Is Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon The Best Afternoon Tea in NYC?
Last Updated on March 9, 2025 by Erin Donahue
Red flags to look for when eating at an afternoon tea service are if they don’t include clotted cream with their scones. However, you don’t have to worry about that at Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon in NYC! Between the bustling Union Square and the elegant Gramercy Park, this hidden gem is a place that every tea enthusiast should visit. I’ve sampled my way through countless afternoon tea services across New York City, and most have been disappointing if I’m being honest. After numerous underwhelming experiences, re-discovering Lady Mendl’s felt like finding a rare treasure in Manhattan’s vast culinary landscape.
Join me as I take you to my favorite afternoon tea spot in New York City! Don’t mind the dookie photo quality throughout this article. They are screenshots from my videos of the night.
A Step Back in Time: The Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon Setting
Set in a discreet Georgian brownstone next to Union Square and Gramercy Park, Lady Mendl’s offers a traditional and opulent pre-fixed five-course high tea served only in the afternoons. I first came here pre-pandemic, and it’s still my favorite afternoon tea out of all the ones I’ve been to. The moment you step inside, the world outside melts away. While you don’t need to dress up, the whimsical interiors might just inspire you to channel your inner Gilded Age socialite. Imagine yourself transported to a bygone era of refined elegance, where every corner whispers stories of New York’s sophisticated past!
Five-Course Afternoon Tea
Lady Mendl’s afternoon tea experience is structured as a delightful culinary experience that unfolds over five carefully crafted courses. Additionally, you can’t have afternoon tea without the actual tea. With numerous options to choose from, you might feel overwhelmed. But if you’re unsure, the knowledgeable staff will guide you to the perfect pairing for each course. It’s like having a sommelier but for tea!
First Course: A Warming Welcome
The five courses begin with a carefully crafted soup. My first visit was a delicious pumpkin or butternut squash blend, but this time it was made from potatoes. Both were great! This warm start sets the perfect tone for the tea service to follow.
Second Course: Artistic Finger Sandwiches
Then, a parade of finger sandwiches arrives. Some are the classics like smoked salmon, while others push the boundaries of traditional tea fare – perhaps a creative butternut squash with goat cheese crostini. The unexpected flavor combinations make you pause and appreciate the chef’s artistry.
Third Course: The Heart of Afternoon Tea
Afterward is my favorite part of the experience: scones warm from the oven, and served with generous dollops of clotted cream that transport you straight to the English countryside. It’s the moment every afternoon tea enthusiast lives for…
This is where Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon truly shines, offering what many other New York City tea services lack: proper, authentic scones with real clotted cream. For tea purists, this detail makes all the difference.
Fourth and Fifth Courses: Sweet Finales
By this point, you’re stuffed, and just when you think you can’t possibly eat another bite, dessert arrives! The sweet courses at Lady Mendl’s demonstrate the same attention to detail as everything that came before, providing a perfect conclusion to an exceptional tea service.
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon Is The Best in NYC
What makes this high tea experience special isn’t just the quality of the food or the beautiful setting – it’s the complete commitment to creating an authentic afternoon tea experience that honors tradition while adding unique New York flair. Unlike many other Manhattan tea services that cut corners or modernize too much, Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon stays true to the essence of what makes afternoon tea so special. From the Georgian brownstone setting to the carefully curated tea menu, every aspect has been thoughtfully considered.
For anyone seeking an exceptional afternoon tea in New York City, Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re a tea aficionado or simply looking for a special experience, this charming tea salon delivers on all fronts. The next time you’re craving a proper afternoon tea complete with perfect scones and real clotted cream, make a reservation at Lady Mendl’s. This hidden Manhattan tea destination offers a respite from the city’s hustle and a chance to savor one of life’s most civilized pleasures – a proper afternoon tea service done right.
