Last Updated on October 11, 2022 by JaimeSays
Traveling in the winter is something I look forward to every year. Because of our upcoming nuptials, we aren’t heading out of town this winter for a winter carnival. As such, I’ve been really trying to try new activities and explore where I live. While this winter brought the longest Chicago cold streak in the last 80 years, I haven’t spent much time outside. What I have done, though, is spend a lot of time inside, and a lot of time eating. Mostly just eating inside. Since I spent the last six months living primarily in the southwest suburbs, I decided to look for some of my favorite city activities in the suburbs. Thus, my quest to find where to get high tea in DuPage County was born. Here are my recommendations for high tea Chicago suburbs edition:
Saturday Tea at Drury Lane
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
$45/person
A table full of ladies enjoy three tiers of treats at Lucille’s restaurant at Drury Lane Theatre. Photo c/o hmojod.
Every Saturday from 3pm-5pm, Lucille at Drury Lane hosts an afternoon tea fit for the finest occasion. For $35 in 2019 or $45 now(inflation-yikes!), guests enjoy a delicious spread of treats, unlimited champagne, and a full pot full of your choice of tea. With black, white, green, and herbal teas, there is a blend to please anyones palate. The three tier serving towers serve traditional shortbreads, scones, finger sandwiches, and mignardises. Paired with an assortments of butters and jams, it’s hard to finish an entire tower With stunning decor reminiscent of old hollywood, dining at Lucille is by far the most glamorous place for high tea in DuPage county, and possibly all high tea of the Chicago suburbs.
Pinecone Cottage Tea House
1029 Burlington Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515
$52/person
Have you ever heard of a restaurant that exists solely to serve high tea? I sure hadn’t before I stumbled upon Pinecone Cottage Tea House, just a few blocks away from where I work. An adorably shabby chic and eclectic spot, the uniqueness of the decor nearly surpasses the uniqueness of the menu. Open Wednesday through Sunday, from noon until 4pm, Pinecone Cottage Tea House is also the only teahouse I know of that rotates menus monthly. A farm-to-table restaurant since 1990–before the term existed–the chef/owner Pam started hosting afternoon teas from her home prior to opening a retail location.
There are multiple ways to enjoy an afternoon at Pinecone Cottage. You may elect to have a three-course prix fixe tea menu. Starting with savory soup, the second course consists of more bites with just a touch of sweetness, followed by a third course of scones and sweetened breads, and ending with sweet treats. At $28.50 per person, it is satisfying and filling, without being overly expensive. 2022 Update: It used to be four courses at $28.50, and is now three courses at $52.
You can also bypass the four course tea menu and simply have one of the savory items as an entree portion. Of course, it includes tea and options for additional sweets. Looking for high tea in Dupage county with some flexibility of menu? Pinecone Cottage is a great place to try high tea in the Chicago suburbs.
The Drake Hotel, Oak Brook
2301 York Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523
$45/adult, $20/child
Experiencing high tea at the Drake in Chicago is a staple for many tourists and Chicagoans alike. At $49 per person before parking, tip, and tax, it is one of the more affordable city options for high tea. Well, the Drake Oak Brook puts on nearly an identical spread, minus the harpist, for just $30 per person (2022 update: $45/adult, $20/child). It is the ideal place to get afternoon tea in the Chicago suburbs. With the high standards of the Drake brand of hotels, you can guarantee a fantastic high tea in DuPage county. High tea is served Friday and Saturdays, from 2pm-5pm. If you’d rather have wine over the weekend, check out the wine experiences of the Chicago suburbs.
English or French Tea at Suzette’s Creperie
211 West Front Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
$40-$65/person
One of the hangups I have with afternoon tea is that sometimes, the sweets outweigh the savory items. I happen to prefer a tea heavier on savory dishes than sweets. If you are like me, you are in luck as Suzette’s Creperie in Wheaton offers two tea settings: a French style with savory crepes as the first course, and a traditional English tea with standard sweets and breads. With tea service Monday through Saturday at 2pm, and Sundays at 1pm, Suzette’s Creperie is the only place with afternoon tea in the Chicago suburbs, every day of the week. 2022 Update: Suzette’s prices were the least impacted with the base tea price increasing from $34.50 to just $5.50 more at $40.00.
Have you had High Tea in DuPage County?
When looking for high tea in DuPage county, you can’t go wrong with any of the choices mentioned. With the add-ons like champagne and cocktail service, rotating seasonal menus, and more affordable prices, these tea sittings surpass the offerings within Chicago proper. Have you had high tea or afternoon tea in the Chicago suburbs? Or, do you know of somewhere else that serves high tea that I haven’t mentioned? If so, I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments below.
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Such great suggestions, it all looks so good! I love afternoon tea, especially the scones. I need to visit Illinois!
My favorites are the shortbreads with the clotted cream and jam!
I recently did this at a Brithish Tea Room near me. It is surprising that something like this even exists where I live. After all, The locals call Olive Garden fine dining. OK. I jest. It’s not that bad. Anyway, it was a delightful experience. Even for this coffee drinker.
Olive Garden! Susan, you’re too much 🙂 I like tea because it’s a well rounded meal and a great non-alcoholic option to get together with girlfriends for an afternoon.
It’s a great suggestion. My favourite is Shortbreads with jam and would love to try finger sandwiches and mignardises. I will definitely visit Pinecone on this weekend. Thanks, Jaime.
Me too!! Will you be in the area for the Travel And Adventure Show?
It’s a great suggestion. My favourite is Shortbreads with jam and would love to try finger sandwiches and mignardises. I will definitely visit Pinecone on this weekend. Thanks, Jaime.
All tasty! They’d love to have you!