food, including sandwiches, quiches, soups, pies, and more. "Victorian Tea" comes complete with finger sandwiches, scones, a fresh pot, and catering, but reservations must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Winter hours (November-March) are 11am to 3:30pm; summer hours (April-October) are 11am to 4pm. The cafe is closed on Mondays. Masks are required upon entrance.
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Along with traditional British high tea, Robinson's serves up baked desserts, including colorful macaroons.
Robinson’s Tea Room — Stony Brook
This cozy, antiques-filled tea room serves traditional British high tea (loose tea leaves with a diffuser), along with scones, finger sandwiches, and light lunches. Freshly baked desserts, hot chocolate, and a selection of low-sugar desserts are also available. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.
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After savoring tea and scones, browse the gift shop at The Secret Garden tea room.
The Secret Garden — Port Jefferson
This cafe is adorable and has a large menu including children's teas. Options include dessert tea, cream tea, snack tea, and, of course, a full afternoon tea. The cafe recommends this experience for kids 7 and older and asks to be notified 24 hours in advance for dietary restrictions. Reservations are recommended.
[CLOSED] Special Effects Salon And Tea — Greenport
Located in the North Fork village of Greenport, this tea room is a hidden gem serving teas, finger sandwiches, and other light fare in a garden setting. The tea room is open Thursdays to Tuesdays from 11am to 5pm. Reservations are recommended.
Unless noted, photos courtesy of the restaurants/tea rooms
This article was originally published in December 2017. It was updated by writer Kristen Markel in December 2021.
Places featured in this article:
Starving Artist Cafe and Gallery
Swing The Teapot