Like many obsessed New Yorkers coffee is my drug of choice. I need it in the morning to help get the cobwebs out of my head. I need another cup to deal with the subway ride to the office. I need MOAR coffee to get me through the work day. Then sometimes on the weekends I put aside my coffee addiction to enjoy a spot of tea. There are some neat spots in NYC to partake in some high-tea whimsy and Alice’s Tea Cup is one of them. There are actually three locations – Chapters I, II, and III. This is the Chapter II location on the Upper East Side in the 60’s. If ever in the area it’s worth a visit, but be forewarned that it does get crowded and can be a long wait on weekends.
Alice’s Tea Cup Chaper II –
If you are a fan of the Alice in Wonderland story and like to scurry down the rabbit hole once in a while then this place is a whimsical fantasy to enjoy some mighty tasty treats.
Both this location, and the other (Alice’s III), that I have been to are usually pretty popular judging by the amount of crowds always here, and by the long wait time to get a table during prime hours for brunch and afternoon tea. Be prepared to wait but if you have the time to kill you are rewarded with some quality tea and delicious scones!
Amazingly large and dense scones. Seriously, these things will add more junk to your trunk for sure! All types of flavors but I do love the pumpkin. The pumpkin is pretty awesome! There is also a very impressive and diverse selection of teas served in fun tea pots and mismatched China. We always seem to gravitate to the Mad Hatter High Tea here that includes two pots of tea and a multi-tiered tower of tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries. More than enough for two people. I think every time we have had this we end up taking some home with us for dessert later on. The overall menu offers a wonderful selection of sandwiches, breakfast dishes, pancakes, and is a great place for brunch but be sure to get here early. No reservations but they will take your cell number and call when a table opens up. Prices are right, the food is filling, and the tea is delicious.
After a meal of whimsy at Alice’s you might want to go on a diet!
The staff here are usually terrific, helpful, fun, knows the teas quite well and will offer suggestions. Same as the other location. The place itself is not all that big, but there are two floors, and the seating is comfortable. The decor will remind you of childhood fantasies with all the Alice In Wonderland pics and art on the walls. It’s Alice overload! There will be parents with kids here too, so be aware in case you are the type that can’t deal eating out with kids around. Remember, this is the UES baby carriage crowd up here after all.
The ambiance at Alice’s can bring out the kid in all of us, and is a great spot for a casual date, children’s party, or catching up with friends.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/alices-tea-cup-chapter-ii-new-york?q=phil+h
OMG- I LOVE all things Alice in Wonderland! How fun and quaint place.
Hi Holli!
Thanks for reading. There are three of them here in the city. It’s a great place for brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea. The food is terrific, awesome scones, and many teas to choose from. It’s a fun different spot to eat here.
Tea Time is taking NY on by storm. I have read several different blog posts about afternoon tea. I have been wanting to venture out for a leisurely afternoon of tea and sandwiches. The NY St. Regis has an exquisite looking afternoon tea and I was about to jump on that but now, i might have to reconsider and give Alice a shot. St. Regis sells a basic tea package with tea scones cookies and sandwiches for $55 per person.
Hey Monique!
Why don’t you join us for a spot of tea? There is one location on 81st street that is terrific. The Mad Hatter for two is huge and we end up taking some home for dessert later on. The scones are awesome there, and huge!
We also did a Living Social deal at Kings Carriage House on the UES a few months ago that was terrific. It’s like doing high tea in an old colonial mansion. So good.
I am sure the St Regis must be great. Let us know.
I drink coffee once in the morning and then the rest of the day it’s tea. Love tea. Will have to remember Alice’s the next time I’m in NYC. 🙂
Hey Coleen!
There are three Alice’s here and they are so good! Definitely worth a visit – and you must get the scones!
Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
Coffee is my drug as well. But, only Waffle House Coffee. Sadly, all you folks UP nawth in New York City have not Waffle Houses.
You’ve no idea what you are missing!
UP
Hello UP!
I love Waffle House! Whenever I am visiting folks in Florida there are two places I hit – Waffle House and Cracker Barrel!
Thanks for reading!
Those scones look DELICIOUS. Scones are a weird thing, aren’t they? They’re kind of like a bready cracker haha!
I’ll have to try if I’m ever in NYC!
Hey Michelle!
Thanks for dropping by my blog! Yes, those scones are so good and filling. Worth a visit if ever in NYC. No calorie counting here! 🙂
Okay, everything about this place sounds amazing. Next time I’m in NYC, I’m finding one of these Chapters and hunkering down for tea and a good book. 🙂
Hey Emelie!
Thanks for dropping by my blog and reading! They are great spots – lots of teas and good eats.
Worth a try when in NYC. Go midweek days as they are not as crowded.
It looks like a great afternoon tea Phil. Great to see it available in NYC. It reminds me of when I went with my fiancee to Claridges in London for afternoon tea. It was pricey but definitely well worth it.
Your post does give me hope. I visit the US often and as a Brit I really struggle to find tea made anywhere close to tea at home. You guys just can’t do it right. Mind you all say our coffee is awful so I guess we are even 😉
Hey Guy!
Hey- I like our coffee! It all depends on where you go here. 😉
Also, there are a bunch of spots here in the city now serving a proper high-tea, and some are really terrific! If ever coming to NYC let me know and I’ll offer up a list of places to go.
Thanks Phil. I’d love to get back there someday and will be sure to get in touch as/when I do 🙂
Sure, let me know if you are ever in town!
So cute! I know I could always cut up my own sandwich really small, but it looks so magical when they do it.
Hey Jill!
It’s all in the presentation! We are all so easy to please – just stick food and desserts in front of us! 🙂
I love high tea and have been to it all over the place 🙂 Cucumber tea sandwiches are my favorite, especially in the summer when it is hot, they are delicious!
Hi Frugal!
I like those too. There are a bunch of places that do the high tea thing now here in NYC. I usually walk out stuffed from them!
Plus, I love the clotted cream and fresh jam to slather on the scones!
Hi, this is cool. Except I”m one of the odd ones that don’t drink coffee or tea. Usually I just drink water or juice, and maybe hot chocolate. That place sounds neat, I would go there for a nice snack. And while I’m here I just wanted to tell you I mentioned your blog in a post I put up on bubblews. Go check it out: http://www.bubblews.com/news/314817-what-do-you-think-of-this-site
Hi Susana!
Wow – I drink both. They have thsoe too I am sure. Check it out if you have a chance. I was there last night and the desserts are terrific.
Thanks so much for the blog mention! 🙂
Proper afternoon tea – love it!
Have a great weekend.
Kate x
http://www.kateathome.com/
Hi Kate!
Thanks for dropping by and commenting. Glad you liked my post on Alice’s. See – even this NYC Regular Guy can get down with some tea and scones!
Enjoy the weekend. 🙂
I’d love to visit this place and sip a cup of tea with my pinky finger, slightly lifted off the cup. 🙂 There use to be a really nice tea spot in Philly that closed a few years ago. Great desserts and tea. Thanks for another spot to add to my “must visit” list.
Cheers!
Hey Carica!
I think I was at that tea house in Philly. It was a great place. Sorry to see it go.
There are a bunch of places here in NYC now like this. Worth a visit.
I love coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon. I would love this place. No cool things like this in my rural area of WNY but a tea room is planning on opening in the village where I work so fingers crossed!