4 Exquisite Afternoon Tea Utah Experiences For Any Budget
Thought tea time was just for the wealthy socialites? Think again. Though afternoon tea started as a quintessential British custom for purely royals in the 1660s, it became adopted by people of all backgrounds over the years. In fact, common Utah pioneers brought the practice to the Salt Lake area upon settlement. The Utah pioneers created a legacy of high quality baked goods and herbal tea concoctions like Brigham Tea, named after their founder, Brigham Young. However, no matter what tea you enjoy whether black, chai, green, white, flowering or herbal, these afternoon tea Utah experiences will leave you appreciating the quiet and simple moments brought to Utah through European heritage. Explore these places for dates, girl’s weekends, special occasions or solo. Below is a tea time for every budget.
Most Affordable Afternoon Tea Utah Experience
4. Auntie Rae’s Treats and tea parties (Holladay)
4704 South Holladay Boulevard
Nestled in the beautiful city of Holladay, this darling cafe provides tea parties, high tea, afternoon tea and garden tea. It is the most affordable option as well starting at just $13 per person. The owner, Auntie Rae grew up making British inspired baked goods and pioneer pies. She used her passion and opened Auntie Rae’s. For a classic tea time, enjoy cheese, sandwiches, scones, teas, lemonades and a quaint and beautiful garden ambience! You can even book for a princess tea party or a baby shower. Reservations in advance are required in 2 hour blocks where can reserve for 2-30 people. Keep an eye open for seasonal tea parties from witch themed to Easter experiences.
Best Afternoon Tea Utah Experience for Parties
3. Petit fours and purls (Historic Lehi)
98 W Main Street
Suite B
Located on historic Lehi main street, this newly open darling yarn and tea shop is sure to offer you a lovely afternoon. Harness your domesticated inner pioneer at Petit Fours and Purls! Not only can you take knitting classes and grab some french petit fours cake, but you can relish in tea time for date night, a ladies lunch out or for special events. For only $15 you can enjoy delicious afternoon tea in Utah and a lovely spread of english scones, clotted cream and jam, fruit scones and english crumpets. If you want a four course experience of savory, charcuterie, scones and sweets, plan on paying $25. If you are looking for a tea party then this is the place! Their party packages include crafts, dress-ups, tea pots, private rooms and a menu fit for a proper outing. 48 hour notice reservations required.
3. Taste (Downtown Provo)
Best Assortment
117 North University Avenue
Located in the darling downtown Provo district, Taste is a perfect place to take in Utah pioneer architecture mixed with a historic/modern interior. You can browse classic nearby pioneer sites, stores, book shops and enjoy your tea all in a short afternoon. Just like the name implies, Taste offers the highest quality food at a great price of $24 per person. From their large assortment of teas, sandwiches and sweets the afternoon tea, there is certainly something for everyone. From smoked salmon to turkey and cranberry sandwiches and cream puffs to raspberry brownies, one can’t go wrong. Taste specializes in chocolate creations so make sure to return and try the chocolate fondue! This restaurant is also voted as a place for “best dates” in Utah county.
Best Overall Afternoon Tea Utah Experience
1. The Grand america hotel (downtown Salt Lake City)
In the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City at the beautiful Grand America Hotel you can find the ultimate afternoon tea experience in Utah. If you long for a ritzy ambience, the highest quality of food and endless choices in exotic tea, then this is a must visit. Not only can you relish in the romantic courtyard garden or take in the live classical music, but you will get the best service. Plan on paying around $32 for adults and $25 for children. For those with dietary needs, the Lobby Lounge also provides gluten free and vegetarian menus.The Grand America specializes in wonderful events like Easter bunny and Mother’s day tea in the spring, Witches tea in the fall and Santa tea in the winter. However, because it is such a popular venue in Utah for afternoon tea, we recommend making reservations at least 3 days in advance and 2 weeks in advance for specialty occasions.
Our afternoon tea time experience at the Grand America Hotel:
I took my daughter’s there for a girl’s weekend getaway and they loved getting in matching shirts, fancy tea dresses, walking around and taking pictures in the courtyard garden and going to the cute toy shop called Jou, Jou. We loved everything about tea time. We were brought to the lobby lounge where live classical music was playing. As we sat down, we each got strawberry chattily in a wine glass and scones with lemon cream and raspberry jam.
The waitress put a blooming tea flower in a glass that blossomed before our very eyes. Then they asked us each what kind of personal tea we wanted in our tea pot. My oldest daughter and I chose hibiscus and my 5 year old girl chose a pot of chocolate almond hot cocoa. That was her favorite part!
The next course was a tier of savory finger sandwiches and the final course was french macarons, buttery cookies and lemon tartlets. It was a wonderful time to have conversations about our pioneer heritage and daily chatter.
Make sure to come back and visit the Grand America in the winter! Their Christmas window displays are one of the best Christmas activities in Utah.
affordable hotels in salt lake city, utah
Budget hack: If you are staying in Salt Lake and find the Grand America hotel unaffordable, you can stay across the street at the Little America Hotel for half the price. It has a beautiful ambience, live parlor piano music and wonderful amenities such an indoor/outdoor pool, boutiques and high end restaurants. The rooms are also cla The Little America and Grand America are owned by the same company.
Disclaimer: if you stay at the Little America, make sure to reserve a room in the tower and try to avoid staying in the motel court-side garden rooms which are less updated and far away from the lobby.
Courtyard Marriott Downtown Salt Lake City
This hotel is in one of the best locations to the city. You can walk just about anywhere and you are right by public transportation services.
We hope you get the opportunity soon to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea in Utah!
Happy travels!
xoxo
Brittany
PS Our family is on a mission to experience the best our home state of Utah has to offer and help other families find affordable, kid-friendly adventures in the process. You can follow us on Instagram @theminivanbucketlist or download our free Utah Bucket List for the top 100 things to do in Utah.